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!

Cake Attempt Number 1...

Here is my first attempt at making a monkey birthday cake for Nico. I think it turned out pretty well. I brought it to playgroup today. I got pretty good reviews! It was delicious and that's all that counts.

VACATION...

David and I just got back from a wonderful (and relaxing) vacation with some of our best friends in the world!!! We, along with Tracy and Jeremy and Bethany and Stephen, took a 6 day cruise last week. It was hard to leave the little man for so long, but it was good for David and I to get away and remember that we are more than just Nico's parents.

On board the Celebrity Century in Miami. Where's my umbrella drink?
Day 2: Southernmost point in Key West, FL.

Our cruise ship docked in Key West.

Formal night. Unfortunately, I got hit with some sea-sickness and couldn't make it through dinner :(

Lindsey and David before dinner.