BIG CATCH UP SCHOOL

 A summer of love and family! I have written about it in the other blog that Reuben has! Its a summer in which we had learnt a lot about ourselves. It wasn't all laughs and happy but it was real with some tears some heartache and loads of fun. Pretty much what life should be. These photos are some of my favourites. Boys are at Margate enjoying the surroundings of South East England where we are based.

 Upnor! an old time favourite!

 Turner Contemporary museum in Margate! Happy Zac always trying to be his big brothers shadow!! I love his smiley face a lot of happiness is buried in this child. Equally a lot of frustration....he seems always ready to fight or make fun happen.

 Here is mr. Gorgeous!

 My boys my treasure!

 A lot of art happens in our house!

 This is such a Zac photo!!! he fits tbe frame!

 We also had loads of fun at the sea!!!

 A fun day with the Dispensaris at Kent Life Museum! Reuben used to go there a lot and Zac hasn't had that but it made it even more special returning after almost 2 years.

 Upnor Castle what a lovely moment with my footballer.

 Capstone Farm....fun with Vereses and Dispensaris:)

 Another favourite is to read....this is right after bath time!

 A bit of a funny one! Zac has seemingly got trauma when we try and cut his hair not only does he act as though we are cutting his fingers off  but he becomes terribly distraught. Lucky for him a salon opened on the high-street full of gadgets kids love. I had a crazy idea and one day ended up there  and Zac has not even had time to have a peep hair was done and he was happy worth every little bit of the £16 I paid. Thank you nice lady!

 A tender moment! Zac loves his room and he loves his cuddly toys!

 The three musketeers....! Zac's first day at big school!

The gorgeous blond boy is Jack our neighbour and friend. Such a happy lot don;;t you think?
School is a struggle....and I think Zac really is trying so desperately to make the most of school but due to the fact that he has a medical condition he often is not well enough to be in school. When he is we struggle to leave each other in the morning but always so happy when he comes out and we reunite. Zac is currently under Medway hospital and we are having tests and under treatment. He continues to be amazingly chatty very much his own personality and loves his brother. He best loves hot wheels, play dough, wrestling, football and his best friends Andy, Freddie, Frank, Fergus, Cosmo...and off course Leo, Zoli and all Reuben's friends together with the multitude of girlfriends Sophia, Eva, Emily, Livy, .....you name it....
I am incredibly proud of how he handled a year of doctors hospital appointments and such....its been very hard at times.....and he soldiered through.....I love him to bits!

Half term fun

 A visit to my childhood friend Ioana meant we were able to visit also our family favourite the Outlook Centre in Bracknell. It was a good day and we really enjoyed catching up.

 THe Bank Holiday weekend also meant we were able to create a little different room for Zac the great roof feature in Zac;s room allowed us to create what might be imaginary camping with a bigger boy bed:)) the bed in fact is the same but having repositioned it and it no longer sticking to the wall meant it felt bigger and our forever enthusiastic Zac loved the idea:)

 We also had a visit from Ollie dog....one of our family's friends. His owners are Zac's Godparents and this dog is just a little bit older than Zac. THey love each other and Zac loves him a lot.

 We had revisited a few places one of which was Monkey Bizz where they had a giant Junk Room and we were able to create our own car:)) I must admit it made me smile to see how happy zac was just playing with junk:)) and stuffing forever stuffing....going round and round a room and filling a tube with various textured small bits....

 What an exciting day with having Alexia and Rafael visit us....it was time to build and do some colouring tooo!!!

 And our little half term project was to start doing a cardboard car and then make it and cut it and colouring it:)))

 Zac loves the Shopping Game and also snakes and ladders we play these daily...its a kind a like a routine...he loves it and he understand when one cheats, is unfair and off course MY RULES:)

 This photo of Zac reading describes him best:) He often picks up a book or two and reads....he looks at pictures...talks to the pictures....has imaginary totally unrelated conversations like: "what time is it and where are we going next" does answer it himself and its always : "its six a clock and its bed time"....he can quite happily go through lets say 5 books before he realises he is bored or HUNGRY and had enough.

