Nikki's Blog

Well we had another visit from Auntie Annie. Has been great that she has the time to come up, cause I have been so busy with work that I haven't had much time to get out. I added some new pictures in her 24th month album, so check them out if you have time. I am going to try to post more often, even if its just pictures.

We went to see the ducks and ducklings and this is how Nikki looked when they waddled into the water! She thought it was sooo neat.

We went to my work and got to play on our fire truck. How cool is it that I know someone who owns a fire truck that she can play on anytime she wants!!

Then it was off for a visit with Memre and Nana.

Then off to visit Great PaPa and Great Grammie! She tried on Great Grammie's hat and had a blast posing for pictures.

Then it was off to the TicketNetwork softball game, where she got a chance to visit with Miss Maddie.

Here is one of my new favorite pictures!

 

Well, we finally got a chance to meet Miss Kaitlyn! She is absolutely adorable. It was neat to see the girls together.

Rae goes to Prom!

Rae and April!

In Nikki news, she is doing well. We are working slowly on using the potty. She is starting to put words together. And she counts. "One, two, five, seben, nine, ten!" It is too cute. Have some new picks of Nikki will try to get them up tomm.

 

Yikes, too much stuff has happened since my last post so I won't be able to mention it all, but will post what I can. New pictures in her 22nd and 23rd month album.

Here are the highlights. Tracy had her precious little princess Kaitlyn on Easter. We have a niece! and we couldn't be happier. I will post a picture of her soon. We will be going to visit her in the next few days.

We went out for Pizza with Great PaPa and the whole family for his birthday. Here is a "sassy" pose just before we headed out to the party.

Visited with Grandpa at his shop. Nikki loves hanging out at Grandpa's desk.

The Easter Bunny visited Miss Nicole in several locations. He brought her a bike, yummy candy, books, playdough, clothes, and oh so much more.

Auntie Annie came over for a visit. It was a beautiful day out so they took the bike for a spin and then made some great driveway art!

We took a day trip to the Lupa zoo. We met lots of neat animals including Nikki's favorite. You guessed it, ....monkey. She was able to feed alot of them. She had a great time. Check out her 23rd month album for lots of zoo photos.

During our mini summer preview we were able to break out the kiddie pool. So here is the first bathing suit picture of the year.

Everyday she still amazes me. She is picking up several new words a day. Sometime she is quite the parrot, repeating everything we say! Not a very informative post this time, but something is better than nothing!

 

 

Yikes, I know it has been a long long time. I apologize but raising a toddler is tough work! So, lets start with Christmas. Nikki had a wonderful 2nd Christmas. Santa and everyone in the family was very good to her. She recieved so many wonderful presents. I will name a few, she got her very first American Doll Biddy Baby from her Nonnie, some great search and find picture books and of couse socks from Memre and sleeping Nana, a beautiful handmade fleece blankie and teddy bear from Autnie Jen, a cute pooh bear and sweatshirt from Auntie Annie, and lots of outfits, an activity table, and of course can't forget to mention barnyard bowling from Grandpa and Bacchi. She also got lots of great presents from mom and dad. That is quite the list and I even cut alot out. Geez hope this kiddo knows how lucky she is!

Here is a xmas pic of Nikki at Nonnie's. She looks so cute with her little dress and ribbon in her hair.

Daddy had to go to Kansas for two very long weeks. But Nikki and I made the best of it and had a lot of fun together hanging out just the girls. Everyone kept us busy which helped the time to go fast. We went out to dinner a few nights with great grammie and great Papa. Nicole loves them bunches and I think they like to show her off. Auntie Annie came and spent the day with us too. Even took Nicole out sledding. We helped her make her very first snow angel too.

Nikki, her Daddy and I made her very first snowman too. Now no comement on how boring or ugly. This is a learning process for us too ya know. Gotta remember how to be a kid.

My cheesy daughter!

Nikki with pigtails..

Nikki also had a very rough time with the stomach bug. She was sick for almost 2 full weeks. My poor poor baby girl. Its so hard when your little one is not feeling well. We had to go to the ER one of those days, but she had a great nurse. Why it was sleeping Nana of course. I am happy to report that she is feeling all better now.

Nicole got to spend some extra time with Grandpa this week because he had to have his shoulder operated on, so he spent the day with and Bacchi while I went to work. We got to visit with Auntie Tracey too, who is 7 months pregnant with her little girl. Nicole will be so excited to meet her.

New pictures have been added to the gallery and will try very hard to update again soon.

