Nico's Water Adventures......

Nico had quite the adventures this past week....from picnics last weekend to Chay's house with water slides and bike rides and bubble machines, I don't know how the kid kept up!!! First, Olivia and Chay came over to have sprinkler fun and play on the swing set, but unfortunately it got rained out for a little while but finally the sun came out and the fun began!!! Nico and Olivia ran in and out of the water while Chay found the water yummy and sat there and drank and drank and drank some more....that water is soooo cold, I can't believe her little teeth weren't frozen!!! Then the girls and Nico were off to slide down the slide and I never saw two little one's fly down the slide so fast but water and bathing suits made them go almost into the flower beds, which only caused Mommies to laugh...all in all it was a good time for both Mommies, Daddies and kiddos!!!

Then Monday was Chay's second birthday so Nico had a play date to celebrate so it was fun with the water slide, bubbles and bike. You would of thought it was Nico's birthday with all the fun he was having!!! It was definitely a beautiful night filled with friendship, fun and laughter...one for the storybooks and one he will never forget.....we'll one Mommy will never let him forget.....

Until next time....today is Kait's Pump it Up Birthday Party......Nico can't wait ......

Nico getting a bike ride

The bubble machine

The slide, the slide....

Mommy I can make it....

New friends Olivia & Chay

Hi Olivia

Ummm, water!!!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY KAITLYN NICOLE!!!

It is so hard for me to even begin to think that you are turning 9!!!! It seems like just yesterday I was just holding this little bundle of pink joy in my arms and now you are 9, how can that be real???

You are emailing, going into the 4th grade, probably know more than me, getting taller than me, probably know how to use an ipod better than me, and so many things that I can't even imagine or want to know and it just amazes me how you are turning into an amazing young lady every single day. I look at pictures of you and think how can it be that long ago, wasn't it just yesterday we had you in the honeypot costume or Mommy and me were getting you ready for your 1st recital (and now it's been 6!!), or how about your first day of Kindergarten wasn't that just yesterday or your first open house I went too?? Gosh, there are so many things and I can't believe you are 9 already....Oh my gosh I think I just saw your life flash before me......OK back to reality......seriously, Kait, you are an amazing little girl that we adore and love more and more each day and you make our lives more complete than you'll ever know.

So on July 13th, we celebrate your special day and wish you a Happy 9th Birthday!!!

We love you,

Bryan, Kelli and Nico

NO...NO...NO...

Little Nico has one new word in his vocabulary and I am guessing that from my title everyone can guess what that one little word is.....Yes, you win the prize....his new word is NO and the best part is that he shakes his head no when he does it and answers EVERY question with NOOOOO and not the normal NO but the drawn out I am going to make this into 5 syllabols NOOOO!!!!

For example, my conversation on the way home from Gma D's yesterday...

Mommy: Did you have fun at Gma's today??

Nico: NOOOOOO

Mommy: Did you play outside?

Nico: NOOOOOO

Mommy: Do you love Mommy?
Nico: He kind of hesitated a little bit and then said NOOOOOO

Mommy: Nico do you even know what NO means???
Nico: NOOOOOOOO

Now we all know little Nico has no idea what he is saying and I know that, but I am not sure which is worse...what, why or NOOOO!!!! Just wait until you ask little Nico a question next....you never know what's going to come out of the little Angel's mouth!!!

Until next time.....

LAZY 5 RANCH

While we were in NC last weekend we had a great time with Aunt Adriane, Haley and Lauren at the Lazy 5 Ranch. Aunt Adriane had booked us on the wagon ride through what I call a Safari type ride that gives us buckets of feed for the animals along the way. It was very hot, and at times Nico was a little fussy, but to see his eyes when the animals came up to the wagon was awesome!! I think he especially like the Giraffesthat were in a cage and even so the kids still got to put their buckets up to his or her head and the Giraffes would take the food from the buckets. We also saw baby pigs (too cute), baby birds, and baby does (I think that's what they are called)...it just made me want to pick them up and take them home!

I think Nico's favorite part was when the Bison (I think) came up to Nico and stuck out his tongue for some food...it was huge! He grabbed a few pieces and then grabbed onto me not knowing what to do!!!! That was a priceless moment for me!!! We also got to see a Zebra and a Yak, and maybe Aunt Adriane can tell us all the other animals but it was hard to keep up with Nico and what the tour guide was saying.

All and all even though it was really hot, it was definitely a fun day for the kids and then it was off to Aunt Andi and Uncle John's pool to cool off!!! We'll Nico took a nap, but afterwards he had fun in the sun!!!

Until Next time.....

Adventures on a plane with Nico....

So I know you all were waiting patiently for my adventures on our plane trip to NC last weekend and this is all I have to say....

WHAT PART OF I WILL NEVER GO THROUGH ATLANTA AIRPORT AGAIN DID I FORGET FROM OUR LAST TRIP.....

