Hi – another busy week! Last weekend, I had two of the ladies from my mom’s group over for lunch. James’ 33rd birthday was on 1/27 – he didn’t want a big party so we just had another couple over for dinner (tacos and salad). We played Settlers afterwards. For his birthday, James got a Dukes of Hazards DVD, a book on toddler games, and some chocolates. Of course Zachary has gone to the gym numerous times – his new favorite activity is going down the slide! Oh – and guess what? I forgot to mention it in my last entry … Zachary is standing unassisted! Still no talking though.

We went to Alex’s first birthday party at Round Table Pizza – yum!  There were so many babies – I think 2004 was a baby boom year for my friends. Zachary also played with his friend Will, from the Bay Area. They only 1.5 months apart, and their dads are best friends – so it’s a bummer they are moving back to New York this year.

I had to post because I just love these pictures. He was SO happy that day. Here are some pictures of gym class. They start off with circle time, where the teacher sings and plays a few games with them. Then it’s free time, followed by puppets, interactive story time, and bubbles! The 45 minute class ends with circle time again, where they sing a good-bye song.

I highly recommend this toy bike – there are three different settings depending on the age of the baby. Zachary loves to ride on it and will push himself if no one offers to push him. Watch out though – if you pull him off before he is ready, he’ll throw a mini tantrum! He’s been riding all day – James says there are tracks getting worn into the carpet.

More info – I think it’s a good gift for baby’s first birthday… http://www.fisher-price.com/us/products/product.asp?id=11010

Hello! Remember how huge Zachary was as a baby? He was 18 pounds at 4 months. Anyway – he’s now tiny! At his 9 month appointment, he weighed 18 pounds and 8 oz … 20th percentile. And he was only 40th percentile in height. Zachary got his first hair trim by dad this past week.

Zachary joined a gym. He goes to class with his dad a few times a week, and on Sunday, I take him to free play. For $105, he gets to go to as many classes as he wants for 8 weeks. The gym is near HP, so I plan to visit him sometimes. He really enjoys it there. Just look at the pictures – how could we not sign him up?!

He also tried out Gymboree, but he did not enjoy the class as much. Plus, they made James sing songs (he thought it was too stressful to remember the words and hand motions. PaNiC!!!) They also tried to sell us toys… in addition to the $185 tuition for 12 classes! This weekend, my sister Alice and Ryan came to visit. We basically ate and played games.My friends Dana, Uyen, and Jackie also visited.

Happy 9 months to Zachary! (1/6/04) Well, I survived my first week back at work! It was actually pretty good – I missed him, but I knew he was being taken care of  by dad. The sad news is that Zachary has been sick all week. It started on Monday – he had a fever for 2 days. Then lots of diarrhea and vomiting. He is barely eating at home – just 4oz of formula during the 9 hours I am at work. He refuses any solids. I’m starting to pump at work because our doctor said it would be easier for him to digest. He also has diaper rash for the first time in his life … and it’s pretty bad. Interestingly, despite his poor health, he is in great spirits. He is playing and laughing and having fun! This weekend, his friend Megan came to play.

Happy 2005 everyone! Here is a recap of the last week of 2004, ending with a New Year’s party:

For Christmas, we went to James’ grandmother’s house for dinner. James’ extended family was there, including Zachary’s cousin Brandon. There were so many gifts exchanged! That same night,  my sisters came over to celebrate Christmas – again, so many gifts. I think we have the most generous family members ever.

 Zachary has so many toys that we are rotating them so that he only gets 2 big toys to play with per week. When all the toys were out, he was confused, moving from toy to toy – it was too overwhelming!

The day after Christmas, we (James, Zachary, Alice, Sophia, and I)  flew to Cabo San Lucas for 5 days/4 nights. It really is different travelling with a baby. We had to accomodate his schedule (feeding, naps) because otherwise he fusses and no one has fun. Overall, he was pretty good though. He liked being carried around the city in his Bjorn and seeing the sites. We went to some flea markets, and ate lunch at the touristy Cabo Wabo and El Squid Roe.

James and Alice got to go ATVing, which I heard was a highlight of the trip. I stayed with Sophie and hung out at the resort  with Zachary. Our hotel was quite nice and right on the beach. They gave us a 1-bedroom instead of a 2-bedroom condo though, so I have to try to get some money back!

We took a boat to Lover’s Beach and saw El Arco. I was a bit nervous because no one had a life vest and James cannot swim – so it was bascially up to me (not a strong swimmer!) to save Zachary if we fell overboard. It also felt strange taking the bus/taxis because there were no seat belts, and I held Zachary on my lap. We brought a car seat, but it was never used. The safety rules there are quite lax! Overall, I was surprised at how much we could do with an 8 month old. We had to move much more slowly, but it was still lots of fun!

We got back to rain and a dead car battery, but were saved by AAA. The next day, James, Zachary, and I went to a New Year’s party, complete with chocolate fondue and magic show. Zachary slept right through the festivities! 

Oh – and Zachary has 3 teeth now!