Christmas Traditions

When Nico was born, we decided to start Christmas traditions with him and even though Bryan has made fun of me up until this year....I have had a lot of fun with Nico and the different traditions we started. Our first tradition, was started last year of opening one gift on Christmas Eve and every year we have gotten Nico new jammies to wear for Christmas Day! I also started tracking Santa and this year, Nico really got into watching the videos and watching how excited Mommy was. Then of course we had to put out cookies and milk for Santa, and a carrot for the Reindeer...can't forget them! And finally, right before bed nothing else but reading "The Night Before Christmas" and then off to sleep waiting for Santa to come and bring Nico too many presents....LOL!

I am hoping by having these traditions it will make Nico look forward to Christmas and doing these traditions year by year. I know it's important to me, and I definitely look forward to them all next year. We had a great Christmas, and been nothing but truly blessed with such a special little boy, who warms your heart everytime he looks at you with those Baby Blues!!

Santa Came, Santa Came!!!

Tracking Santa on Norad

Reading "The Night Before Christmas"

Putting out cookies for Santa

Opening Christmas Jammies on Christmas Eve

Until our next adventure.....New Years Eve...........

Kel

Week 4: December 26th


We'll it's been such a busy week, but definitely worth it! Hope everyone's Christmas was as wonderful as ours! With that said....I am thankful for:

1. Family, and great friends. Spending time around the holidays helps us remember how much we love you guys!

2. Santa Claus, and tracking him on Norad tracking on Christmas Eve. Watching Nico get into watching all the video's was so much fun!

3. Matchbox cars, washable crayons, markers and finger paints....oh how everyone will love Nico's pictures for their fridge!!!

4. Airplanes, how grateful we are that Bryan's sister and family could spend the entire weekend with us without much traveling.

5. Christmas cookies, oh how I haven't eaten to many and will definitely be dieting!

6. Wii's, how much Bryan wanted it and the look on his face when he got it, like a kid that got a new shiny bike he asked for!

7. Days off, for once Bryan actually got to spend the entire Christmas day with us.

8. New years, 2009 has been a trying year for all of us....2009 is gonna be our year!

9. For 2 year olds, how special this Christmas has been to have and to watch his face light up at all the presents he didn't want to open but did!

10. Batman pj's, how much fun it was to watch Nico wear his new pj's and yell BATMAN!!! I'll have to post a picture!

11. For the best photographer in the world, everyone loves Nico's Christmas pictures and Christmas cards!!!

Happy New Year!! Can't wait to read everyone else's A of G this week!

Until next time........

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Santa is now in Virginia and is heading to our house VERY soon!!! April, he right by you and ready to sliver down your chimney to put all those wonderful gifts for your 3 little ones!!! Although, I don't think we ever talked about if you had a chimney, but I am sure he'll find a way in! Haley and Lauren, don't you worry Santa has already landed at your house and the presents are just waiting for you to wake up....very soon!!!

This has been the best Christmas Eve yet, Nico loved watching Santa deliver presents all over the world via http://www.northpole.com/ and we read the Night Before Christmas, opened his Christmas Eve jammies and after putting him down, we watched a Christmas movie, Fred Claus. What could be better spending Christmas with the one's you love the most, and even though Nico won't wake up tomorrow asking about Santa, watching him open his presents and seeing the glow in his eyes will be the best present ever!!!

To all my family and friends, watch out Santa coming our way very QUICKLY!!! Pittsburgh, PA 2 minutes until he is here.......HE'S HERE at 11:29PM.....Kait and Kourt don't worry he hasn't forgotten about you either!!!!

Enjoy tomorrow with your little one's because before we know it, we'll be doing this "cheesy" stuff with their kids and they'll say comme Mom aren't we to old for this???

Merry Christmas!!!!

Until Nico's next adventure.............

FUN WEEKEND!!

Nico had such a fun weekend this past weekend with his cousins, Aunt and Uncle. Nico keeps saying Lauren, Lauren....they played together all weekend, I bet that Lauren was glad to be home and stop being followed by a 2 year old!!!

First, the weekend started off with a fun day, with Haley and Lauren chasing Nico around and then it was off to my families Christmas get together. We ate to much, had a fun ornament exchange and visited. It was a nice quiet evening, filled with good food and good company. A great way to start off Christmas week!