Yes, yet again we got delayed by Atlanta airport a strong wind and lightning storm, but I guess at least this time it was only 10PM instead of 2AM that we finally reached our final destination. And Nico didn't cry the entire two and half hours we were on the runway and the hour and half we were actually in the air and when they kept telling us that we were next but then only to find out we were next out of 15 other delayed planes...and if you can imagine there is a worst part, I think that was when they had to shut everything down because we needed to conserve fuel or we would have to taxi back to get more.....I am thinking SERIOUSLY??

But once again, Mommy got through another Nico adventure and one day I am sure that we will laugh about Nico's two and only adventures through Atlanta Airport and at least this time I don't think our pictures are posted for never to be allowed back on Delta like I am certain they are on AirTran....

Until Next time.......

Prayer Request

To all my family and friends who read my blog, please say a little prayer tonight for Nicolas' Aunt Adriane and Uncle Kenny, and his family as Uncle Kenny's Gma passed away today. It is a hard time for them, but I am sure with the love and support from their family and friends as well as prayers from you, they will get through this tough time.

Adriane, Kenny, Lauren and Haley,

You are in our thoughts and prayers, and may the fond memories you have with her will help you through this tough time.

Love you guys,
Bryan, Kelli and Nico

AIRPLANE ADVENTURES...

OK, to all my readers I have a little favor to ask....please, please say a prayer for me that in 3 days when we board another plane to visit Nico's Gma Arlene that he is a good boy and we don't have another AirTran incident....This time I have more confidence because we are on Delta, but Atlanta airport scares me because they pretty much close for anything......so on Thursday morning, please think of us and say a little prayer we make it without incident :)

Until we return.....with another Nico adventure.....

CONVERSATIONS WITH AN ALMOST 2 YEAR OLD....

So last night I was watching Nico play on his swing set and started to think about conversations I have had with him earlier in the day and thought I bet my readers would find them comical as sometimes I just look at him and think, what??? So this is how it went...

Mommy: "Nico comme lets go play outside"

Nico: Looks around and runs for the garage door

Mommy: "Hold Mommy's hand while we go down the steps"

Nico: "Why?"

Mommy: "Because I don't want you to fall"

Nico: "Why?"

Mommy: "Just because I said so"

Nico: "What?"

Mommy: "What do you mean what, because I said so"

Nico: Runs to the nearest toy, sidewalk, lawnmower whatever he can find that he has to have...

Mommy: "Comme Nico let's go play on the swing set"

Nico: "Why?"

Mommy: "Because it's fun, let's go slide"

Nico: "Why?"

Mommy: " Let's just go, Nico"

Nico: Runs for the backyard, stopping at every plant or thing that moves or if an airplane flys over we have to stop and look...

5-10 mins later.....

Mommy: "Be careful on the steps"

Nico: "Why?"

Mommy: "Because I don't want you to fall"

Nico: "Why?"

OK, OK I think you get the hint....now I only blame Daddy for this because he is the one that taught him "why" and it's funny because now every time he does it (daily) everyone who knew Bryan has a child says Nico acts just like Daddy did when he was that age. I think it drives G-Gma Decker batty the most because not only is she going through it with Nico, but 30 years ago she went through it with Daddy....it's like she is stuck in the twilight zone!!!!

Yes, Nico says other words...when he wants to but the "why" stage cracks me up and honestly can be quite frustrating at times but then I remember that I guess his curiosity makes him who he is and one day when he is a doctor, engineer or lawyer asking why is probably what will make him achieve only great things in his life!!!

Until Nico's next adventure.....

THE SWING SET IS DONE!!!!

I know everyone has been on the edge of their seats waiting for Nico's swing set to be done and I can say finally, it's done!!! I'll have pictures to put up tonight, but after 6 days of piecing together the million pieces it came with...IT'S DONE!!! And the best part has been seeing Nico's face and seeing how big he has gotten to want to do everything on his own....from climbing up the ladder to going down the slide frontwards or backwards and even trying to go head first if Mommy would let him...I swear this kid is such a daredevil!!!! If I would let him jump from the top step to the ground just to see if he could make it, he would!!! Now all we need is to get a baby swing and he'll be off climbing, sliding and swinging his summer away! Now it time to invite his friends over and it'll be all complete for a summer of sun and fun!!!

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

IT'S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A......

SWING SET.....

DAY 4......

Today Nico got to climb the stairs, play in the fort, slide down the slide front and backwards, and think he was helping Daddy and Grandpa. Now is the fun part because finally it's starting to look like a swing set!! Nico had so much fun tonight, running around the backyard and climbing and re-climbing on the stairs so he can go down the slide just one more time. We also found out the little booger is quite the climber up the slide!!! Another couple of hours and I think Nico will be climbing, sliding and swinging all the rest of the summer, and inviting all his friends over to come play!!!

Until the final pictures of the swing set adventures......

TOUCHED MY HEART....

