Where's %#&@ Elmo?

Elmo visited our city over the weekend, which really isn't news since sightings of the furry red Muppet aren't all that uncommon around town.

Whether it's a toy store grand opening or a kiddie party at the local amusement park, you can pretty much count on an appearance by Elmo _ unless Spongebob gets the gig first.

Not too long ago Zach and I (Mommy) were at the mall when who should show up at the opening of a new cell phone kiosk (this is an event?) but Elmo.

After that whenever we went to the mall, Zach would associate going there with seeing Elmo.

"Melmo? Melmo?" he'd inquire on the car rides down.

But his excitement would quickly be replaced by disappointment when Elmo wouldn't be there to greet him.

So when I found out Elmo was going to be making an appearance at a local toy store I made a mental note of the date and time.

The big day came and Zach was all smiles, giving Elmo hugs and high-fives and getting his picture taken.

Then I made the mistake of taking Zach to the mall later in the day.

As I carried Zach up the sidewalk to the mall entrance, the lure of a peanut butter and chocolate smoothie from Frulatti beckoning, my heart sank as I heard him utter the dreaded word:

"Melmo?"

Hair Peace

Zach got a haircut yesterday.

Normally that wouldn't be anything to write home about. Zach has already made many trips to the barber shop in his 2 1/2 years.

But yesterday's visit was the first time Zach didn't sit on Mommy or Daddy's lap while the barber trimmed his slightly curly locks.

He didn't fidget, or cry, or turn his head sharply, barely avoiding a collision with the pointy end of the scissor.

He sat by himself in the chair, with a booster, while the barber snipped away with his scissors, smiling and hamming it up as Mommy snapped away with her camera.

Maybe it was the promise of candy at the end that made this haircut experience pleasurable for all involved.

Or maybe our little guy is just growing up.

Anatomy Of A Tantrum

For the most part, Zach is an easygoing and happy kid.

But when it comes to tantrums, Zach can throw down with the best of them.

For our far-away relatives and friends who've never had the pleasure, here's a glimpse of a recent tantrum.

Now, if we only had thought to get sound . . . .

Beans And Rice

Some kids are finicky eaters and Zach is no exception.

One thing we can almost always count on that he'll eat is beans and rice from Pollo Tropical, a popular Cuban restaurant chain.

The restaurant by our house has a drive-thru, which is a godsend since Brent and I are there about two or three times a week, replenishing Zach's beans and rice supply.

If you ever have the opportunity, try the beans and rice. They're awesome!

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

This blog wouldn't be complete without Zach's first baby picture.

It's hard to put into words what I (Mommy) felt when I saw the first picture of the boy I would call son.

When I look at it I still get goosebumps, remembering the excitement and anticipation of holding him for the first time.

Lend Me Your Ear

Zach has some adorable quirks.

If you're around him when he's drinking milk from his bottle, don't be surprised if he asks you for your ear.

He likes to stroke an ear lobe while he drinks.

It doesn't matter who or where.

Brent and I are more than happy to oblige.

It's another opportunity to cuddle.


Even Archie gets drafted.


Ty's a good sport.

iZachy

First, it was "Spongebob."

Then, for a long time, it was "Drake and Josh."

Briefly, it was "Hannah Montana."

The TV show that Zach is currently fixated on? "iCarly."

All he wants to do is watch "Carly."

If you're not familiar, check out the theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfyvrBYxfW8&feature=related

Watch for "the feet" in the opening credits; that's Zach's favorite part.

We like this song that was on iCarly recently:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKo7leNjyiY

My Friend Ty

If there's one name that we hear more than any other in our house, it's "Ty."

Ty is our neighbor. And if Zach could, he would be over Ty's house 24/7.

Ty turned 6 on Saturday and Zach went to his birthday party.

Zach sat at the big kids table with Ty.

When it came to light the candles on the birthday cake, Zach got scared and ran to the door. But he settled down when everyone started singing and clapping.

And when Ty blew out the candles on his cake, Zach had only one word: "More."

The Sweet Life of Zach and Kody

They're not TV characters, they're real-life buddies: Zach and Kody.

Zach is 2 and Kody is almost 4. Zach looks up to Kody like a big brother.

They go to baseball games.

They swim in the pool.

They play in the park.

They go to parades.

They hunt for Easter eggs.

They eat popsicles.

Sweet.

S Is For Starbucks

Another member of our family has a Starbucks card.

And no, it's not Brent.

Zach received his card, for $50, in the mail a few weeks ago.

Blame Grandma Natalie.

Zach had his tonsils out in June and when he wouldn't drink anything, Mommy thought she'd try giving him a vanilla Frappucino (caffeine-free, of course) from Starbucks. The drink put a smile on Zach's face and that was all Grandma Natalie needed to hear.

A few days later an envelope arrived in the mail for Zach with the card inside.

Now whenever Zach goes with Mommy to Starbucks he expects a $4 Frappucino.

Are you listening, Grandma Natalie ?