Therapy Pro

The past two weeks have been fairly low key around the Zurliene household. Zachary started his physical therapy last week, and surprised Mommy and Daddy with all the abilities he showed during his hour long session. He started out somewhat lethargic, as he does from time to time at home, but less than five minutes into the session he began to reach out and play with the blocks, cups, balls, and various other toys they had on hand. From that point on he went non-stop, playing, reaching, talking, and blowing us away with all he was showcasing. They even had him up on his knees for a while as well, a position we had never even tried with him before with his casts, and now his shoes. Overall, it was a great day. Zach will continue with the therapy once a week for a while, until either his needs change, or he makes some big improvements.

Mommy and Zachary have been spending their summer days hanging out, and going to lunch and play dates with some of their new and old friends. We were also able to find a wonderful place where Zach will be spending his days when Mommy goes back to teaching in August. He will be the only baby under the age of 2 and should get lots of love and attention with only a few other kids there as well.

We have a couple more weeks ahead before Zach's next plane ride to Illinois, and we're anxious to see the progress that Zachary will make at physical therapy. Mommy and Zach have been taking a lot of walks around our neighborhood, and there's sure to be a few more. We are grateful for all the amazing progress Zachary has made so far, and cannot believe he is already 7 months old. We're enjoying each new day and each new detail of life that he becomes so interested in. We hope you all are enjoying a fun filled summer, and we'll have plenty more to share in the weeks to come. Love and God Bless - Brian + Kimmie

A Fun 4th

After returning home on Tuesday, Mommy and Zachary have had a good week settling in. We all enjoyed fireworks Friday night at Colorado National Golf Club, and did not do a whole lot yesterday, but enjoyed a quiet day with just the three of us. Zachary has been progressing wonderfully with his motor skills. He seems to do a little bit better with each new day, which is all we can ask for. Working with him each day is fun and rewarding for us to see his enjoyment as well. As you can see from the video, Zachary enjoys dancing and singing, albeit not very good singing on Daddy's part! We hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day, and wish you all a wonderful week ahead. God Bless - Brian + Kimmie

Back Home

As they say all good things must come to an end.  Zachary and Mommy returned home last night, and they spent the day re-establishing Zach's routine here at home.  The trip to Arizona was a wonderful time had by all.  

Friday Zachary visited with all of Aunt Kelly's co-workers, then had his first experience in the pool "loungin'".  He also made a new best friend with Uncle Dana's dog Cara.  She wanted to lick and be next to Zach as much as possible, even in the pool!  She loved to swim over and sniff Zachary through the netting in his floatie.   Saturday was a relaxing day spent with the whole family.  We visited with Grandma and Grandpa's neighbors Francis and Mario, and enjoyed taking over some very tasty limoncello!  After our visit we all enjoyed some more pool time and barbecue cooked by Grandpa.  The whole family was there, including Uncle Dana and Holly, Aunt Kelly and Aaron.  Sunday was a fun day with all of us taking a new family portrait, then off to lunch at Mommy and Daddy's favorite... In N Out!!!  Check out the picture of Zach trying to sneak in a bite!  Daddy came back home Sunday night, but Mommy and Zachary stayed behind for a couple more days.  Monday was a trip to G&I, the family business. Zach tried out the new pales, and gave his approval.  Monday night was another family dinner, followed by Zachary's last pool time.  He definitely developed an affinity for the pool and his floating lounge.  It was a great diversion and a good way to tire him out before bed.  

Zachary had a wonderful time on his first plane trip, and was very enjoyable on both flights according to Mommy.  He slept for most of the trip out, but didn't get much sleep on the way back.  No fussing on either flight, he did great!  For now its back to life as normal here at home, just enjoying our little animated guy and all the new tricks he shows us with each new day.  We hope you enjoy the photos, and we're glad to be back home, away from the 100+ degree heat and into a "modest" 90 degree "heat wave" here in Colorado!  Our Love to You All - Brian + Kimmie

it's HOTTTT!