Then on Sunday we were off to Disney on Ice at the Quicken Loan Arena in Cleveland, the drive was long but well worth it! Although I am not sure the Mandakunis family thought walking through the subzero temperatures with the wind from Lake Erie was, but I think they had a great time. I know Nico loved it, especially the Cars part plus he loves Mickey Mouse and just kept saying "Mouse". It cracks me up!! Of course I would post pictures, but my camera's batteries were dead and of course I forgot to through some in my purse! But Aunt Adriane got some really good ones, once I get those I'll post them! At intermission, of course the spoiled child, Nico or maybe Mommy....had to go downstairs to the souvenir tables and buy Nico a cool spinning light....just what every 2 year old needs, right??

On Sunday afternoon, it was off to Great-Grandma's to have our Christmas dinner filled with more food and fun! Nico played with his cousins, and had fun running around and playing with his new toys! He especially like the fan that lit up as it turned, and his projector that played Toy Story and had pictures of animals. He won't let that one go and makes Mommy and Daddy keep changing the disks!

Sadly, on Monday they left, but everyone had a great time and we can't wait for them to come back or us to fly down. I especially am excited about flying down to see the Atlanta Aquarium that Terri told us about! So as sad as it was for them to leave, we are definitely glad they came and can't wait until the next visit here or there!

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!!!

Hope Santa is good to each and everyone of you!

Until our next Nico adventure.........

Right before Christmas and all through the house, not a imperfection to found anywhere in sight...OK that was a little cheesy, but that's all I have is cheesiness!!! Is that even a word?? We'll add that to the dictionary of Kellism......I know I am so hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!! So with Christmas two days away............

I certainly do have all my gifts bought and wrapped, of course I started back in September!!!! And I am still certainly not going to unwrap Nico's gifts to re-wrap because that would be wasteful...NO NOT ME!!!

I could never sit here at almost 7, child unfed and watching my 2 year old playing in paperclips while sitting on the desk while I write this post....No way!!

When company was here this past weekend, I certainly made all homemade meals and never could of EVER taken them out almost every meal.....gosh that would never be me!!!

I certainly wouldn't try to think of every excuse to not go outside these last couple of days because it was zero degrees here, how could I do that with all the family events?

After Disney on Ice of course I fed my child a healthy and balanced meal, no way would I have let him eat half a box of popcorn for lunch with lemonade.....what kind of parent would do that??

And lastly, I never in a million years would ever leave a load of laundry in the washer, smell it and think it's ok and not re-wash....EWWW, no way!!!

Well there you have it my non-imperfections, hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and enjoys every minute of it with their family and friends. I know I will!!!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Sorry I am little late, but better late than never....right?? Actually I had every intention of doing this yesterday at work, but can you believe they locked me out of posting...I know I was shocked too, they want me to work!!!

So with no further adue....Week #3 of A of G

1. Desitin, I am expectually grateful it doesn't stain...don't ask the pictures will be posted on another post.

2. Family, how great is it that during the holidays everyone seems to come together and actually enjoy each other.

3. Santa, who isn't grateful for Santa??

4. I am definitely grateful it didn't ice as much as they thought it would and I got to work on time and safe.

5. Christmas lights, Nico loves Christmas lights and everytime he sees them he lights up!

6. Computers, how did we EVER live without blogs, facebook etc or even just the internet.

7. Texting, I have found my new electronic love...now it's time to get a keyboard phone!

8. Athena, even though she is a pain in the butt...the unconditional love and snuggling she does is awesome even at 9 years old.

9. Disney on Ice, I am so excited and can't wait to see Nico's reaction when he sees all the characters on the ice especially Lightning McQueen!!

10. Disney Movies, when you need to get something done...like this post, ha!!...how much does it help to put a movie in and complete the task?!?!?

So there's my this week's list, not glamorous, but there is definitely many things to be grateful for in our lives!!! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and that Santa is good to you!~

Until next time.........

I am so excited and if Nico understood I bet he would be too!!! On Sunday we are going to Disney on Ice at the Gund...oh sorry, Quicken Arena!!! Nico saw the ad on TV and was really excited about the Lightning McQueen character and when he saw Mickey of course he said mouse, and I really wanted to go too! I know I am just a big kid at heart!!! So, since Nico's Aunt, Uncle and cousins are coming into town, I thought what a perfect opportunity for us to go!! Unfortunately as it always is, Daddy can't go but I am sure he'll be there in spirit, plus the million pictures that I take I am sure he'll feel like he is!!!