I know lately, I have been blogging a lot because as most Summer's we have had a lot going on, but today while celebrating Father's Day I innocently sat down for a minute to read the Canton Repository only to have my heart touched by a story that I read. You see as all my readers know this last year I luckily by the grace of God had a brain aneurysm that was mistakenly found. To me what made this article so special was the fact that unfortunately, the newly single Dad featured in this story, had not been so lucky with his wife. They had the world going for them, good jobs, a beautiful family, a loving marriage until that dreadful day she wasn't as lucky as I was and her aneurysm burst only to have her last communications in the back of an ambulance and have her entire families heart and souls rocked to the core, never to be the same....without out their daughter, mother or wife how would they move on.

So on this Father's Day, I thought even though it wasn't my time and I have in a sense been given a second chance about how lucky I am to still have the opportunity to see my son grow up, my marriage to continue grow and get stronger and watch my family and friends grow old together, and that my husband and son don't have to do as that Father does every single day wonder why. Maybe I am being emotional because that's who I am or because she was 29 with a daughter under 2 years old at the time, or maybe it's just because I could relate in a way but whatever way with tears in my eyes, I thought this is definitely the second chance she would of given anything for and it is my time to take that second chance for what it is, a miracle.

And it's funny, as when the surgery was over and the surgeon said everything looks good and that before we know it I'll be back to my old self again, but I truly never have been. In the last couple of months I have looked at life like I am not taking anyone's crap anymore and I am going to do what's best for me and my family, and not worry how I might hurt someone else's feelings because in the end it's not about status or who did what for who, but who was there when I needed them and for once in my life I really felt the love from so many unexpected sources and for those who I thought would be there, and weren't I have no hatred for you but I also know where we stand. So I guess most of you have heard this before from me because as my cousin Julie says comme Kelli be nice, it's not about being nice but about knowing even when you are at your lowest point, someone will always be there to pick up the pieces....whether like in this story that I read today was heart breaking or like my story, sad but unbelievably lucky we all need to know when tragedy strikes we will all pull together to be what FAMILY stands for no matter how hard it is to deal with.

So to all those father's in my life....friends, family or just anyone Happy Father's Day and please enjoy your day with your family because they are the most important thing in our lives blood relatives or not, and know to all of you that have stood by me these last couple of months I love you more than anything and am so thankful that we have more time to be together.

Happy Father's Day 2008.

Until next time.....with another swing set adventure......

Day 2 of the Swing Set Adventures.....

Day 3.....

OK, I have to fair to Bryan because he told me I was being hard on him by posting each day when in actually he only has been able to work on it during Nico's nap time which is a couple of hours tops at the most in one day. So total time so far has probably been less than 3 or 4 hours...not days :) Today was fun because we got the steps attached and almost all the boards for the tarp to go on next. It's a slow process but I am sure in the end definitely worth it to see little Nico's face when it's all done and watch him play on it.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Father's Day!!!!

Until the next step....only 27 more to go until it's all complete......

CONGRATULATIONS TO KAITLYN AND KOURTNEY!!!!

Dear Kait & Kourt,

We are so proud of your hard work this last year and how much you have accomplished!!! It's funny, Mommy and me were just talking about how Kaitie has been in dance for 6 years and I have had the pleasure of seeing you grow into such a graceful, beautiful dancer that we couldn't be prouder of!!! Who would of thought that shy little girl 6 years ago, who was shy on stage when the curtain went up would of continued on and has turned into such an enjoyment to continue to watch grow into the graceful, perfect dancer!!! And now it's Kourt's turn to shine in her sister's footsteps and how wonderful you have put you heart into being such a wonderful dancer to watch. It's hard to believe all that you have accomplished in only 2 years of dancing. I sometimes step back and can't believe how big you guys are getting and how much I have enjoyed watching you grow.

Congrats on a wonderful dance recitial and I can't wait to be at the next one so Mommy, Daddy, Gma, Gpa, Aunts, Uncles and I can be your biggest fans!!!!

Love you,

Bryan, Kelli & Nico

On a side note, for those who don't know...Kait and Kourt are my best friend, Terri's little girls who had their dance recitial last night and tonight. Here are some pictures from last night show!!!

Until next time.....

Day 1....

After patiently waiting for 4 long weeks, the swing set is FINALLY here!!! But wait, it's here in four boxes and a million pieces!!! Watch as our adventures of putting Nico's swing set together hopefully before Summer's end continue.....anyone who is willing to help, I am sure Bry would love the company....

Who would of thought a silly swing set would have so many pieces....not Daddy!!!
After working hard all day Thursday, this is what Daddy accomplished (no second story boards)...

Until tomorrow when Day 2 is posted (or whenever Mommy gets time).......

WATER FUN!!!!

Water slide time is over....boo hoo...

OK, Chay I am ready for my dance lesson!!


OK, I think I gotta it Chay!!

Over the last couple of weeks, Nico has had a lot of fun playing outside and especially playing in the water with his friends and cousins. I thought everyone might enjoy seeing the fun Nico has been having over the last couple of weeks and in a couple of weeks he'll be splashing around Aunt Andi's pool, and she'll be thinking why did I let this crazy kid stay here...J/K!!!

Hope everyone else is enjoying the nice weather....FINALLY!!!!

