The Fat Lady Has Sung

The difficulties between Zach and Miranda's mother and I have, at long last, been resolved - and quite favorably to me by the way. Although I haven't published the entries (for obvious reasons), I have written extensively as this divorce fiasco has plodded along. Fortunately, Blogger has some features that are perfect for situations like this and the entries have all been saved in my archives with all the images and formatting, all post-able with a single mouse-click - cool huh? The reality is that I will not bother, as the therapy was in the writing not the posting and no good would be served. I will simply go back and reread them every now and then when I need to be reminded of where I came from.

To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. ~ Robert M. Pirsig

Now it is time to pause and reflect - to "selah" (see my post of Friday, December 22, 2006 for the reference) if you will. Mostly, I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and raising me some kids.

Peace and love to all of you who have stood by me so loyally. Many thanks - Mark.

Blue Ribbon Bumble

Zach's principal informed us yesterday that Zach was nominated for the YAI Profiles of Excellence Award this year and has indeed won. This is an award that is given annually, to consumers / children in YAI programs, who have made significant strides and progress. This year there were 6 awards - four for adults and only 2 for children. His teacher Jessica nominated him.

Someone from YAI will be coming to the school to take some photos of Zach (and the proud parents) and perhaps ask us some questions. They may also be making a short video clip. This should take place on April 4th, 2008 at 10 am.

GO BUMBLEBEE!!!

Startling Likeness Methinks

About two weeks ago, Miranda did her first portrait of Daddy and I thought I'd share it with you all - I think it is amazing! Now, you may be wondering why I have four legs, and .... I don't know? It is an interesting peek into the mind of a three year old however.

Birthday Party Monkeyshines

This past weekend was witness to another action-packed episode of Monkeyshines. We did the usual Sensory Gym thing Saturday morning then went to a birthday party at our friends Sinead and Maisy's house. Miranda wore her pretty new pink party dress (she said that she looked like Cinderella) and Zach was a big hit with the other rugrats with his portable DVD player. We decorated party hats and played pin the tail on the unicorn.







On Sunday, we went horseback riding (Zachy rode Zippy, a huge horse) and then went swimming on Sunday evening at one of the local high schools. Sheesh! ... I'm getting tired just thinking about it.

Haircuts, Glasses, Etc.

This past week was kid maintenance week which meant haircuts for young Miss Miranda and also for shaggy young Master Zechariah. We went to the Mane Event and watched videos and played on the car-chairs while the offending locks were removed.


































































































After the haircutting extravaganza, we went over to 5th Avenue to have Zachy fitted for glasses - apparently he is far-sighted. He will look very distinguished in his new specs once he has adjusted and figured out how to wear them... and stops making goofy faces.

Deep Freeze Monkeyshines

These yummy pictures are from a couple of week ago durring a regularly scheduled episode of Monkeyshines. I still have several snowballs carefully preserved in my freezer, so I know that it wasn't just a pleasant dream.

Miranda & Daddy Visit The Dinosaurs

This week was school vacation week and Daddy took some time to spend some special time with each of our favorite little people. Wednesday, Daddy took Miranda to the famous Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. We saw lots of amazing things including animals, interesting artifacts and even a giant blue whale. Miranda informed Daddy which of the creatures were likely to bite and we had a lovely time. Of course the little miss crashed in the stroller about two minutes after exiting the establishment, clutching the sparkling pink bracelet that she had picked out from the gift shop.

Daddy's special time while Zachy presented no real photo-ops but we had a nice time at the toy store, hanging out and talking about guy stuff.

Mid-Winter Monkeyshines

We were kind of trapped inside during our last visit, so Daddy decided that a couple of art projects were in order. We made some beautiful sculptures out of popsicle sticks and glitter. Zachy did some great work with Thomas stickers and Daddy's front hall art gallery continues to expand.

Miranda has started pooping on the potty and Zach is almost there - it's hard to imagine an end to the diaper era, but it's almost here.

Miranda has taken to singing Twinkle Twinkle, only with the following lyrics: "twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you UNDERWEAR!" She thinks that this is just hysterical... and... it kind of is. Perhaps my sense of humor is improving?

Anyway, all is well in monkeyland - I hope the new year is working out well for all of you.

Cowboy Zach

Zach has been taking horseback riding therapy on Sundays, which will last for a total of ten weeks (I believe that this Sunday will make week number 4). So far the horses have not been overly terrified of our little guy and Miranda may even get a pony ride out of the deal.

Horses in Brooklyn - who knew?