The Stander

Zach's New Carseat
He Likes His Stander
Zachary's stander arrived early last week. He seems to enjoy it, although it is a little big for him at this time, so he is fairly limited in what he can do while in it. The basic premise of the stander is to support Zach's torso, keeping him upright while putting some weight on his legs at the same time. It has wheels similar to a wheel chair, so when he does reach a certain height he should be able to move the wheels with his hands and move around. As you can see from the pics he already grabs onto the wheels, but hasn't quite figured out the movements of them just yet. It's alright, we can't expect a 10 month old to be able to figure everything out instantly. So for now we have him in the stander for longer periods each day, but are limited to only the kitchen and front entry since those are the only non-carpeted areas!

With each new week we see more and more improvement from Zachary, and we utilize new "tools" to help him with those improvements. Our little inspiration continues to amaze us each day, and we're so grateful for all the joy he has brought to our lives. October is Spina Bifida awareness month, take a minute to learn more about it, and educate others about this ailment and how you can support those affected by it. Our Love to You All - Brian + Kimmie

Busy, Busy

With Daddy on the hayride
With Mommy on the hayride
These two pumpkins look just right!
Family photo op by the wagon

The Thinker
Tummy Time!!

Zach and Daddy in the Snow!!

We have been very busy the past few weeks (sorry about the underlined text, can't figure out how to fix it?!), and were greeted with our first real snowfall of the season yesterday morning. We all went to the pumpkin patch last weekend, and Zachary had his first hayride, and pumpkin picking experience! We did make a short trip to the pediatrician recently because Zach was very fussy and uncomfortable on Monday, and were told he has an intestinal virus that should pass with a little time, and plenty of rest. So no medication to assist in the recovery, and no relief from the stinky diapers, but he does appear (and smell) much better now that a few days have passed. He is back to his old happy-self, and enjoying all the play time with Mommy and Daddy! His stander is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so that should further his development with standing and supporting his full weight. Jennifer, his physical therapist has been doing a great job with Zach, and she has been a God send for getting things like his stander, and some new shoes to fit over is AFO's. The week ahead should be "normal" for the Zurliene household. No Dr.'s appointments, or conferences for Mommy at school, and the weather should warm up nicely so we can get in a few more evening walks with Zach before his bedtime. We hope Fall is finding you all in good spirits, and we will most certainly be posting again soon. With Love and Praise - Brian + Kimmie

The Music Man

Zach at 9 months with Fiesta!
Check out my pearly whites!

Move over Mozart....Just a quick post of our future master pianist at work! Zach is doing great and making big strides each day. Here's a pic of him @ 9 months with fiesta as well. Enjoy!

Love - Brian + Kimmie

Zach's First Word

Just thought we'd give you all a video of Zach's first word!! Plus a shot of Zach in his new favorite hat. There's a lot of new things happening around the Zurliene house lately! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Love - Brian + Kimmie

A.F.O.'s

Zachary was fitted today for his new AFO's (ankle-foot orthotics). He's going to ease into them for the next few weeks, wearing them for a couple of hours each day, then upping his wear time steadily until he wears them for most of the day. As for today, he seemed to like them, and was moving his legs more in his jumperoo than he ever has before. Zachary has also decided that he is finally able to sit up, unassisted, and play with his toys without falling over, or throwng his head back and laughing hysterically. Enjoy the pictures, especially Zachary reading is favorite book, and his new AFO's. Love and God Bless - Brian + Kimmie

A House Divided

Zachary had the chance to experience his first CSU vs. CU game tonight, albeit for only the 1st quarter before he went to bed! As you can see from the pictures Mommy is a Buff (even though her Master's degree was from CSU i.e. the big pay raise! Dirty Hippies!) and Daddy is a Ram (I'm Proud to Be a CSU RAM!), so for the next year Daddy holds the bragging rights around the house!

Enjoy the pictures, and the video of Zach's laughing attacks! We wish everyone a fun and safe Labor Day. Love, God Bless, and GO RAMS!!! - Brian and Kimmie

Growing Each Day

8 month old picture with Fiesta!
Watching the bocce games with Becky
Someone's thirsty!

Zachary had a great week. We think most of his fussiness and inability to nap well at day care was all the result of his new teeth. Yes... teeth! Last post we reported his first new tooth, and a few days later we saw the second one poking through! He now has two, both on the bottom and right next to each other in the middle of his mouth. He has returned to his wonderful sleeping ways, and his personality seems to grow each day. He definitely has certain things he loves to do, and his laughter is pretty contagious, as you can see in the video.

Physical therapy is progressing, slowly, but still progressing. We try to work with him as much as we can on our own, but it's difficult to do more than a few exercises with him before he seems to lose interest. It can be frustrating, but we're going to continue to work each day and help him improve little by little.

This past weekend Zachary had a good time at the end of season bocce championship, and it was nice for him to enjoy everyone's company for more than an hour! No big events, or appointments this week, just physical therapy on Wednesday and lots of play time with Mommy and Daddy! We hope you all are having a wonderful summer's end! God Bless - Brian + Kimmie