The Zuch/Ketcherside Orchestra

While driving to the bank today, Max informed me of all the instruments that our family will play together.

Here's the line-up:

Violin- Max
Cellos- Mama and Opa
Flute- Uncle Mike
Trumpet- Daddy
Trombone- Will
Oboe- Rich
Clarinet- PopPop
Guitar- Omi
Tuba- Tati
Conductor and Singer- Gigi

So there you go! I bet you can't wait to hear us play.
:-)

Vienna

Today started out a little rough. It was just one of those days when you are in a funk, and there is nothing anybody can do about it. I honestly didn't know what was going on. Then I took a nap with my sweet 4- month- old and life was good again. I was tired and didn't realize it. After nap time, I looked at some pictures from home-Vienna. I was so excited to see familiar places. Then it just so happened that one of my best friends from Vienna was on facebook the same time I was. She called me, and we talked for about 45 minutes. She is a friend I have had since my childhood and someone I definitely consider a sister. We talked and talked about our kids. I haven't met hers, and she hasn't met mine, but it's like we have. I always get homesick after phone calls like the one I just had. But you know what? Instead of getting depressed this time around, I am going to be thankful to have tasted a bit of my Austrian side today, to have talked German, to have laughed with one of the best laughers I know, and to have seen a city that I consider home.

Question

Here is a question I have been pondering for a while, and now I am asking all you Mamas out there for your opinion. Where do you find the balance between serving your family whole-heartedly and not losing yourself in the progress? Let me clarify. I am realizing that I find some of the greatest joy in serving my family. I love to play with Max and see his obsession with trains go to new heights every day. I love the dimples in Will's face (and butt) and seeing him go completely stiff in anticipation and excitement. I love cooking meals and the smell of homemade bread wafting through our house. I love being Joey's wife and living life with him on my side. In many ways, I found a new me. In other ways, there are parts of me that are not being fully expressed. I love my Austrian side. I love to read. I am attempting to improve my writing, but not getting very far. I love to teach ESL. I love to exercise, although I can't really remember the last time I was all gross and sweaty due to exercise and not South Carolina humidity. I absolutely love traveling and being outdoors. I love good conversations over an equally good cup of hot tea. Not a lot of those things are happening right now. Is this just a phase of life? What do you think?

Sick

Sorry it's been a while. I've tried posting twice now, and it didn't work. Quick update: I'm sick, Will's sick and Max still has a ton of energy. Please be patient. I have some really cute pics to show you soon...hopefully.

All Aboard The Potty Train...

We are a week and 3 days into potty training. Honestly, I am amzaed and so proud of Max. He has done so well. We are still having some issues with going number 2 in the potty. But we did have a minor breakthrough in that category yesterday. I hope it becomes a trend.
Oh yes, he also had the exhilerating experience of peeing outside for the first time yesterday. He needs to practice that a little bit more though. I'm leaving that up to dad.
What really gets Joey and me excited is that Max takes naps and sleeps through the night in underwear now. Two weeks ago, I never would have thought that was possible, but it is. He hasn't had an accident yet. I'm sure there will be some at some point. I am just relishing the fact that my baby is growing up and doing such a good job at it. I just hope he doesn't grow up too fast.

All Aboard the Potty Train- Days 2 and 3

First of all an explanation of the title of this series. We were at the dinner table and somebody said something about potty training, and Max cracked up laughing. He probably saw a potty choo choo train in his mind when we said that.
Anyways, day 2 we only had one accident, which was almost on my bed. Luckily, he had climbed off before he went. Joey's Bible next to the bed on the floor didn't take a direct hit, but it was in need of a paper towel.

Day 3: We had a great day. We only had 2 accidents, one of which was tiny. His underwear was hardly wet, but he told me he had to go. The 2nd one was a massive pool of liquid on uncle Mick's floor (which Mick btw will not know until he reads this blog). We cleaned that one up really fast. The biggest challenge so far has been number 2. He hasn't gone at all yet, and we know he needs to go. So, we'll see what happens.

Interesting fact: My mom figured out that we are saving about 30 cents each time Max goes in the potty. Not a bad way to maybe start saving up for college.

We are very proud of our boy.

All Aboard the Potty Train- Day 1

Monday marked the official beginning of potty training Max. The day was a good start. My plan: get him to drink a lot of liquid (juice boxes are awesome), have cool underwear (Thomas the Train and Cars of course, duh), Hershey's Kisses and put him on the pot at regular intervals. The results: 6 accidents and around ten successes. We went through almost all of the characters in Cars by the end of the day. :-) We did have a Number 2 accident as well. I think that one is going to be the biggest challenge. However, I did take him to the bank with me while he was wearing underwear and it wasn't a problem at all. The day even ended with Max sort of telling me he needed to go. I am starting to understand that potty training is just as much about mom and dad learning how to pick up on the cues given by the kid and remembering to put them on the potty. Wish us luck!