DADDY AND NICO'S BATHTIME FUN....

THE CRAZY THINGS WE DO TO ENTERTAIN A 2 YEAR OLD AT BATHTIME!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME.....

RAINY DAYS...

So finally after 2 weeks of trying to schedule Nico's pictures with our friend Jennifer, the newest up and coming photographer in the area....what does it do all day, RAIN!!! What the heck??? Got up this morning thinking oh, it's just going to rain for a while and as the weather person said...I was half asleep not sure what station I was watching....that it was going to be scattered! Ha, scattered my toshie...it's been raining all day and not a pouring down rain, but an annoying sprinkle that just won't go away!!!! Not that we don't need the rain because I don't know about everyone else's grass, but mine is brown and completely scratchy to the touch but why today?? I guess in life though if this is the worst thing that happens, then today was ok....but as in life I can still be disappointed and that I definitely am.....

So to all my friends and family who I inundate with photos of the cutest baby boy, we'll have to wait and see until hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can show off Jennifer's talent and everyone can enjoy the newest, cutest pictures of Nico.

Until next time......

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

It's hard to believe that another year has passed and now Nico is turning 2 in a month or so and it's Daddy's birthday again! I was thinking on my way to work today that not only is Bryan going to be 32 this weekend, but also that I have known him since he was 19 and I guess I knew that, but thinking about that and how much we have been through the last almost 13 years...Gosh am I that old????? :)

Starting out from working at McDonald's and then you going away a month after we started dating and believe it or not our 10 year anniversary is in a couple of months!!! Then moving to North Carolina where I knew no one and you leaving for Japan. Or buying our first house that ended up being the biggest money pit ever!!! Or how about the frustrations of owning a brand new house even.....then the biggest journey of our lives, having our one and only son who we both love and adore more than life itself. Then the brain surgery and everything that has come along with it, and that was a life changing experience for both of us but in the end as everything else has worked in the last 12 years and will continue to for the next 12.....because you know you are stuck with me :)

So as this day comes upon us, and we remiss on our lives together and celebrate your birthday I can only think of one thing.....Boy you are getting old!!!!! And that my birthday is just around the corner to be old like you.......

Happy Birthday, and we love you!!!

Kelli and Nico

Nico's Language

I was sitting here thinking about Nico and how he is changing and learning new things everyday, and it came to my mind that he really has his own language. A language that no one understands, and he in his own little mind has a conversation with himself and if he had a sibling maybe it would be their language but since he doesn't we all just look at him like...WHAT?? The funny thing is that he says something in his language looks at you and starts laughing, and continues talking and then laughs again...we all look at him like what the heck?? Everyone says it's just a matter of time that he will be talking away but if you could just hear him sometimes, you would be rolling on the ground laughing with me!! He definitely has a personality and I am sure he gets those genes from me....where all the good ones came from.....LOL!! Now don't worry though he can talk when he wants to, the other day Mom and I were driving and talking about Athena and the next thing you know he says "Athena" clear as day. Of course you ask him to say it again, he looks at you like you have three heads and he doesn't have any idea what you are talking about. I keep telling myself, he will talk when he is ready and I am sure once he starts talking he will never stop so in some ways I do encourage him to use his words, but in the back of my mind I am thinking maybe I shouldn't push it so hard :)

So the next time you see Nico and you hear "his language" and he looks at you and laugh, you'll understand it's just another crazy moment in the wonderful day and life of being Nico's Mom.

Until next time........

Nico Wins the Gold!!!!

In the spirit of the Olympics, I thought these pictures were cute on a day when Nico was being Nico....so one day when he is the next Michael Phelps we can come back to these photos and say this is where it all began....winning the Gold Medal in Mommy's heart!!!

Until next time......

Nico's Fun Weekend!!

