Little drummer boy

Today I woke up around 7:30 but played in my crib for about a half an hour or so. Mommy came and got me and we started the day. First, we got breakfast. Then, we played a little. Then, we went outside and played on the porch swing. We bounced a lot and it made me laugh. While we were outside Ms. Bridget came by to clean the house. Then Mr. Dan, the next door neighbor came over to talk to Mommy. When we went back inside Mommy got me to take a short cat nap. Then we played a little. Then, Mommy was holding me and talking to Ms. Bridget and I reached out for Ms. Bridget for her to hold me. She was shocked and very happy. She held me so tight and kept saying, "I can't believe you did that." After that, I spent a while in the jumper playing by myself as Mommy got all the stuff ready for the dump. We got dressed and headed out. I started to get really tired and hungry so I started to fuss. I just fell asleep when we got to the hospital for group. I wasn't very happy that Mommy woke me up. As we were walking in to the hospital we saw Keisha and Jaylon pulling up so we walked in together. This was my first time meeting Jaylon and he is 6 weeks old. He is so tiny. When we got inside I went straight into doing my tricks for everyone. I also played with Natalya for a while passing Ducky back and forth. She is pretty. Ms. Betty was also so impressed with how much I have learned to do in the two weeks since I have seen her. She predicted that I will be walking by the time I am 9 months old. I like a challenge!

After group I was getting pretty cranky since I hadn't gotten much sleep today so when I fell asleep in the van on the way home Mommy let me stay asleep. She actually took a nap with me. When we finally got inside it was time for me to try my next veggie. Today was peas! Mommy told me that she doesn't like them so it is okay if I don't either. But I did like them and ate a really good amount. After that it was playtime. Mommy set me down on the floor and I played with a drum that plays music which was really cool and made me laugh and the penguin bowling set. I was having a blast. While we were playing and laughing Grandma H. stopped by for a surprise visit. She joined in the playtime and helped me bang on my drum. She even held me up and let me bang on it with my feet! We had the best time!

When it was time for her to leave Mommy got the bath ready. I played with my tugboat and rubber ducky and my fish while Mommy got me all clean. Then we toweled off and got dressed for bed. I was getting really tired and crashed but when Mommy tried to put me in my crib I woke up and cried cause I didn't want to be alone. But I know the rule, once I go down for the night, I am down for the night so I gave up and went back to sleep. You win this time, Mommy!

Playing at the park

This morning I slept til 9:30am! I woke up to find Mommy's smiling face above me. I smiled back. It was a nice way to wake up. Mommy and I took it easy again today. We played for a while on the floor and I have already gotten so good at sitting up on my own. I played so nicely on the floor with all my toys and actually stayed on the blanket like I was supposed to. When Grandmommy called I talked to her a little on the phone. And then when Daddy called I talked to him too. I kept taking the cell phone from Mommy but what does she expect having such a baby size phone! I also jumped in my jumper for a while.

We didn't leave the house until around 5pm. We went to Subway to get Mommy a sandwich and then to the park. Mommy set the blanket on the ground and I hopped around while Mommy ate. I also reached off the blanket and played with the grass. There was this kid on a bike that kept riding by and I was very interested in what he was doing. I watched him go around and around the path. Once Mommy was done eating she walked me around the park. I watched two bigger kids play on the big slide. I wanted to do it but Mommy said I wasn't big enough. So we did a couple other things. Mommy and I sat in a swing and slowly moved back and forth. We then went over to the merry go round and we sat down and we slowly went around and around. Then we went over to the baby swings and Mommy sat me in one of those. I liked it. But we left after just an hour cause it was still really hot. We got home and after a quick nap I sat on the floor and played by myself with my little doggie toy. Shortly after that it was time for bed. I was in bed by 9pm.

Second tooth and sitting up

This morning Mommy hadn't heard a peep from me so she opened the door to my room to find me playing nice and quiet in my crib with my little white lamb. I would pick it up and shake it around so that it rattled and then I would chew on it. Mommy let the doggies and Salem come in first and they all just sat on the carpet and looked at me which made me smile. Then Mommy came in and said good morning.

I played on the floor for a long time today. I am still practicing. I started out on my little brown blanket but I guess I got cold cause I rolled and wrapped the blanket around me all by myself.

I also played with Ducky and would bit him, hold him in my mouth, and shake. Mommy said that I have been hanging around the doggies too much.

Mommy put me in my Capitals onesie. It was one of the ones I got from Ms. Shoshanna, the lady that sits in front of us at Caps games. She made it for me and it says Nicholas Six Months Old.

