FUN WEEKEND!!

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!!!

Hope Santa is good to each and everyone of you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas to all!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until our next adventure......

Not Me Monday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

***UPDATE***

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

LOST CELL PHONE

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

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

Off to my cousin Joey's Christmas party!

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

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

1. Started your own blog.

2. Slept under the stars.

3. Played in a band.

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

7. Been to Disneyland.

8. Climbed a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis.

10. Sang a solo.

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning.

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

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

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

24. Built a snow fort.

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a Marathon.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.

29. Seen a total eclipse.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.

35. Seen an Amish community.

36. Taught yourself a new language.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.

41. Sung karaoke.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.

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

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theater.

55. Been in a movie.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China.

57. Started a business.

58. Taken a martial arts class.

59. Visited Russia.

60. Served at a soup kitchen.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Got flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.

65. Gone sky diving.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.

67. Bounced a check.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London.

77. Broken a bone.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible.

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Had chickenpox.

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury.

91. Met someone famous.

92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

100. Read an entire book in one day.

TWINS & TWINKLE, TWINKLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until our next adventure!!!!

Week #2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until our next adventure......

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

Can anyone believe that we will have been married:

10 years.....

120 months.....

3650 days....

87600 hours....

5,256,000 minutes....

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

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

To continue with the numbers game....

In the last 10 years we have:

Lived in 2 states....

Moved 7 times....

Bought 2 houses...

Have had 2 pets....

Had 1 adorable little Boy....

Taken 1 vacation....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Monday!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time!!!

A MYSTERY IN OUR HOUSE??

WHO COULD OF POSSIBLY MADE THIS MESS??

THE SUSPECTS:

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

NICO SAYS, ATHENA DID IT??

WHAT DO YOU THINK???

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

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

More time...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGNING OFF....

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

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

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

Love and peace,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time......

Chuck E Cheese

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

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

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

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

Thanks for all who voted!!

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

THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

Mommy & Me

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIG BOY BEDS.....

What's going on Daddy??

No more cribs!!!

Umm, not sure about this Mommy!!!

Nico's New Big Boy Bed!!!

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

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

The adventure begins...........

The adventure begins in our house, with not only Nico turning 2 on Wednesday but we took his crib down yesterday! It almost made me want to cry because it made me realize he is not a baby anymore!!! His bed is not quite ready until Wednesday, but Gpa Tim needed the box springs to finish it up, so us as naive parents that we are, we thought we'll just put his mattress on the floor and I am sure he'll take a nap in his bed.........LOL!! Let me tell you he got the last laugh, not us. So after finding him in the closet, not once but twice it was time to get the pack-n-play out. Which he hasn't slept in since our trip to NC in June, but man has he grown he is pretty much as long as the bed. I swear he is going to taller than me before he is 5, but we'll see on Thursday how tall he really is! What was funny though is that we put the pieces in our computer room and he went in there a couple of times, touching, looking and I think wondering what the heck was going on! Poor little guy is probably thinking he is moving out...LOL!!! So the next week or so should be VERY interesting in our house, trying to keep a 2 year old in his bed so please say a prayer that we make it through without to many tears and I am betting Nico will end up sleeping on the floor at some point!!!

Until our next adventure.....

I'll post pictures once we have the room set up and things settle down.

MILESTONES.....

NICO TURNING 2 AND OUR 100TH POST!!!!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY NICO!!!

Dearest Nico,

It seems like just yesterday Mommy and Daddy were trying to figure out what to name you and that you were going to stay in your little hot tub FOREVER, but now here we are 2 years later and you are not that little baby anymore!!

To us this is the best time of our lives to be able to communicate, play and show you and see the world through your eyes. Eyes that are innocent and amazed by every aspect of life that Mommy and Daddy just let pass by. This past year has been especially special to me because of all the heartache and worries we have gone through, but you have given us hope and shown us that no matter how hard things get, smiling, laughing and melting us with those beautiful blue eyes that everything is and will be ok.

So on October 1st, we celebrate the most important day of our life, the day Nico was born and we celebrate all of the accomplishments of this past year. Looking back at your photo show in review and reading past blogs, it's amazing to me how much you have changed. You have started talking, walking or running, gotten most of your teeth, grown about what Mommy thinks is a foot, developing the personality and orneriness any Mommy would want, and continually learning new things and new experiences that amaze us everyday.

So when we think of you, Nico, we think of this little guy who melts anyone's heart that loves him and we think of cars and the wonderment of his wheels turning in his head trying to figure out how a new toy or anything that he gets in his hands works. And anyone who knows us knows he is a passive, loving, caring little man who will only continue to melt your heart into giving him whatever he wants!!