 Bath time is a difficult one! We either want it or DON:T WANT BATH and so its a sore and strange subject, Happens most nights especially during summer often two times a day:) The other evening he was in an extremely good mood and asked for the bath letters....several minutes later he spelt out his name...(well I know it the wrong way round) but I was impressed. Something we had been doing with boys is change passwords to words that they can spell so that they 1 learn , 2 turn on ipads themselves. So this was Zac's password and here below he now knows how to spell his name:))

 Another great photo with Ben (Reuben's friend) at Monkey Bizz. Zac loves Reuben;s friends and really does seem to have taken to them ....I think often R would rather Zac wouldn't hang around him but I must admit its great to see that most older boys do care for Zac and have accepted him as part of the package:) in fact one or two who have no younger siblings are extremely nice to Zac....he knows indeed who these kids are.

 During school time...Tuesdays we have Zoli stay with us in the evenings while mummy is going to her college! On a Thursday we have Jack here after school...he is a neighbour and we had made this arrangement as Reuben and him have been getting very friendly and seem to like the same things. Its been working out very well....and this means that boys have regular play dates and I also can help my friends.

 Evening ritual often includes me massaging their feet with Vaseline. Its been going on forever but recently both boys love doing massages for us and each other. I do believe this is a good ritual and a very important time for soothing, sharing and giving and receiving love....boys often ask why we do this and its interesting to notice what thoughts provokes in them. I must admit my boys often fall asleep as soon as they hit the pillow somewhere between this and reading a story!!

I can say I am amazed at how Zac communicates, acts and reacts....also at his determination, he has overcome lately his fear from nail-cuts and haircut (although the latter is going in stages), he is doing pretty well with potty training and finally he is worshipping his brother....I love him so very much words can not possibly ever express....."with you Zac our family got richer and soooo much more compact" thank you my gorgeous angel!

possibly done this too?

YEAH! Well here I am....bad mummy as life just too exciting to try and catch up with it "black on white" we had been to Romania which was amazing and a little bit about this please read on Reuben's blog here http://www.reubenandthesmiths.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/romania.html
But since we had come back things have been good and bad too. Zac is very strong willed....he really does know how to protest and also he does things his own way. I remember there was difficulties with Reuben too when 4 but I guess I have forgotten a lot of what went on having been very busy trying to fit in, do things by the book and finally admit defeat. With Zac I had realised some time ago that he is NO REUBEN and he also has a different way of relating to the world. Reuben was adventurous and curious while Zac is interested in detail and often loves if we just linger in the moment for some time.

Every morning when I drop him at nursery  (3 days a week) I feel terribly defeated because I know this wasn't something for Zac but I had to be tough and put him through the anxiety of separation and more because life is not often about what we want but what we can and are presented with....HE still has bad days and good days when saying goodbye to me but thankfully another 6 weeks and we will end that era!

Stubbornness you can say it again...yes! Bloody HELL can this child send us round the bend (oh yeah) and contrary to a lot of people who know Zac and think they would be able to handle him after terrorising him for a while....HE DOES RESPOND TO GENIUINE LOVE AND CARE like most of us. I know people think I am too soft with him and too patient and such but I know and understand because I had carried him for much longer than the 9 months (4 of those total stress and worry). He was destined for living and he is a FIGHTER I know he will be achieving big things because he is so so determined and stubborn and different. but lets just wait and see.

Yap, lets not forget Zac is still not fully potty trained....its been long coming. Having had partly managed last year during summer to wee he has regressed and upon investigation we realised he actually has a rare bowel problem. We do not know weather this is linked to the abnormalities predicted at 6 months scans but we are more and more aware that he is indeed having incredible pain and difficulty with his poo. He has completed a very drastic treatment of nearly 6 months of medication to regulate his bowel movements and now still on medication which is much gentler.

I wasn't going to put pressure on him with regards to potty training however knowing we are going to be around this half term and weather being so rainy and cold we have decided to stay in and give potty training a go. We are 4 days in...a few accidents but generally using potty and toilet too...unless too excited or too engrossed in IPADS.

