Asking for Help

A couple months ago, Zach discovered a piercing scream which he used often to get our attention. Get our attention it did, and in order to stop the noise, it became his very efficient way of asking for help whenever he wanted something. We immediately learned a sign for help, and our training began. Zach realized remarkably fast the difference between the words "help" and "no". When asked if he wanted help, he would hand over the item to allow us to help, yet when we said no, he was off and running away from us with whatever contraband he had in his possession. And as soon as we introduced the sign, he caught on. Now he signs for help several times a day as you can see in the picture.... it is a wonderful way to decrease his frustration when he can't work a toy or wants to take off his shoes.

These days the only point of contention is that Zach doesn't understand why we won't "help" him open the toolbox, "help" lift him out of the stroller so he can walk around, and "help" him put on Sesame Street. Just yesterday he demanded that we "help" him get on his tractor to go for a ride.

It's so amazing for us to watch him express what he's thinking. He certainly seems to have a lot of opinions already!.....

Monkeying around on Mother's Day

On Sunday we visited the Oakland Zoo. Zach is obsessed with animals in books, so we thought he would get a kick out of seeing them in real life. The weather was perfect, and it was fun to walk around and observe the animals.

Zach only lasted a short while before he escaped from his stroller and could really explore. Of all the animals in the zoo, his favorite was the duck that he could chase. And the highlight for Zach was the playground just outside the zoo where he could practice his climbing and sliding skills. Nevertheless, it was a fun day and a great way to spend Mother's Day.

Shiver Me Timbers!

Ahoy, mateys! Zach experienced a buccanneer's life today at a friend's birthday party. He wasn't crazy about the hat and face paint, but he loved the plundering and playing with his mateys.

Last weekend Zach completed his first 5k run! Jenny hoped he would enjoy the views from his stroller, but Zach insisted on walking the last kilometer. At least they finished big- the final runners to cross the finish line in 1 hour, 8 minutes. Kevin ran the 10k in less time than we walked the 5k!

We really like Zach's professional picture here.

Deep in the heart...

The jarvii flew down to Austin, TX last weekend to attend Annie (Kevin's sister) and Jared's wedding. It was fun to see lots of family, meet lots more extended family, including great-Grandma Petropolus, and check out a bit of Austin. We indulged on delicious BBQ, fabulous Tex-Mex, and some wonderful homemade Greek treats.

Zach found a new best friend in Myrtle:

Zach had been practicing lots of dance moves for the event, including the one-legged stomp, the 8-point spin in a circle, and slapping his hands on his thighs.... He was ready for the dance floor with his crazy plaid pants.

We had been teaching Zach to shake people's hands in preparation for meeting so many people. At first he didn't quite get it because he only wanted to shake hands of the people he knew.... When he finally realized how it worked, we couldn't stop him shaking anyone and everyone's hands.... Perhaps he has a future in politics?