So like a kid, Sunday can't get here fast enough! Let's just hope I can find Quicken Loan Arena without to much trouble....but we all know me with directions, maps and anything else...I am sure somehow I'll get lost.......as my boss says I am map challenged!! LOL!

Until our next adventure......

Not Me Monday!

We'll it's that time again and since I couldn't do this at work today, here it is a little later than normal but it's still Monday, right?? LOL!

No way could I have ever gotten mad at my darling husband for saying the wrong thing when it was I who lost my cell phone for 24 hours and was freaking out because I hadn't written down the 40 some numbers I had stored...NO, NOT ME!

Or once again as Nico destroyed his room when he was suppose to be napping, and just let it go because what the heck obviously he is going to do it again! NO way!

Not a chance could I have waited until last week to Christmas shop and then drag Bryan to all those places he loves to go...I know he loves picking out ornaments and he would never ask are they really that price?? With my response would never be, of course not honey it's the economy prices went way up......Of course not!

I would have never unwrapped all of Nico's presents because my darling husband decided to help out and wrapped his gifts in Care Bear paper!?!?! No not me, I could never be wasteful like that!

So there it is my week's worth of being the perfect wife and Mom because of course I could have never even thought to do any of these things...LOL!~

Until next time...

***UPDATE***

My cell phone was found, thankfully my Aunt found it in the cushion of her chair!!! It's like Christmas day opening the best present ever!!!! I definitely need to do some back up of my numbers, I have learned my lesson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOST CELL PHONE

To all of those who read my blog, and were once in my cell directory..........I lost my stinking cell phone today, hopefully my Aunt will find at her house but not counting on it as we looked everywhere........how a cell phone gets feet, I don't know but it's completely my fault and now I am at a loss because my phone number lifeline was in that phone.

So with that said, anyone who has tried to call or text me today, I didn't get it and/or may never. So whoever reads my blog and I had your phone number, you know who you all are....please email me with your number so when I get my new phone next week, I can re-program them all.......so looking forward to that :(

Off to my cousin Joey's Christmas party!

Until next time..........

I found this on the internet when I was cruising around and thought it would be fun!!! And it was amazing how many actually applied to me...must of had to much fun as a once young person!!! LOL!!

1. Started your own blog.

2. Slept under the stars.

3. Played in a band.

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

7. Been to Disneyland.

8. Climbed a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis.

10. Sang a solo.

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.

24. Built a snow fort.

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a Marathon.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.

29. Seen a total eclipse.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.

35. Seen an Amish community.

36. Taught yourself a new language.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.

41. Sung karaoke.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theater.

55. Been in a movie.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China.

57. Started a business.

58. Taken a martial arts class.

59. Visited Russia.

60. Served at a soup kitchen.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Got flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.

65. Gone sky diving.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.

67. Bounced a check.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London.

77. Broken a bone.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible.

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Had chickenpox.

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury.

91. Met someone famous.

92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

100. Read an entire book in one day.

TWINS & TWINKLE, TWINKLE

When I read a post from one of my favorite blogs, Jennifer, you got me curious to look through Bryan's pictures and this is what I found....it astounded me how much Nico and Daddy look alike, almost like twins if you didn't see the clothes from the 70's on him!!! I think the picture on the left is like seeing his lost long twin, I could hardly tell the two apart. Which brought me back to when Nico was born and I kept saying in the hospital how much he looked like someone but I couldn't put my finger on it.....DUH, it was his Daddy!!! I guess when people say that kids suck the brains out of you, it's true and hopefully since Nico has mine and his, he'll be the smartest kid ever.....LOL!!! So I guess I have to come to the realization that he is his Daddy's child, and hopefully he at least got my personality or common sense, something has to be me...right??

What do you think, do you think these pictures of Nico are a mirror image of his Daddy??

On a totally different note, I was so excited the other day when after singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Nico since he was born, he finally caught on and now has his own version that he sings. Now it's hard to say my child is a genius, but how many two year olds can sing songs??? OK, so I remember that Kaitlyn could say her ABC's at 17 months or so, but who needs them anyway?? Singing songs and those Baby Blues who could resist for the next American Idol.....although that would mean I would have to watch the show......Here he comes, Nico winner of American Idol 2024.........

I crack myself up!!!!!!! Like Mom always said, "If you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at??"