It seems like lately that Nico's been having a lot of fun weekends and this past weekend was no different! Daddy was off so of course we had to pack everything into two days.....first Grandma Beth and Grandpa Tim took Nico to the Uniontown Festival to sugar up an almost 2 year old up properly, but to Grandpa Tim's surprise......Nico wasn't coming home, he was spending the NIGHT!!! Nico got to ride the train ride and jump on the jumpy thingy (does anyone know what those are called??) and eat a elephant ear, boy was he in heaven!!! They brought him back to their house to eat more cookies and ice cream with Grandpa Tim because apparently that's what Grandparents do.....at least that's what I am told....and then it was off to bed!!! And to Mommy's surprise he slept through the night with only getting up once. Which is good, but on the other hand only shows me that he is growing up and not needing me as much and as Bryan says I need to cut the strings..........for all those Mother's out there you know how hard it is!

Then on Sunday it was off to the Akron Zoo! I couldn't believe how nice that zoo is, even though it's not as big as the Cleveland or Toledo Zoo we went to last week. They definitely do a nice job keeping it clean and their exhibits are beautiful. The weather was perfect and the animals were out and walking around entertaining the crowds!!! Nico even got up close with the bears, we'll close to the glass....he got to pet goats again and even fed them crackers!!! All in all it was a beautiful day and the rain waited until we got home so what could we ask for more?? I would definitely recommend the Akron Zoo to anyone and if you haven't been there this year, you gotta go!!! Not to mention the neat Jelly Fish exhibit!

The summer is almost gone, but I am sure Nico will continue to have more adventures....so keep visiting!!!

OUR TRIP TO TOLEDO

Kevin ~n~ Nico

Nico Swimming...

Nico and the goat...

Aunt Melissa

Another picture Mommy????

Last weekend Nico had another adventure, visiting his Aunt Melissa in Oregon, Ohio. It's amazing to me all the places this little man has been in his 22 months of life...plane rides, through the mountains, to North Carolina multiple times and now to western Ohio....I can't imagine Bryan or I did so much in such a short time of our lives, it must be good to be Nico!!!

Anyways, he was such a good boy driving up watching his Cars DVD, yet again, and looking through his bucket of cars....Until finally we arrived to see Aunt Melissa and meet Kevin's parents who very nice and had lunch ready for us before we off to the Toledo Zoo which was only about 20 minutes away. We got to the Zoo to see lions, tigers and bears.....or something like that. Actually it is a very nice zoo, with a lot of exhibits and even a Fisher Price petting zoo that Nico got to pet a few goats which he was very nice too ( I was a little nervous after the bunny incident). Then we were off to the aquarium where he loved watching the fish and other creatures in the tank, and by then it was almost dinnertime so we left to go to a restaurant that is famous for their hot dogs in Toledo called Tony Packo's. There is signed hot dog buns all over the restaurant of famous people, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and many more (don't worry they were lacquered or something so they weren't moldy!!) It was a really neat place, and Nico got mini-corn dogs, which he devoured!!!

Then it was off to Nico's first hotel experience, which surprising he was so good. He ran around the room like he owned the place!! He had to open all the doors and drawers, and even took a shower like a big boy!!! He thought he was king of the place!!! About 9 o'clock he crashed and we put him in his pack -n- play to have him fuss for a few minutes only to fall asleep for the night and even though he threw a few things from the sink he was up against, he was a really good boy that surprised both Mom and I!!!

Sunday Morning we were off again to walk the Boardwalk at Lake Erie and Nico had a great time looking at the deer and running around, but he wasn't too sure about the sand on his feet at first. Even though he loves the sand at Grandma Decker's I think the different texture on his little feet, he wasn't gonna have anything to do with it but we got his feet in his the water and he was splashing away having a great time!! All in all it was a great day with beautiful weather and great company!!! I sure know Nico had a great time because when I put him to bed last night, not a peep out of him until he got up this morning with Daddy at 8:45am!!!

Until our next adventure....

EMBARRASSED...

I have to admit that I am kind of embarrassed because I just looked at the ticker at the top of my page that I just updated when I changed my background this week and noticed that I inputted that my son is 1 year 6 months and 3 days old......obviously I don't know when he was born even though I was in labor with him for 13 hours and cried to the doctor for 3 weeks begging him to take him 3 weeks prior and then having him say I guess you were right when he was almost 9 pounds......if I could of gotten up and smacked him, I think I might have.....but anyway....I updated his age and I have to say to my little man, I am sorry and Mommy does know that today you are 1 year and 10 months old.....only 2 more months until you are 2, Gosh!!!

