Haircut

I almost forgot! Nicholas got his first haircut right before we left for Texas. I doubted getting it done at first, II almost forgot! Nicholas got his first haircut right before we left for Texas. I doubted getting it done at first, I couldn't imagine cutting off my baby's curls. Rich asked the stylist to take half off. We got thru it with a bit of crying, lots of wiggling, two lollipops, some Sponge Bob cartoons and Mommy holding Nicholas on her lap. I couldn't believe how much older he looked after it was all done. He looks like such a big boy! I'm so glad we got it done though it's much easier to manage, it's cooler, and he looks so good. I can't believe I let him run around with all that crazy hair and didn't get it clipped sooner.
Here's a few photos

The before:

The during:

The After:

Vacation and First Night Alone

Nicholas and I were on vacation the first week of August. We went to TX for McKinzy's first birthday. We stayed a week and were able to visit with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Kathy, and Baby Mac (as Nicholas calls her). We had some rough times. I learned my son DOES NOT like for anyone else to be the center of attention, and he can really put on a show when he's not getting his way. I think he had more time outs that week than he had his entire life up to that point. Between the two babies hitting, screaming, throwing, and not sharing it was never ever quiet nor boring.
We had some set backs with the potty training. He had his big boy undies all set and ready to go. The first full day we were there he did great, not a single accident! By the 2nd day, he wanted to wear diapers, go back to a bottle, and have a pacifier. He wanted to be the baby. My poor guy, it was hard for him being in a new place with new people without his regular routine and without his Daddy. It was a nice trip but I think a week was too long to have him away from home. Maybe next year it will be better because both kids will be 2 or maybe we'll cut the trip shorter and it will be more tolerable.

Here's a couple of photos of the cousins in action

and here's a face I saw a lot of that week.

I also spent my first night alone without Nicholas this past weekend. My grandfather isn't doing so well and I went to Pennsylvania to see him. I would up having to stay thru the night until we could determine how critical my grandfather was and I didn't have Nicholas with me. I think it was harder on me than it was on him. I still wanted to drive home at 1a.m. just so I could be there in case he woke up in the middle of the night. Rich said he had a rough day and was looking for his Mama but Ms. Commock stayed the night as well and they made it thru. I had a hard time going to sleep that night and couldn't wait to get him to see him Sunday morning. I don't think I want to do that again for a good long while.

Guess what?????????

Love you!!!!

I've been saying this to Nicholas since just about the day he was born. I say guess what, pause a second then say, love you. Just for fun. I said this to him earlier and the week and to my surprise I said guess what, he said duv do. He really does melt my heart.

If I don't laugh....I'll cry

Yesterday was my day off. Nicholas & I ran an errand, went for a walk, then just spent the rest of the day at home. We ate lunch, vacuumed the bathrooms, kitchen, and living room. He took a nap. Then he woke up and it began. I don't know what happened while he was sleeping but my sweet little boy woke up a complete and total monster. I have never seen these tantrums and antics from him before. I seriously had to check to make sure that somebody didn't sneak in and replace my wonderful baby with some misbehaved hooligan while he was napping. He didn't get his way (he wanted to pull the vaccum out for the 3rd time) then threw himself on the floor in front of the laundry room door and screamed a scream I've never experienced before. He kicked the door, rolled all over, sobbed, pounded his fists. Where did this come from? I left him and said when he was done and felt like coming downstairs to join me, I'd see him then. So I heard this God awful scream and sobbing and pounding coming down the stairs and I thought my poor baby was tumbling. I went running to see that it was just him coming down one step at a time, pausing, beating the step, and screaming. Then he moved on to the next step.
He threw toys down the stairs, hit me, banged the walls with every toy he owns. I put him in time out and when I came around the corner to tell him it was ok to get up now, he saw me and said "boo" then laughed like crazy. He thought it was a game, it was sooooo hilarious to him. Me, I wasn't thinking it was so fun but I had to laugh. If I didn't, I would have cried my eyes out. I'm hoping this was just a random fluke of a bad day and this isn't a peek into the future of the "terrible twos"

Ladies Man

Yes, I have a bonafide ladies man on my hands. We went walking on the boardwalk and pier Saturday around 6:oopm. Normally we go really early in the morning and there's hardly anybody out there - just some fishermen and a handful of older folks getting exercise. When we went at 6:00 it was still slightly crowded there were tons of ladies to fawn all over Nicholas. How can they resist? He waves at them and says, "hiiiiii", bats his eyes, turns his head to the side, and gives a sly little half smile. Then he turns to Mommy, buries his head in between my legs and acts all shy. Aaaaawwwww, isn't he the cutest? Isn't he adorable? Yeah ladies, he is. And he's working you too. He's playing you for your compliments. How do I know this? When he sees a man, he waves and keeps on walking.

