Moving

We are getting ready to move again.   I've been walking around in a total funk today, blaming my book, blaming dehydration, blaming everything except for the people who deserve to be blamed.  My lame friends.   My lame friends who have made Boston home.  My lame friends who I have laughed with, parented with, and cried with.  My lame friends whose children pray for me and my baby by name each night.  Those are the sorts of lame friends I have been blessed with here in Boston.  Ones who only become lame when our lives separate and they require me to try to figure out how to make our lives work without them.

Jack's been a total mess this past week too.  Falling to the floor, crying over every little thing.   Today Jack told me how sad he was and how much he was going to miss Zack.  Turns out the little fellow thought Zack was moving tomorrow along with some of our friends to Michigan.  Without us.  I reassured him that Zack was our Papa and our home would always be with him.  And that's when I realized I would have been falling to the floor and crying over every little thing too if I thought Zack were moving without us.  So instead I try to remember how blessed I am to be so in love with my husband, and how blessed I am to be so in love with my son, how blessed I am to be so in love with this new life kicking around inside of me, and mostly how blessed I am that where ever life takes us in this world, we will go together.

But for today moving's lame.  And having the kind of friends that make our hearts hurt to leave is even lamer.  But we love them.  Lameos.

HBS Graduation 2011

My family.  Two words and two people that melt my heart like no others.  It has taken all three of us working hard to make it through these demanding years, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.   The first time I saw Zack in his cap and gown at graduation I totally started crying.  Leave it to me to not consider an occasion sentimental until I am overwhelmed at how life changing these small moments are.  I am so in love with him, so proud of the man that he is, and so grateful for all he is in our lives.    Here are a few additional pictures of graduation and the events leading up to it.

The amazing city that we have called home for the last two years. I am so grateful that we got to stay long enough for spring to come again to Boston and remind me how beautiful this city truly is.

Taking the official Michael Christensen Tour of Harvard Undergrad (Believe it or not it was my first tour.  Checked it off the list just in time!:))

A few of us at Zack's celebratory Graduation dinner at Legal Seafood.  He entertained the kids with all of the claws from his meal.  And yes, I am as exhausted as I look in this picture.

The ceremony was held right in front of Baker library.

One of my personal highlights was that Jack got to walk across the stage and "graduate" with Zack. 
I think it was a perfect ending to this experience because those graduating with kids deserved to be most proud of this moment because they found ways to be students and parents.

Zack and his parents. 

It was definitely an event worthy of such a huge family gathering.

More family shots

It wouldn't be a family gathering without a jumping shot.  I am continually amazed at Rachel's ability to get so high.  Love Jack's jump too.

Jack's surrogate family, the Whitakers.  These kids spend so much time at one another's houses that I think they are going to go into shock when they move to Michigan and we move to California.

I will forever be grateful for this experience.  It was such an adventure, and we have loved our time here. 

This is the hat that they gave Jack after he "graduated" with Zack.  That's exactly what he's been for the last two years, an HBS Kid.

Jack's Papa

Jack's papa is special.  I think anyone who meets him can tell he's a different sort of fellow.  With his "have a great day" and his willingness to see the good in everyone he makes Jack and I proud every day we get to be his family.

Yesterday Zack learned he got Second Year Honors.  That combined with his First Year Honors means he will be graduating with distinction at Thursday's ceremony.   He also learned that he was one point away from a Baker Scholar (high distinction). 

When Zack found out he got into Harvard Business School, we were flooded with stories of couples and families who drifted apart during the demanding HBS years.  So Zack and I came to Harvard with a different goal then I imagine most first years arrive with.  To leave HBS a stronger and closer family then when we arrived.  Over the last two years I have seen Zack work hard, succeed in class, and work even harder to be a father and husband.

So while HBS will be honoring him at graduation on Thursday with distinction, Jack and I will be giving him our highest distinction as a father and a husband!  He really is the best.

We are so proud of you Zack for all you have accomplished and for making us feel first in your life each and everyday!   We can't wait to see what comes next!

And the Verdict is in...

Jack is slow.   I know that must seem impossible given his speedy father, but those of you who have ever taken a walk with us just to have to wait, and then wait again for Jack to catch up to us even though younger kids are keeping up just fine, will have no problem believing me.   So given his biological inclination towards being slow, Zack and I have come up with ways to encourage him to be faster.  One such way is to make everything a race.  The kid might be slow, but he does not like to be beaten, especially by his mom.  So it's a race to the front door, a race to the car, a race up the stairs.  He doesn't always win, but when he does he celebrates his accomplishment with a hearty,

"Boys Rule, Girls Drool"

We found out last week that there is going to be a whole lot of more that chant in our households come October!

