Viravec Family Blog

This year Jake and I decided to take a road-trip out East since neither of us had visited that area with the exception of a few states.  Jake worked long and hard on a route that would take us thru 17 states and part of Canada.  We ended up being gone for 13 days and drove 3,110 miles!  Both Zach and Brooklyn were great travelers.  Don’t get me wrong, there were moments Jake and I wanted to pull our hair out, but for the most part the kids were pretty easy.  Zach loved the hotels!  Within 5 minutes of us opening the door to the room, Zach had already checked out the phone, remote for the TV, air conditioner and the dresser drawers.  He would run from one end of the room to the other over and over.  Zach also became a night owl on this trip sometimes not going to bed until midnight and one night 1am! 

Just enough space to see Brooklyn’s face

Zach was ready to go!

Our first night stay in Fremont, IN

This past weekend we took Zachary to Wisconsin Dells.  It was our first time away from Brooklyn for more than one night.  Tough at first to leave her at my parents, but we did enjoy the break from the baby

Zach, Jake and I had a great time!  We stayed at the Kalahari Resort.  There was an indoor and outdoor waterpark, an amusement park, and lots of places to eat.  It was a great place to stay.  As always, Zach loved being in the water.  He did have a hard time walking and playing since he had to have a life jacket on the whole time.  It was so fun to see him play with his friends, Addie, Isabelle and Jake the whole weekend.  The kids never wanted to take a break.    We can not wait to go again.

Jake and Zach floating in the Lazy River

A ride on the Wisconsin Dells’ Ducks.  He enjoyed the ride.  We were in the back of the boat, so we did get wet when we entered Lake Delton.

Zach and Addie riding hand in hand.  Earlier at dinner they fed eat other pizza.

Addie, Isabelle and Zachary all ready for bed looking so cute in their jammies

Our little Brooklyn is two months old already!!  We can not believe it.  She is such a doll.  She is very alert and loves to look around.  She still has dark blue eyes, so we will see if they stay that color.  Brooklyn is pretty strong for her age too.  She holds her head up really well and certain times she stands on her two legs without them buckling.  She is still a crier…some days are better than others.  The “bad” days drive Jake and I bonkers!  Brooklyn just loves to be cuddled.  She is getting better at sleeping 4-5 hours at a time during the night.  If we can get 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, we feel like a million bucks the next day.  Other nights she is up every 3 hours to eat.  I did weigh her at home and she now weighs approximately 10lbs 6oz.  Not sure if I was using the scale correctly, could be more or less.  She has moved onto 0-3 month clothing, but does still fit into some of her newborn stuff.  She also started to wear size 1 diapers.  Last week she started to smile and she has the most beautiful smile!!!!  I can not wait to capture one in a picture.

We love you very much pipsqueak, but please start sleeping thru the night soon!!!!

Zachary, Brooklyn and myself had a few of my college friends over for lunch, swimming and playing.  It seemed like everyone had a great afternoon.  The kids really enjoyed swimming and playing in the play room.

Happy 20 Months Zachary!!!  How can it be in just four short months we will have a two year old????

This past month has been a busy one for us.  It seems like we are outside playing or swimming just about every day.  Zachary can spend hours outside “exploring” and playing.  He is becoming quite the little swimmer.  We have started to practice jumping off the side of the pool into our arms.  Zach always has a big smile on his face.  He does really good with not going near the big pool without an adult by his side.

Zach has finally gotten used to his new room and will sleep all night long without Jake or I in there with him.  We put away the futon mattress that was on his floor and he now sleeps all night in his toddler bed.

We can tell that Zach has been growing.  He can now reach things on the counter-tops, his highchair and our kitchen table.  Nothing is safe now!   He is now a climber!  On and off the couch all by himself!!!  He is also super brave and will go up and down the stairs by himself.

Zach has become quite the little helper.  He loves to put stuff for us in the garbage and recycling, helps put away pretzels and boxes of cereal and is very good at helping put Brooklyn’s pacifier back in her mouth.  He gets the biggest smile on his face when he does a task and we clap and say “good job!”

We love you little buddy!!!

Tinley Park hosts a Caribbean Block Party every July.  This was the first time I have ever been able to go since I have lived here.  It was super hot and crowded, but we made the most of it.  Poor Brooklyn was so hot and sweaty after an hour because I had to keep covering the stroller to make sure she did not burn.  Zach’s face was super red and he looked worn out when we left.  Good thing Grandma and Grandpa Viravec lived super close so we could go there and cool off.

Zach and Brooklyn joined their cousins for a movie in the park Saturday night.  Surf’s Up was playing.  The park district sets up a big screen in the train station parking lot and everyone sets up chairs and blankets to enjoy the movie.  Grandma V brought all the kids glow in the dark bracelets which Zach thought was pretty cool!

My parents brought their neighbors, Madi, Maci and Myli up to swim on Saturday.  We had perfect weather to splash around all afternoon.  Madi, Maci and Myli had no fear when it came to jumping into the deep end.  Myli, who is 2, even jumped off the diving board all by herself!  We tested out floaties on Zach and he seemed to like them.  He could just float around the pool all day if we let him.

Teaching Zach that he always needs to be safe around water even if it just the baby pool

Our friends, the Guzman’s, came over Friday afternoon to take a dip in the pool.  Zach and Isabelle had so much fun swimming and playing in the backyard.  Zach even slept with a picture of Izzy that night in his bed

Izzy looks like she could be the Queen of the Pool

Taking a break to mow the lawn

Same day, different angle…now she looks like our Brooklyn

Zachary and Brooklyn met their friends, Taylor and Ava, for lunch at Rainforest Cafe.  Zach was not too sure of the alligator greeting guests in the front, but otherwise he liked looking at all the animals inside.  We even got a table next to one of the fist tanks.  The kids (and adults) had a great time!

Notice my version of a double stroller–ha!  Zach loved it and sat there so good as we walked thru the mall.

Brooklyn really isn’t this chubby in person   The headrest really emphasizes her double chin