Until next time...........

Here we are again, another addition of "Not Me! Monday" from one of my favorite Blogs to read, www.mycharmingkids.net. It's truly refreshing to see that other Mom's are just like me and at those times that I think I am being a bad Mommy, it shows that we all have our days and one day we'll sit back and laugh about all those mistakes we have made....I know I do even now! If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at??

So with that said.....................

I certainly didn't feed Nico breakfast at Gma's come home put him for a nap and then take him back to Gma's to make chocolates while not feeding him anything but peanut butter, cookies and whatever else he could find in Gma's cupboards....no NOT ME!!

Of course all the laundry was folded and put away, not sitting in baskets getting wrinkled while wondering if I ever turned on the dryer with the towels in it........I couldn't possibly! My laundry is always done, folded and put away!!

I never could of left the dog, Athena outside and went upstairs, and then left her outside in the cold longer than normal and thought.....is that Athena barking?? No not me because I am always on top of everything....LOL!

I could of never ignored the dishwasher or not swept up the mounting dog hair to finish this great book over the weekend. No not me, I would of never put Nico to bed, gotten a cup of hot tea, put my jammies on at 8 and went to bed!! No NEVER!!

Well I guess that's all for now, how refreshing to realize that of course I am perfect and would never do any of those things..........LOL!

Until our next adventure!!!!

Week #2

So much to be thankful for, so little time to write:

1. My son, who this week didn't destroy his bedroom at naptime and sat patiently for yet another picture I made him pose for.

2. My husband, who took little Nico to the Barber Shop all by himself and got his hair cut too!

3. My new washer/dryer that dries my clothes in what seems like seconds!

4. For my puppy, who has been so patient this week with Nico even when he is pulling her tail and running after her when all she wants to do is sleep!

5. To Nike, who make the cutest little Shox for Nico and in 3 more sizes will even personalize them!

6. For my job, who even though it's not what I want to be doing, at least it's still here after taking 2 leave of absences this year.

7. For comfy pj's that have kept me warm on these crisp nights....is it Spring yet??

8. For Christmas, the only time of the year that is magical and that is even more special since Nico was born.

9. For my hairdresser, Lauren, gosh she always can make me feel like a million bucks and will always tell me the truth, even when I insist something that doesn't work!

10. My car, that gives me 38 mpg in town and gets me where I need to go!!!

So as cheesy as my list is, I am definitely thankful for all of these things and more!!!

To my readers, I challenge you to come in for the fun and tell me and/or Jennifer what you are thankful for!!!

Until our next adventure......

Boy how time flies when you are having fun!!!

Can anyone believe that we will have been married:

10 years.....

120 months.....

3650 days....

87600 hours....

5,256,000 minutes....

315,360,000 seconds.......

I sure can't, time has flown by so fast it's hard to believe when you put it in this perspective how long, yet how fast it really went.

To continue with the numbers game....

In the last 10 years we have:

Lived in 2 states....

Moved 7 times....

Bought 2 houses...

Have had 2 pets....

Had 1 adorable little Boy....

Taken 1 vacation....

It's been a fun, but bumpy ride and I have to admit these have been the best almost 10 years of my life and I can't imagine spending the next 100 with anyone else. With all we have been through, only dating for a month before Bryan leaving for boot camp that we would be here today....better than ever!

Only 36 more days until our BIG 1-0!!!

Until our next adventure.............

Here we are again..another addition of freeing my mind and saying all those things I could of not possibly EVER done!!!

Never would I have let Nico once again have a cookie when he didn't finish his dinner and barely ate his lunch, no NOT ME!

No way could I have stayed in my jammies all last week because why get dressed when this is my final week off......

I couldn't have possibly not decorated the back of the tree that is up against the wall because who is gonna see it.........(I guess all my friends that come over, now :)

Could it be?? No way am I blogging at work when I have been here since 10/17 and have too much stuff to catch up on...no way, not me!!!

And finally, no way did Nico get the Goldfish bag and spill it all over the train table and no way could I have walked away thinking the dog will get it..........no not me, I certainly got the sweeper out immediately!!!

Happy Monday!!

Until next time.........

My friend Jennifer, got this idea of putting down at least 10 things I am grateful for and I think it's a wonderful idea!! So here goes my list:

1. Of course the obvious, I am grateful for my wonderful husband who has been through a lot this year and really stepped up when some would of walked away.