Until next time.....with the swing set adventures.....

I am a big boy now!!!!

BIG NEWS.....

Now I know everyone will be as excited as we are!!! We have big news in our house.....

NICO POOPED IN THE BIG POTTY!!!!!

I know it's hard to control your excitement with ours, but please try...and although I don't think he knew he did it or even tried, I will take what I can get. So even though I know he probably won't do it again for a while, I am so excited to say Nico FINALLY used the potty and hopefully we can continue down the right path of no more diapers.....I know I am dreaming......

Until Nico's next exciting news..........................

SO WHAT WERE YOU DOING AT 3:15AM THIS MORNING???

We'll I can tell you what I was doing....and that was listening little Nico talk to I am not sure who while listening the storm roll in. Not only was it talking then it was the screaming and not the crying kind of scream, but lets see if we can blow out the monitor kind of scream because it's fun....then it was more laughing, playing and when I saw 4:20am and it was quiet for a few minutes I think we might have both fallen back asleep for me to be woken up again by Athena jumping on the bed because it was lightning to Nico talking to who knows what or maybe him and Georgie were having a conversation?? Finally, at 5:15am Mommy had enough of Athena lying on her feet, Daddy snoring...AGAIN...and Nico trying out that monitor again!!!

So I got up and rocked little Nico which he laid there and sucked his thumb, played with his hair but as soon as I put him back in bed it was play time again....so finally at 5:30am Mommy gave in and we went downstairs to watch Cars again because Cartoons at that time in the morning really stink.....until it was time for breakfast. Then of course he was cranky when I left because he was TIRED...imagine that!!!!

I am sure there was a reason and it's hard to be irritated with him as one he is just a baby, but I am definitely to old and tired to be having these all nighters without any sleep and let's just all pray tonight he sleeps through the night.......a Mom can dream, right???

Until next time.....

OUR LITTLE GENIUS!!!!

Look, Nico's a genius...he can read!!!
I guess all those months and months of Mommy reading to me paid off!!!

OK, time for a break...how many books can one 20 month old read??

Thought you guys might like a look at what Nico's been up too!!! OK, I'll fess up he can't read but he is soooo tall now that he can get up on furniture all on his own and reach for his books that we have for our nightly reading sessions. I know that Bry thought I was crazy reading to him when he was only a month old, but it has really paid off because he will sit with me every night and listen to me read to him.....unless Daddy is teasing him through the hallway...I know it's hard to believe Daddy would do that!!! And even sometimes with his pile in the playroom I'll catch him reading those ones by himself (well actually just looking at the pictures) but I'll take it any way I can. Hopefully he'll love reading as much as Mommy and Daddy do one day!!!

Enjoy the pictures and I'll be posting some more from our water adventures of last week in the 100 degree heat wave we are having!!!

Until Nico's next genius move......

CRAZY NICO.......

So I am sitting at work this afternoon and I get this phone call from my Mom, asking me "Does Nicolas usually take his clothes off when he sleeps?" I said, "What??" and she repeated her question and I said, "No, why??" and I am sitting here thinking what did he do NOW??? So she proceeds to tell me that she put little Nico in bed without his pants because my reasoning is that my Mom can't stand the kid to have clothes on, but she said because it was stuffy upstairs and he was hot....ok Mom it was 34 degrees the morning, how hot could it be?? But anyways, she walked upstairs because little Nico wasn't sleeping and Bryan asked her to bring him home and that he would put him down for a nap, and what did she find?????

Yes, you guessed it right....Nico without a diaper on and just his shirt and socks, and the funny part was that she said that she didn't notice until she picked him up because he had neatly put the tabs back and threw the diaper overboard. Now what kid does that?? I guess my crazy kid, but luckily he didn't fall asleep and wet the bed or even worse.....so does this mean that he is ready for potty training?? A Mommy can dream, can't she......

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

Not a Nico post, but......

So I was sitting here at work thinking, yes about Nico and picking him up in about 45 minutes but I was also thinking about how we kind of got cheated on TV this season. Remember the writers strike not to long ago made us watch repeat after repeat, and wonder if we were EVER going to get back into the season. Now I know it's summertime and I am not watching as much TV as we do in the winter, but I do feel like we were cheated those weeks and weeks that we didn't get any new episodes, and then all of the sudden the season was over and it didn't seem like it lasted any longer than normal....

Which brings me to question, did we get cheated or was it just me?? Now I have seen previews for new shows, but mostly reality TV which I don't get into all that much but now I am thinking it's going to be a LONG summer after dark without anything to watch and what about all those rainy days we have been having?? My early evenings when we are not outside or weekends tend to go to cartoons but how much SpongeBob or Clifford can one Mom watch?? Nico would like to think he owns the TV and truly he probably does...but I want some of those "lost" episodes that should of been, and especially my favorites like ER, Las Vegas which ended months ago, or Law and Order that I think I have seen every episode in repeats, but still watch. Or Two and Half Men that is just way to funny, and yes the cliff hangers of my favorite shows were great but how can we possibly wait until September and remember exactly what happened??

