Busy Day...

We had a very busy day yesterday. We hung out at home all morning while we had the gutters cleaned and house inspected for termites. After Nico's nap was when the real fun started. Nico played in his new swimming pool. He liked it, but the water was SUPER cold. Then we sat on the deck and played with the bubble machine. Then it was time for dinner and dessert: a popsicle! Fun, fun!!!

Our little fish.
He's a tall drink of water...no pun intended...actually, it was intended :)

His cousin Robbie's hand-me-down swim suit was a tad big. Check out those droopy drawers!

He had a great time splashing around in the freezing water. He'd splash and then stand up to catch his breath. Yes, the water was so cold it took his breath away! We figured if it was too cold he'd let us know.

Sitting in the chair like a big boy.

Watching bubbles fly by and looking for a "bay-bay" (airplane).

"Bubble"

A long time ago I made up a song about corn and it has really stuck. Everyone, including Nico, sings it...a lot. It gets stuck in your head very easily. It's really easy to learn...

Corn, corn...corn, corn, corn!

This was his first time eating corn on the cob. I think he liked it!!! He also had mustard (on a hot dog) and black-eyed peas for the first time.

Get this boy some dental floss!

After dinner he got to enjoy the messiness of his own popsicle! He was startled by the coldness every time he took a bite.

This end isn't nearly as cold!

He couldn't decide which he wanted to do more: play with the car or eat the popsicle.

Hat, Hat, Hat...

One of Nico's first words was "hat". It's still one of his favorites. Anytime ANYONE has on a hat he says, continuously, "hat, hat, hat, hat, hat..."! David brought home a Preds hat that he got at a game and Nico loved it! Ironically, Nico won't keep a hat on his head for more than 2 seconds!

One Year Photos...

Here are some of Nico's one year photos. Krystal has been awesome at documenting our little angel's first year...thanks!

We had a time getting him to keep his hat on. But him trying to take it off made for a great shot!
I love that sweet smile!

And those BIG brown eyes!

Here, he's answering his pretend phone...hello!

Wheeeee!

Playing Outside...

The weather has been beautiful lately, so Nico and I took advantage the other day. He is obsessed with this car. He likes to ride in it for a little while. When he's bored with that, he likes to get out to push and pull it.

Love this shot!
This one, too!
Funny face!

Somber face!

Here, he is shouting out to our new neighbors. Come to find out, their dog's name is Nico (not sure if it's spelled the same)! What are the chances???

Our New House...

We've moved!!! Yay! This is our new house. We love it and are slowly, but surely, getting unpacked. It's a lot harder with a little munchkin running around!

Monkey Backpack...

Nico has gotten to the age where he doesn't want to stay in the stroller/cart for very long. I decided to buy him this monkey backpack/harness/leash. He still hasn't figured out how to walk with it. He's fallen and gotten twisted around posts or poles a couple of times. Or maybe I haven't learned how to guide an independent one year old on a leash. Either way, we'll get it worked out soon!

I think he likes it!
So cute!
(Both Nico and the monkey)

Nico's First Haircut...

We took Nico to get his first haircut back on March 16. We took him to an old school barber shop called Uncle's. I had visions that he would just sit there and let the guy come at him with scissors. Boy, was I wrong!?! I ended up having to hold him in my lap. It all worked out OK. Doesn't he just look adorable?

Not happy.
Better after he got to play with a comb.

Combing out his new do.

So handsome!

No more mullet!

At the Zoo with Papa...

We took advantage of a beautiful, early spring day and visited the zoo. Nico and papa outside the snake/spider/fish exhibit.

Bubbles, Balloons and a Swiffer...

While staying at mom's we had to get really creative to keep the little man entertained (and away from household items that weren't child proofed). For about a week Nico played with the Swiffer at its standard length. Then David figured out we could shorten it, after several close calls (imagine Swiffer meeting mommy's head). He also had a blast playing with a helium balloon mom bought him at Kroger. A $3 investment: weeks of entertainment.

Swiffer: pre-shortening
Helping "clean" the kitchen.

Nico's birthday balloon.

We also got him a bubble machine. He loved it...for about 2 days :)

Nico Turns ONE!!!

Our sweet baby boy turned one back on February 22. I can't believe how fast the first year went! We are so thankful to have such a happy, healthy, rambunctious son! We are TOTALLY in love with our little man. It is bittersweet that he's growing up, but I guess that is how you measure successful parenting. Happy Birthday sweet baby boy!

David's parents were gracious enough to let us host Nico's birthday party at their house in Madison, AL. We had lots of family and friends there to help us celebrate. One of the best memories from the day is that Nico wouldn't touch his cake. At one point, I got a little on my finger and put it in his mouth...he gagged! I tasted the cake and it wasn't that bad ;) Another funny thing that happened (which, come to think of it, may have led to the cake incident) was that Nico started crying when we sang 'Happy Birthday' to him! He usually cries when he hears a slow song. Weird, I know! Most kids like when their mommies sing to them!

Waiting on papa to finish makng pancakes. I think we've started a family tradition!
Nico's personal birthday cake...it's a HUGE cupcake!

Being mischievious, as usual :)

Monkey cake attempt #2. I am pretty proud of myself!

Taking in all of his wonderful gifts.

More Birthday Pictures...

Nico LOVES mandarin oranges and this is the only way we could get him to touch his cake!
Playing peek-a-boo with Audrey (and putting his head in his cake).

Mmmmmmm...Ice cream!

Balloons are more fun than eating cake.

Thanks to everyone who made Nico's big day so special! We love you all!

Alive...

We have not dropped off of the face of the earth...although it may seem like it :) We have had A LOT going on lately and have had limited access to internet. Here's the short of it all...we recently sold our home (in three days) and have moved into a new home in Hermitage. In between closing on our old home and moving into our new home we (along with Ashley) lived at my mom's house...talk about a full house!!! I'll post a LONG entry soon...promise. Hope everyone is well!

I know some of you are anxious to see Nico's one year photos. Go to www.mintandsage.com/blog to get a peek!