2. I am so grateful for my son who is the highlight of my day and amazes me continuously.

3. My parents who love me unconditionally, even if I am a pain in my Mom's butt sometimes :)

4. To my siblings and siblings-in-laws, who even though we might not always see eye-to-eye, you guys are important to who I am.

5. For my best friend, who believe or not has put up with me for the past 17 years and our true friendship began with a door slam I am so grateful for!

6. To my dishwasher who if I could hug, I would!

7. To all my other friends and family, I am so grateful you are in my lives and for being there when we needed you the most.

8. To my surgeon who could of butchered my hair not once but twice, but didn't, oh and who saved my life....

9. Caribou Coffee's, Passion Fruit Green Tea smoothie.......or Panera's Black Chai Tea Latte...YUMMY!

10. For all my nieces and nephews, all of you are special to me.....that means you too Kait and Kourt.

11. To my puppy, Athena...you shed to much but what would I do without you??

12. For Pampers Diapers....gosh I love these, and have NEVER leaked on me...even on a 4 hour car ride!!!

14. Sweetarts, oh how I love my sweetarts especially the one's Eric always seems to know when I need them!

15. OK, this list is getting long so I'll rap it up but to my Doctor's, especially you Kiki who even though my file is embarrassingly thick I am certainly thankful that all that put up with my complaining and hopefully with the next year approaching quickly, seeing you monthly is a thing of the past!!!

Thanks Jennifer, this definitely helped me remember who and what is important in my life, and I think we all should make lists like this to keep us in check. Life is way to short to not enjoy everyone and everything in it, I definitely have learned that this past year.

Until Nico's next adventure.........

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I thought in the spirit of Thanksgiving and before I run around to the three different places today that I would wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving!! Which got me thinking about how many things I am thankful for...

I am thankful for my husband, who has been wonderful this past year and never really complained about having to take care of me when I couldn't take care of myself.

I am especially thankful for my son, Nico, who I love and adore more than life itself and who continues to amaze me everyday.

I am also thankful for my family and friends who have stuck with me through this past year and have supported me through the good and the bad.

Last, but certainly not least I am thankful to God who has allowed me to survive these hard times and allow me to find my problems that could have turned into a bad situation but allowed me to realize that life is hard but fortunately I am still here.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Hope everyone enjoyed their day and that everyone takes a moment to be thankful for all the wonderful things in their lives.

Until next time!!!

A MYSTERY IN OUR HOUSE??

WHO COULD OF POSSIBLY MADE THIS MESS??

THE SUSPECTS:

MOMMY, ME?? COMME ON.....I DIDN'T DO IT!!!

NICO SAYS, ATHENA DID IT??

WHAT DO YOU THINK???

Mommy and Daddy think, some two year old not naming names wasn't sleeping when he was suppose too and this picture hasn't been the worst.....Before ever single piece of clothing was out from his dresser, the clean diapers were placed in the dirty diaper pail and all of his dirty clothes were mixed with clean ones....lets not forget the slider chair and the cushions and stool were misplaced.....I am not saying any names but I am guess the dog hasn't yet learned in her almost 9 years how to open drawers, but weirder things have happened...........

Until Nico's next adventure...or mess........

More time...

It is sad to say it that now that I am getting back to my normal self, I can't believe how much stuff can get backlogged in just 5 weeks. From toilet scrubbing to dog hair bunnies, it is never ending and not that Bry didn't try his best he was wonderful but now I look around and think......WERE DO I EVEN WANT TO BEGIN??? Actually I just want to walk out of the house and walk back in hoping it'll all be clean again. I guess the drugs are wearing off and reality is starting to set in that sitting on my butt for 4 weeks was really not fun and even worse now that I see how much I have to do and so little time I have to do it in!!! I know as people have always told me, "Don't sweat the small stuff", it's easier said then done. And poor Nico is so confused with Mommy and Daddy home all day for 5 weeks and tomorrow Bry is back at it and I go back on the 1st, I am sure he is definitely going to act out as any 2 year old would with so many changes in their routine as he had this past year. OK, I guess I should stop venting.......it's just dirt and as my Mom always told me..."God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt".......why I just thought of that, who knows!!!! I am crazy...

