TOUCHED MY HEART....

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

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

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

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

Happy Father's Day 2008.

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

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

Day 3.....

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

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

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO KAITLYN AND KOURTNEY!!!!

Dear Kait & Kourt,

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

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

Love you,

Bryan, Kelli & Nico

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

Until next time.....

Day 1....

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

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

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

WATER FUN!!!!

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

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


OK, I think I gotta it Chay!!

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

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

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

I am a big boy now!!!!

BIG NEWS.....

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

NICO POOPED IN THE BIG POTTY!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time.....

OUR LITTLE GENIUS!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

CRAZY NICO.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time......

The Sickies.....

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

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

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

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

Until next time....

FINALLY.....

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

Until next time......

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY HALEY!!!!

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

Happy Birthday!!

Love you,

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kelli and Nico

Nico, Chillin' April

2008 Nico Oct 1st, 2006

Time....

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

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

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

Until next time.....

Happy Mother's Day 2008!!

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

Until next time.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!

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

Love and Miss you!!!

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kelli & Nico

Priceless.......

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time.....

The last 52 days....

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

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

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

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

Until next time.....

THE PROOF.......

POLLS ARE CLOSED....

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

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

6

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

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

Until next time......