March 31st

Reading tractor books with Papa...life doesn't get much better than that.

March 30th

Peggy's birthday was actually today, so we surprised her with cake & ice cream.  Zach has become a pro at candles!

March 29th

We went to Noodle Zoo with the Huntrods tonight to celebrate Chris' birthday.  Zach got to blow out the candles and ate an entire plate of mac 'n cheese, along with some Cheetos!

March 28th

Tonight we went out with all of the Palmer's to celebrate Chris and Peggy's birthdays at Smokey D's.  It is not quite Corky's...but it is a heck of a lot closer!

March 27th

This photo wasn't exactly taken today, but neither were a couple of others I have posted lately...but you will never know which ones and I will never tell!  Today was hectic.  It was "Daddy's birf-day" as Zach says.  I surprised Chris in Cedar Rapids with a cake for his motorcycle class and took him out to lunch.  My mom and I shopped in Williamsburg while Zach manipulated played with Papa.  We had dinner with the Palmers & Chris finally got there around 7:45pm.  We were all exhausted from our busy weekends.  This picture is visiting the baby chicks at Tractor Supply.  Zach liked looking at them, but when I tried to pick one up he said "no no mommy, down" and wagged his little finger at me.  Chris freaked out too because the sign said don't pick up without asking.  They are such rule followers!

March 26th

These are my people.

Saturday we went to the farm to see my grandma and to drive tractors.  There is nothing in the world like watching the people you love, love your child.  From the moment we walk in, someone grabs him and takes him to play or off to show him something.  If I am lucky someone will say "Oh, hi Sara" and I wouldn't want it any other way.  They adore him just like I do.  He fits so nicely in both of our families it is like he has always been here.  I cannot even remember life before him.

Zach brings so much love and laughter wherever he goes, and I get to beam with pride that he is all mine (except when a fit comes, then he is all Chris')!

March 25th

Zach has learned to open and shut the screen door, and is SO proud of himself!  I, on the other hand, am not so excited about this new found freedom.  Thank goodness for door locks!

March 24th

Whether it is a book or a newspaper, Zach loves to read.  I hope it continues through high school!

March 23rd

When he was born, I thought my heart would burst and I would never love him more than that minute.

When he came out of surgery and everything was "ok", I thought I will never be happier and more in love than right now.

When we got to take him home, I thought nothing will ever top this.

When he first said Mama, I thought ok, this is all the love my heart can handle...but every single day I love him more and our souls become more intertwined.

This kid was meant for me, and me for him, and I thank God everyday that he is mine.

March 22nd

Nothing can brighten a stormy night like an adorable little boy in a rain jacket!  Chris' cousin Christine sent this rain coat when Zach was first born.  I remember thinking it looked SO huge and I couldn't ever imagine have a little boy that big...and now I do!  I have a feeling he is going to get a lot of use out of it this Spring.

March 21st

He is going to be a great dad someday.  Marrying him off may be our only hope of ever getting him out of our basement.  :)

March 20th

We grilled & ate dinner outside again tonight.  While Chris was still cooking and I was setting the table, Zach kept stealing noodles from the pasta & veggies.  At least he is finally eating again after being sick!  I guess we better start working more on manners.  I have no idea why his shoes were on the table.  :)

March 19th

Saturday we went to Jordan Creek so Chris could shop at Scheels and Zach could play in the play area, or "play with kidz" as he calls it.  Once we got there, he walked in the play area and turned right around and said "no play mommy, me eat popcorn."  Boy is he his father's son.  We found some popcorn, he ate a bit, and then wanted to play.  I guess you have to have priorities!  He had to give Cy a fist bump on his way out.  This kid cracks me up daily!

March 17th

Chris & I normally take off St.Patrick's Day and go to the parade.  The past 3 years we have had something bad happen each time.  The first 2 years his motorcycle wouldn't start leaving downtown.  Last year my Jeep overheated, so Chris decided he was working today.  I debated what to do, but when I heard it was supposed to be 70 degrees, I decided to chance it.  I worked until 11 and then picked Zach to head to the parade.  We had the perfect day.  He got to spend some time with Uncle Kyle & LOVED the tractors & fire trucks at the parade.  We had a picnic lunch at our house outside, a nice long afternoon nap, and saw the fishies at Bass Pro.  We ended the night eating and drinking a green beer (me, not him) at Uncle Bucks.  Hopefully our bad luck is gone!

