I used to say to myself -- where have all the updates gone?  It seems like once families returned from Russia that it wasn't long before the time between posts became longer and longer.  Now,  I know -- work sure does take it out of you, so by the time you get home at night it is dinner, baths, story/bedtime, and then a little mind-numbing vegetation before I hit the sack myself.  When the weekend comes,  it is laundry, grocery shopping, church and then it's Monday again.  Could my life be more mundane?

Actually,  there are many, many updates to give you with regards to Nicolas.  I am going to take this quiet time before the house starts moving to tell you a little about what's going on in the Wilson house.

• Do you remember my post Becca, Becca, Becca?  Tori and Nicolas' cousin Rebecca is in town this week staying with us.  Tori is infatuated with Becca and thinks that she too is 17 years old!  Last weekend, we all went to Chesapeake Beach Water Park after church.  They have a lazy river, swim pool, slides for the kids and the tall sides too.  It was a lot of stimulation for Nicolas.  I could get him to enjoy the lazy river if he just looked at me, and he actually took a nap among all the craziness.  Tori of course loved it because it was one more opportunity to be Ariel!
• Appointment with International Adoption Doctor (IA).  Before going back to work,  we had our second visit with the IA doctor.  She once again performed some tests to determine how Nicolas was progressing.  He has made great strides in his language and she calculated his language skills at about a 24 month level.  This was great consider that at our last visit he was at about 15 months.  So, in 6-8 weeks,  his language jumped 9 months!  She also tested his cognitive development.  His gains were not as large in this area but still progress is being made.  When we went in June, his developmental quotient was 55 and at our last visit he was at 58.  With speech therapy and concentrated pre-school, she thinks we might see a little more gain, so she wasn't able to tell us his projected growth, yet.  I think all the progress is wonderful!  We will see the IA doctor again in October for another update on his development
• IEP.  I had my first IEP meeting with the school.  The special education department in our county has been so wonderful.  When I went in for the meeting,  the speech therapist even made me cry telling me how she had been thinking about us and what we have done for Nicolas.  She couldn't imagine what his life would have been like without us (ok, so I'm crying now just thinking about it).  They have placed Nicolas in a pre-school program that will allow his to be in a class with a pre-school teacher and a speech therapist.  He will attend the pre-school 5 days a week for 2 hours and receive speech therapy 2-3 times a week.  Some more great news is that the county also provides transportation, so they will pick Nicolas up from daycare and take him to pre-school and then return him to daycare for lunch, nap and playtime.  I really think this is going to be the best of both worlds for Nicolas.
• I wanted to tell you a little more about Nicolas' words.  So he learned to say "Tori" and it is the cutest thing to hear him say.  He will look around and say "where's Tori?"  and he will call "Tori" up the stairs.  People always ask me how they are getting along.  I will say -- typical siblings.  They love each other to death -- and they hate each other!  Honestly,  they cannot get enough of each other.  Nicolas does everything that Tori does and Tori just loves having a shadow.  That is until he wants to play tea party or play with the dolls.  Then, all bets are off, but Tori sure loves to play cars and trucks with him -- see what I mean about a love/hate relationship!

That should just about get you up to date for now.  Sorry for the long post but so much to get you caught up on!

Ok,  I know that there are many, many readers out there.  I see your numbers on my counter everyday.  So,  I am asking a favor of all my blog readers.  I need you to VOTE.  Not for the president but for a piece of the 2.5 million dollars that AmExpress is donating to organizations, and FRAXA is one of the organizations.  You do not even have to be an AMEX member to vote.  Here's the site to vote:  http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/PUPSKI

If you have been reading the blog,  you know that Nicolas was diagnosed with Fragile X back in July.

A little about Fragile X and the project

• More than 1.1 million children and adults worldwide – 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females -- suffer from Fragile X, the most common known inherited cause of intellectual impairment and autism. Fragile X can cause seizures, mental retardation, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. An additional 1 billion people around the world are carriers of this devastating disorder – most without knowing it.
• Studies of Fragile X and autism have been galvanized by families and loved ones of the disabled. Clinical trials of new treatments are ongoing. But we have not yet found effective treatments or the cure, and children are waiting. The need for more funding for Fragile X research is urgent. More broadly, this project will show parents of disabled, suffering children everywhere that they are not helpless: by banding and working together, parents can find a cure.

