My girlie came over to play today!

After a lot of fun outside, the kiddos reluctantly came indoors this beautiful afternoon. Nicholas insisted on wearing Livi's Hello Kitty glasses....indoors!

Probably 20 minutes later (and the glasses are still on), Nicholas found Mr. Potato Head's glasses and offered them to Olivia.
"Isn't this where they go?"

"Oh Livi, let me show you....this is how they go!"

The Sesame Street hiding characters were the hot toy of the afternoon. They took turns really nicely - Nicholas would open the doors and Olivia would close them.
Mr. Joe Cool.

I'm guessing we'll have a similar picture in 16 years with him leaning against Daddy's car (or minivan).
Nicholas found the playdough, but then once it was out, all he wanted to do was run around the house with Olivia's snack cup. I guess it was all a ploy all along - get her busy and grab her snack! Olivia just loved the playdough and made a little bird's nest that Nicholas stopped to inspect.
Thanks for playing Olivia!

Grandma's the best!

"With Grandma on vacation this week, we got to spend some nice quality time together today. I took her on a sight seeing tour of the playground and park...with my pointer finger leading the way."

"We had lots of giggles and fun on the swing."
"Grandma gave me a nice long ride. Ya know, I just love to swing, because it gives me a whole new perspective to snoop at other people!"

"Our fun-filled afternoon definitely warranted that long-awaited smooch I planted on Grandma for the first time. I love you Grandma!"

Screecher!!!

The Glory of Speakerphone

Yes, another phone conversation with Aunt Angela and Dillon. Nicholas was so excited to blow kisses to them before I grabbed the camera. I was bummed I missed the moment, but when I was watching the clip tonight, I noticed him pointing to his nose (and then trying to get mine) when Angela's asked about going to an ENT - check it out! I guess we need to be careful with what we talk about in front of him - he's not missing a beat!

The 17-Month Old Mall Rat

We are certainly not big mall fans, but this weekend, Nicholas managed to get to 2 malls.

Can you believe he's willing to share fries with Daddy?

Sunday, Daddy and Nicholas had lunch at Great Northern and explored over half the mall without the stroller!

"When are we going to get to the shoping?"

"Oh, there's Sears - lets hit the tool department!"

Polish, anyone?

Tonight, Grandma and Grandpa took us out for a yummy Polish meal.

Nicholas and Grandma checked out the desserts (before we even ordered dinner - they know how to plan ahead!).
Nicholas entertained us with his reading/page turning skills
and then, we saw tonsils.......so we all vamoosed in a hurry!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa - everything was wonderful. Here's keeping our fingers crossed Nicholas will order something more than apple juice from the menu at our next visit!

Flashback Friday!

Oh, those good 'ol days of the Jumperoo!

Here's Nicholas the first day we got it (coincidentally, from our now good friend Olivia!)

...the next morning

(still loving it!) ...the rest is history!
Boy, we could really miss those days of safe and fun confinement.

Waiting for Daddy

By the time Daddy was expected home, we were all itching to get outside for a bit before dinner. Nicholas played his famous "peek-a-boo" game with the sheers.

We call it - peek-a-boo...I already see you!

Yup, still see you!
Don't expect that this game requires him to put down his sippy cup - not when he can hold it between his teeth (hmmm, we'll see what the dentist says about that trick next month!).
He had a very serious conversation with Grandpa to make dinner plans for tomorrow night.
That's my boy!

Hi Elmo!

We went to see Elmo and all my friends from Sesame Street Live!

All my favorites were there, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Zoey, Ernie & Bert, Telly, Rosita, Baby Bear and my personal favorite, The Count.
I waved to all my buddies.
And Olivia and I got in a little flirting time. I'm so glad she's back from her Disney extravaganza.
Our seats were in the first row of the mezzanine, so I got to stand up at the railing - it was the best!
I even wore my Elmo outfit from Great Aunt Anne (thank goodness it still fits me from Christmas). What a fun afternoon!

Oh No!

Daddy caught Nicholas' new favorite word on tape. In actuality, we should have been the ones saying it, since Nicholas was covered in watermellon juice in his PJ's! I guess that's what happens when he gets a bath before dinner time.

All Boy!

What a gorgeous day! We had a great walk at the Parkway and then played on the very-crowded gym. Let's just say we were able to get a jump on learning turn-taking skills with many authentic encounters this afternoon. The little squirt kept trying to escape over to the "big kids gym" - I guess there just wasn't enough excitement at the toddler world for him today.

Nicholas waved hi to Daddy while pushing a stroller he found. He just LOVES strollers and dolls!

Oh, you ask, where was Daddy...he was stuck on the bench because he had his roller blades on. (Note to self, bring his footware next time so we can take turns chasing the little man - exhausting is an understatement!).

"I'll pass on the tunnel..."

"...but am all for the slide!"

He just couldn't stop giggling in excitement for the slide today.

Day with Daddy

Mommy & Grandma were hanging wallpaper at Great Uncle Don's house, while the boys were playing all day.

Nicholas showed Daddy his favorite sunny spot.

Later, they brought lunch to the working mama's and we all had a picnic in the empty family room.

Have chair - will travel for all lunch dates!
"Can you believe this crazy guy!"

"That's my Daddy! Now let go of me - I've got to explore that giant red jacuzzi tub!"

It's Hard to Believe

2 Thoughts on this topic for tonight...

1. My son came up with the idea to sit in his oatmeal bucket to watch Sesame Street while I was preparing dinner.

(fortunately he got himself out)
2. This week last year we struggled the entire week with introducing rice cereal (finally deciding to call it quits and didn't re-introduce it for another month) and tonight the little man fed himself his yogurt and enjoyed taco salad with us - with a couple Baked Doritos and extra black olives, of course!

(Did I mention he threw a huge fit in Wegman's when he insisted on opening the bag of Doritos. Yes, that was after he enjoyed a sample of watermelon in produce, was given a chocolate chip cookie from the baker and ate a cheese stick in the dairy department.)

Flashback Friday!

Bubbles, what bubbles?

Nicholas tried his first bit of rice cereal.

He may look happy here, but really, he only took a finger tip's worth.

Later in the week, we caught his reaction on tape.

(don't you just love the first-time parent commentary?)

Re-united Again!

Someone was super excited to see the stroller coming out of the trunk at the house...

it means we're back to the park!

Nicholas ran to the playset.
And can now get up to the high first platform of the steps all by himself.
A smile to show off the new teethers coming in on the bottom.
Mr. Independent was all over the set - he's really getting into going on his own exploring missions.
And of course, the swings were a huge favorite.