The AZ Family

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-14T09:27:00.007-06:00

Where does the time go? It seems like I was just writing a Christmas letter yesterday for last year and yet here we are a year later. I hope you are all healthy, happy and blessed this Christmas season.

We joyfully welcomed Alexander Isaiah to the family on April 20, 2009. He is growing up so fast and changes every day. Big brother Eli is still smitten with is 'baby' and requests to hold him, love on him, play with him and of course in brotherly love fashion - pester him - every chance he gets. Luckily it's more love than pester. At last check, Alex is 20 lbs and 25 3/4inches. He was a slow starter to get rolling, but he is rolling and sitting up. He got his first 2 teeth on the same day on November 13th. He is stubborn though and wants to stick out his tongue when I want a picture of them. He is a happy baby, loves to talk and smile.

Eli is every bit of 5 years old! He is obsessed with Ben 10 (a cartoon) and skulls, fire and motorcycles. He would spend every minute of his time outside if he could...digging for worms, snakes and bugs. He loves going to Granny & Pockie's house so he can dig in the garden and hunt for all that boy stuff. We are so proud of how much he is learning and sharing with the world around him.

Al started a new job at the end of September. The jury is still out on if it is better, worse or indifferent. He has done several extra handyman jobs this year and (I think) he would love to someday have his own business doing just that. But...that time hasn't come yet. He is the BEST daddy ever! I love watching him with the boys play and roll around on the floor together. As a mother and a wife that is the best part of life!

I am still at UTA. I was elected the Chairperson of the Staff Advisory Council this year so I have been very busy working with that. Al & I also continue to volunteer with MEND as often as we can. It seems I have a knack for PR/fund raising. :) I enjoy raising money and spreading the word about a cause that I believe in! It is rewarding to be able to share AJ's story with others and see his life make a difference in this world.

Many blessings in 2010!!
Much Love,
The Zuckerman's

5 months...

2009-10-01T09:58:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Alex is already 5 1/2 months old. Time is flying by and I am doing a HORRIBLE job of documenting all of his mile stones.

Let me see if I can capture some of them...

About a week into being 4 months old we tried cereal for the first time. He liked it for a few days and then started playing with it or refusing it all together. We have been 'practicing' for the last 4-5 weeks so he doesn't totally get away from having a spoon in his mouth...but he isn't too thrilled with it.

He still LOVES his bath time. Kicks and splashes water everywhere.

His favorite thing to do is lay in his crib and 'talk' to the airplanes hanging above. He is so cute when he takes a deep breath and makes his 'airplane' noise. I keep trying to catch it on video, but he gets camera shy and stops every time I try.

He also loves his exersaucer. He will also sits in that making noises back to the animals on the buttons. I think he is going to be a talker. :)

He is still working on sitting up. He is so 'roly poly oly' that he just tends to roll to one side.

Speaking of, rolling...he still can't roll over on his own yet. Just not motivated enough to get anything out of his reach. LOL

Eli is still in love with his brother and Alex with E. They just light up when they are around each other. Eli always wants to hold brother before and after school. He stands in the doorway of Alex's class when I pick them up dying to give his brother a kiss. E is such a great brother!

Alex is addicted to the Cowboys. No matter what we are doing, if football is on he is looking at the TV. Doesn't particularly do that for anything else except football. Maybe we have a line backer on our hands??

Alex also loves his one on one time with mommy or daddy and loves to play "SO BIG". He just chuckles and laughs a hearty little laugh when we play. He is such a joy!!

He has created his own schedule...not approved by me, but because I am too sleepy to get up and change it, we just deal with it. he sleeps from 8:30 - 12:30. Wakes up to nurse and then sleeps with us for the rest of the night most nights. Then he wakes up for another short feeding around 2:30 - 3:30 and again at 5:30 - 6:00. It's tough for me to sleep, but it's only temporary and I do love waking up with him next to me. It will be nice to get a full nights sleep again someday though. ;) Maybe when we start solids he will sleep for longer periods of time.

