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......