March 16th

The Palmer household officially has Spring Fever, which is a nice departure from the sickness in the house earlier in the week.  We grilled and ate outside.  Zach thought it was awesome and now wants to eat every meal, including breakfast, outside.  Check out Chris' perfect checker pattern grill marks on his steak!

March 15th

Zach is finally feeling a little better so today we played outside in the fresh air for about 15 minutes.  He calls the area below his swing set his "house" and tries so hard to get Couper in there with him.  She is less than enthused about it.

March 14th

Zach is sick, and has thrown up on every outfit he and I own...twice.  The only picture I could take today is of a pile of crusty laundry, so I figured I would spare you!

March 13th

Have you ever seen a naked baby do the Hokey Pokey?  Now you have!  I had plenty of other adorable pics, but figured this one was embarassing enough.  To the 15 year old future Zach, you are welcome!  :)

March 12th

Zach and I had a lazy day at home today.  Chris had a motorcycle update at DMACC from 9-5, so we enjoyed the quiet and stayed in our pajamas until 15 minutes before Chris was to get back because we didn't want Daddy to think we hadn't done anything all day.  When Chris arrived home we decided to go to the Mall and let Zach play.  Tony heard the word Mall and decided he was in too.  He saw Zach's sweater and decided they needed to match, and came up with these outfits.  As difficult as it has been at times to have another person in our house for an entire year, Zach absolutely loves his NeeNee, and Tony is so great with him.  They are very lucky to have each other.

March 11th

Today was Mimi & Papa's 33rd wedding anniversary.  We ate dinner at their house, and Papa & Zach listened to music on the laptop.  Zach also helped them blow out candles on their cake.  Happy Anniversary to an amazing couple!  We love you!

March 10th

Zach and Chris went for "Dad & Lad" haircuts tonight.  Zach sits still like a big kid, but will not smile or talk to his stylist.

March 8th

Chris and Tony both received remote-control helicopters for Christmas.  In the past week Zach has become obsessed with them.  Every night he asks "Fly copters" as soon as Chris gets home.  He doesn't worry about steering, he just likes to control the up and down.  His favorite part is when the helicopter hits the ceiling and goes flying across the room.  If it happens to come close to hitting anyone (including Couper & Kacy), he rolls with laughter!

March 7th

On Monday nights we eat dinner at Great Grandma Palmer's with Uncle Randy, Noah, & Papa.  This particular Monday night you had a mind of you own.  It took quite awhile to get these pictures of you hugging Great Grandma, but I think we got some great ones!  How awesome for 4 generations to get to eat together every week.

March 6th

Another Elmo fizz bath!  This time the water was blue.  I tried tell Zach he was turning into a Smurf, but he just looked at me like I was crazy.  I forget the Smurfs are so 1985!

March 3rd

Zach's favorite phrase is "Help Daddy".  It started with scooping snow, then putting air in my tires, and now he wants to be with his Daddy every time Chris is in the garage.  Tonight Chris changed the alternator in his truck and changed the oil in the Jeep.  Zach was right there, helping daddy by handing him tools and watching Chris' every move.  Once they were done working, Zach got to "drive" the Jeep.  He figured out how to run the wipers, turn on all of the lights, and turn the music up LOUD!  He was so tickled with himself!

March 2nd

Yup, same pajamas as yesterday!  I finally did change him out of them after we showered at 4pm.  :)  Zach has become totally obsessed with books over the last week.  It doesn't matter if it is a picture book, word book, or even phone book...he just loves flipping through.  Today he found this particular picture book hilarious.  After turning every page he would laugh and laugh.

March 1st

March came in like a lion at our house with Zach waking up wheezing and coughing.  We went to see Dr.Bilgi, and spent the morning napping and relaxing.  No matter how sick he is, he always has a smile for Mommy.