I added a widget to the side of the blog so you can easily vote.  Please, send this to your e-mail distribution lists.  You receive those annoying chain emails all the time,  now send a message to your distro list and help change the lives of many, many children.

If you have a blog and you read my blog,  please, post information about this -- it is so critical!!!!

It was 16 years ago on 8/8 that happily ever after began.  Yes, it was on that day that my prince charming swept me off my feet and gave me that magical kiss that began our journey into this enchanted land called Wilson World.

Happy Anniversary sweetie.  I love you even more today than I did back then.

I'm sure you can finish the rest . . . It's off to work I go.

So, Monday Aug. 4 was my first day back to work!  If you have noticed in the past few days,  I have been playing with my blog template.  I wanted something new for this new stage in life.  So, why the red and yellow lettering?  Well,  I didn't go back to work at the Naval Academy; instead,  I accepted a new position as the Assistant Director of the Counseling Center at the University of Maryland.  So, the new look is in honor of my new position! And my first day back was busy! 

My wonderful husband took the kiddos to daycare for my first day.  We started daycare last week for just a few days.  I wanted Nicolas to get accustomed to the environment.  On the second day, he had such a crying fit.  He was hitting, scratching, biting and throwing whatever he could at me.  Then I got a call around 1:30 to come get him because he was sick.  I think he made himself sick with all that crying.  I know that he will learn the routine but right now all this is out of the ordinary, and he is back in a room with 12 kids.  I am sure that it is scary for him. I know that once he realizes that I will keep coming back to pick him up that life will settle down for him just a bit.

I cannot believe how the summer has flown by.  I was listening to a Trace Adkins song on the way to work "Your gonna miss this".  It reminded me of my feelings just a few weeks ago when all I could think about was digging into work, thinking about how hard it was to care for two kids and how tired I was at the end of the day.  Now I am thinking -- it sure would be fun to take the kids to the pool!  I am so glad that I had this time off from work.  I will remember this summer for a long time.  I won't be able to take 2 1/2 months off in the summer for a long time (if ever), and having the time to spend with a 3 and 5 year old was great.

A mermaid (what else).  At least that is Tori's dream.  She is infatuated with Ariel and anything Little Mermaid.  A friend gave Tori the Little Mermaid II which she hasn't stopped watching -- honestly,  I think she's watched it at least 5 times a day since she received it last week.

So, our mommy and me day on Saturday couldn't have been more perfect!  I told Tori on Friday that I had a special day planned for her on Saturday.  She told me that it would only be perfect if she could see a mermaid.  Little did she know. . . Now,  I cannot conjure up mermaids from the sea, but I can plan a perfect trip to NYC to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway!

Yes,  Tori and I boarded a bus on Saturday morning and arrived in NYC at about 11 am.  The show was a 2pm, so I decided that we would grab a bite to eat before the show, but only one of us ate.  Tori was so excited that she wouldn't eat anything.  Then, she wanted to be at the theater as soon as they opened the doors so we were there about 45 minutes before the show started -- which was torture for everyone around us as Tori kept asking "when are we going to see Ariel?".  The show was fantastic.  In fact, when I grow up  I want to be Ursala.  I thought that her costume was awesome and she got some pretty great lines.  Tori even got 4 of the actors (Flounder, The Chef, Jetsom, and Flotsom) to sign her playbill.

Tori and I got to see Time Square, shop at the Hershey store (if you know Tori -- that is a big problem) and grab a few souvenirs too.  Now she and Nicolas have matching I lov NY shirts -- you'll have to wait for another post.  The boys got to hang out at home and Tori and I drug our tails in at almost midnight.  Boy did we have a great girls day out!

I have lived in Maryland for 8 years (can you believe it) now.  And during that time,  I have had a child for 5 years (I cannot believe that either).  So,  what I truly cannot believe is that I have never been to Port Discovery.  I mean we did live in Baltimore City for a few years and I never went.  So,  I decided that a day out of the house would do me and the kids some good, so we packed up and went to Port Discovery.  Tori LOVED it.  They have a 3 story jungle gym that she couldn't wait to climb inside.  Nicolas on the other hand,  couldn't wait until I got him out of the jungle gym.  I so wished that Slade could have gone with us because being the big kid that he is,  he would have loved it.  I told him that he will definitely have to go back with us one day.

