Nickolas's New Cousin

Nickolas is going to be a big cousin! And, it's a boy! We're making the prediction that Nickolas will be the ring leader in this next 'generation' of cousins. Of course, he still has Katrina, Eric, and Grant in addition to Jackie and Soraya's young men to keep an eye on him BUT this new round circa 2007 and up will be certain to keep us young and on our toes. Especially if they're anything like their daddies (and mommies -- haha). We're so excited and can not wait to meet the newest wee one this summer! Isn't Olivia lovely?

1-Year Check-Up

To sum up Nickolas's first year, he has been very healthy and wee. He had his one-year visit with the Pediatrician last week and had four shots. We're told he is done with 70 percent of the shots he needs as a child, thank goodness. As always, he handled it better than mommy did and daddy was by his side. Here's a glance at Nickolas's stats for the past year since this blog, more or less, serves as his 'baby book' (percentile out of 100 in parentheses).

1st Visit at one week old
Weight: 6 lbs 0 oz (10th -- meaning 90 out 100 babies on average are larger that 6 lbs)
Height: 19 in (20th)
Head: 13 3/8 in (15th)

One Month
Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz (25th)
Height: 20 1/2 in (15th)
Head: 14 1/2 in (20th)

Two Months
Weight: 10 lbs 9 oz (25th)
Height: 22 1/8 in (20th)
Head: 15 5/8 in (30th)

Four Months
Weight: 13 lbs 10 oz (30th)
Height: 24 1/2 in (30th)
Head: 16 3/4 in (60th)

Six Months
Weight: 14 lbs 13 oz (10th)
Height: 25 3/4 in (25th)
Head: 17 3/8 in (60th)

Nine Months
Weight: 17 lbs 9 oz (10th)
Height: 27 1/4 in (15th)
Head: 18 1/8 in (70th)

Twelve Months
Weight: 18 lbs 13 oz (4th!)
Height: 29 in (20th)
Head: 18 1/2 (70th)

We're working on fattening him up a little bit, but of course, at this age, there are too many fun things to do and explore versus sitting still in one's highchair for a meal. And, in case you've noticed the trend, yes, we sometimes have a hard time getting his shirt to fit over that cranium of his! Like father like son.

Clank Clank Clank

Nickolas discovered the pots and pans this morning for the first time. Do I need to say anything more?

He was supervised, of course, but he certainly had fun with this new discovery.

Winter Walk

We had a semi-sunny day on Sunday, so we took a stroll in the neighborhood. There was a bit of a wind, so we put some little mittens on Nickolas's wee hands. They actually worked and didn't fall off! For those of you hating us from winter weather record-breaking Wisconsin, yes, we really hadn't had to use them much this winter -- we don't really get that thing called 'winter' here.

VIP Nickolas

The celebration just won't end. Nickolas received a special piece of mail today -- a birthday greeting from President George Bush on official White House letterhead! It is a very cute note that was addressed to Master Nickolas and reads:

Dear Nickolas:

Happy 1st birthday!

As you grow, Mrs. Bush and I hope you continue to learn new things, make responsible choices, and achieve your dreams.

We send our best wishes for happiness in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
George W. Bush

Happy 1st Birthday, Dear Nickolas...

Happy birthday to you!

One year has passed since that snowy day last February when Nickolas Julian arrived (see first blog entry - http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/08/blog-post-alpha.html). Both Dan and Aimee were sentimental today (and off of work today, thanks to President's Day); however, Nickolas just had fun playing with all of his new toys and books.

On Nickolas's birthday-eve, we threw him a small party with a handful of friends in our apartment and had such a wonderful time celebrating this joyous occasion. Nickolas's friends Bryce and Greta joined in on the fun, too. Nickolas enjoyed a fantastic vanilla cake with buttercream vanilla frosting from CakeLove down the street as well as an assorted varriety of appetizers including meatballs, taco dip and chips, chex mix, cheeses, and veggies with dip.

Below are more pictures with captions from Nickolas.

My goody table


Time for cake!

This is how I roll (on a sugar high).

I can play with the big boys now that I'm 1.

Greta's taking a break from the fun.

Break time from the play pit.


I know it's time for a bath, but I don't want my party to end!

Fun with Godmother Amy on My Birthday Weekend

Today is my first birthday. We celebrated all weekend and I even had a special visitor - my Godmother from Wisconsin. Now that I'm one year old, she introduced me to all sorts of new foods - some of which I was not a fan - and I practiced drinking with my sippy cup. Mommy said she was a huge help with my party, but I was too busy having fun. We finished the extended weekend with a nice stroll today in unusual 67 degree weather. Godmother Amy then hopped on her plane to fly home and landed in 12 degree weather. I think she was happy to see me.

Learning to use a sippy cup.


I really do not like avocado.


Story time -- thank you for the new books!


Snuggle time


PARTY TIME!

What a Difference a Year Makes

Wee Nickolas less than a week old February 2007.

Nickolas on his first birthday today after all of the excitement of turning one and a nice long walk.

Later in the day minutes before 5:05pm struck (the time he was born) when the sky cleared up and a rainbow stretched across the sky. You can't pay for a birthday greeting like that!

Guess Who's Turning 1?

Nickolas will be, in a few weeks. Nickolas went with his friend Greta today to the portrait studio at Sears to get his 1-year photos taken. Most people take their wee ones every three months; however, this was our first time. Being 70+ degrees today made for an interesting challenge for a February photo session. We could have all worn shorts and tshirts under the hot lights, but even in warm courdoroy overalls, Nickolas was a true trooper. The only other challenge was that once Nickolas was in a pose, he'd bend over and start crawling to a toy or to the photo equipment. You can't blame a curious mind.

Finally, My Bedroom is Decorated!

It took Aimee a good 11 months (in addition to the duration of the pregnancy) to decorate Nickolas's bedroom. Better late than never, right? We only want the best for Nickolas, so we were waiting for the right thing to come along. Nickolas has both a bed and a crib in his room, so we wanted a fun bedspread to add color. We found both a fun and educational one depicting the lower 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii are offered as accent pillows) and from there, went along with a geographic theme, for the most part, with some animals tossed into the mix. The basic goal was to give Nickolas something to look at as he drifts off to sleep and as he waits for us to pick him up when he wakes up, during diaper changes, and for just crawling around.

This is my new IKEA dresser mommy built for me (since daddy built everything else). We had fun picking it out at the store. Did you know they sell baby food at IKEA's restaurant? I recommend the mac and cheese.

Mom says Alaska is cool. I understand Aunt Linda used to live there.

Welcome to my crib.