This afternoon Mommy and I were playing on the floor again and I went from laying down, to kneeling, to sitting up all on my own! Mommy was so proud and made such a big fuss over it, clapping and kissing me. So I did it again! And then again! Piece of cake.

Mommy and I stayed in all day, except to go get the mail. Mommy got some housework done but I didn't like that she wasn't paying attention to me then so I cried. And when she tried to put me in the swing for a nap I really lost it. But I guess she won in the end cause I did take a nap in the swing for about 40 mins or so.

I finished my green beans so I guess we will have a new veggie tomorrow.

Mommy also couldn't wait any longer and had me try on my Halloween costume just to make sure it fit. I know it is really early but I humored her and tried it on. I have to say I make one really cute elephant. I tried to crawl in it but my giant elephant feet wouldn't cooperate. The costume is a little big on me but that is a good thing since Halloween is a little less than 3 months away!

I wasn't really happy for a large portion of the day. Mommy first thought that it was just because when we spend the day at home I am more fussy cause I get bored. But at the end of the day she figured out why I was fussy. I cut my second tooth.

Before bed, I spent a lot of time just looking at Mommy. I would squeeze her hand and smile trying to tell her that I love her.

Pool time fun with the fam

Aug 8 - So since yesterday was SO long I slept in til about 8:30 this morning which Mommy appreciated too. The morning was spent inside and quiet. Mommy had a headache so we just played on the floor with my bee or napped. She put me in the jumper for a little while so she could do the dishes and I didn't like that. Since Mommy knew that I would get fussy if I was in the house all day and that probably wouldn't help her headache we decided to take Aunt Lynn and Uncle Sean up on their offer to join them at their friends' house and go swimming. So we packed up and were on our way.

This was the same place that we had Aunt Lynn's surprise party. There were a lot of people there. Mommy and I got in the water and Gavin and I played together in a float. We splashed each other. I am getting really good at splashing now. I also kicked my legs a lot. Collin also kept my attention by going under water and blowing bubbles. We stayed in so long I got all pruney. After all that swimming Mommy got the towels and wrapped me tight so I didn't get cold. Then she fed me a couple of bottles and got me into some dry clothes. I gave Mommy the signal that I was getting tired and it was getting late so we said our goodbyes and headed home. I slept the whole way.

When we got home Mommy gave me a nice warm bath to get all the chlorine off me and then got me ready for bed. I didn't put up too much of a fuss. I was in bed by 8:30 and by the look of Mommy she wasn't too far behind me. Poor Mommy never got rid of her headache.

Bye Bye Daddy

Aug 7 - Early early this morning I was woken up by lots of commotion and I wasn't happy that I was being woken up so early. Mommy came in and got me and instead of putting me back to bed she put me in my carseat. I wasn't really sure what was going on until I saw Daddy with suitcases then I remembered him telling me he was going to miss me when he was gone. We all got in the car and headed to the airport. When we got there I got in the stroller and we stood in line for Daddy to get his boarding pass. The line was really long and filled with all different kinds of people. I got so many people to pay attention to me and flirted with almost every girl in line. I was so excited that I almost didn't want to eat my breakfast. After we got through the line we walked Daddy over to the security line and that is where we had to say our goodbyes. Daddy held me tight and told me he loved me. I could tell he didn't want to let me go. But he had to go. So he gave me back to Mommy. Mommy and I were both kinda sad as we walked back to the car. I slept on the way home.

When we got home Mommy pulled up Daddy's flight online and we watched the little red plane on the screen travel all the way to Detroit.

Later, Mommy and I were going to go to the park and meet Nicole and David but they had something come up so they couldn't come. So instead we decided to go over to Grandma and Chachi's house. I got passed around so that I could say hi to everyone. Everyone was there: Erin, Lynn, Chachi, Sean, Grandma, Bailey, Collin, Aidan, and Gavin so I did a lot of passing. I was having such a good time that when Mommy had to run home and let the dogs out she left me there with Chachi. We played on the floor together for a while and then I went to Lynn. She took me upstairs to her room and I played on the bed with her and Aidan while Gavin was in the pack n' play. That is where Mommy found us when she got back. Mommy had brought my green beans from home so I got to sit in the old wooden highchair. I kept trying to chew on the tray. I did really well in the highchair for it being so big and only having one strap holding me in. And since Gavin shared his highchair with me, I shared my knot toy with him. He had a good time chewing on it.