Granny watched Alex for us last week so we could take Al's Uncle & daughter to Six Flags. We had a great time. Eli rode the Shock Wave for the first time - because "he's 42" as he told everyone. (That's 42 inches tall - LOL) He is addicted to roller coasters. :) I guess we need to budget for season passes once Alex gets old enough. ;)

We have the Annual MEND Walk to Remember this weekend for AJ. It will be nice. I am really looking forward to it. We miss him so much. :)

Life is all around busy, but good. Sorry I've been away for so long! I'm sure all of my readers have left me...LOL. :)

Alex is 3 months!!

2009-07-20T11:18:00.002-05:00

Well, Alex is now 3 months old. He is a cutie and a flirt.

I returned to work after 14 weeks off with the boys...SO HARD! I did better than I expected, but it was so hard to leave them. I REALLY enjoyed being a stay at home mom for that period of time. It's so hard to get anything done in the evenings now that I've gotten back to work. We pretty much get home, dinner, wash bottles and prep for tomorrow, baths, read and then it's time for bed. :( No fun!

Eli is in his new room at school. He has had a few bumps along the way this week - testing the waters - but overall doing good. He continues to amaze me with his art skills. He is SO creative and can conceptualize things in paper like I've never seen. He loves to sit and make paper airplanes with Pockie and Daddy. They challenge each other to who can make the coolest one. He is ALL BOY which is nothing new, but I'm learning how to respond to ALL BOY - ALL THE TIME! Alex should have it much easier as I will be better trained by then. :)

Alex is already about 16 lbs. He is a smilie baby and is mostly content all the time. Before I went back to work he was sleeping from about 9:00pm to 4:00am. Not so much now. Maybe it's just a phase as we adjust.

2 months...

2009-06-24T22:03:00.005-05:00

3 days old...

One month old...
Two months old...

Wow - time has flown by. Mr Alex turned 2 months old on Saturday. He is a good baby who loves to flirt and snuggle. He has earned the nickname "cheeks" as he has not wasted any time gaining weight and getting big.

He currently weighs 13 lbs 11 ozs and is 23 inches long. That's 90% in weight and 50% in height. :) He has well outdone his big brother who was only 11 lbs 8 ozs at his 2 month checkup.

We had a few issues with colicky nights, but that time is passing and he is doing much better. Still hasn't slept all the way through the night, but we've gotten a few 5 hour nights and that has been nice.

I will return to work in 3 weeks - BOO HISS! I can't imagine leaving the boys now that I've been blessed enough to stay home with them for a couple of months. I love being a SAHM...but we can't afford it so I shall return to the ranks to earn my keep.

This year I shared my birthday with Father's day. We had a great time. Went to the movies to see Up (I cried through most of the movie!) and had family over for dinner. Low key - but fun and great.

Here are a few pics of our second month...

Cousin Mandy came for a visit and was a HUGE help to mommy! She loves taking care of Alex and entertaining Eli. :)

Mr. Smiles
I'm so cute!
Both with a smile...priceless.
"How you doin?" He's a ladies man already!
Just chillin...
My first official full blown push up. He won't have baby rolls for long...he is a mover and a shaker...likes to GO GO GO!!

Happy 1 Month Alex

2009-05-20T22:41:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it's been a month already. The first thing Eli said was "He's just what I always wanted!!" and he hasn't changed his mind about that! He LOVES his brother!

How's life adjusting to a new baby in the house you ask? Great...exhausting...fun...surprising...emotional...a blessing!!

I have been working on the 'birthday story' in another post, but lacking sleep and time - that is taking longer than this will. Mr. Alex is one month old today. At his doctor check up this morning he weighed 10 lbs and 6 ozs and is 21 1/4" long. That's up from 7 lbs 8 ozs and 19 inches at birth.
We have conquered most of the breastfeeding issues, are working on a schedule and are being retrained on how long it takes to go somewhere with a baby...not to mention a very curious 4 year old. Eli is still very much in love with his brother. He is a BIG helper and wants to love on and hold Alex every chance he gets. It is really endearing.