Animal sounds

Nicholas is making animal sounds now. Ducks say gack gack, Monkeys say hoo hoo, and dogs say woof! Everytime we see a dog he barks at it. I'm kind of concerned when we go to Texas in 2 weeks and he spends the whole time in the house with my parent's Golden Retriever, he might to get too familiar. I have that fear of animals and kids together (I know it stems from our sweet, cuddly, loving family dog trying to eat me like Thanksgiving dinner when I was about 13). I'm sure all will be fine and Nicholas will probably make a new buddy in Riggins, but I know I'll be in full-on Mama mode the whole time ready to pounce to protect my little one.

Back to Blogging

I'm super duper bad at keeping up with blogs and the such. I think I was fooling myself when I said I was going to document every milestone , event, and cute antecdote throught Nicholas' life on this blog (or anywhere for that matter - my babybook is non-existant). The only thing I'm decently good at keeping up with are pictures.

After reading a friend's blog today about her son (this goes out to Miss Sara and Mister Marino), I've been inspired so I thought I'd give it a whirl again.

What better way to start up than with a cute little story from this week:
I was off on Wednesday this week so I spend the day home with Nicholas. About 8:00 that morning we went down to the boardwalk to stroll (that's code for we went down to the boardwalk to let Nicholas run himself silly in the hopes that he would conk out for a good nap later in the morning). As we were walking along Nicholas said, "here", which normally means he's handing me a rock, or a stick, or a filthy nasty piece of something that's he's picked up off the ground. This time though, I looked down and he was giving me his hand. So we walked along for a little bit just holding hands. Aaaawwwwwww. I melted, it was so sweet. Nicholas isn't a terribly cuddly little guy, I'll get a hug or a kiss from time to time and he certainly hates when I make him hold my hand crossing the street. So for him to want to hold my hand was enough to almost bring Mommy to tears. I'm looking forward to more cuddly days.

Milestones and frustrations

BabyGolightly is slightly over 7 months now. In the past month or so so much has changed. He can now sit up unassisted for super long periods of time, he's crawling, he's pulling up and can stand in place for a couple seconds, and he can take a few steps behind his push toy. Of course he eats like a champ and he's long long long. He babbles on and on and on Dadadadadadaaaaaaaad. Still no Mama. = ( He's sleeping better, only getting up once maybe twice a night. He's overall the best baby ever. Our only problem - he will not sit still to get his diaper changed, get his clothes put on, put his coat on, or get strapped into his car seat - at all. It's a battle where we both come out pretty exhausted and battered by the time it's been accomplished. He's bawling and sweating and screaming and I'm about to do all those things myself. From what I hear this isn't a phase that will pass anytime soon. So, if you see a naked baby on the streets of North Beach, that's my son. Just say hi and remember to wave because we're trying to teach that to him now.

Happy Half Year Birthday!

To BabyGolightly...he is 6 months today. It really seems like yesterday he was still making my belly massive, making it impossible to sleep, impossible to walk, sit, stand, on and on. (He's still making it impossible to sleep & my belly is still bigger than it was before I got pregnant) At 6 months, he has one tooth sticking up from his bottom gums. The 2nd tooth - right beside it - is breaking thru, he can roll over from front to back and back to front, he stands with support for what seems like hours on end, he loves to jump in his jumper thing, he loves to run circles in his walker thing, he eats about 45 ounces of formula a day (we go thru a can of powdered formula ever 4 to 5 days) he eats 3 servings of cereal, fruit and/or vegetables a day, he loves to take a bath and has figured out it's cool to splash in the water and get Mommy all wet, he loves to go out anywhere but especially for walks outside. He loves flirting with all the ladies by flashing his big smile and showing that 1 dimple, he's a drooling machine and will put basically anything that doesn't run away from him in his mouth, he's wearing 18 month old size clothes, size 3 diapers (but we're stretching that, it's time to move up to 4), he's just started banging on his highchair tray, he laughs and laughs until he gets the hiccups, he still squeals when he's excited, he lets out a constant AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH when riding in the car (I guess that's to listen to how the bumps affect the sound), he wakes up in the morning and starts to talking - Dadaaaaddddaaadadeeedeee (I keep trying to encourage ummmmMommaaaa) and has figured out his voice can go from high to low and back again and fancies himself a pretty good singer. He loves it when Mommy dances around like a fool and he's the only person on the face of the Earth that actually enjoys Mommy's singing. He's a good boy, hardly ever a problem except on those few days recently that his teeth are really bothering him. We've been blessed with such a beautiful little piece of heaven but I can't believe how big he's getting, how fast he's growing, and how quickly the time if flying by.