On a lighter note, I have found a really fun place to take Nico. My friend Kelly called the other day and asked us to go to Story time at the Plain Twp Public Library and although we didn't make it on time, Nico had so much fun in their Kids Area. Plus we got some new books to read, and even one that had pictures of Athena in it....we'll not really Athena, but he doesn't know that. He loves just to look at the picture and say "Mommy, Athena, Athena...see Athena??" It's too cute. He started saying sentences the day after my surgery, his very first sentence was after seeing my car...."I want my Mommy". When my Mom told me that I cried, I was excited that finally after months of waiting for words he was finally saying them in a sentence but in such a way that made me so emotional....I blame it on the drugs...LOL! So this weeks words are, Mommy or Namma, "What this?".....I guess it's better than "Why?", right???

Well better get to bed, my head is pounding and Nico got up early this morning so I better catch up on my beauty sleep.........I definitely need lots of that, LOL!

Until next time...........

I am back!!! Well we will see what the doctor says today, but hopefully he'll give me good news that I can pick up Nico again after 4 LONG weeks!!! Well here is another try at "Not Me Monday"....hope you enjoy!!

Even though I had brain surgery 4 weeks ago, I couldn't have possibly not gotten off the couch, showered or changed my pj's for 2 days in a row and just never left the couch for those days.....NO NOT ME!!

Nico couldn't have possibly worn his jammies all day and then Daddy was to lazy to change them and let him wear them one more night....NOT NOT US!!!

I couldn't have have let Nico just cry his little eyes out bc, Mommy it's not fair I have to go to bed at 10PM..............and then he feel asleep on the floor and we just let him go, no not us or the next night when he slept on the slider cushion...we couldn't possibly!!!

Well I know there's been more, but time has gotten away from me and maybe I need to start writing this stuff down......

Until next time!!!

Two year old's and bedtime...............

Well in Nico's world it's been a tough week. It began on Sunday afternoon when Daddy tried to put Nico to bed in his pack-n-play because that's the only place that he would sleep, but then it happened....he figured out how to crawl out of his pack-n-play, and it was on. First, Daddy thought ok if he doesn't want to be in his pack-n-play then we'll revert back to his big bed.....let me tell you that was a joke, he screamed, he yelled, he cried, and he even got the safety ball of the door handle that even I have a problem with. Then he was free..........well he thought he was free until Daddy caught him and then it was back to the repeat of the above and it was to the point of Daddy saying I guess no nap....but then oh my gosh, it was bedtime!!!! So here we are again not being able to put in his pack-n-play and he was extremely tired without a nap we thought this would be a snap............boy were we wrong. Daddy fought with him in his big bed, that didn't work, and then it was laying on the floor with Nico trying to have him fall asleep....we'll two hours later it ended up Daddy let him cry and after checking on him after two hours of quiet.......guess where he slept all night??? In his big bed with his blanket Daddy left on the floor for him. So not only did he climb on his bed, he grabbed his blanket on the way to bed and slept until about 5 am. Which wasn't what Daddy wanted, but now it's worked out to he sleeps in his big bed and is getting up later and later, today it was 7ish!!! And he started taking naps in his room so even though on Sunday we thought everything was lost and we were going to loose our minds, it worked out and hopefully we don't have to go through this again.........but now we are onto potty training.............please pray for us!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!

Until Nico's next adventure.........

I AM WELL SORT OF BACK.............

I know it's so hard to believe but finally, I am semi and I do mean semi back to normal....although it's been a tough week and half, I am starting to at least be able to sit at the computer desk for a short amount of time!!! So as most everyone knows surgery went well, and although I only expected to be in the hospital for 2 days, I actually ended up there for 4 and not because there was complications, I think they wanted to get my pain under control. Which was nice that they had me on a pain pump but was awful because if I feel asleep and didn't push the button every 10 mins or so I paid for it for hours.....but all in all the nurses were wonderful and everyone tried to help as much as they could. I thank those who came to visit me, and for those who couldn't I knew you were there in spirit which means the world to me. You know you learn who your true friends are in situations like this, and I appreciate and love each one of you.

But back to my recovery, it's been a slow process and the hardest part is not being able to hold Nico...bc what two year old wants to just sit there?? Not being able to play with Nico, not being able to pick him up when he whines for me, not putting him to bed or all the little simple things we take advantage of everyday. But Bryan has been awesome and has been taking very good care of us! So hopefully by the 17th when I follow up with the surgeon, things will become easier and easier and this stupid pain medicine that makes me loopy will be a thing of the past!!! Let's just all pray that my migraines are gone and my numbness and all this "stuff" will be finally a thing of the past!!!!