So I guess to answer my question, and pose one for my favorite readers....my answer is yes we did get cheated and I am sure the new season isn't going to start all those many weeks early we lost but what do you think?? I guess I'll have to find new favorite shows this summer but truly the only thing that has caught my attention is the The Mole and I am not exactly sure what the true concept is, but since there is nothing else on I guess I'll have to stay tuned to find out!!! And pray that we don't have many rainy days because I don't know how much more SpongeBob I can take!!!!

Until next time......

The Sickies.....

So the "sickies" has arrived at our house and the sad part about it is I don't even know how it happened.....I picked Nico up at Gma D's house on Friday and the runny nose and cough had started, he felt a little warm but nothing out of the ordinary. Then by the time we got home and ate dinner, he was coughing and his poor little nose was on it's way to looking like Rudolph. Now he's not eating right and a low grade fever, and only wanting Mommy which melts my heart, but in the same way breaks my heart because I know he is feeling yucky.

It moments like this in my Mommy role that I know that even though he is very independent or tries to be, he still needs his Mommy to hold and do those things like blow his nose or clean up his face when he sneezes, cause who knows what comes out of his mouth....ewwww....and that makes up for all those sad feelings of him growing up and it makes me realize as I have learned over the last 6 months that no matter how old you are, you still need your Mommy.

Mommy's are there to nurture when you are feeling sick or when you are down to help you hold your head up high no matter the situation or to be strong even when you feel like hope is all gone....and even though I know my Mom's do those things for me I guess until today with Nico's "sickies" I never considered myself in that category as I put my Mom's but I guess when I think about it I am, and will do all those things and more which is why God has put me here to be one thing and one thing only, to be Nico's Mom, and to me that is best gift that could of ever been given to me.

Hope everyone else isn't hit with the "sickies" at their house!!!

Until next time....

FINALLY.....

Finally, Nico has something that is me and not his Daddy....he can roll his tongue and Daddy can't!!! He looks like Daddy, acts like Daddy, laughs like Daddy but FINALLY he does something Daddy can't and Mommy can. Yes, I know you all are thinking I am crazy but if you have seen Nico you know he is the clone of Daddy...we'll except the baby blues he gets those from Grandma Arlene which gave Daddy half of her genes...so I guess it's still Daddy....but he gets his tongue rolling skills from MOMMY!!!!

Until next time......

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY HALEY!!!!

It's hard to believe that today you are turning 9!!! The last 9 years have gone by with a blink of an eye and before we knew it you have transformed into a smart, creative, energentic young girl that amazes us continually. Like with Lauren birthday, we are sad that we couldn't spend it with you, but know we are there in spirit and before you know it we'll be visiting you guys again! Hope you enjoy your day and remember we love and miss you always!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Love you,

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kelli and Nico

Nico, Chillin' April

2008 Nico Oct 1st, 2006

Time....

It was funny the other day when I looked at Nico and realized he is not a baby anymore, and even though I love this stage because we can play, communicate and do fun things....it was sad to see that he is no longer my little baby boy. Actually, it's hard to remember those long nights or feeding him bottles and truly that was only 15 months ago but to me it seems like a lifetime ago. When I look back to photos of Nico when he was born, I think that's what he looked like? And not that I have forgotten, I haven't, but it is so hard to remember him that way. Actually even though he is only be talking and walking for less than 7 months, I can't remember him anyway else....am I crazy???

He has been such a good child and if I wanted to have another (which I don't and can't) I know that they couldn't possibly be as mild mannered, but wild at times as Nico is. Sometimes I start cleaning something or picking up another car and realize it's been twenty minutes and think, did he go upstairs yet again?? And then I look in his playroom and just watch this amazing little person entertaining and talking to himself and I think we created him? Now we all know the logistics of how he was made and that he is a blessing from God, but to think 2 short years ago I was pregnant with this amazing child and we, and I mean we, had no idea what we possibly doing, but we did know one thing and still do no matter how much we mess up or feel guilty about not spending enough time with Nico, with all of our being we love this little boy more than life itself.

To me, spending time to reflect like this helps me slow down and realize life is so short and we have to step back and remember that before we know it Nico will be off to kindergarten, prom and then leaving for college to start a life of his own and I can only hope that values and happiness that we have instilled in this perfect little child will be enough to continue with his children one day.....Even though he is only 19 months, I can't even fathom being a Grandma but I am sure as the last 19 months have flown by so will the years of my life to have my 19 month old grandchild on my lap and me thinking wasn't this just Nico yesterday???

Until next time.....

Happy Mother's Day 2008!!

What a fun Mother's Day for me! I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful son and husband who made Mother's Day truly special! We had a beautiful day Saturday and got a lot of yard work done plus our spoiled only child got a new swing set for the backyard....maybe it was Happy Only Child Day too...LOL, and Sunday we spent our day with Gma's and family for brunch. I'll have to say it's hard to top my First Mother's Day, but this definitely was a tie by many, many factors!!! Hope everyone had a great day!!!