Weather I succeed or not or we manage this or not I will still think my boy is pretty amazing. He has had a very adventurous 4 years not forgetting he wasn't even meant to be given a chance to live....he is with us and he loves life that alone is enough for me. I remember with Reuben I used to feel the need to tick those developmental boxes to make those announcements about the milestones with Zac I am glad to see him with us alive and kicking all the rest is a bonus and more. I know he will do it in his time....all children do. I remain in awe of this monkey he is totally mine, totally crazy and amazing he gives us a boost of energy and makes us grateful of life each day. I am cheering him on we all do!! I will never forget his coming into this life...his three in one ops and just his battle with his bowel problems....he is soldiering on....he doesn't give up....he is a real STAR!

Happy 4th Birthday Zac!

 Hardly can believe but we are at this MILESTONE 4 years old! I cant seriously believe we made it...and for many reasons mainly due to pre birth! Zac you had been a delight til you were 2 then you decided to pull every possible stunt making us all stressed out but when you are happy and well you are a delight! You love your brother most and you love copying him. You admire and love Reuben with all your heart, strength and your first steps in the morning are always toward your brother's room or daddy. You had been through a lot in the last few years, And finally for your 4th bday you had given up your dummy with great difficulty but with perseverance.

 Hello who's there?! Considering we had to bring your bday forward due to mummy's operation which happened to be on the same day you were so happy to see everyone at your bday. We had not as many people as we thought....mainly cause it was short notice ...some of your favourite friends still made it and some had made up after.

 You loved your plane cake....when I showed it to you ....you were so excited ...I had to cut you a slice and so we disguised that bit with the nr 4 candle! You thought that was very funny! Well Daddy couldn't be there so he bought you this cake cause currently you love planes and cars.

 This is what you looked like a few seconds after you were born. I was thinking they had made a mistake as your hair was so AFRO like (Not that I complained I absolutely loved it) You were a great sleeper and a fabulous baby! Your hair eventually got straight and is now dark blond.

 You and I had recently been to Tiny Town you loved it...so you said you wanted your bday here. So because you deserve a nice bday and because this is a cool place mummy and daddy wanted you to enjoy it loads.  Your brother was your main invitee you were chaft to have him there. That was coinciding with Reuben being up and down that week with a viral infection....so I guess its allowed.

 You had some special guests. Ivy the little girl with here eating is your most youngest friend and it was her first ever bday invite. She is our friend Cornelia Popescu's girl who took all these lovely photos for me. You also had Alexia, (Rafael;s sister), Sara (Andrei;s sister), Sophia (your current girlfriend nr2)  Molly (girlfriend nr 3), Andrei (your best friend), Freddie (that is your other very good friend you speak a lot about him), Leo (he is our neighbour and also goes to Iveta for child minding) you had Liam and Bea (these are kids who Iveta childminds and often you see.

 My two angels! I love you so much boys! Your brother has put up with a lot of your hysterics lately but he has been your defender and your angel too. he loves you so very much.

 It was a nice surprise when everyone sang you Happy Bday! You always get so shy! You are one little monkey and you know it!!!:)))

 So, here your brother has helped you have maximum fun on your bday. You really like climbing and doing exercises....but most of all you love football. I am hoping in the spring you can start playing football at nursery!

 I think I am right to say all your bday you had your MAMA here!! She was here when you were born also when you had your first birthday and she made loads of aprons as gifts and loads and loads of other goodies. Mama has never stopped coming to our rescue and to celebrate with us. She also has been very good at understanding you do not speak Hungarian and learnt loads of English so she can get on with you and Reuben. She loves you immensely.....like a mummy does too.