Back from our trip to Texas

BabyGolightly and I went to Texas last Friday to visit my parents, my sister, and her newborn little girl. It was a great trip - too short, as always. For his first plane ride, BabyGolightly did exceptionally well - as everybody told us. He was all the rave at the airport, on the plane, in baggage claim, in the parking garage - everywhere he went, everyone was in love. He did great on take off and landing even with the change in cabin pressure, his little ears were fine. He slept thru most all of the flights except the last one where he got a little restless. Luckily there was a little boy across the aisle that kept making faxed at him, keeping him entertained. I had to change his diaper and clothes in the airplane bathroom which is not easy with a squirming 20 pound bundle of energy on your hands but we got it done. Of course he flirted with a few of the flight attendants which got us an offer to move up to first class - he's already learned how to use his good looks, I'm going to have to watch that. A lady in the airport even took his picture. We met up with my Mom, sister, her boyfriend/fiance'/cohabitant/babby daddy/one day to be husband/whatever you call him, and my new little niece at the airport, got the bags, and headed to the roaring town of Lytle. My Dad came home a little while later and we all just hung out. My niece is wonderful - so small. I can't believe mine was ever that little but he was. My sister is feeling the exhaustion of having a newborn and trying to recover from a C-section (I remember how that feels and glad I'm used to it by now) so she's a little miserable but it was still good to see her. We didn't get to hang out and act goofy like we always do and I missed that but it's ok, we'll be able to do that about 18 years from now when our kids are grown.

It was a great time, I wish we could have stayed longer. By the end BabyGolightly and I were both so exhausted and we conked out as soon as we laid down for a nap yesterday. MrGolightly was glad to have us back - he really missed his little boy and today's his birthday so what better gift than to get his son back in his arms.

7 hours

7 hours seems like such a long time when you're talking about some things but not long enough when it comes to others. 7 hours is an extremely long time when it comes to the parent of a newborn baby sleeping during the night. BabyGolightly slept 8 hours straight last night which meant I got to sleep 7 hours straight. I went to bet at 10:30 and when he woke up at 5:30 to be fed, I looked at the clock and was stunned. I was sure this couldn't be the first time he got up during the night so I inspected the room for half empty bottles - evidence that he'd been up at least once already. There weren't any, just the 2 mixed bottles of formula powder I'd left on the night stand before going to sleep. Shit, I can't believe he slept that long. And Holy shit I can't belive I slept that long. That's the longest night of sleep I've gotten since he's been born. You have to count 7 hours on two hands. We'll see if it parlays into tonight. Somehow, I'm not holding my breath.

I'm an Aunt!!!!!!

My sister's baby was born yesterday at 12:43pm, McKinzy Nicole was 9lb 7oz and 19in. My sister and the baby are both doing great and I can't wait to see them in exactly 3 weeks.

10lb 13oz!!!!!

That's the estimated weight of SisterGolightly's baby. She's not born yet but based on the ultrasound yesterday, she's estimated off the charts. Sister is scheduled for some more tests on Monday and will possibly schedule a C-section then. I knew she'd complete with me - I got pregnant, she got pregnant - I had a 9lb 14oz baby, she's gotta have a 10lb baby. That's how we've always been. One thing I'm glad I lost - I gained 50lbs with mine, she's already gained 60lbs. Yahoo she can have that one!

