Dolphin Rider

After Nikolai's swim lesson Monday (3/3/14) riding the dolphin statue.

Sunday night (3/2/14) Nikolai gave me a big, big hug and told me "I'm giving you a hug so that when I get big and am a daddy I can marry you." I love this boy!!

my baby is one!!!

I can't believe Nikolai is already one year old!!! Maybe I will find time to write down some of my thoughts and feelings about such a big milestone, but for now here are some photos I took while waiting for Niko's pediatrician this morning.

weight: 24 lb 14 oz 79% (11.283 kg)
height: 31 in 86% (78.74 cm)
noggin: 18 3/4 in 83.9% (47.6 cm)

Car Seats

Hello blogosphere. Yes, it has been quite some time. We are still alive and busier than ever. But I need some advice, so I have come crawling back to you.

If anyone is still reading this blog, would you please share your thoughts on convertible car seats.

Nikolai has (nearly) outgrown his infant seat, and I need some advice from my trusted fellow mommy-friends. 


What has worked for you? What brand/model do you like? What are good/bad things to look for/watch out for?

Muchos gracias!

Little drummer boy

I know Christmas was over a month ago, but check out this new type of little drummer boy.

Niko's 9 month well visit

Today we had Nikolai's 9 month well visit. Let's just ignore that fact that he is 4 days away from being 10 months old.

Here are his stats:
Height: 30.5 inches (77.47 cm) -  94th%
Weight: 23 pounds 10 ounces (10.716 kg) -  83rd %
Coconut (aka head circumference): 18.5 inches (47cm) -   86th%

Niko's newest trick - flushing the toilet! Now he hadn't used the toilet. In fact no one had. He just saw that shiny silver lever and had to get his hands on it. He is also reaching for things on the desks, counters, and tables. He isn't quite tall enough to see what is on them, so he just searches with his hands until he finds something and then clings to it until he can figure out how to pull it down. Yesterday, the keyboard put up a good fight until I intervened!

Backpack

We had a wonderful weekend!

Friday night we started out date night doubling with Mom and Dad at Esparza's in Grapevine.  Mom spilled her water, and Niko put his hand on the hot plate. What an adventurous night!

On Saturday we hit up Costco and took Niko in the BabyHawk Oh Snap! backpack style. He loved it! Niko was so happy all throughout our shopping and even while we were eating our lunch! After we got home and put away our groceries we went for a lovely long walk to the Park. Again I carried Niko backpack style. Again he loved it! And I loved it! Sometimes we make Niko earn his keep on the walks by carrying Buster's poop bag. Just kidding!!! Stas just thought it would make for a funny photo op!

Sunday we were able to go listen to Jenn and Shayne speak in sacrament meeting in their ward. They did an awesome job on two very difficult subjects. Jenn spoke on judging; Shayne on hypocrisy. They were excellent and I learned some new things. It was fun to sit with their kiddos. Nolan kept Pops busy, Ava was busy entertaining Niko, and Coco was spreading her love between all of us.

Our life right now

Here we have Niko playing with the shutters and chewing on Buster's bone. Both activities are not allowed. But that doesn't really seem to be stopping him.

It could be a full time job keeping dog toys away from Niko and baby toys away from Buster. Right now Buster is more obedient on the matter than Niko. I just think Niko is big on sharing. Sharing in caring, right?

I would think that Buster would be better about guarding his toys. But the truth is that he is more scared of Niko. We are still working on teaching Niko how to "be soft" when touching certain things/people/animals such as my face, Buster, other children. :) But he sure is sweet! I love this boy!!!!

Stockpile

 

The bakery down the street will be closed for two days. This is our stockpile of delicious goodies to last us (just Stas and me) until Jan 3 when they open again. Not pictured: the bar of bread we already finished at lunch and the bag of fresh croissants.

Cherry delicousness!

One layer of apricot pastries on top of a row of cherries yummies!

Cutest coworker

Why, hello there!

 I was up late working last night 12/30/2010. Or early depending on which time zone you are in. Or depending on if you are talking about when I started (10 pm local time) and when I finished (8 am local time). Luckily I did get a 2 hour nap in the middle of it. Anyway, Niko decided to join me during his middle of the night playtime. He's definitely the cutest coworker I've ever had!

 

Niko's new best friend

Niko loves mirrors!

Other top favorites include gift bags, spoons, remote controls, water bottles, and anything he can bite, chew, or put in his mouth.

Taken 12/29/2010 while mama is working not only from "home" but also from Moscow! And yes, that is the Christmas tree on the table. We have seriously Niko-proofed this place!