It's been a while since I've updated...

Sorry about that. Time gets away from me these days. I babysit a friend's two year old daughter (who is about 6 months ahead of Zach) twice a week, mom and I planned and executed our church's Vacation Bible School, we had a gas line break thanks to our fat cats and had no hot water for three weeks, and Brad had his first major medical procedure in about 20 years (just a diagnostic test, but it required anesthesia). It's been a busy month around here!

So, where to begin? Oh, Zach's stats... he was 26 lbs even and 33.25 inches tall (8th and 25th percentiles respectively). We did move up a few percentiles with his weight, so our doctor was pleased. And, as usual, he is way advanced in his verbal development, almost a year ahead! We're doing just fine as parents, and that's always good to hear.

Zach has a new fascination with all things NASA related. When the space shuttle Atlantis launched (unfortunately for Zach, for the final time) a few weeks ago, he watched in awe. And re-watched.... about 100 times. No joke. We DVR'ed the launch and he requests it on a daily basis. We also have two toy space shuttles, have borrowed DVDs about the shuttle program and about NASA from the library, and got to see the traveling NASA exhibit at COSI, our science museum. He is in L-O-V-E. And it's the cutest thing EVER! I did take video of us watching the initial launch, so he would always have it to remember...





He now loves to count down to "blast off" every time we watch it, and he regularly tells us about his "ah-not" (astronaut) and his how his space shuttles fly through the sky. Since we've seen the launch so many times, he also is quick to point out when the initial rocket boosters detach, and when they separate from the external fuel tank. I need to get video of those things, because it still kills me with cuteness.

(Seen here with his metal space shuttle toy and his astronaut from the NASA exhibit, "blasting off" on the ride home from COSI.)

We have also gotten some bad news recently... our kitty Laraedo has been diagnosed with sinus cancer. I'm really upset by this, but the good news so far is that his personality hasn't changed a bit. He's still the spunky, funny, dog-cat he always has been, just skinnier and with a nose second only to Rocky Balboa. It's progressing quickly, but as long as his personality stays the same, we aren't going to make the tough decision yet. I don't anticipate he'll make it to Christmas, but we'll see. He's my best kitty friend, and I will be devastated whenever he does pass on. Zach loves him too, so it will be hard to explain when the time comes. Very, very sad.

(This picture is from a while ago, at the beginning of his weight loss and before his nose swelled up. They are just the best of buddies!)

We head on our family vacation this Friday, to Chicago again. Brad and I are planning to see two of our favorite bands play on Saturday and Sunday nights, Sister Hazel and Toad the Wet Sprocket (lots of 90's awesomeness in one place). We're really excited about it. We got a great deal on a hotel room at Priceline too, so we're staying downtown this time. It will be a lot of fun.

Aside from all that hubbub, we are hoping August won't be nearly as eventful. It's been a LONG month! We definitely need a vacation!