Alex is a very happy baby - FULL of smiles! I have called him the "thinker" (just like the statue) since we got a sono pic of him with his fist to his chin. Turns out that is one of his favorite positions outside of the womb as well. Nursing, sleeping or just chillin - the fist is usually up at his chin...thinkin! WAY cute. It will be interesting to see if he turns out to be a methodical systematic kind of guy.

He loves being on his tummy, especially to sleep. Of course we are too paranoid to let him sleep like this at night, but naps laying next to us where we can watch him is great. His neck is so strong and prefers to be scoping out the world around him. Maybe he's just getting a head start keeping an eye on his big brother?

A friend commented on how Alex was literally prayed here and that is the truth! When we didn't have the strength or words to pray for him we could always trust that someone else had it covered with us. We are so blessed to have such great friends and family.

Here are a few pics of our sweet new addition.

His first picture at home on the changing mat that Granny made - way too cute! Thank you Granny!!

Below - Alex at 1 month...such a big boy!

Brotherly love...

Some chillin - skin to skin time - just the boys!

Loving my nap.

My first actual bath...I love my baths. Ahh - so relaxing!

Who are you calling little? I'm gonna get you someday for that!All in all - life is good. :)

Isaiah 40:31

2009-04-20T06:01:00.000-05:00

'But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.'

Welcome Alexander Isaiah

2009-04-20T05:43:00.004-05:00

Baby Alex is here!

Please see Amber's other blog - Broken But Blessed - for an update!

Love,

Jenn

And 4 will become 5 on Monday!

2009-04-17T16:08:00.003-05:00

Well, after 4 days of false labor...one trip to L&D and one to the doctors office to be sure it wasn't real...in the 'zone' and out...the date for induction has been moved up to Monday, April 20th. Yea!

I was absolutely shocked when the office called to move the date up to Monday instead of next Friday...but there was no way I was going to turn the offer down. If the docs think all is good, then let's do it! We are set to arrive at 7:00am on Monday to Baylor Irving -unless of course, he decides to arrive on his own during the weekend.

I ask for prayers of peace and strength for our family as we welcome this new little guy into the world. I will update as soon as I can with pics and the details. I can update Facebook from my phone so you can check there as well.

Blessings to all!

Gone for 10 days...

2009-03-22T08:44:00.006-05:00

Well, Mr E left with Granny and Pockie for 10 days to Houston to see Aunt Leah and crew. Actually - I think he was intent on seeing Jonathan, but I hear he worked in a little time here and there for Mandy and the rest of the family as well. He packed his bag and headed south so big telling mom and dad "I'm gonna cry a little when I leave because I'm gonna miss you", but that didn't last long. After the first night of a tearful call because he was going to bed without mom or dad, he was off to the races - literally.

Mandy & Eli playing at the baseball fields.

Jonathan had his derby car races for boy scouts that weekend. Eli was able to participate in the sibling race with him and made his very own green derby car named "Just Fast".

Mandy and Eli watching the races

Eli & "Just Fast"

Eli, Mandy and Jonathan watching the races.

Daddy and I were able to get some much needed things done around the house and spend some even more needed time together. Our 8 year anniversary was on March 10th. We enjoyed a nice dinner at PF Changs and he brought me some very perfect and beautiful roses. I don't think we have completed a coherent, uninterrupted conversation since Eli started talking.

Eli returned home so big - seems like he gained 4 pounds and 2 inches. We go to the doc on Monday and I am interested to see what his stats are. He had a great time!

We are 34 weeks now and Eli is getting so excited for his brother to get here. We have been working on the room so pics will come soon. The house just woke up so off I go to start the day. :)

He's only 4

2009-02-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

Last Friday night we were heading into a local store to grab something and there was a dutiful group of Girl Scouts/Brownies selling cookies outside the store. Eli became distracted and bashful as he passes this young lady at the door. Daddy asked him as they got inside what was the matter - why was he being that way and his response was "I just like looking at beautiful women". LOL - I couldn't believe this adorable - yet unexpected - comment.