Happy Birthday Nicolas Aaron, our one and only spoiled rotten child, who we love more than anything in this world!!!

We love you very much!!!
Mommy & Daddy

Seasons

Can anyone believe that the summer has left us and fall is upon us? I didn't realize today was the first day of fall until I logged onto my computer and then I thought, where did the summer go? All the fun things we did this summer, putting up a swing set, zoo trips, airplane rides, farms we went too, playing outside until dark, sidewalk chalk, riding the lawn mower and 4-wheeler. How much fun Nico had this year and how much we had with Nico!! He is at an age where everything is new, exciting, and funny and it is amazing to watch his eyes grow every time he sees something new!!! From Uh-oh choo-choo trains to wheee down the slide to trying to blow bubbles and flinging them all over Mommy. These are the moments I cherish because I know before I know it, it'll be Mom I wanna go to my friends or Mom no I don't want to hang out with you, you embarrass me....Can you imagine me embarrassing Nico?? I guess those moments when I have my pink shorts on and tank top on walking around the neighborhood and everyone wondering what happened to that crazy lady?? OK, maybe it's time to throw those out, but some clothes are like old friends.....LOL!

So now it's on to long pants and shirts, coats, gloves and hats and thinking is it really worth bundling him up for 20 minutes to go play outside for the 10 minutes it'll still be daylight out?? But then you see his baby blues light up when he sees the snow come down for the first time this season or the leaves fall from the trees, and you think of course it was worth it! Then before you know it the sun is gone and Nico's little porcelain cheeks turn rosy, and you know it's time to come in for something warm, and you wonder where did summer go and will it ever return??

Happy Fall everyone!!

Until our next adventures..........

SWIMMING LESSON ACT II

I know everyone has been patiently waiting for the next "story" of Nico's second swimming adventures! Last night was Nico's second swimming class and I have to say I think we definitely have the next Michael Phelps's!! He was too cute, this time Mommy and Daddy got in the water with little Nico and of course Daddy had to hold the little guy, and that gave Mommy the opportunity to watch Nico's eyes and see how is wheels were turning! This class was a little bit of repetition of the last class, practicing kicking, paddling, blowing bubbles and jumping in the pool but like before he amazed me of how he could follow directions so well. We also got the kick boards out and he leaned on that kicking his little legs out! Then it was time to start jumping into Daddy's arms, he almost got it but like his impatient Mommy he wanted to jump before 3.....but he did pretty good with allowing Daddy to even dunk his head!!!! Then it was time for the instructor to put the kids underwater and swim to Daddy. Mommy of course was a little worried about dunking him for so long but he was a champ!! The instructor put him under pushing him towards Daddy and Daddy grabbing him, and when he came up he was a little star struck but then started laughing! He even held his breathe, only taking in a little water!!! All in all it was a fun night for Nico, Mom and Dad and we can't wait for the next lesson!!

Until Nico's next adventure.....

NO POWER....

Now you never realize how much we depend on electricity until you don't have it! Hopefully everyone survived Hurrican Ike that seemed to find it's way up to Ohio.....definitely a lot faster than it made landfall in Texas :) So not having electricity for almost 20 hours with an almost 2 year old has been a blast....it all started yesterday afternoon and the electric kept flickering but never went out until of course I had Nico in the tub. Then it was taking a bath by flashlight, it was as it sounds....a pain! But I guess I can be very thankful that we have city sewer and water, so that at least we can flush and drink...I guess not to words that need to be together..LOL!!! Then to Nico it was fun running around the house in the dark trying to find candles and playing with the flashlights!! Until it was finally time for bed, and at this point I am thinking ok it shouldn't be to long, right.....wrong!!! Still at 7 am still no power and getting ready without power is also soooo much fun...even now when I call home, still no power with the ETA of up to 7 days! So with food out of the freezer thanks to my Mom, it'll be off to Grandma's until the power comes on because without power eating and playing can be VERY difficult in the dark!!! I guess just another adventure in the day in the life of being Nico's Mom!!!

Hope everyone else has power and until next our next adventure or until we get power back.........