Hi Hi everyone!

Our baby girl is a year and half old, Can you believe it?!! I know I can't. Where has the time gone. She has turned into such the little person. Her personality is blossoming. It is just amazing how much she has grown and changed in such a short amount of time.

We had our 18th month well baby visit at the doctors. Miss Nicole is now 29lbs   and 34inches tall. She is officially off the height chart. The doctor said she is growing well and reaching all of her developmental milestones early. She had to have a few more shots, but she did so well and didn't even cry this time. (we caught her off guard I think)

It looks like I forgot to post about Thanksgiving. We were able to visit at Grandpa & Bacchi's and at Memre's and sleeping Nana's. We were all together for Thanksgiving, which hasn't happened in awhile, so we were all very happy. Nikki sat well at the table and enjoyed her turkey dinner even though she wasn't feeling the best due to an ear infection.

In other baby news, Tracy & Justin have found out that they have a little girl on the way! We are very excited for them and can't wait for Nicole to meet her new cousin. Francis and Step welcomed baby John in early December. We are so excited that everyone is having little ones and can't wait for all of them to be able to play together.

All of us got together for Madison's 3rd birthday. The kids got along great.

Miss Annie brought over hers and Auntie Jen's rocking horse from when they were little. Nikki absolutely loves it. She can get on and off by herself and can even stand on it, which just about gives mommy a heart attack.

Grandpa, Uncle Jon, Auntie Rae Rae, and Auntie Jen all came over for a visit one Sunday. It was so nice for everyone to be able to visit with Nicole at her house.

It is beginning to look alot like Christmas! Not only have we decorated our Christmas tree, but it has finally snowed. We took her outside to play for a bit today and she LOVED it. We had her sledding down the driveway, and even climbing on the snow piles. Grandpa, Bacchi, Uncle Jeff & Uncle Alex were out our way this morning, so they caught a piece of the action. She loves all the attention and really shows off.

Check out more pictures in her 19th month album. We have plans to see everyone for the Holidays and will definately post soon.

Lets start with Halloween! My pretty little princess was a cute little ladybug. We took her trick or treating to Memre's, Nonnie's, and Grandpa & Bacchi's. She even got to ring a few doorbells in our neighborhood. After having a few bites of chocolate she went off to sleep, she was soo tired out.

Here is a pic of Auntie Rachel and Miss Nicole.

In other baby news, I went to my girlfriends baby shower only to find out that she had delivered her beautiful daughter Maddie the day before. She is so adorable. Miss Nicole has been able to meet her and I'm not sure she knew what to think. She sat in my lap and stared at her for awhile, but then she got really clingy and cranky. I think maybe she was a bit jealous that we were all paying attention to Maddie and not her.

Also, everyone has been keeping it quiet, but Jeff's sister Tracey is expecting! Nikki is going to have a cousin!! Tracey is about 20 weeks along and had her big ultrasound but is keeping it hush hush until Thanksgiving to announce if a little boy or girl is on the way. Either way we are very happy for Tracey and Justin and wish them the best on the new adventure that parenthood will bring.

We were able to make it to Steph's baby shower as well. She is preparing for her new little boy who is due in early December. Anytime now and he will be here. We saw Auntie Jen at the shower, which was great because we don't get to see her as often as we would like. Nicole got to visit with Madison, Brianna and Kenny. It is always nice when we all find the time to get together in one room. It rarely happens, but when it does it all comes together so well.

Ok! Back to Nicole. Auntie Annie and Tim came over one weekend afternoon to visit with us. Auntie Annie took Miss Nicole for a ride in her car outside, but it was sooo very cold that we couldn't stay outside long.

Nikki helping with yard work..

Nikki's new winter coat. She is my little pink Eskimo..

We went to our last music class of the session last Wednesday. Nikki has enjoyed going so much that we signed up for the winter session. It is amazing how much she has changed in the classes. She has a few favorite songs, loves "Open and Shut Them" and the "Itsy Bitsy Spider." She was very shy in the beginning. When it was time to "make" music I used to have to get her one of the "instruments." But now she gets right in there with the other kids and gets her own, and even puts it away when it is time. She has really started to interact in class, so I decided it was important for us to continue. At the end of the last class, a little boy the same age as Nicole came over and gave her a hug. It was the cutest thing, until.....Nikki started crying her eyes out. She cried so loud, the little boy got scared and ran back to his mommie. It was totally not the reaction I expected her to have.

