Back to himself!

By the afternoon following Nicholas' surgery, he was quickly back to his old antics. Grandma and Grandpa came over to check up on the little guy and took him and sister Zoey for a walk.

Nicholas then realized its great fun to walk Zoey himself.
action shot
He was incredibly upset when we unhooked the leash to go inside, but realized its even more fun to take his favorite Grandpa for a walk.

No kidding, they carried on like this for over a half hour! Now that Grandpa deserves the "good sport" award!

Our Little Trooper!

Today will hopefully be Nicholas' beginning of a whole new world - one filled with clear, well-feeling ears. It was an early morning for us, since we had to be at the surgery center by 6:30.

Once in his gown, it was all playtime as we waited for the doctor to arrive. Would you believe we were playing in a cozy coupe before 7am!

"Mommy, Daddy, I don't know why I'm here in this silly dress, but I'm rather suspicious. Good thing I have an escape plan."
"Beep Beep! Move the gurneys - I'm coming through!"
"Hmmm, I'm feeling a bit of a breeze."
Our wait for the surgeon turned out to be really long - but Nicholas' cuddliness made it all worthwhile. You could tell he really knew he was there for something big.

Ahh, finally re-united!

All Nicholas' caring staff were super impressed with how well he handled the procedure. He was a real trooper - and a hungry one, since he couldn't eat or drink anything since the previous night at 6pm!
Oh, my cuddle bug!
Thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers and phone calls. We appreciate all the loving support of our family & friends!

Check out this clip of the procedure - its neat.

http://www.entusa.com/surgery_video_html/ear_tube_2_wmv0.htm

A Day in the Life of Nicholas

We biked to the park this morning where Nicholas spent most of his time on the bouncy bridge.

He ran around the house making "music" with the egg slicer.
There was serious concentration involved (can't you tell!). Most impressively, he put it back in the kitchen utensil drawer when he was finished!
And after a very messy dinner with Olivia, he insisted on bringing the balloon she gave him into the bath.

Our nightly routine - good night kisses to froggy!
Tomorrow is a big day for us. Nicholas will be getting tubed placed first thing in the morning - so please send good thoughts our way!

Happy Mama's Day!

After a nice breakfast with Grandma & Grandpa, Nicholas figuring out how to smell flowers, a super long nap for the Booster and 2 outfit changes of the afternoon, we all got out for a bike ride. Nicholas tried out his bike seat for the first time -

and loved it!

Thank you to everyone who made this a memorable Mother's Day for me and

Happy Mama's Day to all you mama's out there!

Good Neighbors Make the Best Friends

After my very restful afternoon nap (2 days in a row now - Mommy is thrilled!), we had a fun-filled afternoon with our neighbor friends. I always love a ride in Emilee's cozy coupe.

There's just enough room for the two of us in her kitchen...
for us to whip up some kissers stew!

Flashback Friday!

At 6 months old, I was mastering the independent sitting deal

tried carrots for the first time
loved being outside (especially in the backpack carrier)
adored Great Aunt Elaine (and still do)
and spent some quality time with Great Papa!

Rained in

After getting soaked in the sudden down pour this afternoon, I think Nicholas may finally be beginning to understand the concept of rain - most importantly being that we need to go inside. Once inside, he was very upset and kept pointing out.

Eventually we got a smile
and then he turned completely silly

(and yes, this is a real head-stand)
we managed to have a lot of fun!

My Lips Are Zipped!

Nicholas went for his first dentist appointment today. He did much better than I was expecting, considering the only way I can ever see in his mouth is to tickle him upside down. With some gentle prying, the doctor was able to count his pearly whites - all 11 of them (and one nearly through).

We were taken right in upon arriving, so he didn't get to check out the cool boat in the waiting room until after the exam. He kept his lips zipped for a while...

...but was having way too much fun to keep that up!
Dr. Dillingham must have slipped him something on that tongue depressor, because he had the guests around us in Panera in stitches with his antics.
Surely he had a story he was telling - with lots of gestures and peek-a-boos!

too funny!

Play Clothes Are A MUST!

Aunt Elaine came over this afternoon and we hit our favorite spot - the park!
Even knowing we were going to the park, Nicholas insisted on bringing Bunny. He was adorable snuggling with Bunny on the swing...

and with his favorite swing pusher.
"Enough of the snuggling, hmmm, where should I go explore next? That soggy high grass looks fun!"
After a couple of falls, we had a minor mess on our hands.
Thank goodness for play clothes (and a great washer & dryer)!

Play away the morning

New found obsession -

throwing toys under the dinning room table and figuring out how to get to them.

There's nothing like madly bouncing on a zebra to wake you up!
(Zoey looks thrilled)
His mouth is away open on the zebra - unless its drink time.
Oh yes, Zebra is thirsty too!
That's my boy!

Happy Half Birthday!

Look who's 18 months!

Don't get worried about the fascination with pacifiers all the sudden - he's just sharing with one of Mommy's original Cabbage Patch Kids.

We had a few friends over to celebrate with us. Katie made her grand entrance...walking all by herself!
Livi and her red shoes were there. She also brought Lucy and Bunny to celebrate with us too!
"Gampoo" did the honors and assembled Nicholas' doll stroller and Grandma found the bin of CP Kids. Nicholas refused to push a doll in his stroller - that spot is only for Bunny.
Katie was one happy girl (as always).
Jake and Nicholas had some "boy talk" on the ride-ons.
Then Nicholas offered him his paci. Seriously, how cute is this!
We all enjoyed dinner together - in a chaotic sort of way. The "adult table" was a little more organized, to say the least.
Katie surely enjoyed the food - and put the boys to shame with their picky eating.
She also found a new freedom!
And Jake couldn't get enough of the ice maker. Let's just hope this doesn't give Nicholas any ideas.
Thanks for celebrating with us everyone! Maybe next time the guest of honor will make it through dinner time!