Build-a-Bear...

Last week Nico went to Build-a-Bear for the first time. I think I was more excited than he was. He liked it OK, he was just very distracted. And who wouldn't be in that store?!?! I think it will be a couple of years before we go back.

Choosing a heart and shamrock for his doggy.

Helping build his doggy.

It's bath time!

Time to give that pup a name.

The name on his birth certificate is "Doggy", but David renamed him when we brought him home. We introduce...Barf! He really looks like John Candy's character from Space Balls!

Actual Two Year Pictures...

Two Year Pictures...

My friend Shanell took Nico's 2 year photo last week. Check them out...she did AWESOME!!!
Go to www.bledsoephoto.com, Client Proofs, nico_m is the password. Let me know which one is your favorite; I am going to enter him in a local photo contest and I just can't decide which one to enter!!! I like 9245, 9299, and 9318. Let me know your thoughts :)

Happy 2nd Birthday...

My sweet baby boy turned 2 today. So bittersweet. I love to see him grow and learn and explore, but as he becomes more independent the less he is my baby. The times are getting fewer and more far between when he wants to snuggle his mommy. Just today, while I was making his birthday lunch (pancakes, eggs and sausage) he kept asking me to hold him. I should have just stopped and held my baby boy, but I didn't...just kept cooking and putting him off-"Mommy has to finish making lunch", I said. As I write this my eyes are filling with tears. I think I'll stop next time, sweep him up in my arms and cherish the moment. We have been so blessed with this amazing little boy. He is the smartest, sweetest miracle. He makes me laugh every day. He makes me, me. I love you, Nico. Happy Birthday!

After Papa got home we took little man to Target to pick out a toy of his choice. After walking through the toy section with a pink and purple microphone, he luckily decided on a toy tractor trailer truck. Then it was off to Chuck E. Cheese to meet Giggy and Wampus to play games. Lastly, we all headed to McDougal's for chicken fingers, fries and ice cream.

Playing skee-ball. It's all in the follow-through!
Nico and Chuck E. Cheese

Beating his Papa at air hockey!

Sweet little monkey!

And a BIG kiss from his Giggy!

Let the Festivities Begin...

Nico turns two tomorrow and it has been non-stop partying around our house for the past several days. The festivities began Thursday when my Dad and Tammy came over from Knoxville. They weren't going to be able to come to his party, so they came for some one-on-two time! We went to Buca di Beppo for a family-style Italian dinner. Nico was given a cupcake by our waiter: You think he enjoyed it???

Saturday was the BIG DAY...his birthday party!!! It was so fun this year because he sort of knew what was going on. He kept singing "Happy Birthday to Nico". We started the day off with swim lessons at the YMCA (our gift to him). Then it was man time with Papa. They went on a trip to Lowe's while Mommy decorated his cake. He woke from his nap to a huge surprise...his family was downstairs waiting! Gabby, Aunt Pam, Paige, Robbie, Aunt Julie, Emma, Eli, Giggy, Wampus, LaLa!!! Then the present opening began...oh what fun! Not long after that, his party guests began to arrive. I'd say we had about 40 or so people at our house! Thank you so much to all of our family and friends who traveled long and far to be with Nico on his special day! It really meant a lot to him and to us! We love you all!

After the craziness of Saturday, we decided we needed some chill family time. The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days, so we headed out to the zoo. What a great week! And there's more to come tomorrow!!!

Enjoy ALL of the pictures...

Yummy...icing!
Guess I'll try the cake.

Tammy, Nico and Babbo

His mommy-made guitar cake. His party had a music theme :) FYI...do not, I repeat, DO NOT get plastic flutes as party favors for two year olds.

The big 0-2!

Patiently waiting for everyone to finish singing. At least he didn't cry this year!

Can I blow it out now, Mommy?

Good job, sweet man!

He had been wanting to get his hands on that candle for days. He was more excited about getting the number 2 candle than eating the cake-he actually took a bite out of the candle!!! I think all of the sugar killed some brain cells!!!

Looking at the meercats with Papa.

Petting the bunny.

Snuggling his Mommy!!!

Miscellaneous...

It has been a busy week! We have been going, going, going. Monday, Mom and Ashley were off work (for Presidents Day and because it was snowing) so we headed out for a morning of quality time together. First, we went to Pump It Up. Nico had a great time bouncing with his Giggy and LaLa. Then it was off to McDougal's for lunch. Needless to say, Nico was pooped when we got home. I actually had to wake him up from his nap at 5:30!

LaLa and Nico.
Mommy and Nico.

Mommy and Papa started the weekend with a Valentine's Day date. We went to Salud! cooking school with friends. We had a great time!

His Giggy taught him this one!

Most of the time he gets a big grin on his face and says it through his dimply smile. He was distracted when I was taping, but you get the idea!

Snowed In...

We got about 5 inches of snow this past weekend. We were snowed in! Nashville shut down. It was great! Nico and I are always on the run, so it was nice to be forced to stay in and spend time with my beautiful family!

My boys!
"Sledding" down the hill in our backyard. David found the perfect cardboard box to use.

"Look at Mommy and show me your teeth!" It's the only thing that works!

And when you're tired of playing the snow, there's always play-doh!

Is this considered child labor???