Just So Darn Cute!

Yep, he's still as cute as ever!

Time with Mommy

Since school and work are over for the summer, Mommy and Nico have been able to spend lots of time together playing and having fun together. Just this week Nico and Mommy joined Mrs. Rebecca and little Matthew for some play time at their house followed by a leisurely lunch at the Cafe Modern. Nico was also invited to a play group with a couple of his friends where he drove a car for the first time and played till his heart's content. While the three boys were playing, the Mommys were slaving away in the kitchen making heaps of baby food...carrots, peas, apples, green beans, and so much more! Mmm...mmm...good.





In addition, Nico got a new prize...a walker. He tried one out for the first time at his playgroup and was immediately a movin' and a groovin' in it.


Lastly, Nico demonstrated he can hold his own bottle and feed himself! We knew he could do it, but he is finally showing interest in doing this now! What a big boy we have!

Father's Day

Nico got a little more fun in the sun on Father's Day. Daddy and Mommy took the Little Man swimming and to the park to play on the swings. Nico appears to be a natural at swimming; he moves his arms and kicks those little, chubby legs as if he has been doing it for years. I guess he will be a superstar at his swim lessons next month! Our little fish also enjoyed relaxing by laying back and floating around the pool. After playing hard outside, Daddy and Nico did two of Daddy's favorite things: take naps together and watched the US Open.

As you can tell from the pictures, Nico and Daddy have so much fun together. I can tell that they already have a very special father-son relationship. Nico really loves his Daddy and shows it with his many "Nico kisses." In addition, Nico's entire face lights up with huge smiles and coos whenever he sees his Daddy. While this was not the Father's Day that Daddy was hoping for, due to various circumstances, I hope he knows that there are many, many more Father's Days to come in which Nico will be right by his side to remind him what an awesome dad he is.

Summer Fun

As I mentioned in the last post, Nico stayed in Houston with his Gigi and Grandpa Dan while Mommy went to visit Daddy in Illinois. While Mommy was gone, Nico was able to have some summer fun! He went swimming for the first time, and was able to play with his cousin Mason again. According to Gigi, Nico was an excellent boy and they all had a blast together. Once Mommy was reunited with the Little Man, we were able to spend some extra time enjoying each other's company. Gigi and Mommy took Nico to the park where he played on the swings and slide, and indulged on his first cookie. Here are some great pictures and a video of Nico having fun.

Nico's newfound love: teething cookies!

Nico and Gigi eating their cookies!

Nico sitting in his "big chair, high chair" eating his cookie again.

Anniversary Happenings

I am sitting at the St. Louis airport waiting to catch a flight from the Show Me State back to the Lone Star State. I flew up here after leaving my little man (for the first time) in Houston with his Gigi so that Ed, who is away teaching for the week, and I could spend our anniversary together.

We spent our time together doing a little visiting with friends and a little sightseeing. Yesterday during the day, we took a leisurely drive down to Carbondale, IL, to take a look at Southern Illinois University, Ed's Alma Matter. For those Texans who are unaware of this, southern Illinois is not close to Chicago; it is actually quite a distance away. So we were unable to make a stop in the windy city this trip; however, it just so happens that Ed's best friend of 18 years lives in southern IL. Jim and his wife, Jan, joined Ed and I last night for our anniversary dinner. We went to a lovely place called, Paulo's at the Mansion and had a fantastic meal.

And now I am off to meet back up with my Nico man to give him lots of hugs and kisses!

Happy Anniversary!

Ed,
Today makes three years! It seems longer doesn't it? We have gone through so much... more than most newly weds have to endure. However, God knew what he was doing (big surprise!), and our journey has led us to growing stronger as parents and as a couple. You are an amazing husband and a wonderful father. I feel very blessed that God led me to you five years ago in Chicago. As I look to the future, I know we will have lots of ups and downs, but I look forward to it all. Thank you for being such a giving and thoughtful husband, a loving father and a comforting friend.

So here's to us...and for the next 30 years together!

Love Always and Forever,
Your Loving Wife, Court

Jamaica, on our honeymoon

Visit with Pops

Nico's Pops came into town for a visit this past weekend for a little bonding time. We had a nice relaxing visit while he was here and hope that visits are not so far and few in between next time! While Pops was here, Nico made some new friends... Goofy and Pluto, to add to his collection. His reaction to seeing or meeting Pluto for the first time was quite funny. Nico kicked his legs while making giggling and gasping noises when he saw him. He then took Pluto and squeezed him to his face and chest! I think that Nico may have thought that Pluto was another Pettie since that is what he is used to seeing and they were about the same size.