For those wondering if we were disappointed to find out we were not having a girl -- Absolutely not!  I think both Zack and I sighed a huge sigh of relief in fact.  Jack has been such a blast and we couldn't be happier that we will add another boy to our small family!  Jack on the other hand was pretty disappointed.   He really was hoping for a little sister.  After a week of us coming up with cool things about having a brother and not a sister (ie sisters dont like motorcycles or football or super mario) Jack is starting to be excited about having a little brother.

Jack Goes to the Hospital

Not to be out done by Curious George, Jack decided he should spend the night in the hospital too.  

Actually 5 days of throwing up, not eating and not being able to keep enough fluids down we decided we needed to make a trip to the Emergency Room.  It was not a decision that we came to lightly because although our last visit to this ER in Boston included 4 hours of waiting, cool family face masks, and Jack's statement that the ER is really a great place and could we come back the following night and play more Monopoly with the other kids in the waiting room, it did not actually include ever seeing a doctor.  Zack was wary or repeating the experience, but having had to go to the ER for the stomach bug myself a few times, I knew the joy that an IV bag full of fluids can bring enough that I couldn't willingly keep him from it any longer.  

When we got there there was only 1 other person waiting (yes the four people I ran past to get in front of in line at the registration station probably hated me) but I was a seasoned veteran.  Not as seasoned as the girl who came in behind us and got a room first thanks to her throwing up on the floor, but seasoned enough to stop keeping the water from Jack like the nurse suggested.  Two sips, and he too had thrown up and was being shown his own room.  

Now we might not be fans of the Boston ER waiting room, but I will say that once we got in they treated us wonderfully.  They have a games lady who came in and brought games and videos to Jack and helped him not be scared of the IV by explaining everything to him beforehand.  She even came and gave him a huge car toy to take home with him when he was done.  He was too sick to play her Ipad games, or want to watch a video, but we appreciated it all the same.  

A few minutes after the Zofran and fluids started making him feel better

After about 30 minutes of Zofran and fluids Jack became so chatty.   So, not everything that came out of his mouth made sense, but he was tickled by it all.  About an hour into the fluids, Jack said this trip to the ER was even more fun then his last.  As a fellow-Zofranee I can attest that Zofran is always much more fun then monopoly.  :) (Zack doesn't agree)

They kept him in the exam room for a few hours until his blood work came back.  At that point the doctor came in and said his levels were just too low for them to let him go home tonight.  She admitted him into the hospital so they could continue to monitor him and keep the IV fluids going throughout the night.  I think in total they pumped 4 bags of fluid into his little body.  He woke up the next morning exhausted, but asking for sausage.  

The nurses agreed that if he took it slow he could have two sausages.  He spent the rest of the day asking for more sausage, which under the doctor's orders we couldn't provide.  He decided to go another route and declared, "Turns out I do run on Dunkin Mom!"  Followed by a request to get a donut on the way home.  They finally released us about 4pm the next day and after a stop off at McDonald's for a cheeseburger, nuggets, and fries (which didnt get eaten) and Dunkin Donuts for a sprinkled donut (which also didn't get eaten) we came home and he and I went to bed.

Jack woke up this morning asking for sausage and french fries.  I think he's going to be ok.

The Lower Lights -- Upcoming show in Utah, 4/22

Hi Friends and Family,

This is Zack. I'm making a quick blog post to let you know about a great music group and album. They are called The Lower Lights.

I love that the music makes me feel good... the lyrics are inspirational old hymns that this group has revisited with great results. I love listening to the album and put it on when I want nice sounding music that helps bring a calming influence.

They are having a concert in Utah on Friday, April 22nd. Click here for more information. I'd go if I were there. So if you are there, you should go too!

Have a super day!
-Zack

ps. I have some posts about my marathon training that I'll add soon...

Christmas 2010

This year Christmas (and Santa) found us in Boston. We had been dreaming of a White Christmas but the snow didn't hit until after Christmas. I want to kick myself when I remember how irritated I was waking up each morning and not seeing snow. Kinda like the way I feel every morning since waking up to reports of more snow. But in December we couldn't wait for it!

To help get us in the Christmas mood despite the weather, we planned one Christmas activity or outing for the 24 days before Christmas. We went to local tree lightings and drove hours to Christmas themed amusement parks. Jack and I took a trip down to see my mom, and went on a Christmas lights hayride. We made several versions of gingerbread houses, even had a cross country gingerbread house contest over skype.