As we were leaving - again distracted and bashful - he was telling us about a little blond girl in his class that he affectionately has refers to as "his girl" for the last 2 years. He proceeds to tell us that here new name is "Madison ____ _____ Zuckerman". I nearly fell over. Al looked at me and said, "What - you didn't expect him to give away his last name at 4?" NO - actually I didn't! He then proceeded to tell us that he would always live with us though. LOL!! I love the innocence of a 4 year old. Someday this story will be gold when he's getting married. :)

The 44th President of the United States of America

2009-01-20T16:17:00.002-06:00

What a historic day today was. Barack Obama was sworn in this morning as the nation's 44th President. The first black president of the United States. I was at home sick, pregnant with baby boy #3 so possibly hormonal, but I couldn't hold back the tears for what an awesome opportunity this is for our country.

Eli - you are only 4 years old and have no idea what this means for the country today, but I guarantee that you and your brother's lives will be changed - hopefully for the better - because of it. I can't say that we will always agree with the decisions he may have to make or the roads he will lead us down over the next 4 years, but we must always respect and support - to the best of our ability - the tough job he has. We pray that the 'change' he promises, leads this country down a road that will make your life and the world you grow up in a better one. A world of unity, love and prosperity.

Below is the transcript of President Obama's Inaugural Address. The history books probably won't be rewritten soon enough to include this day, so I'm attempting to capture the moment.

The Inaugural Address of the 44th President, Barack Obama

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land – a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control – and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.This is the price and the promise of citizenship.This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

2008 Christmas Letter

2008-12-13T08:59:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! I am attempting a new experiment by going green and posting our 2008 Christmas letter to our family blog instead of printing it. I refuse to go completely green by not sending an actual card, but at least this decreases the paper. Please feel free to leave us a note if you stop by so I know how it worked. :)

Eli is getting so big. He is daddy's right arm and soaks up everything around him. He is ALL BOY which I have always said - but he is also so gentle and sweet. Mile markers for him lately are he can count to 30 all on his own, knows all his ABC's by sight and sound, has began reading and writing simple words and can copy words he sees, and is a BIG helper doing dishes. He LOVES Star Wars, airplanes, dinosaurs and sharks. He still says he is going to be a pilot when he grows up...that is the first thing he ever said he wanted to be and still holds to it.

Al is still working for Walter P. Moore. He has also worked on several projects around the house and for friends. His biggest project continues to be Eli and teaching him all about tools and all the "boy" things mommy just doesn't know about. I am still working at UT Arlington and doing cakes. Al & I both volunteer with MEND as much as we can. It means a lot to us to be able to give back to the other families that have suffered the heartache of the death of a child. We have built invaluable relationships with so many other families and are so thankful for the safe haven MEND provides.

2008 has been a year of healing for our family. We have learned to live the new normal. AJ's name is spoken daily in our home in one way or another and always will be. Eli has an amazing perception of his baby brother in heaven and speaks proudly of him often. We frequently stop to wonder what AJ's personality would be, how our lives would be different, or how Eli would be different. There is a peace about our new normal, but there are still days that bring us to our knees.

In April 2009 we hope to welcome another baby brother into the family. After months of trying to get pregnant again, God answered our prayers last August. It has been an emotional - happy, sad, scared - ride so far and no doubt will be until we hold him in our arms - alive and safe. But we are thankful for every day and movement that God allows us to have with him. The rest is up to Him.

We hope and pray that each of you have a very safe and Merry Christmas. This year especially, we are thankful for our jobs, health and friends and family. Please take a moment to remember our troops this Holiday season and those families who will spend Christmas apart. Keep up with our family year round by visiting our blogs when you have a minute. Between the two blogs, I try to get something posted as often as time and words allow. May God bless you and yours richly in 2009.

Mr Green

2008-08-25T13:41:00.002-05:00

Eli's favorite color is GREEN. When the boy makes up his mind...it is made up! Since he learned to talk, he has said he wants to be a pilot - a F-18 pilot! That has not changed. And now he is stuck on green. Green shoes, green shirts, green cups, green toys, green food. On so many levels it's great. Lucky for us the theme for school this year is frogs - "Leap into learning" - woo hoo green is the theme!