Until next time...........

SIGNING OFF....

So this is my last post for probably a couple of weeks, as most of you know I am going for my second brain surgery in a year on Friday. Which is kind of ironic because up until Nico was born via c-section in October 2006, I had not been in a hospital since I was probably 5 years old ....umm, oh yeah there was the military hospital incident that I try to forget....and then it seems that I turned 30 and went down the tubes. It's been a frustrating year, but I guess in some ways I should say it's been a blessing because I am still here and God had choosen a different path for me that has made everyone around me only stronger and taught me that in rough times, who is really important to me. So even though I am being strong for my son, who thankfully is only 2 years old and will never remember any of this but also for Bryan who for some reason puts up with my crap for last 13 years and continues to even though these hard times. And for my family and friends who have been there through the good and the bad, and keep being here for me I thank you more than words can ever say.

So, not that Nico won't keep having adventures these next couple of weeks and funny stories but know I'll be back bugging all of you before you know it and you'll have to hear whether you want to or not, another Nico adventure.....the true story of Nico teaching us what life is all about!!

Thank all of you in advance for your thoughts and prayers and for now I am signing off.....

Love and peace,

So this is my second "Not Me!" Monday and probably my last for quite awhile, but with the week I have had and the week I am going to have, I just have to for some laughs because we all know I could use some laughs right now.

I never could of have almost dropped Nico when I thought I broke my back picking him up and then crawled to the phone for help and he thought now it was a game Mommy and him were playing and then let him run around in the buff until Gma came to help.

I most certainly didn't give Nico fruit snacks at 4 am because he was up crying and begging for fruit snacks and then gave him another pack at breakfast because I was certainly not to tired to argue.

No way did I turn on cartoons and let him run around at 4 am and catch him 2 inches from the tv screen and thought I don't have the energy to fight with him today.

I surely didn't think I'll do last week laundry on Sunday and then only one load because I had no "under" stuff to wear and leave another load in the washer to be washed again tonight.

I never could of not made dinner again because there is something in the fridge and darnnet I am not the cook and the maid.

And I certainly would of never walked out of the house with Nico in his diaper only because he was fighting me to put clothes on and wasn't feeling good. NO not me!

Now I feel better, now if only this works for times that I have coming up....I'll just have to start writing them down and when I can get to a computer in a couple of weeks I'll have to make up for those weeks missed! Happy "Not Me" Monday!!!

Until next time......

Chuck E Cheese

I have to say I was a little disappointed in Chuck E Cheese last night....let me start from the beginning. I have been wanting to go to Chuck E Cheese for a while, but wasn't sure if Nico was old enough and if it would be crowded, but finally I gave in and we went last night for Nico's birthday. Not that Pump It Up wasn't enough..what can I say, I spoil my child I know. But not only was it pretty crowded, Nico was still to little to do much but the kiddie rides and we ended up with 25 or tokens left on our card and we started with 40. Although we all know the terrible 2's are here, he just wouldn't cooperate or understand that he had to eat before he could play, he couldn't just push people out of the way because he wanted to see or do and lets not forget the meltdown because Mommy made him sit and finish eating....finally we off and playing, Nico finished eating what little Nico usually eats and then it was trying to find what was fun to play, and I had been there a few times with Kait and Kourt, but it seems like they changed a lot of the games and the small area for little kids, was not that fun. Then he had to go up the ladder to the tubes, car and slide but even though he is pretty tall, he wasn't tall enough so off was Mommy to chase after him and I don't know if I'll ever let him up there again, it was pretty nasty with candy wrappers, something spilled and dried on...don't want to know what that was along with the fact that the older kids were not accommodating at all, and I understand that they didn't want to wait on a 2 year old plus his crazy Mommy, but have a little patience as I am sure I would have it were them. After finally getting him down and it was time to leave he did get a few stickers and a tiny Frisbee, but I have to say this is one place I probably won't go back to again, the food was expensive and just OK and the games are not really accommodating for a 2 year old. At least until I forget, and he is begging me to go back......what can I say, I am sure in 5 or so years I'll forget all about it!!!

Until Nico's next adventure........

The poll results are.........