Until next time.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!

It's sometimes hard to believe that our youngest niece is 7!!! Seems like just yesterday that you were born and now you are an independent, funny and lovely little girl who is loved by all that knows her. So today we celebrate you and your 7th Birthday!!! We hope you enjoy your day and wish we could be there to celebrate it with you, but we are with you in spirit and we'll see you really soon!!!

Love and Miss you!!!

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kelli & Nico

Priceless.......

So as the Mastercard commercials go.....this is Nico's Mastercard commercial....

Let me set it up a little bit, Gma B, Gpa T and I took Nico to Handel's to get ice cream and since it was a nice night what the heck....so we stand in line as everyone else has the same idea and finally it' s our turn, but Gma B is already chasing little Nico around while he is laughing his head off because he thinks, I AM FREE!!! So we order and get Nico his very first hold by himself ice cream cone. Gma B hands it to him and what does he do???? He blows on it like it's hot....OK now I am thinking how do I explain this one to a 19 month old?? So instead, he was the hit of the Handel's talking to everyone trying to share his ice cream and at one point even going up to someone wanting some of theirs and to Daddy's approval flirting with the pretty, young girls :) At moments like these I wish I had my camera, but who would of thought getting ice cream could be such a cute moment?? I guess I'll have to start packing that in my purse too....

Taking Nico to get Ice Cream...5 minutes at $3.65/ gallon.....$20...LOL!

Buying Nico a kiddie ice cream....$1.00...

Watching him blow on cold ice cream, the smile on his face and flirt with the girls...PRICELESS!!!

Until next time.....

The last 52 days....

Reading Jennifer post on Rocco's blog has really got me thinking...with the last 52 days been an emotional roller coaster for his family and us friends too, what have we been doing??? The first thing that came to my mind was our love, support and prayers have definitely been with Rocco, Olivia, Kiki and Steven and even though they are a thousand miles or more away we have never forgotten them. It has been a blessing the way things have turned out and God has truly blessed them with two perfect, beautiful children.

Next, I thought back to my prior posts of Nico being a tape recorder or throwing tantrums or how tall he has grown that pretty soon I think he might be bigger than me...LOL! All of those things seem kind of petty compared to Rocco's battle and I guess what this has taught me and my family is to not take things for granted. And although the last 52 days have seemed to fly by, we have never forgotten how important all those little things we can take for granted are so very important....even Nico's tantrums and when I get frustrated, I just think like everything else that seems bad, this too will pass (at least I hope the terrible 2's don't turn into the terrible 3's, 4's...AWWW!).

So I guess in this post, it's not about Nico's adventures but about stopping and taking a minute to appreciate all the little things in life because although to some of us the last 52 days has flown by, for others it seemed like an eternity but definitely worth the wait to see Rocco come so far in such a little amount of time....and I know before we know it all the kids will be chasing each other around and these last 52 days will seem like a lifetime ago.

So Rocco, this post is for you and thanking you for allowing us to step back and remember what truly is important...having the support and love of all of our special family and friends.

Until next time.....

THE PROOF.......

POLLS ARE CLOSED....

Thank you everyone who voted, hope it was fun and suspenseful for everyone!!!

So the winning number of Nike Shox that Nico has accumulated over 18 months is......drum roll please..............

6

Believe it or not, even though Aunt Adriane thought he would have at least one pair for each month he has been alive, he only has had 6. Although, as far as shoes go he has had 6 pairs of Shox, 1 pair of Nike Airs, 3 pair of boots, 2 pairs of play tennis shoes, 5 pairs of sandals and I think that's it.....I know, I know it's crazy but thanks to Chane it's an obsession now!!!!

I'll post pictures soon enough to show the proof of his 6 pairs!!!

Until next time......

WHO'S THE CUTEST 18 MONTH OLD EVER????

Mommy, Daddy........
Yea, I know I am cute.....

See Chay, this is gonna make us rich someday......

Me?? I didn't do it.......

These are photos we had taken last week for his 18 month photos. I got this idea from Jennifer to post them on my blog!! These are one's that I didn't purchase, but definitely deserve to be seen!!! Hope everyone enjoys.

Keep visiting and remember to vote, only 5 days left!!!!

OBSESSION....

As most of you know, it's my "thing" as I call it to buy little Nico shoes. Now I know it's ridiculous in most people's eyes to spend what I do on shoes for my little guy, but think of it this way....I spend on shoes what most Mom's would spend on dresses for their daughter....LOL!!!

So I encourage all my family and friends to guess how many pairs of Nike Shox little Nico has acquired in the 18 months he has been with us. It'll be interesting to see how many shoes people think an 18 month old needs....I'll give you a little hint for those who haven't seen his collection, I bought another pair tonight....

Good luck and yes thankfully for my bank account that I am only having one!!!!

PS You don't even want to know how many sandles he has.....:)

WATCH OUT, NICO'S TURNED INTO A TAPE RECORDER.....