Eli goes back for lab work sometime this week or next and then back to the doc on September 8th. If all goes as planned (not my plan mind you) - the next fever will begin at the end of next week. If it all falls on schedule, he will have a fever for the appointment on the 8th and that will hopefully allow the doc to make some decisions.

Uncle Thomas comes to town this weekend! We are so excited to see him! A trip to New York would be great - guess we need to plan that before he moves somewhere else. Hopefully the Houston clan will be able to make it up and we can all have fun for a few days.

So nothing new is happening in the Z household these days. For all those who live in the Arlington area - I had lunch at a truly delightful place called "Mi Tierra" - Latin Fusion food the other day. It was muy bueno! I've had several cakes to work on and keep me busy with. E keeps us busy otherwise with all his new found knowledge on a daily basis. He reminds us to laugh and how great it is to live life with a childlike perspective.

PFAPA??

2008-07-30T15:16:00.001-05:00

On Monday, July 28th we took E in for his upper GI barium study and to see the Infectious Disease doctor. Eli was SO brave and drank the barium even though he didn't like it. I think he did better than I would have done to be honest.

We saw ID doc that afternoon and found out that the upper GI was clear. Whew - that means the GI track as a whole is clear. So what is causing the fevers??? We don't know yet. The ID gave him a diagnosis of PFAPA, but we will repeat lab work and go see him again at the end of August. Then I suppose we should know more and possibly get a more definitive diagnosis.

If the fever stays on schedule, it should start any day now. Tomorrow to be exact to the 5 weeks, but it has ranged between 5 - 5.5 weeks religiously. So we wait....

Way Behind!!

2008-07-09T20:29:00.007-05:00

The last blog was a little behind - this one is WAY behind. I should know better than to wait so long to post as I have probably forgotten most of what I wanted to say.

First, I have the best son in the world!! I know I say that or something like it in almost every post, but he's my kid and I'm bias. AJ's one year birthday was March 30th. Somewhere in the month of April - after the last post - Eli began saying "I love you all the way up to the sky to AJ" every time he said I love you. He had connected that AJ was in the sky, with Jesus and that that was far away. He has occasionally asked if AJ is coming home lately. I just reply that AJ is having too much fun with Jesus and that some day we will get to see him. Questions come sporadically and he seems to understand WAY more than we could ever imagine. He is just so sweet and has a compassionate heart. Amazing how God works those little details out. :)

This is a picture of a beautiful rainbow that came to visit one day after a rain shower just as I was picking up Eli from school. We got in the car and he asked "mommy - did AJ send us that rainbow?" I see things like rainbows, snowflakes, and butterflies as God's reminders that the world is a beautiful place and He has it all under control - so I replied yes. We talked about how the rainbows are all the colors of the balloons that we send to AJ, and a rainbow is our way of knowing that he got them all. Then as sweet as can be, he said "Mommy, we need to blow kisses to the rainbow so the rainbow can give them to AJ for us." Can you say tears?

If you read AJ's blog, you know that I was a terrible mother on Mother's Day. But the bright spot was the wonderful crafts that Eli brought home from school for me. He was so proud of them and I was so thrilled to get them. Those moments are so special.

Eli had his first sleep over on June 6th. We took Eli and Walker to eat Chinese food and go see Kung Fu Panda. The boys had a hard time getting to sleep and then of course were up early the next morning to play. I think it went as good as it could have gone considering they are 3. :)

Daddy has been working on a patio with Tio V so it has just been Eli and I ruling the roost. Amazing how the time flies by - he is growing up so fast and always coming up with new things. I love being a mom!!

Eli is addicted to Wall-E!! It has been out for a 10 days and we have been twice already. He has posters, pictures, action figures and sheets. It's an awesome movie if you get a chance to see it.

The scary side of being a mom is when your kids are sick. E-man has been getting weird fevers for several months off and on. After the last bout of fever last week, the docs got together and have begun running a bunch of tests to make sure something weird isn't going on in his little body. Today he had a EDG and colonoscopy to see if his Eosinophillic Esophagitis is still flaring up and if something GI wise could be causing the fevers. Preliminary results look good and don't show anything. We will wait for the biopsies and lab results.