Nikki has been going to Bacchi's house on Thursday's while I go to work. I am very thankful that she has the time to watch over my princess while I attend to my work. I sure hope Nikki does well there when they put up their Christmas tree. I am worried about this already!

I was able to go out for breakfast with Memre one day. It sure was nice to have some adult time. I wish we got together more often. We also got to go out for breakfast with Grandpa and Bacchi. Yes, we eat breakfast out alot. What can I say, I guess we like to eat! I consider it neccessary so Nikki can learn restaurant manners. Or at least thats how I justify it!

We have been out to breakfast several times with Great Grammie and Great PaPa. Nicole loves getting to see them so much. I am glad that we have found a way for us to see each other every week. Nicole has started saying PaPa. It is great, except I can't seem to get her to say it around him. Haha.

Nikki seems to be picking up several words each day. She now says Apple, Yellow, Cow, and loads of other words. At breakfast one morning she was pointing to the cow on the wall saying "Cow" then she looked at Aunite Annie, pointed at her and said "jkaviahbvjkbbv COW" We are not sure what the first part, but oh man was she serious.

She is starting to try to use a fork for meals.

But this is what she looks like, when she decides that using her hands is much better....

It still amazes me how fast time has went since she entered our lives.I can not believe the holidays are here again. It will be neat to see her enjoy them this year.

I have added new pictures to her 17th month album. And here are 2 more of my favorites.

Well that is all for now. Hope everyone is well

Hmm where to start? New pictures have been added under her 16th month album.

Great Nana went back home to Florida   But not before we had "pizza night". We all went out for a bite to eat, so everyone could give Nana a proper send off. Nicole was able to visit with everyone. In addition to the usual crew Autie Lori, JD, and Tim were there. It was nice to get to visit with everyone. It was unfortunate that sleeping Nana and Auntie Jen had to work, but we will catch up with everyone soon. Nicole stayed up past her bedtime and even behaved. Mommy sure was surprised.

Miss Nicole was blessed with many great gifts from the Lee family. Audrey, Jason, and Brianna were nice enough to pass down some of their toys. We are very grateful. They gave her so many things, including a kitchen, sit and spin, and a purple car! Here are a few pictures of Miss Nicole and her new kitchen that she absolutely loves.

Feeding her baby!

We have been walking everynight that its not too cold out. Miss Nicole enjoys being outside so much. She likes to hold Tasha's leash and gets upset if she can't walk the dog. She definately has a special relationship with Tasha. They love to run together outside and inside sometimes too lol. And Tasha loves all the Cheerio's and other yummy snacks that come her way.

We went on a shopping trip with Nonnie. It was a fun girls day out. We went to a few stores to find Nikki a snowsuit. She is going to love exploring the outdoors when it is covered in white fluffy snow. We picked out a beautiful snowsuite, and guess what?! Its not pink! After picking up some new PJ's we went out for lunch and then called it a day. Before we left the parking lot Nicole was fast asleep. Too much shopping for her I guess. Auntie Annie will have to teach her that your never too tired to go shopping!

Nicole has a few new cousins on the way and we couldn't be happier.

We went out to breakfast with Grandpa and Bacchi and the rest of the gang, then headed off to the pumpkin patch for an afternoon of fun. Miss Nicole explored some corn stalk huts, climbed a hay bale mountain, went on a tractor ride and fed some huge cows, picked out a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch and even danced to some crazy county music. A great time was had by all and it was so nice to see her have fun with Grandpa. With everyones schedules it is so hard to get together.

The family shot! One of the few in existance and I actually like it. We will have to take more.

Auntie Annie thought it would be great if Nikki sat on a pumpkin lol. Its hard to believe that just a year ago we had to prop her up with pumpkins and this year she is running everywhere. Oh my where did the time go.

And here is one of my new favorites from Nikki playing on her swingset.

Becoming a mother has changed so much in my life in ways that I don't think it does for everyone else. It is just amazing. Every day I look at my daughter and I am blown away. I fell like I have spent so much of my life unfocused and overnight Nicole changed that. With every laugh and smile I am reminded of how very lucky I am to have her.

Filled up my camera so it must be time for an update. Please check out her new photos in the gallery when you get time. Miss Nicole is doing well. We went to the Dr's for her 15th month well baby visit. She is 25lbs an 32 inches tall. She is still in the 95th percentile for height. Our little girls is sooo tall. She also had to have a few shots. Poor little girl and poor me because I had to hold her down. Kinda mean if you ask me to make a mother pin her child down while people poke her. But I was able to make it all better afterwards, so that was ok.