I know everyone was patiently waiting for what exactly happened the first night of Nico sleeping in his big bed!! The majority was right, Nico cried for about 15 minutes and then finally fell asleep and slept through the night, only to have me find him in the closet when the sun shined in his room. He has been sleeping at night in his bed, no crying ever since but when that sun shines he's up and ready to go!! Nap time is another story, he won't stay in bed and thinks he can pull out all his clothes and shoes, and anything else he can his little curious hands on! So until we do something to make the room dark or we can rationalize with him, he'll be sleeping in his Pack-n-Play...but hopefully that will be a thing of the past very soon.

Thanks for all who voted!!

Until Nico's next adventure......Chuck E Cheese!!!

THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

Mommy & Me

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!

Comme Chay, we can make it over this mountain!!!

I know everyone has been waiting so patiently for the adventures of Nico's party...so here it is!! Nico had so much fun with his friends and family, he jumped, slid down the slides, did the obstacle course and ran around laughing and carrying on! And if wasn't enough, he got his Lightning McQueen cake that had a car for him to take home and now he won't let out of his sight...we'll until he dropped it in his sleep and Mommy hasn't climbed under his new bed yet to find it....I know I am such a bad Mommy, and he absolutely has no other cars to play with!!!

Overall it was a great day and Nico had a blast and was soooo tired when we got home and went straight to bed for a nap. Thanks to everyone who came, he loved all his new toys and clothes!!! Now only 359 more days until the next party of the year.....NICO'S 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!!

Until Nico's next adventure.........

I found this website from my friend Jennifer's blog and I thought this would be therapeutic and fun for my readers!! So here goes my first official "Not Me Monday".....

I certainly didn't give into feeding Nico chips before dinner just because he was begging at the pantry door and I was trying to deal with Athena and make dinner. And then hand him a second helping because he flashed those beautiful blues at me....

I couldn't have possibly opened another can of spaghetti O's because that's the only thing he would eat for dinner and then give him more chips because he asked so nicely....

It's not possible that we never got out of our pj's all day Sunday and then I continued to watch the clock to wait for bath time and then put him more pj's that were last years Christmas jammies...

No way, did I leave the playroom a mess and think why should I have to clean it up?? I didn't make it that way........or allow Nico to play playdough on his art desk and walk away because I really didn't care if he got it all over the carpet.

It's not possible that I left a load a laundry in the dryer to get wrinkled and then think maybe I should re-wash those to get the wrinkles, and then just figured what the heck everyone wears wrinkled clothes these day.....plus they have to feel sorry for me bc I have a 2 year old!!

I would of never skipped dinner and then ate potato chips and pretzels for my dinner....maybe that's where he gets his chips obession...no it can't be possible!

And finally, No way did I EVER decide to not make dinner for Bryan because I wanted to watch my taped DVR stuff and might do that again tonight :)

Geez, that was fun!!! Now I definitely feel better :)

BIG BOY BEDS.....

What's going on Daddy??

No more cribs!!!

Umm, not sure about this Mommy!!!

Nico's New Big Boy Bed!!!

So it's official, Nico has turned 2 today and become a big boy, sleeping in his big boy bed!!! Gma Beth and Gpa Tim brought over his super duper big boy bed that Gpa Tim made, and it's beautiful!!! He was too cute, we sat him on it and he didn't know what to do he just kind of stood there looking at us with those beautiful blues, thinking seriously or whatever a 2 year thinks when you put him in his big bed for the first time. Then he didn't like the pillow we got him, and he especially didn't like the fact that Mommy and Daddy wanted him to stay in bed. So after taking a few pictures and putting the room back together, it was time for bed. We all gave him a kiss and told him we loved him, and then it was kicking and screaming for about what seemed like a lifetime, but was only about 15 mins....Mommy was stressed out because the pillow was over his head, then the blanket, then the cars went overboard with a bang...until that moment when finally he found his thumb and pushed the pillow away to fall asleep sideways and he has been asleep for over an hour, so let's all just pray tonight that he sleeps through the night and wakes up in the morning wanting to do it all over again! Thankfully to our good friends Kelly and Chane, they allowed us to borrow their video monitor so we can watch him and know what's going on!!! Not that I am going out to buy one, but now I kind of wish that we would of had that when Nico was little, definitely would of saved many nights of waking the poor little guy up!! It's so hard to think of Nico as a toddler, but he definitely has grown into a little independent little prince!!!

Wish us luck....until Nico's next adventure...the party of the year!!!!