La Dee Da Dee

Zach has discovered that his tongue can be used to make silly sounds that make grown-ups smile. "La Dee Da Dee" (also pronounced "laddle laddle") has become his standard greeting.

Book Worm

Much to the relief of Dad, Zach is learning to entertain himself for long periods of time during the day while Mom is at work. His number one interest, besides Mom and Dad and baths (okay so it's his fourth interest), is reading books. Trips to the library are a routine occurrence and he loves his colorful picture books. Dad even had to give up the bookshelf in the kitchen that he was using for his brewing books so Zach could have a place at eye level just for his books.

He often makes a bee-line from his bedroom to his bookshelf in the kitchen in the morning.

He loves looking at the pictures, even if they are upside down sometimes.

And he loves turning pages (so fast they look like a blur).

Books have been a big motivation for learning to stand, too. He studies his favorite books for long stretches while balancing against the Ottoman.

But mostly they just make him grin.

Picnic Pics

The day after Grandpa arrived Down Under we packed up the car and hit the road in search of adventure. Our first stop was the Grampians, a rugged cluster of mountains and rocky escarpments in western Victoria. We had enjoyed the area on our visit three years ago but the entire region was engulfed in bush fires (forest fires) shortly after our visit, so we were not sure what to expect this time around. Much to our surprise, the fires had revitalized the forest.



New leaves were growing directly out of the charred bark of the gum trees and the wildflowers were thriving on the forest floor.



Most impressive were the grass trees, which look exactly like their name suggests.



After a fire the plant sends up a stalk covered in flowers that can reach up to three meters high!



The humorous highlight of the day came during our picnic lunch. Zach was having a fine time enjoying his lunch with the grown ups. But poor Grandpa, who was still very jet-lagged at the time, was about to take a bite of his chicken when out of nowhere appeared a kookaburra who snatched the food right out of Grandpa's hands!



No doubt the kookaburra got a good laugh out of that spectical. We sure did!



At least the kookaburra was obliging enough to let us snap a few good pics of the iconic bird.



If you look closely you'll notice the kookaburra perched patiently in the tree above our picnic table.

After our picnic we hiked out to a breath-taking overlook. It looks like Grandma is holding onto her hat just in case another stealth kookaburra tries to make off with it.



Fortunately, Zach's hat has a chin strap!

Rock Star

Zach learned a few moves from his Grandma and Grandpa this past month. We don't know who was more entertained, Zach or his grandparents!

One thing is for sure, he loves an audience!

....And we're back!

For those of you who wondered if Zach Down Under had gone off line forever....no worries. We had Grandma and Grandpa Loge visiting us for the last several weeks and managed to keep ourselves very, very busy. We have had incredible adventures that we'll share with you over the next few weeks. To start with, Zach had many "firsts" this month.



Like his first train ride (to Melbourne with Mom and Grandma)



And his first taste of ice cream, thanks to Grandma.



And petting his first wallaby in Tasmania.

He also got to be very good buddies with his grandparents.



He enjoyed having early morning breakfasts with Grandpa.

And reading books with Grandma.

We treasured every moment with them and we're missing them tonight after dropping them off at the airport for their long journey home. Bon voyage Grandma and Grandpa. We love you!

Hooray! Election Day!

We haven't been able to wipe this grin off of Zach's face since Election Day. Maybe he's just trying to show off the new tooth, but we think it's because he's pleased with his new president-elect! Observing a U.S. presidential election while overseas was an incredible experience for us and gave us a new perspective on our country's role in the world. It seemed as though all of Australia--not just the few of us ex-pats--was waiting with anticipation for the election results to come in on Wednesday afternoon. Literally dozens of people at the hospital and medical school stopped Anna to ask about the election that day. The national radio station even interrupted their regular programing to broadcast Obama's acceptance speech in the middle of the day. Most Australians we talk to are simply amazed that Americans were able to put their differences and history aside and vote for Obama. It made us feel very proud to be a part of it. To celebrate, we hosted an election party and invited all the Americans we know over to our house for hamburgers, beer, and apple pie. Zach had a great time doing his best Uncle Sam impersonation, baby style.

Peek-a-boo!

I see you!

Naptime

Zach was sleeping so peacefully during his afternoon nap today. Curled up in a ball and cute as a bug. We just had to take a picture.

Don't you think he bears a striking resemblence to this wombat?

Unfortunately the flash woke him up.

He was NOT a happy bub. You can almost hear him crying. So sad!

(Notice Dad's new facial hair style. Ugh.)