It's funny how Nico went from saying Momma, Dadda to repeating every word you say. Which means to all my family and friends, Nico is finally a tape recorder that repeats every word you say....we'll let's just say a lot of words.

It seemed to begin with Daddy last week when he found out that why isn't the best word to teach a 1 and half year old because not that he understands the context in which to use it, he uses it just like Daddy use too. Only now instead of annoying the heck out of Grandma Decker, Nico seems to say it to Daddy and I just sit there and think "what comes around goes around" and laugh....although Bryan doesn't think it's soooo funny......

Mommy got it with bubbles, when we were taking a bath last week Mommy said does Nico want some bubbles and now every time we get in the bath it's BUBBLES, BUBBLES!!! Or yesterday when Grandma Beth had him outside and they were chasing the ball, it was ball or as Grandpa Tim taught him BULL so it's bubbles, ball or bull. He definitely seems to have his "B's" down...now it's time to start on Grammy or some other word other than Why??

Then yesterday we called him and he looked at me and said "WHAT" I could of died laughing right there because I thought he is turning into this little person who acts just like us!!! So what I have learned this week, watch what you say because our little tape recorder is listening even when you think he not!!!!

Until next time....

GOODBYE TO MY TWENTIES.....

So since tomorrow at 9:36am I will officially have to say goodbye to my 20's, I thought I might reflect on the first 30 years of my life. Sometimes it is hard to believe that tomorrow my glorious 20's will be forever lost....

In all reality I have had a very good first 30 years and really can't complain, but what scares me the most is seeing my friends and cousins who have 9 or 10 years olds. And it really creeped me out when I went to my cousin Julie's and her son had a friend spending the night, I kind of looked at them and then looked at her and said "Julie, wasn't that just us a blink of an eye ago??" Gosh, I can remember the first movie Julie and I went to without parents, I think it was "Field of Dreams"....now that I said that it makes me look REALLY old!!! Now to all of those friends who are older than me, no I don't think you are old but I am sure when you turned 30 you kind of felt like I do......

Than I started thinking about my bestest friend Terri who I have been friends with since we were 13 and sitting in band together....wasn't that just yesterday Ter? Or the Florida trip with the door slam that started our life long friendship of being each other's other half...just ask Dan Chance who thought we were crazy when we said that while working at McDonald's....Wasn't it just yesterday Ter, that we went to Hilton Head and paid what to park or how about the speeding ticket in SC that I got in your car while Barney Fife thought we had something in the back seat??? Or our best friend award that I thought Kathy was gonna get us for winning....or the throwing up on the side of the street cuz James had to pull over or all the other stuff you would hurt me for saying.....Gosh going down memory lane there are so many good memories I might bore everyone but you to continue on......Truly, from the bottom of my heart Ter, thank you for being here every single day and even though we might not always agree, you are the bestest friend a girl could ever have.

To all my old friends and new, each one of you are special to me in some way and I can't imagine spending my 20's with anyone else but you guys. We have had some unforgettable memories that will never be forgotten, such as Kiki do you remember spending the night in the hot tub or at Jennifer and Jason wedding, keep saying it's still daylight and we were toasted?? Or I have to give you credit Jennifer for going to Kiki's bachlorette party and having a blast even though you were pregnant, I don't know if I could of done it!!! Or Chloe all the times we have done so many fun things, but all the great laughs you have given me is priceless. Suz, don't even know where to begin....we can make anything funny and you can always put a smile on my face without you I would of lost my sanity years ago!!! Michele, we have been through it all and yet even though we live thousands of miles away you mean the world to me and through the worst of the worst, we're still here and that we have to be thankful for!!! Kelly, sometimes I look at you and think you are super Mom, and you have showed me that there is good in everyone. You have really been there for us the last year and for that I will never forget it. Jen, gosh we have done it all been great friends, mortal enemies, and then friends again and even though we lost so many years over petty 20's crap it's been fun. Vicky, you are a true inspiration to me and definitely a woman of my heart to instigate others.....OK maybe it's more me than you, but we sure have had some fun times drinking and not.....Eric, what can I say we have been through it all and more, you have been a great best friend to Bryan but you also have always been there for me and mean the world to both of us and I am sure you have drinking stories to tell people too, but we'll skip that for now.....And to all those others who I haven't mentioned because this was getting long, it has been fun and to all of these fun memories I can't wait to continue with lots and lots more!!!

Gosh, rereading this I sound like I drink a lot but honestly I don't think I have had more than a wine cooler since September when Vicky made me drink....LOL!!!

To my family, you mean more to me than I can ever tell you. This has been a rough year for all of us and I know sometimes I don't express my emotions in the right way but God has been good to all of us and not just my family but my friends too. You all are an inspiration to me and have helped me become the person I am today. Especially to all my parents, including my extended parents who adopted me thank you, thank you for guiding me in the right direction and always loving me for me, even my faults. To my sisters, and my extended sister I love all three of you and even though sometimes times have been tough it's been worth every minute to get where we are today. To the rest of my family, cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandma's and Grandpa's, I have to thank all of you too!!!

