Catching Up

It's been a while since I have blogged. Life has been keeping us busy and on our toes. I have always liked the saying, "God laughs when we make plans." You just never know what is waiting for you right around the corner. That seems to be the theme for our life. I am learning that it all comes down to faith, and that we are not nearly in control as much as we think or would like to be.

Let's see...what's been happening in our household. Well, Nico's older half-sister, Amber, moved out three weeks ago, which has been a good for her and a very nice relief of drama, and stress for us. Immediately, the next day, as I blogged about before, Ed left to be on the road for 2 weeks. That was tough on all of us, but we got through it with the help of Skype.

The same day Ed left on his excursions, Amber, (not Nico's half-sister, but they have the same name) moved in. Amber is going to be Nico's nanny and teacher when I go back to work in August full time. She is blessing and an answer to a prayer. God is good and when we were questioning what to do next year with Nico when I am working full time again, Amber entered into our lives. She needed to move in a little early and it worked out well because she was able to watch Nico 8/10 days for me while I worked into my summer vaca trying to earn some extra money.

The day Ed came back into town, I worked my last day for the next 6 weeks! I am very excited to be at home with my little man over the summer. Just three short days later, EJ, Nico's half-brother moved out, leaving us to rearrange furniture, do some major cleaning and enjoy our new "normal."

I know, you probably want to know what exactly Nico has been up to these last few weeks with everything else going on. Nico is growing up quick. He has learned to identify so many animals and can even do some of the sounds, like for duck and elephant! Mr. Mann is also the king of imitating! He enjoys putting either mine or Ed's shoes on and walking around. When I am cleaning, Nico is right there next to me "helping" with either the broom, the swifter or even the vacuum. Additionally, this kiddo has grown an attachment to his tools, particularly his screwdriver. Nico walks around the house, screwdriver in hand ready to fix whatever needs to be fixed! And when Daddy is putting something together, and there has been a lot of that lately, then Nico is right there next to him wanting to help. It is pretty funny.

Nico has also picked up quite a few more signs, such as "please," "thank you," and "milk." The words are also slowing coming forth. It seems like the little guy favors "b" words, like "Buzz" (yes, as in Buzz Light Year), "ba" (as in ball), and "bot" (as in robot). He does have an speech and language evaluation scheduled for in a couple of weeks, so I am sure for the sake of irony, he will be speaking fully by then!

Here are just a few cute picture taken over the last few weeks.

Nico pretending to be Mommy!

Nico and big brother EJ. Nico was able to see an "airplane" up close and personal one morning before church!

This kid likes fruit!

Learning to jump on the trampoline.

Mommy and Nico at Family Day

Auntie Lisa and Nico at Family Day

Daddy and Nico in the petting zoo at Family Day! What a great way to reinforce all the animals he has learned.