Just Hanging Out at Grandma K's

One of Zach's favorite places to be is his Grandma K's. It's been home of lots of fun, hugs, kisses, singing, food, and mealk (couldn't forget his two favorite things). He's spent lots and lots of time here. From about nine weeks old until he was almost 6 months old... Zach spent every Monday-Friday just hanging out. While Mommy was at work, Grandma K stayed home and took care of our little man. There were lots of sleepy sweet moments, lots of little firsts, and the every day melt-down because his bottle of milk wasn't warmed and in his mouth as quickly as he would have wanted. Not that Grandma K was slow... but have you heard that commercial, "It's my money, and I want it now!?" Well, substitute money for milk, and you've got my baby boy!! (Have I covered his dramatics in this blog? he he)



For almost 14 years now... Karen (AKA Grandma K) has been family to me. We've been through a lot of ups and downs together. I've called her my adopted mom, my best friend, a pain-in-the-butt (ha ha)... I did say family, didn't I?

Although we've been through a lot, nothing prepared me for what happened on April 2, 2012. Karen found out she was sick. Not take an antibiotic, and we'll get well in a week. Sick, Sick. One of the strongest women that I know, who has taken too many hits and punches in her lifetime to count... just got knocked over again. So.. that "that'll never happen to me" thing actually happened. Three months later, I still remember how I felt. How I felt hugging her after she told me. What we talked about, the plans to get through it all... I don't think that's something I'll ever forget.

I'm not going to go through the details, but know Grandma is on the mend! She's a lot stronger woman than I think she even knows. Karen is a caregiver. For as long as I've known her she's taken care of everyone around her. She was always putting herself at the very back burner... heck, I'm not sure if some years she was even on the stove!

So, when Karen told us that she was not well enough to watch Zach during the week... I can only imagine how she felt. She doesn't say no to helping others. So many times through the years I've watched her sacrifice so much, just to avoid inconveniencing others. I know it was difficult decison, but a necessary change we had to make. Our number one priority was to get Grandma K better!

In the meantime, Mommy was working from home with Z part of the week. My dear friend Pasha also watched Zach during the week when she could. I think she definitely caught the McKeever Fever... because she has quite the obsession with our little man!! :) She actually has a hot date with him this evening!! Wohooo! ;) My friend Erin, who is mom to a now-6 month old herself, offered her time to watch Zach too. They were able to have a play date together, and boy are they cute!

Zach and (little) Reese (he he)! She's actually bigger than him, and two months younger!

He chews on things when he's nervous... he must have a crush!! :)

Zachary and his favorite red head (Pasha).

I'm not joking every red head he sees now, he just lights up. He sure loves her!

Zachary and his Buddy Nate (Pasha's Husband)

We did find a more permanent solution for our "Z-sitting"... but that's for another blog! I am just so thankful to Karen, for watching Zach for some very precious months of his life. And, for Pasha & Erin for giving up their free time to help our family. 

Through it all... it's all been a part of Zachary's life. A part that he probably won't remember. What I do want him to know is what an amazing woman his Grandma K is. How she has taken upon herself to care for so many others in her lifetime, including our little Zachary. How giving of yourself is so much more important than receiving. How friends can be part of your family. How love never fails. And... there are so many people who love you sweet little Zachary... 

Easter

It's mid July... and I'm finishing up Zach's Easter post. A lot of life has happened in the last few months. I'll get to that... But, first I have a few pictures of Zach on his first Easter. A few - because unfortunately, it's all we have!! He attended church in the morning... and he slept most of the afternoon!!

This was taken the night before Easter. Gifts from Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma & Grandpa O! I never got a shot of the whole kitten caboodle. You can be assured... more gifts were added the next day. S P O I L E D, if you ask me. Or, as Great Grandma Dee would call it... 'Loved' :)

This was also taken the day before Easter. I can't remember why, but I'm glad I have it. :)

This is ON Easter :) Great Grandma Dee and Zachary... home after church!

My dad took this photo of our little family after church... the only 'family' photo we have for Zach's 1st Easter. He was pretty squirmy at the time... ready to go home and take a snooze in his crib!! Have a mentioned I'm sad that we didn't have more pictures?? :)