We went on our first trip to Mystic Aquarium. It was neat to see Nicole look at all the animals. She really liked the penguins, whales, and jelly fish. It was really a nice afternoon. I can't wait to take her again and take her to the zoo. Her expressions are absoultely priceless.

We went to a pizza party at Memre's house. Everyone was there! Her aunts and uncles, great grammie, great papa, great nana, memre and sleeping nana too. Nicole had alot of fun playing with everyone and running up and down the ramp alot. Had a photo opp with Aunt Annie as she complained about her previous photo. haha

Nicole absolutely loves Elmo! She loves when he comes on tv and sings his songs. She has these great flannel Elmo PJ's that Grandpa and Bacchi got her. So Daddy got her matching Elmo slippers. She walks a bit funny when she has them on though, his heads sometimes trip her up!

We bought our princess a slide for the living room for now, so she can use up some of her energy during the fall and winter. We weren't how she would do with it, but she loves it. She climbs up the slide and slides down all by herself! Quite the big girl. It has a little door on it, which she loves to open and close. We will have to get her a clubhouse soon.

We also took Nikki to her first fair. She was able to see all the animals. Of course she called them all Tasha, but thats ok. Daddy won her a stuffed animal and she tried some fried dough. And we took her for her very first ice cream. I wanted to take her before it got too cold out. She really enjoyed it but made quite the mess. We stopped in at one of Uncle Jeff's football games, but Mommy forgot her jacket and it was chilly so we didn't stay too long.

Here is Miss Nicole in her pretty pink outfit that Aunt Annie helped pick out.

I'm sure there is more that I have forgot at the moment, but we have had a busy month.

I know I have said it before, but we are truly blessed to have this little miracle in our lives. She is such a happy little girl. I love her so much.

Whoa! I am really really bad at this Miss Nicole keeps me so very busy that it is hard to find time to update. We have added Nikki's 14th month album to the Photo Gallery so check it out when you have time!

Hmm, where to start. We went on a very short camping trip in August. (was supposed to be longer but Nicole didn't agree lol). We will try camping again next year, but a baby who doesn't sleep through rowdy campfires and won't nap gets really really whiny. She got up about 5am and was ready to get her day started. Daddy was not quite as ready. haha

Nikki has been starting to explore the house a whole lot more and especially likes to "help out" in the kitchen. Guess she takes after her Daddy. Also, we are able to get her hair up, well kinda.

I dug out my old rocking chair from when I was little to see if Nicole would like it. And when she is not busy being a little money and standing up on it and rocking. (scaring mommy to death by the way.) She likes to snuggle up with her silkies and baby and watch some sprout.

We went on a picnic with Grandpa and Bacchi to a state park in CT over Labor day weekend.

We also got to visit Memre, Great Nana, and sleeping Nana. They had a cookout and we even got to see Auntie Jen. It is always nice to get to visit with everyone. Wish we could do it more often.

Nicole enjoys playing with her ball and tending to her baby dolls. She has 7 front teeth and is working on cutting all 4 of her molars. But as usual she is such a happy baby. She is starting to talk and it is so exciting. She will say "where'd it go" if you hide something on her. Its sooo cute. We are starting a music class together this month. Nicole loves to dance and clap to the music so I think she will really enjoy it. We are going to be going to NY to see Daddy's family for a wedding, so we will post pictures after that. And we also have her 15 month well baby visit this month to see how much she has grown. Will keep you updated lol.

Here is Nikki driving her car. She even goes vroom vroom. I can't believe how independant she has become. Look out here comes our little toddler!

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a long time since I have updated, but better late then never :P

Nicole is walking and running all over the place. She still topples over sometimes, but for the most part we have a full time walker. She has also learned that she can climb up on things and stand on them. Makes mommy all nervous when I find her standing on the coffee table lol. New pictures have been added under her 13th month album, so check them out when you have time. Also, daddy has been working on her videos and has posted some new ones under the video tab. She now loves the pool.

Auntie Annie came over one day and took the princess swimming and tired her out, so we put her down for a nap.

I went in to check on her and this is what I found. Have I mentioned we are having a hard time keeping diapers on her. LOL

Here is one of my new favorite pics.

Lets see what else. Hmm. Nikki was sick for a few days with a high fever. Boy was she miserable. Daddy felt so bad for Mommy not getting any sleep he took her to sleep on the couch. I found them there early in the morning, it was such a Kodak moment. We have visited with everyone and are still just amazed by our little miracle!