Morning Rituals

Many of you are aware that Gary is a workaholic, which in turn makes me a 'single mom' many mornings, days, and nights. Of course, his work is all in effort to provide an awesome life for his wife and son. Many mornings Gary has to leave for work by 600am or he does not get home until 800am, thus leaving Nolan and I alone in the morning to get ready for the day ahead. Over the course of the year, I have finally established a morning routine that allows me to get ready for work in a timely manner and that allows Nolan to basically do what ever his little heart desires! Typically Nolan plays with his toys, watches Baby Einstein, or... 'reads' his books! Here are a couple of pics of Nolan 'reading'. And yes... he pretends he is reading as he jibber jabbers! His faviorite book is the one he is holding in the pictures. I think it is a book about Bears going to the Firehouse... and I am pretty sure that it was courtesy Aunt Mee Mee! (Could be wrong on that one...) Either way... it is cute! Also, check out his Fire Truck PJs. How fitting!

Grillin' With PaPa

Finally... a nice day! The weather today was just beautiful! Mid to High 70s and NO humidity! I wish everyday would/ could be this nice. We went to NaNa and PaPa's house tonight for some yummy grillin'. Oh how I love brats, potato packets, and green beans! PaPa was out at the grill and Nolan was watching him through the window. After watching him for a few minutes, Nolan grew angry because he wanted outside too. So, what did PaPa do? He decided to grill with Nolan in his arms! Too cute! It was definitely a picture worth taking!Nolan watching PaPa from inside.

Nolan in PaPa's arms while PaPa is grilling!

Oh and by the way... Nolan's 1st Birthday Party is this weekend! We all are SUPER excited. One week from today and Nolan will be one. Where did the time go?

Mom mom mommma...

Yep... that is right... he is saying "mama"! Finally! I have been waiting for this moment! He has been saying "Dada" forever now and I have just been wishing that he would say my name. And know what it meant too! I am convinced that he finally knows. He has been saying "mama" quite frequently and I have been trying to show him that I am mama. So, now he mostly says "mama" when he is looking for me or when he is on my lap. Finally... I am getting some much deserved credit! Afterall, I did carry him for 9 months AND give birth to him! :)

Bath Time Never Gets Old

These pictures are freaking adorable! If Nolan could talk, he would tell you that there is no better time in the world than bath time... except maybe when his mommy his holding him!! :) When in the bath, Nolan just splashes and crawls back in forth in the tub. And, he is a little too brave, he likes to put his face under water. It definitely scares the crap out of me, but he tends to think it is funny. I bet we are going to have some great fun at the pool this summer! Here are a few pictures that will be sure to make your day!!

He thinks it is funny when I put the bubbles on his head!

I tried to make him a mohawk... unfortunately, he takes after his Grandpa Jeff and does not have a lot of hair to spare! He ended up looking like Alfalfa from the Little Rascals. Either way, it is so cute!

Happy 8th Birthday Madyson!

Yep, you heard it right, my neice Madyson just turned 8 years old! Talk about growing up fast! Yesterday we had Maddy's birthday party at the bowling alley in Mascoutah and had a great time. Here are a few pics... one with the birthday girl herself and one with Grandpa Jeff.

Madyson is such a big help with Nolan (and Brody too). Nolan just lights up when he sees her and constantly wants to give her kisses. It just makes my heart melt to see the two of them interact with each other.

Nolan and his Grandpa Jeff... two of my favorite guys!!

Our Trip to Springfield

We took our first trip with Nolan since he was six weeks old this weekend. We drove up to Springfield, IL to see Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Linda and to visit some historical places. Unfortunately, the weather was terrible and we were only able to see Lincoln's Home. Better luck next time. Either way, it was nice to visit. On the trip up and back, Nolan slept. I thought that he looked so adorable, so I just had to take a picture. Nothing better than a sleeping baby!

Where does time go?

I know, I know... it has been almost a month since I have posted on here. What can I say? I am a busy mommy with a limited amount of time to get on the internet, and the times that I am on, I am working on school work.