Last but not least, to my son Nicolas Aaron and my sweet Bryan. I love you both more than life itself. Bryan, we have been through it all and somehow we have made a great lives for ourselves and our son. I thank you for spending my 20's with you and making it through the good and the bad. Who would of thought after dating a month and you leaving for the Marines for 4 years we would be here 12 years later, living the good life?? It's been a wonderful life and I couldn't see ever living even a day with anyone different. This last year has been the hardest of our lives and yet in some ways it's only made us stronger, and made our faith only stronger. I only hope we can live another 60 years in the happiness that the last 12 have been. Nico, Nico, Nico what can I say but you are my angel from Heaven definitely a gift from God. I love you in a way that I never thought I could love another human being. You make our lives complete and I only pray you can be half the man your Dad is and that all those people mentioned above will help us continue to make you the man I know you will become.....some of us are counting on you to take care of us...J/K!!! I love you guys!!!

OK, for those who haven't fallen asleep.....I truly want to thank you for being a part of my 20's and hope that when things settle down we can all celebrate my 30's the proper way and unfortunately Eric, you might have come pick me up off the floor and carry me to the car AGAIN!!!! So I guess this will be my last post as a 20 some year old....but bring the 30's on because we are all going to have a heck of a time beating the last 10 years and before we know it....we'll all be 40 and going to kids graduations and weddings.....AWWWWW!!!

Goodbye 20's, hello 30's.....................

NICO'S TANTRUM'S.....

Is it just my child or is every child kicking and screaming when you have to come in from outside for dinner, bed or nap whichever time of day it happens to be? It's now from the time I pick him up from Gma and Gpa Decker's until the moment I close the garage door because it's time for dinner not play time....I know I am a horrible Mother for making him eat :)

Now I know I may shock some of you who think Nico can do no wrong......BUT he has started throwing tantrums and I think before today, I would of given in but now I am sitting there while he is yelling and screaming thinking "please God please don't let the neighbors see my bad child" but I guess in all reality I know every child has their moments, but lately it seems like in Nico's world it's his way or no way. And I ask myself after the situation is defused, how can I make a 18 month old understand when he looks at me like I have three heads when I start to explain it's dinner time or bed time....

I guess these times makes me feel like I have been defeated, but then after the big crocodile tears are gone and the tantrum is over, and he crawls over to sit on my lap I know it's just another one of those moments we would all like to forget but have to go through until they are old enough to understand.....Your grounded!!! If I only had a nickel every time my Mom said that to my sister because you know I was the angel!!!!

Until next time........

Nico at Price Park

Spring......shhh, better not say it to loud.....

I am happy to report to all my family and friends that finally in Ohio, Spring might actually be here....we'll at least for the time being. We finally can put away the gloves, winter hats and winter coat (we'll at least for now) and roll up our sleeves for our skin to finally feel the sun it's been craving all winter. And if you have seen Nico up close, you know he needs all the sun he can get:)

Now it's time to get the basketball hoop, tool bench and all the other fun toys we having been waiting to play with this long, long winter but I do have the realization that my birthday is coming up and it always snows around my birthday time, so we better not put the winter jacket to far...gotta love Ohio weather. Wait ten minutes and it will change :)

So now the routine of playing cars all night is out and playing with bikes and taking walks is finally here!!! It's almost time to find Nico some shorts and short sleeve shirts or just let him run around like the hillbilly he is, in his diaper!!! I am sure the neighbors will love it :) Now if we could just get a bit warmer for the pool, Nico loves the water and I have a feeling his little pool in the driveway isn't gonna cut it and we'll have to be at cousin Julie's more often then she'll probably like. J/K!

So all those readers of Nico's adventures it's time to (hopefully) put away the snow shovels and start enjoying the long evenings but I bet you before we know it we'll be watching out for those mosquitos!!!!

Happy Spring everyone!!!!! Until next time......

NICO'S HALF BIRTHDAY.....

Happy Half Birthday little man....geez I can't believe how fast the last six months have gone compared to Nico's first year. Since his first birthday he has:

Walked completely on his own

Said my juice, mine, bye, hi, hole (thanks Uncle Eric), bull, Uhuhuh, thank you

Plays with matchbox cars

Made basketballs in the hoop

Chases the dog

Watches tv for more than a second

Reads books with Mommy before bed more than just a few pages

Locks and unlocks doors

Rides his tri-cycle around the house

Knows where the pantry is that holds the candy he has to have

Developed quite the personality

Has those beautiful blue eyes and dimples and knows how to use them :)

I am sure there is a whole huge list of things I haven't mentioned, but my point being how much he has grown up since some of you have seen him at his birthday party. He not only warms your heart with those eyes, but makes you laugh by being goofy like his Daddy. So today little Man, Happy Half Birthday and we can't wait to continue to see you grow into the man I know you will be.

Sad, but true today marks the day my little guy is no longer a baby, but now what he thinks is a independent toddler.....don't worry you don't have to tell us, we know he is in control of us...not the other way around :)

Happy Half Birthday Nico!!!