Zachary went on his first airplane ride on Thursday, and has been visiting Grandma, Grandpa,  Uncle Dana, and Aunt Kelly for the past few days in Arizona.  Everything has been wonderful so far, and we were lucky enough to have the hottest weekend of the year greet us as well.  Here is a quick picture of Zachary in the pool, and we will update everyone further on Wednesday after Zachary and Mommy arrive back home in Colorado.   Until then, stay cool - Brian + Kimmie

Happy 1/2 Birthday!!

Today marks Zachary's 6 month birthday, and we had a small celebration here at the house with a mini cake and just the three of us enjoying each others company.  The past week has been filled with lots of tummy time for Zachary, and the results have been impressive.  He not only started to lift his head, but by the end of the week was lifting well past 90 degrees, and lifting his head, chest, and shoulders up to see what was around!  We are very excited.  Zach should begin his physical therapy soon, and we are all anxious to see his progression, and what tricks he's got up his sleeve!  

On Friday, Mommy and Zachary went down to visit Tara and her family.  They had fun visiting, and Zachary loved Cooper, the Ham's Burmese Mountain dog.  Saturday was spent at home with Daddy, hanging out and playing in the yard.  Amanda and Ellen were nice enough to come by that afternoon and watch Zachary for a few hours while Daddy went off to work, and Mommy came home from a bridal shower.  

Today was the birthday celebration, and tomorrow we are off to Dr. Miller's to have Zachary's feet checked out once again.  It's been nice not having doctors appointments for the past few weeks.  We're hoping for word tomorrow that Zachary does not need to wear his shoes full time and can move to only wearing them when he sleeps.  His feet look wonderful, especially with the way they were when he was born.  Wednesday it is off to the pediatrician for Zach's 6 month check up, and that rounds out the planned doctor visits for a little while longer.  We are grateful for all the wonderful work that the doctors and nurses have done, and continue to pray for Zach's improved health.  It's hard to believe that 6 months have passed since Zachary's birth.  Time sure travels fast.  We continue to feel abundantly blessed each day with Zachary in our lives.  We are thankful for so many of our prayers being answered, and pray for much more success for Zach in the future. Thank You so much to all of you who have been following Zachary's life.  Thank You for your kind words, and especially, Thank You for your prayers.  Much Love and Praise to You All!  Happy 6 Month Birthday Zachary!  Love, Mommy and Daddy

Yogurt Face

Thought we'd share a short video of Zach's first taste of yogurt...YUMMM!!

Working Out the Kinks

Mr. Giggles
MMMM, rice cereal!

Spider Man!!

I sit up so well!!

Mini-golf madness!
Yeah Daddy, that's the right line!
Mommy, purse golfing extraordinaire!
This week Zachary worked very hard on his sitting up, reaching, and eating skills.  Monday was Zach's first taste of "semi" solid food.  He had some rice cereal, mixed with breast milk, and as has been his tendency with every new milestone in his life, he did fantastic.  He has been eating several spoonfuls of the cereal every morning for breakfast, and will start to have some at lunch this week as well.   

Thursday, Darcie and her two great kids, Zander and Maddie, stopped by and did a wonderful job of entertaining Zach, and getting him laughing as they played around the house.  Friday was the start of Bocce season at the Cabbage's.  The rain prevented much of the games from being played, but we were able to squeeze in a few, and Zach was awake for a good portion of the time.  Saturday, we began our weekend of party hopping.  We headed to Cheryl's for her graduation celebration, then it was off to the Bennett's for their summer celebration and Lakota's graduation.  Today, we were off to Alex's 4th birthday bash, and enjoyed Zachary's first game of miniature golf!  Needless to say, it has been a fairly busy weekend, and we are all a bit tired, but had fun throughout.

Zachary has made many strides in his sitting up and head support.   It's amazing to see how quickly he is improving, and exciting to watch each day as he acquires a new skill or ability.  We have been so blessed with Zach's joy and his eagerness to improve each day.  We are thankful for his smiles and the love he gives us each day, and continue to pray for his improved health and infectious spirit.  Enjoy the pics. Our Love to you All - Brian + Kimmie