Jack at the Harvard Square Tree lighting ceremony.

At the Christmas themed amusement park. Man it was cold.

Ho ho ho says Santa Jack (at Ihop)

Playing snowless football games. Jack means business.

Zack spent nearly two hours making his house 3" house. Jack and I freestyled ours a bit more!

Our Christmas lights that are on all year long.

The additional Christmas lights that Zack hung to make deserted campus feel more festive! At one point I came in the room to find the top half of him out of view hanging lights while Jack watched. I freaked out. Heights and I do not mix.

We spent Christmas Eve with the Christensen family. It was wonderful to be in their home, to have an excellent meal, and participate in their family traditions. The best was the Nativity pageant, complete with costumes. I can't get enough of Jack the wiseman.

His big moment, presenting his gift to Mary and baby Jesus.

Finally Christmas morning came and Santa found us. I will never forget Jack's look when he saw the room covered in presents (the one time of year having a tiny apartment actually works for our benefit). But mostly I will never forget how my four year old, staring all those presents in the face, insisted on finding his presents to Zack and me and having us open our presents first. Man I love that kid.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Z for Pjs that fit two years in a row!

One happy camper

The Patriots helmet he had been dying for for months!

No one will notice if I just disappear for a while right?

An awful iphone picture but Monopoly had to be documented. The boys played for HOURS.

Zack formally introduced Jack to the idea that you get to eat as much candy or junk on Christmas as you want. In fact, you don't even have to ask for permission. Man, did Jack like that. I think he ate his weight in candy, but I'm happy to report that the day ended without a tummy ache for Jack. Now Zack, that's a different story all together...

Christmas was wonderful although we really missed family. Next year we will make that happen. But Christmas was wonderful mostly because Zack had six weeks off. We rarely were out of pajamas before 2pm each day. We played and enjoyed being complete slackers. We soaked up as much of Zack as we possibly could. At the end of Zack's time off Jack suggested that we move some place where I could keep working and support us so that Zack could stay home with us all the time. It actually sounds like a little piece of heaven. Too bad he didn't come up with that idea before we got into so much student loan debt! :)

A post 3 1/2 years in the making

This is the biggest news in the Zackrison household...

 

 And an explanation as to why I have been such a miserable recorder of our lives for the past few months.

I am now 14 weeks along and beginning to be able to function again.  To say that Zack and Jack have been my angels these past weeks would be a massive understatement.  Jack has played on his own from the moment Zack goes to class to till he comes home.  He brings me drawings of babies in bed and to lift my spirits and "to give me something to hold on to until our baby comes" (honestly he is the BEST kid). And I have slept, thrown up, and been miserable.  Zack has given up every non-essential thing in his life to be full time student, and stay at home mother.  He has done all the shopping, all the finances, all the cooking, all the keeping me alive.  

Having these two by my side gives me such hope for this new baby.

This child will be given the best examples of love anyone could hope for in its father and big brother.

And I remain, the luckiest.

Thanksgiving 2010

We decided to spend Thanksgiving in Boston since Zack's school schedule made it practically impossible to go anywhere else.  I was super excited because we had managed to get tickets to the Thanksgiving dinner with the Pilgrims in Plymouth.  It seemed like the perfect way to start our farewell to Boston tour. 

Zack with the MooFlower.  (Im not making these things up folks)

 To say that the event fell short of my expectations is a huge understatement.  It was billed as a historical journey back in town.  A period dinner with Pilgrims and Indians who never break character during the dinner while dining on food that was served during the very first Thanksgiving. 

What we didnt know was there were going to be 5 large ballrooms full of people also here to dine with the Pilgrims.  And we certainly didnt know that there were only going to be two pilgrims and two Indians that had to split their time between each of the ballrooms, leaving the rest of time just an awkward dinner with a ecclectic bunch of weird people.   I think the culminating event of the evening to show just how awkward of an experience it was, was meeting the male Indian.

Are you telling me that for $100 per ticket the only Indian they could find in the state of Massachusetts is this guy?  The picture really doesnt do justice to the fact that he is in fact in a motorized wheelchair.  Really?  For a period dinner?  Yes, he never broke character, but everything about him screamed I live in 2010.

The two Pilgirms singing us a song.

The meal was mediocre and Zack will be forever grateful to the Bowen family for inviting us over to share Thanksgiving dessert with them.  Zack took one look at their meal and began eating a real Thanksgiving feast first, and then dessert.   Our friends truly did make us ever so grateful for Thanksgiving.