***UPDATE****AFTER 24 HOURS OF NO POWER....IT'S BACK ON!!!! I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO TURN EVERY LIGHT IN MY HOUSE ON IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SWIMMING CLASSES ACT I

Nico started swimming classes last Wednesday with his friend Chay at the Louisville YMCA, and how impressed I was with how different he did this time from last time we took this class. Now granted he was 6 months old at the time, but it's moments like these that it proves to us that he is getting older and smarter everyday. I got in the water with him this time, but next time the instructor who was very nice, asked for both of us to come in and interact with Nico. We sang songs, played with boats and learned how to paddle and kick, and jump off the side of the pool into Mommies arms. It was so cute as when I said, "kick, kick" Nico kicked his little heart out not going anywhere but having so much fun kicking and laughing! Then we turned him over and I told him to "paddle, paddle" and believe it or not he paddled with his hands and splashed Mommy but again was laughing and having a great time! Next, was jumping off the side of the pool and although he was a little hesitant at first, as soon as he realized I was not going to drop him he was off and jumping! We'll sort of, but a Mommy can over-exaggerate a little bit can't she?? LOL! I had no idea how Nico would react, but was definitely surprised by how big he acted and how much fun we really had. The only downer was the fact that I brought the camera but left it in my bag in the locker room......so we'll have to wait for next week for some photo opts that I know you are all patiently waiting for!!!

Until next weeks swimming adventures or until Nico does something too cute not to write about.......

"WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING......"

On a normal day I would of blogged about Nico's adventures, like his swimming classes last night, but instead I decided that being that it's 9/11 and almost the exact time Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon....I decided that it was more important to write about today and ask the question....."Where were you when the world stopped turning?"

I can tell you where I was, I was working and listening to the radio when suddenly the music stopped playing and I heard voices talking. I thought that's weird, and went to the stereo to turn it up only to hear that the Twin Towers had been hit by what I remember them saying was a helicopter. So we turned on the TV and Debbie and I sat there wondering what was going on, and all of the sudden another plane came out of no where and I remembering exactly what I said to Debbie...." That plane is going to hit the other tower" and her saying no way, and the next thing you knew it happened. Then we went across the hall to get the rest of the girls, and then four of us huddling around a 19" TV trying to see what was going on, with all the confusion and being scared wondering what the heck just happened. Trying to call Bryan to see where he was and what he had heard, and then having the realization that maybe he would be called back from inactive status to active, and that fear. Or wondering where they were going to hit next, the fear came over me so quickly thinking this was the end. Then watching the towers start to sway and saying those towers are going to fall, and before we knew it they did. Even now I get chills just thinking about it and wondering why?

So today, as we watch our TV's tonight and reflect on the last 7 years we can remember, remember those who died and those who survived and have to live with the painful memories forever. I know that I'll never forget how I felt and where I was, and that feeling of helpless will never be forgotten. We also need to stop for a minute and thank our soldiers, our police and fireman who put their lives on the line everyday for someone they never met. These people to me are very special and I am very grateful to be married to someone put in a similar situation would go into those towers and not even think twice. So today as we remember, I think Thank you to those who protect and serve us whether in our towns, counties, states or the world we do appreciate it and I ask my readers to as the song says,

"Where were you when the world stopped turning?"

Please....

Who would of thought such an easy word to me and you, would be so hard to teach a 2 year old??? Until today, he finally said it while once again Mommy asking him to say please for a drink out of the fridge and to my surprise my months and months of working with him FINALLY paid off. He said and he kept saying it as I did, I was jumping up for joy like the kid just adding 2+2 or something, but if you know Nico his words come far and few and although we are bound and determined to teach him new words everyday. Not to mention when he wants to talk he will, but he chooses when to and not too... I mean look the kid at 15 months went into the doctors office, she sneezed and he said bless you!! So we all know he can talk, but he is stubborn like his Daddy of course..LOL! So today is another accomplishment for little Nico.....he finally said PLEASE, the best word a Mommy could hear!!!

Until next time.......

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY KOURTNEY!!!

It's so hard to believe Kourt that you are 5, seems like just yesterday I was visiting you the day you came home. I remember it well as you were wearing that cute little pink outfit, and were so adorable! How times flies, and now you are turning 5!!!! You are such a sweet, funny, beautiful little girl that can always make Nico laugh! I was so proud of you at how much you have matured at the dance recital it almost made me cry that you weren't a baby anymore, but now an independent, smart little girl. You amaze me every time I see you and your smile is something that always make me smile back, no matter the day I am having.

So on Sunday, Kourtney Elizabeth we celebrate your day....a milestone in your life....turning 5!!!

Happy 5th Birthday!!

We love you,

Bryan, Kelli & Nico

Pony Ride

Nico had another exciting adventure with Gpa Tom and Gma Connie....riding the ponies! Over the weekend we went to the Great Trails Festival that had pony rides. Poor Gpa Tom though had to walk in what seemed like a lifetime to make sure little Nico didn't fall off the horse, but impressively he held on tight and balanced himself on the pony the entire time! The only time that he started to fall was when the guy was giving him the ride on his ponies had to re-adjust the saddle because he said that it was a slipperly saddle. But all in all it was another fun adventure in Nico's summertime fun!!!

Until Nico's next adventure.....