Round Two of Nicolas

I got my Nicolas fix this trip.  He is almost 10 months old, about to crawl, "talking" up a storm and continues to be laid back yet spirited and such a cutie patootie!!

His clapping and the way he curls his little toes is precious...

...and his hands are in constant motion!!

He LOVES his walker and will cruise all over the place.  (Who needs to learn to walk when you can cruise in style!)

His jumpy toy is a close second to the walker.  He's a mover and a shaker!!  And when there is any music on (especially Arabic music) he does the cutest little dances!!!

Nana and Papa Oregon bought Nicolas this cute little outfit from Gymboree.  Doesn't he look so cute in the hat?  (He wouldn't keep it on long!)



My sister-in-law Sonia plays with nonstop with Nicolas.  What a lucky little boy!!

Nicolas cut his very first tooth tonight.  Apparently fingers are very good for sucking on while you're cutting teeth.



Love.

Nicolas and a Bubble Bath

                         

Someday (soon) our nephew Nicolas will be too big for his kitchen sink bath.  But, for now, at almost 10 months he still loves his water time in the baby bath.  And the bubbles too!

He gave LaLa plenty of opportunities to catch some great shots.  The one above is one of my all time favorite shots of Mr. Nicolas.  Look at those beautiful brown eyes and long lashes!

It doesn't take much to get this little guy to smile...

...or to stick out his tongue.



LaLa and Uncle Bo love you, Nicolas Kenneth!!!

A Little Bit of Dylan and Miss Molly Madelyn

 I flew into Portland late last night.  My internal clock was still on Memphis time, around 2:30AM.  Considering I spent the lunch hour cheering on runners during a summer high heat advisory, I was dehydrated, whiny, sweaty and a bit tired.  (Cue violins). This made for bleary eyes searching for luggage and heading to long term parking with my coworker who lives in Portland and was nice enough to give me a ride to Lindsey's house. 

I love that the instant I set eyes on my bestie, Lindsey, it's like no time has past at all.  She greeted me at the door and snuck me to her 2 month old precious daughter's bedside.  I laid eyes on Molly Madelyn, who was sleeping peacefully and so angelic.  Lindsey's always dreamed of having a little girl of her own, and I'm so happy to see that she now has Molly Madelyn!! 

I awoke to the morning light and the pitter patter of two rambuncous feet shouting about garbage trucks and needing water.  Music to my ears.  Four year old Dylan is my buddy and pal and, even though Timothy has never actually met Dylan in person, we both feel a deep connection to his hilarious sense of humor, intelligence and ability to make us laugh outloud.  Even if we are only hearing the tales of Dylan from his mother via the telephone.

I headed upstairs to say hello to Dylan and was greeted with an enthusiastic, Melinda!  You're in MY house?  It kind of made me a little sad hearing Melinda.  So clear and so non toddler speakish.  He used to call me BUHLINDA (with a BIG emphasis on the "B") and somehow along the way he's realized it's Melinda, with an "M".  I sort of adored the way he said my name.

I got to pick out Molly Madelyn's clothes (Lindsey know I have baby fever - big time) and help Dylan find his green crocs and we were off to D's swim lessons.

Mr. Dylan Jackson.  Big brother, 4 year old, pre-schooler, lover of cars, and swimmer. 

He's got the sunscreen routine down.  Even if his lesson is only a half an hour and it's 10AM.  You can never be too careful.  

Who knew this could be so much fun?  Even before getting in the water!!!

D. brought his new cars to class.  Timothy picked out each and every one of them and asked me to bring them to Dylan so that he'd have a present from California.  I love that about my man.  He's so incredibly thoughtful, and a big kid at heart as well!

Not one bit shy about the water.



Hi Mom, Melinda and Molly Madelyn!!

And here she is, Miss Molly Madelyn herself.  

She's beautiful in every way.

Especially when she smiles.

A mellow babe, content to sit in the shade.  

Meanwhile, Dylan is leading his class through the hula hoop...

...and trying out a life jacket!

He's earned a few trips down the big frog slide...

...and the mention of a warm cozy towel and dry clothes is all that can get this boy out of the water!

YAY from Miss Molly!

And Mr. Independent has dressed himself.  This is only after he has pleaded with his (very fashion savvy) mom, But mom!  Those aren't the cool shorts.  I wanna look cool, Mom!  How does a 4 year old exactly know what clothes are cool and not cool.  He says the darndest things!!!!



I guess they sort of frown on prolonged breath holding.  Now what fun is that?

Love you Dylan and Molly!!!