Bedtime is belly time

Every night I fall asleep in Mommy's lap after I am done eating and then she picks me up and puts me into my crib. Sometimes I wake up right away and cry a little, other times I stay asleep, and other times she is able to put me in the crib without waking me but I wake up a little while later and cry a little but get back to sleep on my own. Well last night was a put-me-in-the-crib-without-waking-me-but-I-wake-up-a-little-later-and-cry-myself-back-to-sleep night. I woke up and flipped over in my crib and slept on my belly for the first time.

Today was pretty mellow. Just hung out at the house, played with Mommy, walked with her down to the mailbox, and took some long naps. In the afternoon Aunt Lynn, Aidan, and Gavin came over so Mommy and Lynn could play Wii. It was a little difficult for them to play with the three of us demanding their attention and at one point they had me in the swing, Gavin in the pack n' play, and Aidan sitting on the couch. I tried to be good by sleeping in the swing but Gavin kept screaming and waking me up. A little while later Daddy came home and then Uncle Sean joined us too. Daddy played with me a little while longer while they played then it was time for them to leave. I took another nap, played with my toys, talked to Mommy as she read me some of her book about how I am growing, and then got ready for bed. I fell asleep in Mommy's lap, as usual, and then woke up as she was putting me in my crib. I didn't cry or fuss. Instead, I just rolled over on my stomach and went to sleep. Guess being on my stomach isn't as bad as I used to think it was.

The Giving Tree

This morning right after breakfast Mommy got me ready cause we had to go take the van to get inspected at 8am! I was super good and didn't fuss while we waited for more than 2 hrs. I even took a nap for some of the time. Then it was back home where Mommy and I played together and took a nap together.

In the afternoon I started to get a little fussy. Mommy gave me a teething ring from the fridge and it felt good to chew on. I started to fall asleep again so Mommy put me in the swing so she could finish cleaning up from the party but I didn't want to sleep anymore. Good thing Daddy came home and rescued me from the swing, hugged me, played with me and entertained me by playing Wii as Mommy finished cleaning. Shortly after that, it was time for a shower. Tonight I showered with Mommy since Daddy showered right after he got home. Then Mommy got me ready for bed and after that I sat in Daddy's lap and Mommy read us a bedtime story. She read The Giving Tree. I like that story and so does Mommy. Mommy shared with me how special she thought it was to read me that story the first time. Here, this is what she wrote about it on her facebook page that night:

April 30th, 2010 - Tonight I got to do something that was very special to me. One of my favorite books in the world (and not just children's books) is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I was hoping I was going to get it as a baby shower gift but I didn't. I was a little disappointed. That's ok, I would just get it myself but things have been crazy and I hadn't gotten to a bookstore until yesterday. In a way, I was glad that I got to buy it myself and here is why. The unconditional love that is displayed in the story is something that I wanted to give to my son. As I paid for the book I got the image in my head of the many times I will read the story of the tree and her boy to my Nicky. The thought made me smile.

Tonight, as I got Nicky changed for bed I decided that it was time to read Nicky his first bedtime story. Of course it had to be The Giving Tree. I started to open the book and thought that since this story means so much to me that I should inscribe this book for Nicky. I turn the page and I laughed out loud because what I saw was just too perfect. The book's dedication is just two words...For Nicky.

I start to read Nicky the story, flipping through the pages, and noticed his eyes were actually locked on the book. He was listening so intently. The story got to me more than ever. The unconditional love one can have for another is so real between a mother and child. I felt overwhelmed with emotion and started to tear up as I finished the story. I picked up my son and hugged him and told him I loved him. That was my special moment.

The inscription:
To my dearest Nicky,
With each passing day there is one thing that you should always be sure of and that is I will give you everything possible to make you happy and always be there for you when you need me. This I promise you.
From your own personal "Giving Tree"
~Mom

Cookout at my house

June 28 - Apparently 2am is not play time either! Mommy keeps making all these rules. I mean if 2am isn't play time, when is? Anyway, after we woke up for real Mommy and Daddy went into super cleaning mode to get the house ready for visitors. I took a nice long nap in my swing to help out. Then Mommy and Daddy bowled a little before everyone got here.