I just paid Jack $10

To eat a single peanut m&m and secure his Zackrison family name.
Now that's what I call awesome parenting...

To be clear I started by offering $1 and he got me up to $10. I think he will follow in zacks business footsteps.

Quick Post #4 Ana's very first Sledding Trip

I'm thirty years old and today was my very first sledding trip ever.

Yes, that is a plastic bin lid.  High class all the way baby.

I have two favorite parts of this memory.  One, that Zack went down with me and kept me from breaking something, and two, that Jack pushed us down the hill.

How many people get pushed down the hill their very first time sledding by their son?

I'm a lucky, lucky lady.

Quick Post #3 The Snowman that Came to Life

Meet David.  Jack and Zack built him two days ago out of our first snowfall of the season. 

Each night we share with each other our best and worst parts of the day (thanks to the Rich's for this great tradition).  Two nights ago Jack said the whole day was his best part, but his worst part was too hard for him to talk about for a few minutes.  When we revisited the topic, Jack, head hung low, told us it was when he had to say goodbye to David the snowman.

The next morning Jack was anxious to visit David.  I got a bit ahead of the boys and saw that someone had taken our snowman's head, hat and scarf and made a new snowman a couple of feet away from where we left David.  I was immediately worried about how Jack would take the news and angry with whatever person was mean enough to decapitate a little kid's snowman.

When Zack saw what had happened, he immediately went into a story of how David must have come to life and moved during the night.  He made a game of it and Jack was elated to have built a real life magic snowman!

And I remembered all over again why I married Zack.  His optimism (among other things).  Sure it can infuriate me at moments when he tells people how blessed we are in life and all I want to do is scream "REALLY!!! Are you paying any attention to what we are going through???!!"

And then I realize that's just it, he is paying attention to what's really important and choosing to focus on that.  He is a testament of optimism and gratitude and I need that reminder in my life. 

This morning Jack woke up and wanted to go see how David made it through the night.  Did he find a new spot in the field?  Nope, overnight he GREW.

Before just a few feet tall

and After.  Wowza! (Jack and his friend Aruzhan)

We can't wait to see what magic tomorrow brings!

Quick Post #2 - The Day we cut down our Christmas Tree

We drove an hour out of town to a quaint little tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree New England style.  Our dear friends the Bowens were awesome and joined us on our adventure.

Things you need for a successful Christmas tree cutting down adventure.
1. The right shoes

I honestly thought I was making a good shoe decision that day.  I chose closed toe shoes which even Annee will attest is a HUGE step forward given my flip flop Utah winters.  :) Still, what the heck was I thinking?  I will just chalk it up to a California girl's mistake.  Christmas tree cutting down adventures require boots.  (maybe cute leather ones with heels? It's a process right?)

2.  The right pants

This trip will always be known as the day Jonathan's pants split.  Good times follow the Bowen family, that's why we hang with them. 

3.  The right tree

 4.   A Strong handsome man to do the hard labor.

No pants were harmed in the cutting down of this tree...

5.  A possee as sweet as mine to make memories with.

Quick Posts - Day 1

I am a super lame blogger.  I think of blog posts everyday and write them in my head and never get them down onto the computer.  So I am going to post one quick thing I meant to for the next 7 days to try to spark some blogging energy back into my life.

I want to remember the month when Jack was Mario.  He wore this costume day and night for nearly a month prior to Halloween.  It was one of those moments when I saw Zack in his delight that strangers were looking at him and commenting on how cool he was.  That's so not my shy away from notice personality.  I love him so much and am grateful that the man I love the most in this world is shining back at me in Jack too.

Harvard vs. Yale 2010

Even though I declared football games to be strictly father-son activities, I decided our last Harvard Yale game while at Harvard was momentous enough of a rivalry that I would join my boys for the game.

Jack loved the game (despite all contradictory photographic evidence)

After Harvard's awesome victory, Zack decided he and Jack were going to rush the field with the entire rest of the stadium.  See how high those walls are in the above picture?  Zack jumped down first and I saw Jack from a distance trying to fling himself over the wall too.   To Zack's credit he was only 10 feet below him trying to catch him.  To his discredit, he was 10 FEET below him!!!  I ran as fast as I could and grabbed my eager little fellow and helped lower him down to the field.  It was a fun day and a great way to help us start to say goodbye to Harvard, Boston and freezing cold football games!

Go Harvard!