Praise God

This past Sunday was a major milestone in the life of a Christian for Ed. Although he had accepted Jesus Christ as his savior a few years ago, he had not been baptized as a believer. It was a wonderful event, with three of Ed's kids, including Nico, myself and Pops as our special guest, all present to witness his dedication to the Lord. Before Ed was baptized, Pastor Bill told the congregation how amazing it has been to watch Ed's transformation over the past few years, and how much of a leader he has become in the church. I am so proud of him!

For those of you that are reading this and are unaware of why being baptized is regarded as an important step as a believer, scripture from John 3:5 states, "Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"

And again in Mark 16:15-16, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"

As Ed's wife, I know I am extremely proud of him to have made this decision; however, it is God, who's heart that must have soared while He looked down in love during this blessed event. Hopefully, one day in the future Nico will look back at this blog and be proud that he was present for his Daddy to be baptized.

Play Time is Fun Time

Now that Nico is sitting up, he is really showing an interest in playing with his toys. He can sit and occupy himself with various light up or musical (his favorites) toys for quite a while. Nico has also has a new found love...The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. When the theme song starts playing in our house, Nico's head turns towards the direction of the music and he intently watches Mickey! The best part is when I hear Nico babbling and giggling towards either his toys or Mickey! This is so cute, but then again, everything is so cute to Mommy.

Good Bye School Days...

...for now! Today was Nico's last day at daycare/playschool. Initially, he was going to just stay home with Mommy during the summer, but plans have changed a bit. Next school year Mommy will only be working 2.5 days a week. This way Nico and Mommy can spend lots of quality time together, do activities together and have fun at playgroups. To top things off, instead of going back to daycare, Nico will be staying at his friend Matthew's house two days a week. Hopefully this will remove us from the frequent flier plan at the doctor's office!

We really appreciate all Nico's teachers have done for him and want to thank them for always bringing out a smile in him. Nico had great fun while he was there; he seemed to really enjoy watching the other kids and trying to be right in the middle of it all. Here is a quick picture I took this morning of Nico on his last day at school with his teachers. You can see that he yet to wake up fully!

Nico and his furry pal Pettie

Nico has become enthralled with our four legged furry friends, especially Pettie, who has also taken a liking to Nico. Nico loves watching the dogs which now always brings a smile to his face. Cute giggles can also be overheard while Nico is trying to catch those wagging tails. With our little man now being able to sit up by himself, Nico and Pettie attempt to play with each other; however, I am sure in the next couple of months when Nico starts crawling, the two of them will be chasing each other all over the house....with Mommy right behind them!

Party Animal

Nico was invited to and attended his first, of what I am sure will be many more to come, birthday party. His friend, Nathan turned two years old and had an Elmo party! Nico was fascinated with the present opening, the happy birthday singing and Nathan eating his cake! I told him to hold on, because in just another 6 short months we will be having a birthday party of our own!

Here is a picture of Mandy, Nathan's mom, myself and the two boys "playing." Nathan is demonstrating his new "smile" and pose for pictures.

Happy Half Birthday Nico!

Dear Nico,
You are 6 months old today, and I can hardly believe it. These 6 months have flown by so quickly, yet I can not imagine life without you now. You are such a blessing to our family and I hope you know that we all love you so much. I think back to the day you were born six months ago, and what a bittersweet time that was. Daddy and I and were scared out of our minds for you. We couldn't imagine loosing you when we hadn't even gotten the chance to meet you. God was watching over you that day, and he must have some big plans for you in the future, because you are truly a miracle.

I want you to know that you were already enormously loved before you even took your first breath or got your first glimpse of the world. You are such a special gift from God and every time I look into those beautiful blue eyes of yours I am reminded of how incredibly blessed we are to have you here with us and being as healthy as you are. You are an amazing boy with so much ahead of you. Daddy and I have so many hopes and dreams for you, but we want you first and foremost to love the Lord and love yourself. I pray that the Lord blesses you, as He has done with us, in so many ways, and as you take that journey called life, you find that it is full of wonder and surprises. Never forget how much Daddy and I love you and how truly special you are.

Love Always and Forever,
Mommy and Daddy

Prepare to be wowed! Here are Nico's 6 month pictures.