Grandma and Grandpa Thomas got here first. They brought me a really cool panda to play with. Then everyone else got here. Grandma Harrington, Chachi, Collin, Bailey, Lynn, Erin, Aidan, Gavin, David, Erin, CJ, Kenzie, Sean and Andy. It was so great to see everyone.

Daddy did all the cooking on his new grill. The kids played Wii, Grandma fed me a bottle, and I got to spend some time with Kenzie. It was great! After the Harrington side left and there was more room I got on the floor and showed everyone how I can lift my head so high when I am on my tummy now. They were impressed. Once everyone left I crashed! It was so much fun but man was I tired.

First trip in the van

June 26 - Even though I went to sleep early last night, I stayed asleep the whole night! I was exhausted. This morning after breakfast, Mommy and I watched "This Is It" the Micheal Jackson. I loved it. The music and the dancing and the colors were so great and Mommy danced with me and sang to me too. I had a really good time.

Then Mommy, Daddy, and I got ready to go to the grocery store. Daddy put my other car seat in the van and Mommy drove. Mommy had me in the front carrier and I was so good for her. I just quietly sat there chewing on the strap as we went around the whole store. The van made the grocery trip a lot easier. I'm glad we got it! On the way home I fell asleep so Daddy stayed with me in the van while Mommy put away the groceries and then got back into the van to go to a cookout with Kristen, Kevin, Austin, and Cameron. It was really hot outside, even in the shade so after the food was done we all went inside. Mommy put me on a blanket on the floor while everyone ate. I was getting really tired again so Daddy took me out to the van and I fell asleep in my car seat. Shortly after that it was time to go home. When we got home it was play time. Mommy played with me on the floor until it was time for bed.

Now we have a van!

June 25 - I woke up at 4am this morning! I didn't cry, I just decided that it was play time. Mommy came in and told me that 4am is NOT play time. So she changed me and then fed me and I went back to sleep. When it was really time to wake up Mommy had a bunch of things planned today. She got all the trash ready for the dump and we got in the car to get rid of it. After the dump we went to Ace Hardware to get a couple of extra keys made for the new door. Then we went home for a quick change and meal while Mommy talked to Uncle Dave on the phone and told him all about the new van we are getting today. Then, it was off to give the guy the check for the van and we got the keys and title. Then over to the tag and title place but we couldn't finish it cause Daddy had to sign the title. So we came home again and I took a nice long nap. I was tired cause of all the running around. Then Daddy got home and we went back to the tag and title place to get temporary tags, then back to the guy's house to put the tags on the van to drive home. Wow, a lot of work to get a van but I guess it is worth it cause the van is pretty awesome. Then, we played a lot and I showed Mommy and Daddy that I am getting better and better at lifting when I am on my belly.

Then I went to sleep very early cause I was so tired from running around all day.

Jump around.

June 24 - This morning Mommy made a bunch of phone calls to the bank, Daddy, and the guy with the van. Uncle Sean came over and brought me a jumper and a bunch of old clothes of Aidan's and Gavin's. Then, we visited the guy with the van and then Daddy came home. I napped for a while then all three of us headed to the bank. there were some really nice ladies at the bank and they all loved me. Then we headed back home to eat and play. Mommy got the jumper all cleaned up and put me in it. It was really fun. I liked the music it played and Mommy helped me jump by holding my feet from underneath. I watched Mommy and Daddy bowl on the Wii and then helped Mommy put away some laundry. After all that I was pretty tired and it was time for bed. Mommy said we get the van tomorrow!

The van says vroom!