BabyGolightly's new measurements

BabyGolightly had his 4 month doctor appointment yesterday. It was originally scheduled at 9:30am but on the way to the office driving MrGolightly's stupid truck, that damn thing broke down in the middle of a really busy intersection. Left me and BabyGolightly on the side of the road until two nice gentlemen came by and helped us get on our way. We got the truck back home and went later to the doctor. All in all it was a pretty crappy day and I loathe that stupid stupid truck. Anyway - BabyGolightly is weighing in at 19lb 2oz and is 27.5 inches long. He's in the 97th percentile for both height and weight and is all over healthy. Once again, doctor confirmed we've got a giant on our hands.

All out laugh

I got an all out belly rumbling laugh from BabyGolightly yesterday evening. That was his first real hard laugh. It was the most awesome sound ever and it cracked me up to hear him laugh so hard. Bad part - he got the hiccups and was pretty cranky thereafter.

I LOVE this camera!!!!!

So after having BabyGolightly I decided I needed to break down and buy a digital camera. We had a camcorder that took photos but because there's no flash, they always come out dark and grainy. I spent the $100 or so at Walmart, got the Kodak Easyshare and I love love love it! I specially love the KodakGallery website where I can crop and edit the photos with special effects. It makes this photo taking idiot seem like a real photographer. So - without further ado, here are some of my fav photos....

4th of July BBQ review

Our 4th of July BBQ went off great. All in all, we had about 30 guests and had a ton of food. We're still eating leftovers as of last night even after sending guests home with plates. By the end of the night I was so so exhausted and BabyGolightly was extremely cranky because everybody was still there past his bedtime. The last guest left around 11pm and clean-up wasn't so bad. We staying in the house trying to rest up the Saturday and Sunday after (skipped church - shame on us). I think both MrGolightly and I are glad we had the party and would do it again but MrGolightly says we're not having another one anytime soon - unless it's a grown-up party, no kids.

I'm posting a picture of my little sparkler. We went to the boardwalk Thursday night for the fireworks show which was wonderful. BabyGolightly loved seeing the fireworks and wasn't scared by the sound at all (I was afraid the loud boom would scare him).

Love these baby socks

Just got these little socks for BabyGolightly yesterday. They're so cute, love them! I'll post photos of him wearing them later. I may be a little biased but I think he's the handsomest, most sylish baby ever.

4th of July BBQ, so excited!!!!

Our 4th of July BBQ is next weekend, I'm so excited!!!! Since we've been in our new house, I love having people over. Half because it's just fun - half because I love to show off our house. I'm still completely in love with it. Even the 3 flights of stairs haven't gotten on my nerves yet.

Fireworks are set for Thursday night over the bay and I can't wait for that either. This will be BabyGolightly's first 4th of July. I got him a cute little outfit and everything. One irky thing though is hardly nobody has RSVP'd to our invite. Lots of people have viewed the online invitation but noone except 3 guests have responded. Am I the only one that gets totally peeved by this? As soon as I get an invite, I figure out if I can make it and respond. How hard is that? Ack - anyway just a little vent. I don't know if we're only going to have 8 people or 80 but we'll see....

I wish I would have never heard that story

My Mom told me a story yesterday about one of her students' sons. My Mom said he was such a sweet, smart, boy. He's been into the school to visit a few times and really attached himself to my Mom. She said he was always so well behaved and happy. When his Mom picked him up from daycare last Friday, she noticed a few bruises but the daycare told her they were already there when she brought him in. All throughout the weekend he seemed to be ok except he was a little tired. Sunday evening he had a seizure and they took him to the hospital. After examination, the doctor found that the baby had bruising around his neck, a skull fracture, and swelling in his brain. He's basically a vegetable now and won't ever be the same. The Mom, the Mom's live-in boyfriend, and the daycare are all under investigation for child abuse. The Mom and her boyfriend were arrested and aren't allowed to see the baby w/o supervision. The doctors say based upon the size of the bruising and the damages to the baby's skull, an adult had their hands around the baby's neck and were banging the baby's head against some hard surface. I've always felt children were so innocent and pure and any abuse towards them is wrong on every level, but now being a Mom myself of such an innocent, beautiful, pure angel - I fell it all the more. Hearing that story brought tears to my eyes and I wish my Mom hadn't told me about it. It's so painful to think of this baby being hurt in such a way that he will never be the same and I can't begin to understand what would bring a person to do such a thing. I can only pray that the person that did this will feel such guilt and be haunted by it the rest of their days. I also pray that the Mom isn't responsible and that she'll be exhonerated. It makes me all the more grateful that my son doesn't have to go to a daycare center and makes me want to hug him and kiss him a thousand times over.