Future Olympian Ski Jumper

Aimee couldn't resist these pj's found in a Lands End catalog. They're titled "Ski Badges" however lake Placid Ski Jumping is prominently displayed front and center. We may have to buy it up in every size... One of Aimee's dearest old friends, Nickolas's aunt Karla is a long-time jumper and just happens to be featured on this month's cover of a Milwaukee magazine. We're counting down the day Nickolas can learn to jump at Steamboat's Howelson Hill! Or, for old times sake, Ishpeming's Suicide Hill or Pine Mountain's 120 meter.

Good in-flight form -- relaxed arms (with cookie) and toes pointed up and out.


Building up strength.


Our favorite cover girl.

Karla in Switzerland (photo taken by her mom, Carol)

Back in '06 in Steamboat.

Thank you Grandma Julie

Nickolas had a great time and was well-fed while Grandma Julie came to visit. Aimee was particularly happy since she didn't have to change a single diaper for 3 days and was also well-fed. We all enjoyed peak colors on the trees along with some great fall weather that allowed for walks in Old Town, the National Mall, and to our neighborhood bakery (twice). We were certainly sad to see her go this morning but extremely grateful for all that she did.

Someone thinks they're gonna get to my diaper!



I really want to play with the geese and chase the pigeons. Can Grandma keep up with me?


Baking my great-great grandmother's sugar cookie recipe (while spaghetti simmers).


This generation approves -- a good sugar cookie after five generations!

BIG NEWS FROM BIG BROTHER NICKOLAS

BIG NEWS: I'm going to be a big brother!!! And, I just found out I'm going to have a sister!!! I will be meeting her finally sometime in March. By then I will be really big -- 2 years old! I think I will be a great big brother. I do love other wee ones. I wonder if she'll be as cute as me? Mommy can feel her kicking and I enjoy patting her big belly. I was wondering why it was getting bigger and bigger!

Kindermusik

Mommy finally brought a camera to Kindermusik class this week. Nickolas goes every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:15 am to have fun with his friends and Miss Tracy. This week, Grandma Julie was able to witness the fun. Today they sang songs, danced, cooked in the kitchen (with aprons and chef hats), and had story time. Nickolas got so into the story, he climbed right into Miss Tracy's lap with wee Liam. We had cds of songs from Kindermusik we listen to often in the car, which Nickolas loves clapping to while riding. During class, he has lots of fun running around the room and playing with all of the musical instruments and household items.

Boo!

Happy Halloween! Nickolas had a great time showing off his costume at cousin Susie's house with grandma Julie in town. He was well rested after a 4 hour nap(!) and stayed up past 11:00pm as happy as a clam. Nickolas had a great time with Wayne and rearranging everything in their home. He was also quite busy handing candy out to over 100 trick-o-treaters. Nickolas even caught on to a few repeated offenders. As you can see, Nickolas was dressed like his teddy bear he loves so dearly. We all couldn't stop squeezing and hugging him as he waddled around headless at times. What fun!

Here's Nickolas one year ago as a chicken for Halloween:

http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/10/happy-halloween.html

Still kicking waaaaay after bedtime. In pj's, at least.

The Polls According to Pundit Nickolas

Who's going to win the Presidential race, Nickolas?

The winner? The ELEPHANT!

Fun Party

Nickolas had the privilege of attending his friend Bryce's 3rd birthday party at an indoor play gym. Bryce's daddy is good friends with Nickolas' daddy. There were all sorts of children to run around with and Nickolas was quite fond a yellow foam ball. He got to climb, slide, walk a balance beam, and ride a little coaster. After exerting all of that energy, the kids sat down to refuel on cheese sticks, chicken nuggets, strawberries, and juice. To top it off, they celebrated with some birthday cupcakes. What fun!

Fun climbing and hanging.

Sliding...

Bryce, the balancing birthday boy.

I can eat with the big kids! Yum.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curtains

Nickolas discovered something new in the bath tonight -- the shower curtain. He also opted to work off a some baby fat with a little water aerobics.


Look how big my belly is getting!

Helping Pack

Nickolas took the liberty to help daddy pack last night.

Where are we going?

And, of course, multi-tasking. Didn't realize Cookie Monster took calls at that hour.

No daddy -- where did he go?

My New 'Do

Mommy hasn't been keeping up the pace lately with pictures and entries -- something about midterm assignments, daddy being sick earlier this month, me being sick, etc. We're all better now for the most part and finally enjoying some fall weather. The leaves are changing and I got a haircut last weekend. It's a bit short, but it will grow.

With daddy in my new fall fleece and haircut.