It's Wednesday! My favorite day of the week. Let's see, after waking up really early this morning to have breakfast Mommy and I fell asleep on the couch together for a while. Then we showered. Then we started to get ready for group. Mommy saw that her friend Keisha wanted to join us for group today to see what it was like even though her little one isn't born yet. So we went and picked her up and then headed to group. Keisha told me how cute I was and how she fell in love with me the moment she met me at her baby shower. I gave her a big smile and giggle. Mommy called me a flirt.

We got into group and Mommy and I introduced Keisha to the group and then showed her how we usually do a weigh in, then eat, then weigh again. I was really distracted today, I was too busy looking at all the mommies and babies that I didn't want to eat. Then I got to play with Nathan on my blanket. I held his hand, rolled into him, and even put my feet on his face. It was funny.

Then it was time to go so I slept in the car as we dropped Keisha off at home. Then we went home quickly to pick Daddy up. The three of us went to go check out this big conversion van that was for sale. It was really nice and drove very smoothly. I liked it a lot and told Mommy I did with the huge smile on my face. Mommy and Daddy really liked it too! Enough to make an offer on it. So tomorrow Mommy and I get to go to the bank cause we are getting a van which will really help with trips to the grocery store and the dump as well as fun trips. Even the dogs can come.

Anyway, we got home and Mommy had to do some housework so I got to play with Daddy for a really long time. I watched him bowl on the Wii and then he tickled my stomach and I laughed and laughed. I love my Daddy. Shortly after that it was time for bed but I did stay up long enough to see some of the NHL awards. Go Ovi!

Happy birthday Aidan, you're 3!

Let's see. What did we do today? Well, this morning I slept in til 7:45. Mommy was pleased. Then we had breakfast and Mommy wanted to do some housework so she put me on the floor and put in Aladdin. She figured the cartoon colors and music would keep my interest. I wasn't in the mood so I started to fuss and made her come and pick me up. Then I fell asleep in her lap. Hehehe She was trapped. Anyway, after that she got me ready for a little trip. As we were leaving Daddy was just getting home. We waved as we passed him. Then it was off to Indian Head to see Dave Dixon the State Farm Insurance guy. We set up my very own life insurance policy since it will never be cheaper than it is right now when I am a baby. We got a universal policy so I can use it kind of like a saving account and it has a much better return, well that is what Mommy and the insurance guy said, I just played with my toys. But I really made an impression on Mr. Dixon. He told me that I was the cutest and most well behaved little baby he has seen in a long time. He also liked that I gave him BIG smiles.

After that we came home and Daddy was asleep on the couch. Since he worked all night Mommy decided not to wake him and took me into her room. We laid down in her bed and she fed me and we both took a nap together for a couple of hours. It was nice. When we woke up Daddy was awake so I said hi to him for a couple minutes. Then it was off to the grandparents house for Aidan's birthday party. Lynn, Sean, Grandma, Chachi, Aidan, Gavin, Erin, and Lynn's sister Laura were there. They all took turns holding me, even Aidan on the couch. They had dinner and Mommy helped Lynn decorate the cupcakes as Erin held me. Then it was cake and ice cream time and we sang to Aidan. He really liked the Toy Story gummies that Lynn put on the cup cakes, so did I. Can't wait til I can have a cupcake. Then Chachi took Mommy and me downstairs and showed us how they are going to finish the basement where Lynn, Sean, Aidan, and Gavin will live. It looks good so far. The finished product should be pretty cool. After all that it was time to come home and crash. Daddy said goodnight to me and told me that he loved me very much. I love my family.

Home Sweet Home

Another day in the house. Today was a little boring. We spent all day inside. I slept a lot today and was a little fussy cause I wanted a change in scenery. But Daddy was home during the day today because he had to go into work tonight so Mommy wanted to hang out with him. They played on the Wii again which is pretty funny to watch. I got to play in my exersaucer and am almost able to put my whole foot down on the bottom instead of standing on my tippy-toes. See! I am growing. I also used a pacifier for a little while today and I am really good at taking it out of my mouth and then putting it back in. Mommy tells me I am getting so good at using my hands. I am working things out and taking everything in. As Mommy was trying to get me to bed it was time for Daddy to head off to work. He picked me up and kissed me goodbye.