After dinner Sean, Lynn, Erin, Collin, Bailey, Aidan, Gavin, Mommy and I got in three cars and went to the boardwalk. We walked a little and then went and got ice cream (well, they did). It was getting really late so Mommy and I said our goodbyes and then walked to the car. I started to get really cranky since it was passed my bedtime. I cried for a little while in the car but then fell asleep on the way home. I wasn't happy when Mommy woke me up to change my diaper. But she got me back to sleep shortly after that.

Who gives a quack?

Aug 6 - So today Mommy and I were hanging out doing the normal routine. Mommy called Granddaddy and Grandmommy to see when they were coming to visit. At first they said they couldn't make it. That made me sad. I was looking forward to seeing them. But then they called Mommy back and told her that they were going to come anyway. Guess I wasn't the only one who was going to be sad that our visit got canceled. They showed up shortly after their call. They took turns holding me and kissing me. Granddaddy tells me things like, "Your Mommy and Daddy got it right on the first try" and "You are perfect." Grandmommy held me for a while and we played with my mirror toy and then took me back to my room where we played on the floor with a bunch of other toys. She also tried to get me to crawl. We had a great time. Then we came back out to the family room and I played a bit more on the floor. I was playing with Ducky and actually made him squeak on my own. Grandmommy did this really cool thing with my centipede. She made it walk toward me and then crawl away over and over again. Every time she did it I cracked up laughing. Mommy and I were playing on the floor for a while too. She was laying down and put me on her chest and I smothered her with really really wet kisses. She couldn't help but laugh. Granddaddy took me to go and get the mail again, that is our special thing to do together. Mommy and I also showed Grandmommy and Granddaddy how well I am doing in my new highchair. I ate some more green beans. After all that excitement it was time to say goodbye to Grandmommy and Granddaddy so I could eat and take a nap. We were supposed to go to the farmer's market down at the beach but I was way too tired from the day to do that. So after I woke up I hung out with Daddy for a while before bed. It was a good day.

Happy 6 months old to me!

Today I am 6 months old. Mommy says this is important because I am already half a year old! She is SO proud of me for being the sweetest little boy. She loves me so much.

This morning Mommy and I hung out at the house. I ate, I played, and I took a really long nap. It was almost about three hours long. My naps now are usually like 45 mins so that gave Mommy some quiet time. I must be growing again. When I woke up, Mommy and I decided to pay Chachi and Aunt Lynn a visit. Chachi was happy to see me and even though at first I wasn't so happy to see him (sorry, but he scares me a little), I got over it and had a nice long visit with him. I even laughed at him and tried to pull his hair, nose, and beard. Then Aunt Lynn took me for a little while and smothered me with kisses. She said that it had been too long since I had seen her and that I already look so much older.

Then I went and hung out with the other grandchildren. All four of them where there. Colin and Bailey played with me a little. Aidan played with my toes pr
etending to eat them. And Gavin kept petting my head. I wanted to show off so Mommy put me on the floor and I sat up on my own and then tried to crawl. I got closer than I have ever gotten. I am starting to lift each hand a little, first the right then the left, then the right. I just haven't moved forward yet. I am so close I can taste it.

On the way home there was a really bad storm and Daddy came out to help get me inside quickly so I wouldn't get all wet. Then it was time to eat so Mommy got me set up in the highchair and just as we got started the power went out. I was eating in the dark! Its ok, it was still kinda light outside so we just opened the curtains and finished the meal. After the meal I showed Daddy how close I am to crawling. I impressed him. Then I helped Mommy and Daddy fold laundry, well, okay, I supervised. They did a good job.
The power came back on and I sat on Daddy's lap with Salem and pet him. He liked it so much he started to rub against me. By then it was pretty much time for bed. I was asleep by 8:30 again. That is my new bedtime I guess.

Daddy makes green beans taste better

Aug 4 - This morning Mommy and I met Ms. Erin and Sam at the boardwalk. It was SO hot! Man, I was just sitting in the stroller and I was working up a sweat. We only walked up and down the boardwalk once because it was just too much. It was good to see Sam for a few minutes though. And there was this other little boy there too. I think his name was Adam and he was about two years old. He was nice. I still had a good time. As you can see in the picture, I was talking up a storm.

After we left the boardwalk and got out of the sun, we got home and I crashed for a while. I took a nice long nap on Mommy's lap and cooled off. After I woke up Mommy put me down on the floor to play a little as she got the trash together for the dump. I tried to crawl again but still am not getting that right hand moving yet. It is frustrating and so I cry a little.

