Good-bye for Now

With tears in our eyes, or at least in Mommy's eyes, the Walden family had to say goodbye to Uncle Jason and Aunt Kaori for the time being. They are taking a gamble and moving to Las Vegas due to a job transfer! Nico's aunt and uncle came over this weekend to spend some last minute quality time with us before they head out west. I pray that God is leading them on this path for a reason and that they are safe and happy when they land. We will miss them, but hopefully will see them soon.

Sitting up!

Nico is now sitting up all by himself! He is so proud of himself and really shows it with his big beautiful smiles. Soon enough he is going to be toddling from room to room with Mommy chasing right behind him. What a big boy!!!

A Weekend in Chi-Town

This past weekend Ed had to go to Chicago for work and Nico and I tagged along. Chicago is such an amazing city and we were so happy to be able to share Daddy's hometown with the little man.

Traveling by plane with an infant is a whole new world for this Mommy! While there are lots and rules and regulations to follow, Nico traveled very well. He ate as the plane took off and desended, slept half of the two and half hour flight and played the rest of the time. There was no crying or cranky boys on this flight!




Once we landed in Chicago we checked in to our fabulous hotel, the Swissotel found in the middle of downtown Chicago. We were pleasantly surprised that our extra large room was up high on the 25th floor and had an awesome view!

View of Navy Pier with the giant Ferris Wheel is and the of the Chicago river.

View of Lake Michigan with LOTS of saliboats.

A peek of Millenium Park

A clear shot of Buckingham Fountain.

Nico chillin on the giant hotel bed!

And Nico trying to get some work done before going out on the town!

While in the windy city Nico was able to meet some of Daddy's family. Here he is with Rocco, Chris and cousins Alicia and Michelina, both of whom were very excited to meet the cutest baby in the world!






We just couldn't leave town without making a stop at Wrigley Field! Nico had his first baseball game experience! With Daddy being a die hard Cubs fan and Mommy having grown up loving the Houston Astros, it was just perfect that the two teams were playing each other while we were in town. With some help from Aunt Shae, we managed to fenagle an original, one of a kind uniform or Nico. It was half Cubs and half Stros!






While Daddy had to work Saturday morning, Nico and Mommy had a blast walking miles and miles around downtown taking in all the sites and soaking up the hustle and bustle of the city! Later that same day we walked this time with Daddy up and down MIchigan Aveneue, had a great native Chi-town lunch and then hopped on a water taxi to Navy pier and Nico rode his first ferris wheel! This gigantic ferris wheel at Navy Pier boardwalk gives you an excellent view of the skyline of Chicago and Lake Michigan.




We will miss Chicago, but hopefully it won't be long until we are back in the windy city!

A Parent's Promise to God

As Christians we have quite a job ahead of us as being parents and raising our son to become a Godly man; one who loves the Lord and lives to serve Him. Our first step as Nico's parents was to dedicate our son to God in front of our church congregation. This is our promise to God:

Believing that your child was given to you as a priceless treasure from the Lord, do you dedicate him or her back to the Lord knowing that your child belongs to Him? Also, in acknowledging this, do you dedicate yourselves, as parents, to raise your child according to biblical standards, to do your best always to be a godly example for him or her to observe, and to teach your child about God’s love and grace? Do you agree to those commitments?

On Mother's Day, which was such an appropriate day, Ed and I dedicated Nico to God at church. God gave us Nico and we are giving him back.

The Very First Mother's Day

My very first Mother's Day! I have been looking forward to this day for so many years. Now it has come and gone, but I know I have so many more in front of me. My amazing husband knew how much I was looking forward to this day and he, with a little help from Nico, made the day very special. While waiting to leave for breakfast, Ed presented me with a beautiful necklace with a pendant made up of 5 of Nico's birthstone-blue topaz! This was so thoughtful. Every time I look down at the gorgeous blue stones, I think of my little blue eyed boy and how awesome he is. Then the entire family, including my mom who was in town, went to breakfast. This was quite an occasion. It is not very often when we can get all three teenagers out of the house for an activity at the same time! Church was after breakfast, where Nico had his moment in the sun, and then Ed, Nico and myself went to the zoo!

The family at breakfast.

Nico's birthstone times 5!!!

The zoo was symbolic to both Ed and I, because this is where we came the day we were waiting for the phone call from the doctor telling us whether we were expecting a little one or not. Walking through the front gates of the zoo I could remember the jittery, nervous feelings I had at the pit of my stomach when we were there last. Then I looked down...and I saw my Nico sitting in his stroller, looking around at everything, taking it all in...and then he looked up at his Mommy and Daddy and gave us a big smile! All the worrying, stress, heartbreak, crying, and needles were worth it. There he was-just so perfect!

This was Nico's first trip to the zoo! While he did look around and appeared to see some of the animals, he did not really seem to care. He was definitely not as interested in these animals as he is in Pettie and Luke. However, we still had fun and pointed out the elephants, monkeys and penguins to Nico. Next time we come there is a good chance that Nico may be able to walk around the grounds on his own! Overall, I had an amazing Mother's Day. I couldn't have asked for anything more-being able to spend it with my amazing husband and son, as well as my very own mom.

Nico and Mommy with the elephants

Nico hitching a ride on Daddy!

Nico and Daddy in front of the monkeys

Nico with his Gigi on Mother's Day

And They're Cousins!

With Mommy having a little extra time off of work due to the swine flu outbreak, Nico was able to meet his cousin Mason who is only 2 1/2 months younger than him. The two of them together were so adorable. This was the first of many visits our boys will have with each other. I can't wait to watch them grow up together. We really enjoyed visiting with Aunt Shae and little Mason and can't wait to see them again soon.

5 months old!

I can't believe how fast my little man is growing! He is 5 months old now, wearing size 3 diapers, out growing his 3-6 month old clothes and is loving his pears, peas and avocados! Everyday is a new day, full of exciting adventures for him with new foods to taste and sights to see. Nico loves the sight of our two dogs, Pettie and Luke. He watches their every move, will often laugh and smile at them as they move around, and reaches out to touch them. There is always a smile to be found on his face, especially at the sight of Mommy and Daddy.

Sleeping like a baby!

Ready for Chicago in a few weeks!

First time with yummy peas!

This video is of Nico not wanting to take his medication. Watch his facial expressions! What a funny boy!