And after your big bday party!!! You were so happy to start playdough adventure....most of these have come from Ivy! You absolutely love playdough....cars, planes, trains, friends, scooter and skate park. when you don't want to do something or its not to your interest you normally say "that's rubbish" even if 10 mins after you are totally in love with ....rubbish.
You love making Jamie Oliver cookies and you told me the other day that its boring to be mummy. You do come up with some real funny sayings and makes me laugh how you are soooo very stubborn you can cry for over 30 mins and your brother sits there sobs with you....then he makes you laugh and its like you had never really cried for that long and have forgotten you did cry. I say you are an actor!
Your other granny (Granny Smith) likes to say "you turn on the tap" you can cry just like that big crocodile tears. You often say "boys don't kiss" just to annoy me and deny me that sweet kiss....!! You little monkey Happy Birthday! we love you heaps....and I hope you soon get over the funny moods you have!!!:))) and become as gorgeous as we know you are on a permanent basis however if any hick-ups mummy is at hand to sort them out...
So you celebrated on the 13th at Tiny Town, then you also celebrated next day at nursery with your friends and nr 1 girlfriend Lizzy!! I am yet to find good photos from the nursery fun!!!

Hello 2014 and hello nr 4!!!

 Hello Independence! Yes, he is growing up fast and he knows it! Although still holding on to small things for dear life he is very independent. Loves playing kitchen and enjoys a lot creative play. We often play drs, cooking, play dough, trains, lego and such. I love when he says "mummy you're my best friend" especially when I know he means it and come at such unexpected times.
I think its funny that he is 4 in year 2014...

 The youngest amongst boys here is our little Zac scootering on his scooter////and even he has a bigger one now next one up he refuses to use it as he generally holds on to what he knows best!

 

If I had to say one thing about this boy is he loves his food. He can tell me when his hungry and he can make his own food pretty much. He loves vegetables, fruits, all sorts and he really is a massive cereal eater! He also always has an idea of what he would like which I find amazing!

 We had been to London with Reuben to see some landmarks and my little soldier got so tired by the evening. He persevered and did so well. We had no buggy and did a lot of walking.

 His other best friend is Reuben....he loves loves his brother. Copies him, laughs with him and plays with him. He really does look up to Reuben so much sometimes he is annoying Reuben but I am so impressed how well they started playing together.

 KFC and this my friends is his 3rd corn on the cob! He loves them and I love him for being such a good eater he makes us all want to eat unstoppable really.

 I know he is smiling in this photo but this must have been one of the most unpleasant hospital visits I had ever had with Zac. He has been there to investigate some problems with his bowels and we came back with a bagful of medication....I hope my little gorgeous monkey will be soon able to get over this horrible problem.....its not been easy!

 And well due to a horrid episode of croups we had managed to loose the dummy. Its been coming for a while but I did not want to upset him. He has been up and down and had so much on his plate and although I knew it was time to maybe try loosing the dummy it wasn't until one night he was fighting croups that I decided this might be that one good opportunity to ditch the dummy. I was in so much agony but I did the deed. After a whole day of not having a dummy I had cut the top of and told Zac the mouse has eaten the dummy. He seemed to think that was funny until he actually felt like needing it and realised its not suckleable....:) He then cried and cried and we comforted him that evening for over half hour before he fell asleep. My heart was aching but the two main reasons were 1 the dummy was old and very much disintegrating (and they no longer make these dummies), 2 - he was nearly 4 and it actually stops him breathing properly. So second night he cried for 20 mins then less and less and its been about a week and its all better. I am sad to see these go he looked so cute with them. Funny but since he stopped having a dummy he is a real chatterbox and I am loving him even more. Never thought I would conquer this one.

Nearly 4 years old Zackie is the joy of my life but currently the pain of my life with massive tantrums and huge screaming sessions. he is frustrated but also suffering with bowels something that I always allow for but makes my work so difficult. He is enthusiastic and often very lovely and polite. We are very proud that he has adapted relatively well to our new routines and has been mastering Mindcraft like a pro after a week of observing Reuben...now they play together and conversation is brilliant,
Yes he still is in nappies but its not that simple. We are treating him for a serious problem with his bowels and until that is over we are encouraged to keep his nappies. I am working on boosting his confidence and teaching him the skills he needs to have to conquer this problem too. Having children is the most difficult work I had been ever doing....I love it and often hate it...but my kids Zac is my world!!  this week especially its remembering how far we have come and what mountains we had to climb....we got there and he has enriched our lives so much. I would have never ever forgiven myself if I would have had to terminate my pregnancy with him.....

Currently planning his 4th Bday party and looking forward to it big time!