Eli had to do a bowel prep for the past three days - NOT FUN! Yesterday was clear liquids all day - MORE NOT FUN. He said I was a bad mommy, that I was mean for not letting him eat - and my favorite, while hanging on the refrigerator doors, "Mommy you're breaking my heart". If he only knew how hard it was for me to deny my child food for an entire day. I can't imagine how anyone could ever starve their child!! That was horrible and he could drink, eat jello and Popsicles. I'm so glad it's over and we continue to pray that it doesn't turn up to be something bad.

Ok - sorry this was a little choppy. I will try to do better and keep up the posts. hugs to all!!

A little Behind!

2008-04-18T02:27:00.001-05:00

Well, it appears I'm a little behind on my blog. Let's see what has happened since February?

Daddy celebrated his 39th Birthday - Eli got him Wii - woo hoo!

Eli spent his first weekend away from mom & dad and went to visit Aunt Leah, Uncle Craig, Mandy and Jonathan for 5 days. Granny and Pockie took him down for a visit and to help Bubba celebrate his 8th Birthday. Eli was way too busy to talk when we called - he had so much fun. And we had a nice time too...March 10th was our 7th anniversary and we celebrated by going to see Jim Brickman at the Myerson in Dallas. It was a really nice concert and an awesome experience. As many people do, we fell in love to many of his songs. :) Eli came home and went right to work helping daddy in the yard.

I made a cake for AJ's 1st Birthday to take to MEND on March 13th. I decided that we should celebrate his birthday with his friend's parents... so we did. I made a replica of the first toy I bought for AJ when I found out he was coming. It's what I hold on to when I need a good cry.

Had a groom's cake order and we got to watch Sawyer for the first time. Long story short...the opportunity to watch him came and I didn't even realize what I was saying until I hung up the phone and I had a slight panic attack - what was I thinking watching a 1 year old...but God knew it was time for some very much needed one on one time with the little monkey - and WE totally enjoyed having him. Eli showed us what an awesome big brother he is/would have been. We are so blessed to have Jenn, Sean and Sawyer in our lives. And we are very thankful to be a part of Sawyer growing up...such a gift!!

Easter we attended a new church - The Church on Rush Creek. They began a new series that day on "Pushing Daisy's"...about death, post mortem, etc...it was fitting for our lives at that very moment. And the music ministry is awesome. After church we got together with Al's family for food and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

For AJ's Birthday we drove to San Antonio (no pics yet, forgot the digital and haven't gotten film developed yet) to get away and take Eli to Sea World. We drove down one day and back the next in order to be home on AJ's actual Birthday. I stayed up all night the night of his birthday in order to remember all of the events moment by moment as they occurred last year. I sat and listened to music and worked on AJ's scrapbook...it was a very peaceful thing to do.

We celebrated AJ's 1st Birthday on March 30th. We went to church, lunch and then went to buy some balloons and a cake. We came home and some family and friends came over to share the day with us. We celebrated with a balloon release in the front yard as we sung Happy Birthday to our baby boy. I can't believe that he is a year old now.

Eli wrote his name on his balloon and drew AJ a shark.

The day was beautiful and perfect.

E - L - I

2008-02-19T14:39:00.002-06:00

I know I am a ranting mommy, but Little Eli can spell his name. He can write his name all by himself and knows how to spell a few words - first of which being his name. He screams it like a cheer - E - L - I spells ELI!! Then does a happy dance.

I find it very important in this day and age of crazies, to be sure that he knows important stuff like where he lives, his parents names, his name, etc., so that in the event he - GOD FORBID - ever got lost or kidnapped, I could hope that someone would help him find his way home. I think about that poor little girl that was left at Chuck-e-Cheese a few weeks ago and think if she had only known some information maybe she would have been home sooner.

I also use the blog to track events so that SOMEDAY when I actually sit down to scrapbook Eli's life, I will have a record of what he said and did when. So, he can spell fox, cat, dog and his name. Which at 3 years 4 months - I think is pretty darn good.

