Trip to the East

Typically, when we travel, we head south, but this past weekend Nico and Mommy drove to east Texas, specifically, Tyler. We went to celebrate Mason, Nico's cousin, turning 1 year old. Aunt Shae threw a great party for her darling little boy, including lots of yummy cake balls to eat! We had a great time visiting Aunt Sterling and Aunt Jessica who we don't see as often. Then of course Gigi and Nanny were also there to love on their grandsons as much as possible. We had a great surprise guest show up who initially had not planned on coming...Daddy! Ed called and said he was heading east and was on his way to Tyler for the weekend. I think he missed us!









Aunt Shae took us to a great diamond in the rough in Tyler. The Discovery Science Place was a fantastic place for Nico and Mason to run around exploring and playing. There was a simulated grocery store and hospital, an ambulance and a car the boys were able to crawl into and play around, a puzzle area, a ball room, an exploratory cave and so much more. We will definitely have to make a trip back out there for some more fun soon!

One Night of Peace

Glen Rose, TX was our destination for one night and one night only; but it was one night in which we would be allowed to enjoy each other and have peace from the absence of drama and conflict. It was at the Ten Triple X Ranch, just outside of Glen Rose, where Ed was scheduled to run a 10K. Not only did he run the 10K amidst the snow covered ranch grounds, but he did it breaking a personal record. I was, and still am so proud of how hard Ed has worked at become not just a fit person, but a dedicated runner.



I love spending time with my boys and this one-nighter in Glen Rose was a great chance for us to have quality time together as a normal family. Nico had fun just wandering around the hotel room exploring his environment and jumping off of the bed into Daddy's arms. I am looking forward to doing this again next month when Ed runs a half marathon.

I really do have a toddler!

Two weeks ago Nico developed a strange fear of baths. He went from absolutely loving bath time to kicking and screaming when I would put him in the water. I have no idea how this switched happened, but it did. Scared of baths or not, Nico still needed to bathe, especially since the smearing food in his hair is typically a part of meal time now. We tried bubble baths, having a bath time playdate with Mason when we were in Houston, new bath toys, and even getting in the bath tub with him. Nothing work except time. Just as there was no apparent reason for the bath fear to begin with, the last two nights Nico was practically jumping out of my arms to get in the tub with no cause for explanation. I guess we have to chalk it up Nico just being a toddler.

Nico in the bath crying, while cousin Mason is having a blast playing.

Before the bath fear even began, Nico showed his true toddler colors in the eating department. Up until he was 13 months old, I spent precious time making all of Nico's baby food. Homemade, fresh, organic baby food, what could be more healthier? The best thing was that Nico ate everything! Now? Not so much. He began refusing the baby food at 13 months, so we made the switch to eating all table food. As soon as I mastered how to make and freeze enough vegegtables for at least a week, Nico decided he wanted nothing to do with them. In fact HE decided he only wanted milk, yogurt, Cheerios, and possibly a meatball here and there. Not the best diet. I continually keep offerring the little man all the foods I would have hoped he would still be eating. The strange thing is that Nico will take the various foods, put them in his mouth and even chew on them for a bit; however they do not get swallowed. Instead, out the food comes. So my great, healthy eater became a very picky eater! Well, knock on wood, but I think Nico may be expanding his food options a little more. He has been eating more of a variety of food in the last week. I just hope he keeps it up!

Family Times

While Daddy headed north to New York, Mommy and Nico went south to Houston for the weekend. There was a dual purpose behind Nico and I packing up for the weekend. First and foremost, Nico and I were unable to visit with my grandpa, his great-grandfather last time we were in town. Unfortunately, Nico came down with a yucky cold and I did not want to spread it around. My grandfather's last doctor's visit was not a very encouraging one; so with him getting weaker, I wanted to make sure Nico and I were able to visit sooner rather than later. We had nice visit chatting and everyone had the chance to see Nico walk around like a pro.


Shae, Mason and Mindi (Nanny) also met us Houston, and we were packed into Gigi's house for the weekend. I feel so blessed that Nico has a cousin he is going to be able to grow up with. Being only 2.5 months apart, these two boys will be able to experience so much together for many years to come. What is even more fun is that Shae and I get to experience being new mommy's together and our mom's get to spoil their first grand babies together. Between all of us girls, we had lots of laughs, ate way too much food, and just enjoyed watching our little boys interact with each other.