Mommy got all the trash in the van and we headed to the dump and then to group. I weighed pretty much the same as I did last week. 14lbs 14.2 oz. Its ok, I move a lot and burn a lot of calories. Ms. Betty was not at group today since there was an emergency in her family. But we still had group. It was a small group; I bet a bunch of people decided not to come out since it was so hot. But I still got to see Nathan and James. And there is this really cool little girl named Natalya that is about one year old. She would crawl over to me and we would stare at each other. She did help me by showing me how to use my hands. I actually started to pick up my right hand a little. There was also this brand new two week old baby girl named Abby. Maybe we will become friends too.

After group I fell asleep in the van and wasn't very happy when Mommy woke me up to go into the grocery store. But as always I was the perfect little angel in the store. I just looked around or chewed on the strap of the carrier. Then it was time to go home. I got to hang out with Daddy and he actually fed me my green beans today. I was really good for him and ate about half the pack container today. Then he cleaned me off and played with me for a little while. He said that he had a good time and I did too.

I was asleep by about 8:30 or so. Another good day.

Hanging with Rashaad

Aug 3 - Today was so cool. We started the day just hanging out with my dogs and playing with my toys. Apollo likes to sniff my head and it kinda tickles.

After a little play time and meal, Mommy started with my morning routine. She bushed my tooth and gums with the little finger brush, she got me changed into a new diaper and let me play with my changing table toy, she gave me my vitamin, and she got me into today's outfit.

A little later she gave me the first green veggie -- green beans. The first couple of bites I was into it. But then I started to realize how different green beans and sweet potatoes are. I started to give Mommy a face like maybe I am not liking this. So we stopped for today. Mommy is good about not forcing me to do anything.

Then it was into the car to go see Rashaad. He has been off of work for a few days and hanging out with his nephew Marcel playing games all day. We had so much fun. They both showed me how to play video games and while I just wanted to eat the controller, they were cool with that. Then Rashaad tried to tell me about all the stuff he is going to teach me when I grow up - like about girls. Mommy told me that Rashaad doesn't know anything about that subject. It is so funny how they joke around like that. Rashaad also talked a lot about when he and Shalese are going to have kids and how I will be friends with that little girl or boy. I will like that.

We hung out there for a while. I was having the best time. Well, except for the one accident. I was trying to sit up and bumped my head on the coffee table. I cried for a couple minutes and got a bump on my head. Mommy kissed me and made me feel better but my head hurt for a while. Other than that, I had a great time and didn't fuss at all. The only sound you heard from me was laughter. Both Rashaad and Marcel told me I was the coolest baby ever!

Then it was back home to make something for dinner for Daddy. He had a union meeting this evening so I didn't even get to see him today. But I will see him tomorrow.

Days go by

Aug 2 - Today was another lazy day at home with Mommy. We decided to take a break and stay in. It was really hot out there anyway. But I got to play a lot. Mommy set me up in the high chair and I played with a couple of my toys like my inch worm and monster.



I played with the doggies a lot today. They let me pet them sometimes. I get a little excited sometimes and move too quickly for them. I have to remember to be gentle with them. They are still getting used to me. And when Mommy was making dinner she let me play with a plastic bowl. Which I played with for a while as I sat on the floor like a big boy.

I went to sleep around 8:30pm tonight. Maybe I am starting to push bedtime back a little.

A great day at home with Mommy and Daddy

Aug 1 - Today was a lazy but great day. We stayed inside and didn't change out of our pajamas all day. I usually get pretty fussy with those kind of days but I had a smile on my face the whole day. I played with Mommy and Daddy a lot! We played on the floor, we played in the jumper, we played with the doggies, and we played outside a little. I watched Daddy play on the Wii while Mommy did the dishes.

I played with my new toys. My favorite new one is the little green monster that says "blah" when you squeeze his tummy. It makes me laugh everytime. Oh, I am sitting up for longer periods of time by myself. See...

I ate in my highchair which I am already getting very used to. It is kind of fun being in it and I open my mouth so wide I look like a fish. And Mommy let me hold the spoon for a while too. I just have to make sure not to put it so far down my throat.

Well, after a very fun laid back day at home I went to sleep on Mommy's lap at about 7:30. She went to put me in the crib at 8pm and I woke up. Mommy has this rule that once I am down, I am down for the night but after crying for a little while Daddy came and got me. We sat and played on the floor with a ball together while Mommy took her shower. I had fun with the ball and I would pick it up on my own and then try to bite it. Mommy got out of the shower and said that Daddy is already letting me get away with murder. Mommy got me back to sleep soon after that.