On Sunday we went to Fair Park in Dallas to see the Dinosaurs Alive show and walk around the museum. I hadn't really thought about it until we got there, that the last time we were there was about a year ago - AJ was alive and we were awaiting his arrival. I found myself frozen in my steps as we entered into the kid zone. It was that day that the picture of prego me and Eli was taken - the one I cherish because it's me with both of my boys - alive and healthy.

Proud Mommy Moment

2008-02-13T22:13:00.003-06:00

I have to brag for a minute...

On Saturday, I took Eli to a birthday party for a one of his friends. His teacher happened to be there and as we were talking she shared with me that Eli is the ONLY one in his class who can cut out objects with scissors and the is the ONLY one who knows that you use numbers to count objects.

For Christmas he got the book "Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones" from Ms. Jane. He has either memorized it all or I swear he can read! It's amazing.

Being a mommy is the absolute best thing I have ever done in my life - and the most painful. Both of my boys make me so proud!! I'm amazed what an impact AJ has on our lives and the lives of others. And Eli - well - I am beyond grateful and blessed to have such a caring, sweet, smart, funny and sensitive young man - all of 3 that he is.

Ok - I will step back and stop being conceited now. :)

Planes, Skiis and Paramedics

2008-01-01T21:31:00.001-06:00

Well, we spent Christmas in South Dakota visiting my Granny who turned 97 on Christmas day and other family that we haven't seen in many years. It was a nice vacation, the mountains were beautiful, the snow was fun.

Eli got sick 3 days before we left for vacation and stayed sick for 3 days into our vacation. We took an unplanned visit to the ER in Hot Springs when Eli's fever spiked to 105.5 on the second day. We were worried that we were missing something...he kept complaining that his stomach hurt, had a bad cough and just listless. But after getting checked out, the doc agreed that it was probably just a virus. Either way - not fun!

Miraculously, Eli woke up fever free on Christmas morning - a HUGE answered prayer. On Christmas day, we had lunch and enjoyed the family until about 5. We then drove into Lead (about 2 hours from Edgemont) to the cabin we rented at Terry Peak. We got settled and crashed for the night. On Wednesday, Al, Craig and Mandy went up to ski. Eli, Jonathan, Leah and I stayed at the cabin and let the boys play. It was nice to just sit for a change. Eli and Jonathan promptly declared that they were not even getting dressed that day - it was a pajama day! And it was - the boys had a great time. Granny and Pockie joined us on Wednesday evening. We played canasta until all hours of the night.

On Thursday, we all got up and went down to the ski lodge. We attempted to convince Eli to ski, but he just wasn't interested. Granny and Pockie took him back to the cabin and I stayed with Al to ski. We had a good time - skiing is much like riding a bike, it comes back to you if you haven't done it in a while. Well, on the last run of the day, I decided to ride the lift with Al to the top of the mountain - let's just say oops - thank God for Kent - the friendly paramedic. I fell and hurt my knee. The jury is still out, but I think I'm ok! Of course, Thomas quickly showed up to get a picture of the injured sister...it was supposed to be a picture of me coming down the mountain.

We returned to Edgemont from the cabin through Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park. It was VERY cold at Mt Rushmore - but good to see the view. On Saturday morning we got up and Uncle Russell gave the kids (and Al) a ride on his rig. Eli and Jonathan just thought it was the coolest thing ever. We played a little more in the snow and headed back to Hot Springs for lunch and to tour the Mammoth Site. We finished the Mammoth site just in time to return to Rapid City to board our airplane back to Denver and then on home. We got home a little after midnight. All in all - it was a good trip and great to see Great Granny and the rest of the family.

Santa came while we were gone and brought Eli a race track and a red motorcycle. Eli had told Santa that he wanted a green motorcycle, but I think once he saw the red one, it was ok that Santa was out of green paint. It has been next to impossible to get him off of it for 4 days now.

We rang in the New Year with a few friends at home. We wish you all a happy 2008 as we pray for peace and new blessings.

That's Amazing...

2007-12-10T01:06:00.000-06:00

Driving around town this weekend Eli dawned a new phrase on us..."That's AMAZING". Where does he pick this stuff up? We were driving down the street and passed a house that had a beautiful Christmas display of lights. I quickly said "look Eli"...and his reply was "that's amazing" with such feeling and awe in his voice. So that's now the latest catch phrase from the little dude.

