One day at a time

Goofy Brothers!

 Zack continues to show that he is learning new concepts. While he will not talk at school he continues to talk up a storm at home. We are currently trying to find a pediatric psychologist to see him as we are suspecting he may have Selective Mutism. He is a happy guy who loves puzzles, playing Wii, coloring, looking at books, and listening and dancing to music! We are concerned how he will adapt to a new school next month when we move. He seems excited and does understand we are moving to a new house. However, I am pretty sure the new school will be a tough adjustment for him. I pray that God has put us in the right place at the right time and He will guide Zack to where he needs to be. This move is a blessing even though the main downfall is moving further away from my family. Kevin will get to be closer to work and thus will get to be at home more often and spend more fun time with our boys. We are very blessed to have everything we do. We pray daily for Zack's seizures to remain controlled without medication and pray for his (and Tommy's) development and growth. There are many times when I feel saddened when Zack has a difficult time either academically or socially. I feel angry that things are not and will not be easy for him. Then I remember that while as a mom it is natural to worry about your children, only God knows what the future will bring. Whether he goes on to be class valedictorian or not means nothing. We are taking each day as it comes. We watch him struggle to write, yet he is trying so hard! He writes his name and is reading a little. He is learning basic math skills. More than anything he is an awesome big brother and a wonderful son. We are so blessed we were chosen to be his mom and dad! My life is amazingly simple....just the way I want it to be!

Building towers

Tommy Turns ONE!

Wow! I cannot believe Tommy has turned one! He is a super busy little boy now =) He is walking and babbling and starting to say a few words! Thank you, Tractor (he is a Rothzen) and of course dog, mama, dada, babble...the basics! We celebrated his birthday with a simple family get together and of course cake and ice cream!

Life changing decision

Well...after months of planning I am now a stay at home mom! I cannot believe it! It still feels like I am just taking some vacation days from work but I am sure that feeling will be short lived! I am ready for this new adventure and cannot wait to really spend time with my boys!

Another EEG

Well here it is...another yearly EEG. I can say we are thankful it only has to happen about once a year...and pray that it continues to be that way. Zack did amazing today. He struggled and fought for about 15 minutes but then just kind of gave in and chewed on his blankie and went to sleep. He stayed up until 12 AM the night before so he would be sleep deprived. Thank goodness for the Wii! He fell asleep well for the test and the EEG techs could not have been more amazing with him. All in all it was a better day than we hoped for but one we are not going miss!

WOW! It has been way too long!

A LOT has happened in our lives to this point. Zackary continues to grow each day...both physically and mentally. He is in preschool everyday from 8-11:30. He is very quiet at school and does continue to have quite a few speech delays but at home he is super talkative. He can communicate his needs very well and is 90% potty trained! WHOOOOO! There are days when I realize he is definitely behind the other kids in his class but I have to remind myself that he is a miracle. Not a day goes by that I don't think about what could have been. He is counting to 20 by himself, recognizes his name, can write some letters, knows his colors, and LOVES to sing songs. He plays well with his friends and is overall a very good boy!

The biggest change for Zack is the addition of baby Tommy! He loves being a big brother and even began using the potty pretty consistently the day Tommy was born. Tommy Anders Rothzen was born June 22, 2010 at 8:52 AM weighing in at 6lb. 12oz. Zack has stepped up to play the big brother roll quite well and Kevin and I are so proud of him.

Growing Up Too Fast!

Happy New Year! Things are going well here. Zack is (as you guessed from the title) growing up right before our eyes. Don't take us wrong, it is great, but it makes me a little sad too. He is continuing to learn new things and is really following directions. He even brings us the TV remote! His speech is coming along, although slower than we would like. He is making a lot of vocalizations and he is beginning to try and repeat most things we say. He knows some of his colors and can count to ten although he does skip numbers now and then. But the best part is that he is starting to show interest in the potty! He uses it almost everyday and our goal is potty trained by three! We'll see! In this photo he is reading Successful Farming! He takes after daddy!

Happy Holidays

I cannot believe it is time for the holidays already...where does the time go? Things are pretty chaotic around here....work, home, family gatherings, home, work, etc....maybe some sleep here and there. I am happy to report that Zackary is still doing very well. This is all because of God we are sure! He is loving speech therapy group. He goes once a week still and we found out last week at his preschool evaluation that he is not delayed enough to warrant early admission to our local preschool program! This is the first time Zack has been declared not dealyed enough. He is such an amazing little boy and we get so much joy from him each day. He tries to do everything we do (typing on a computer, washing dishes, cleaning, making beds, doing laundry....it is too funny!) We don't know why God chose to bless us so much but we are truly thankful. He gives kisses, hugs, and says around 30 words (not consistently though). We even began using the potty (again, not consistently enough to not wear diapers)! But, we can keep trying I guess. Not that he is always perfect...he does get is share of time outs on the "naughty stool" but for now we are very content with the way things are going. Best wishes for a healthy and happy holidays for you!