Where did the time go??? I guess I'll have to cherish the last two months of your 1's and even though your terrible 2's have already begun...I'll pretend that they haven't and that you are going to stay little forever....OK, I'll wake up now!!!

Until next time.....

NICO'S 2ND BIRTHDAY BASH!!!!

Here's the details for everyone to put on their calendars with invites to follow:

Where: Pump It Up

When: October 4th, 2008

Time: 1PM-3PM

I know Nico had so much fun at Kait's party a couple of weeks ago and he can't wait to play with all his friends at his party!!!

LET'S GO AGAIN MOMMY....

THE BIG SLIDE.....

TUMBLE......

HAPPY B-DAY KAIT!!!

PUMP IT UP....

NICO HAD SO MUCH FUN AT KAITLYN'S PUMP IT UP BIRTHDAY PARTY ON SATURDAY THAT WE ARE DEFINITELY HAVING HIS BIRTHDAY PARTY THERE THIS YEAR. HE PLAYED AND PLAYED UNTIL HIS LITTLE LEGS AND MOMMY, COULDN'T PLAY NO MORE!!! IT STARTED OUT IN THE FIRST ROOM WHERE THE SLIDE LADDER WAS STRAIGHT UP AND I HAD TO PUSH HIM UP IT WHILE I WAS TRYING TO GET MYSELF UP WHILE TRYING NOT TO FALL....AND I AM THINKING I AM GETTING TO OLD FOR THIS CRAP....BUT I A MADE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND NICO TUMBLED DOWN, AGAIN AND AGAIN LAUGHING AND SMILING WHICH DEFINITELY MADE IT ALL WORTH WHILE, AND I DEFINITELY HAVE TO THANK ALL THE KIDS FOR BEING SO PATIENT WITH LITTLE NICO BECAUSE THEY WAITED WHILE HE CLIMBED OVER EVERYTHING AND EVEN AT ONE POINT THEY CLOSED DOWN THE BIG SLIDE WHILE HE TOOK HIS TIME GOING UP TRYING TO BE A BIG BOY AND CLIMBED ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP WITH KAIT'S HELP AND TUMBLED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE SLIDE, BUT AT FIRST HE WAS UNSURE OF HIMSELF UNTIL WE ALL CLAPPED AND THEN HE GOT THE BIGGEST SMILE ON HIS FACE!!! ALL IN ALL IT AS A GREAT DAY, AND HE WAS SO EXCITED TO BE THERE AND PLAYED WITH THE KIDS AND ME, PLUS JAMES AND SCOTT AND KIM. SO THANKS TO TERRI, JAMES, SCOTT, KIM AND EVERYONE WHO WAS SO PATIENT WITH THE LITTLE GUY, CUZ IF HE COULD TELL YOU HE HAD A GREAT TIME HE WOULD OF!!!

AND WELL SEE ALL OF YOU IN A COUPLE MONTHS AT NICO'S PARTY SO YOU CAN ALL HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCES I DID AND FEEL OLD LIKE ME....LOL!!!

UNTIL NICO'S NEXT ADVENTURES......

Barber Gene & Nico

NICO'S 1ST HAIR CUT

Today Daddy and Nico went to the Barber Shop for his first hair cut. To Mommy's surprise Nico waited patiently and the other customers wanted to entertain him....but who wouldn't want too??? So as they waited Nico made new friends and even made a dollar that he stuffed in his pocket, and then finally it was his turn!!! So like a big boy, Daddy put him up in the chair and Barber Gene wrapped the paper around his neck (twice) and put the smock around him and started trimming his little locks of hair. And to all of our surprise he sat their like a little angel only moving his head side to side to see what was going on in the Barber Shop, never crying or fussing. Barber Gene said he was the best little guy he has had in a long time and before Nico knew it he was all done and Barber Gene gave him a few suckers and Daddy and him went to the Gas Station to get a slushy for being so good. I guess Nico can be the Angel everyone says he is when he wants to be.....

Until his next adventure......water fun!!!

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.......