We went to visit good ol' St. Nick this week. Eli promptly told him he would like a green motorcycle and an airplane and maybe a dinosaur if that'd be ok, and then he was done!! He wasn't much interested in taking a new picture for mom. He came, he said, he got candy and he was ready. Oh well...the good things about mom's is that we love any and all pictures of our kids..the good, the bad, and the grumpy!!

3 Going on 30

2007-11-29T00:48:00.000-06:00

Well, in the last 2 weeks, Eli has gone from Mommy and Daddy to "Mom and Dad". He can now dress himself - promptly reminding us "I'm a big boy - I don't need your help". My reverse psychology that I began early on with him has paid off...when I ask him to do something he generally replies, "Sure Mom, I'd be happy to." Mr. BIG!!

Pirate Madd Dog Eli (Mommy was a pirate at work one day and Eli inherited the costume from Mommy aka... "Iron Annie Flint".

Eli and the lizzard (yes the lizzard is on his hand, and

YES he caught it all by himself in the living room...Nice!)

Today when I went to pick him up from school, his teacher said "mom, do you have some news about a b-a-b-y?" My heart cringed to be honest. "No" I replied..."why?" She proceeded to tell me that Eli was adamant about mommy having a baby in her tummy...my heart sunk even deeper into my stomach. He has been asking more questions about AJ lately, but also his other teacher is pregnant and so is one of his classmates' mother. While it was a cute, innocent topic for Eli...not so much for me. I pray God will give us the opportunity to answer that question with a yes sometime in the future...only He knows what the plan is....

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T23:19:00.000-06:00

We survived Thanksgiving...not easy this year. Eli was the perfect turkey. He sang two songs in the school program - "Mr Turkey" and "10 little turkeys". They were all too cute. We had a great lunch of turkey sandwiches, corn on the cob, grapes, cheese squares and cake. Just Eli's kind of meal. We are so thankful to have Eli as our bright spot always making us smile and keeping us going - learning new things every day.

Peace and blessings to all our friends and family. Sweet thoughts and love to our baby angel AJ today - Thank you God for our boys!!

Maverick has the flu... :(

2007-11-14T05:10:00.000-06:00

Well, Eli has had a mild case of the flu we expect...so I have had a few unplanned days off with the little guy. I always enjoy and take every extra day I can get - sick or not!! But he is now on the mend and tearing up the world again so I have to go back to work - boo hiss! He has keenly grasp the concept that "Mommy is the BOSS" and has no trouble remembering it until he is in trouble and then it takes a few minutes to recall that detail. Al and I were both amazed that even though he was sick, every time we asked him if he wanted something, he replied "no, thank you". So polite!!

At school he has also learned all about good choices and bad choices...so much so that he is our walking conscious in the event we say the slightest thing wrong...to the extent we can't even say "shut" the door for example without him saying "Mommy - you made a bad choice - you said shut"...thinking I assume that it was followed with the word "up"...which is a bad choice!

He can say all of his ABC's and count to 15 or so. Knows all his colors and shapes. Knows more about airplanes than his Pockie (not really but he thinks so). And can name several dinosaurs - and thank you Aunt Leah - he knows the correct name of Parasaurolophus but promptly recalls that Aunt Leah was confused and calls it the Hammersaurus. Gotta love it!!

Watch out Pete Mitchell

2007-11-08T12:43:00.000-06:00

Mr Eli is the new "Maverick"...watch out Tom Cruise. Eli was a Navy - Blue Angel - Engine #1 fighter pilot for Halloween. He was a huge hit and he had a great time. We went to the carnival at the church and he played the games.

I started my new job last week. It is very different, but I really like it. I think at this point in my life it is a great place for me and I really look forward to learning new things.

So I decided to start a family page so I can keep track of Eli's comings and goings - I'm a terrible mother for just now thinking to do this, but hey - better late than never right? Eli turned 3 about 3 weeks ago and of course keeps us so busy. I will post pictures from his Dino party soon.