Let's see... Nolan has been doing great, for the most part. I can not believe that he will be 11 months this week. And I really can't believe that I am currently planning his FIRST birthday! My baby is getting so big. He is still not walking just yet, but he is still crawling and cruising the furniture faster than ever. He has quite the attitude on him and knows what strings to pull to get what he wants. He is too smart for his own good!Nolan has also began to say more words... Dada has always been in his vocab. He now says momma (on a rare basis when he is super tired), he always says dog (well, it isn't exactly dog, it is more like "do", but we know what he means) and he often says "Cissy". Yes, that is right he says Cissy, Grandma and Grandpa's dog's name! And it is so stinking cute! Sometimes he calls Alabama Cissy, but then we correct him to call her a dog. Otherwise, we do not know of any other words that he is saying, although he often mimics sounds of words that we make, which at times, is not a good thing!

Nolan experienced his first ear infection these past couple of weeks. He was miserable and I felt terrible for him. He seems to be feeling better, but he sometimes tugs on his ears still. Let's hope this ear infection has gone away. And lastly, Nolan has FINALLY decided to sleep through the night!!!! We are going on 10 nights of continuous sleep. It is a miracle... there is a God!!! I never realized how great a full night of sleep could be!!! (As you can tell, I am ecstatic over this new revelation!)

Sorry I haven't posted on here in a while. I will make more of an effort to post things. I have been ridiculously and have not had a chance. Until next time...

Nolan's Baptism

Nolan's Baptism was on Saturday and it was a blast. He looked so handsome in his christening outfit and he was such a good boy. He sat patiently in the front pew of the church, just looking around at all of the people. He was probably wondering what the heck everyone was doing. When we went back for his baptism, he was so quiet and well behaved. He was even excellent as Father Bill poured the water over his head. I was impressed... and so was everyone else in the church. Here are a couple of pictures. I will post more in a slideshow as soon as I get them from Anne, whom was our resident photographer!! Hope you like!

Nolan with Mommy and Daddy

Nolan with his Godparents, Brent, Michelle, and Troy

It's Been A While

I know, I know... it has been WAY too long. What can I say? I have been busy! Not much has changed with Nolan over the past couple of weeks. He is still crawling around like a mad man and pulling up and cruising around the furniture like it is his job! He is hard to catch and always keeps us going. He loves doing "SO BIG" and giving fives too. He will be 10 months this week... almost one!! woohoo! Here are a couple of pictures from this last week. Nolan had his baptizm on Saturday and I will post those pics as soon as I can. Be back in a couple of days!

Life Can Be Hectic with a Little One!

A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks... where to start?

Last week Nolan got really sick with the flu or a bug- not quite sure at this point. It started with really bad diarrhea and then included vomiting. Ick! My poor little man did not feel well at all. He refused to eat or drink anything and ended up dehydrating himself. Nolan spent a night in the hospital receiving IV fluids to help him get hydrated and feeling better. It just broke my heart to see them put an IV in his tiny little foot. I seriously hope I don't ever have to experience that again. It has now been 3 days since any d. or v. and things seem to be looking up!

Nolan turned 9 months old last week, my time is flying. He was 28.5 inches long and weighed only 20lbs. 4oz. (he lost a little over a pound while he was sick).The doctor was super impressed at Nolan's mobility and stated that he would definitely be walking by the time we see him for Nolan's 12 month appointment. Now, only if I could get him to start talking more!

It is so amazing how Nolan is developing. He is so stinking smart- at least I think so! He has definitely learned how to manipulate his mommy and daddy. And he has learned that mommy gives in a little easier than daddy. He has also learned that Grandma Theresa is an even bigger sucker!! Smart kid! He is still pulling up on things and "cruising" (that's what the doctor called it) like a mad man. He is even brave enough to move between pieces of furniture (the couch and ottoman). And... my most favorite.... if you ask Nolan how big he is, he will raise his hands in the air!!! "SO BIG!" I haven't gotten a picture yet, but as soon as I do, I will post it!

Hope everyone is doing well... sorry it has been a while! :)