Father's Day with the grandparents

June 20 - Today is really Father's Day but we gave Daddy his present yesterday. This morning we went and had breakfast at the American Legion with Grandma Harrington, Chachi, Uncle Sean, Aunt Lynn, Colin, Bailey, Aidan, and Gavin. I slept for a little while and then I got passed around for everyone to hold me and tell me how cute I am. Chachi promised not to do the angry duck sound so I wouldn't cry. It was good to see everyone.

After breakfast Mommy and Daddy and I came home. Daddy said he just wanted to relax and play his video game. But I wanted to go out so Mommy and I packed ourselves up and went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Thomas. Grandma wasn't feeling great so she didn't hold me today but Grandpa held me enough for the both of them! He played with me and talked to me and made me smile. Mommy also brought her laptop and showed them the blog that I write in everyday. They both really liked it and now they can keep up with all the things that I do and see. We were there for a long time and I was SO good. I didn't get fussy or anything. Then it was time to get home. I spent a little more time with Daddy before bed.

First Father's Day, sorta

June 19 - Today was kind of a lazy and playful day. Mommmy, Daddy and I just hung out at the house today. It was such a long day yesterday for Mommy and I at the pool and Daddy has been working very hard. But we did give Daddy his Father's day gift today even though Father's Day is really tomorrow. But Mommy said that Daddy would figure it out if we didn't do it today. Mommy helped me pick the perfect picture to put in the Father frame we got and then she wrapped the frame and the grill cover in really cool outdoorsy wildlife wrapping paper. She also had me hold the pen so that I could sign the Happy First Father's Day card. Then we gave him the wrapped gift and card. He really liked that I signed the card.

Then he opened the gift and said he liked the frame and didn't understand why we gave him a grill cover when his grill was falling apart! So Mommy told him to follow us and we took him outside to where we hid the new grill, giant bags of charcoal, lighter fluid, and new lighter. He hugged me so tight and told me I did really good and that he loves me so much! That made me giggle. I'm glad he liked the gifts.

The rest of the day was just spent eating, napping, watching Mommy and Daddy play the Wii and playing in the exersaucer.

Pool Time

Today was awesome! First, I slept all night for Mommy. We had breakfast and played during the morning and then Mommy got a bunch of stuff packed up and we headed to the pool. I was dressed in the swimsuit that my cousins wore when they were my age. Mommy told me that she was really excited because this was the pool that she and Daddy first started to date. When we first got there we were told that they were going to have to close because they were short staffed. I thought Mommy was going to cry since she was so looking forward to this :( But they let us stay since we were only going to be in the baby pool. So Mommy and I got into the baby pool. I wasn't really sure what to think. It was kinda like my bathtub at home but a lot bigger. I didn't cry at all, I just kinda went with it and trusted Mommy wouldn't let me go.

After we got out we hung out with this really nice young girl named MiShayla. While she and Mommy talked I ate and napped. Then MiShayla's friend came and I had them both eating out of the palm of my hand.

By then the pool was fully staffed and now officially open and Mommy wanted to try the big pool. The water there was a lot colder but Mommy kept me close and warm. She put me in this big floaty thing and it was cool but I rather be closer to Mommy. After all that it was time to get into dry clothes and go home.

But first, we had to stop by Home Depot and pick up Daddy's Father's Day gift. Mommy and I got him a brand new grill since his is all dented and doesn't even have a handle anymore. We also got a grill cover, charcoal, lighter fluid, and lighter. Everything he needs. Then it was really time to get home because I was hungry and tired. We got home and took a quick shower to get the pool chemicals off of me and then Daddy dressed me for bed. What a day!