It took Nicolas about an hour to warm up to the new environment.  We had lunch not too long after arriving.  That helped -- feed the kid and he is always a bit happier.  Then, we sat and watched Tori climb in the jungle gym for a while.  I finally got him to warm up with -- what else -- a big truck -- go figure!  So the kids got to enjoy story time, the robots, the ball pit, the water room, face painting, and the list goes on.  It really was fun -- we cannot wait to go back!

I have been just itching for a vacation.  Normally,  Slade and I would be preparing for our summer vacation, but something about 3 weeks in Russia ate up a lot of vacation time.  So,  I have been searching for the perfect mini-vacation.  I considered the beach, but I'm not sure that Nicolas is ready.  Since Disney is too far away,   we opted for the next best thing . . . you guessed it Dutch Wonderland! 

Well, if you don't live in the PA/MD area, and even if you do, you might know know what Dutch Wonderland is just one big amusement park geared for children under 8 -- which is just perfect for my kids.  In fact, Tori could ride any ride in the park.  And, when you purchase tickets to the park,  they allow you to "preview" the park for 3 hours before closing.  We left home on Friday afternoon,  checked into a hotel, and then headed straight for the park.  On Friday night,  there were not too many people in the park so there were no lines and Tori had a blast.  Then, on Saturday, we spent the entire day at the park.  They even have a water park, so we cooled our heals a bit in the splash park.  We really had a blast as a family, and the kids were so tired when we got back to the hotel that they just dropped on both nights.

Nicolas did well at the park.  I think the preview day really helped him.  He wasn't too sure about all the rides.  He mostly preferred the slow moving, let me take this all in, rides. I think his favorite ride was the monster trucks, in fact, he liked it so much, he wouldn't even look at me.  He didn't like the turtle ride (tilt-a-whirl) too much but we all enjoyed it and his reaction!  It took him about an hour to warm up at the water park, but he finally decided that it might not be too bad and then we couldn't get him off of the kid slide.

So many pictures -- I opted for a slide show for your viewing enjoyment. . .

Yum -- Ice Cream socials.  They're the best aren't they?  I mean a room filled with all you can eat ice cream -- who could ask for more?  Well that is exactly what the Wilson's got to experience on Sunday night.  Can you believe that Nicolas and Tori both ate enough ice cream that they didn't want any more? 

Also,  I found out when we arrived that there was actually an ice cream contest (we had missed church on Sunday morning because of our mini-vacation --  I'll tell you all about it in the next post).  I had no idea there would be a contest. I'm always up for cooking contests.  So, if you are interested in the 2nd place ice cream recipe from the Bowie Church of Christ Ice Cream Social  -- well then, just keep reading.  Now, if you want the first place recipe -- I guess you will just have to hunt Ellen Baker down and ask her for that winning strawberry ice cream recipe!

Praline Almond Fudge Ice Cream

Recipe courtesy of the Rival Cream Maker instruction book!

• 2 3/4 c. light brown sugar
• 1/4 c. and 3 1/2 TBSP flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 1/4 c. milk
• 5 eggs
• 5 c. whipping cream
• 2 1/2 TBSP vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 c. silvered almonds (the recipe actually calls for 2 1/2 c. but I think it is too much)
• 3 TBSP butter
• 1 1/4 c. chocolate fudge topping

Combine brown sugar, flour and salt in a saucepan.  Gradually stir in milk.  Cook over medium heat about 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly (do not let the milk boil!).  Gradually stir about 2 c. of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs (1 c. at a time so as to not cook the eggs -- the purpose is to heat the eggs up so that when they are added to the hot mixture,  they will not boil like in egg drop soup).  Add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly.  Cook 1 minute; remove from heat.  Refrigerate 2 hours. 

Combine whipping cream and vanilla in large bowl;  add chilled mixture, stirring constantly with a wire whisk.  Saute almonds in butter over low heat about 5 minutes.  Stir into ice cream.  Add to ice cream maker and let it do it's magic (about 40 minutes).

Once the ice cream is complete,  swirl chocolate fudge topping through ice cream after.  Easiest to transfer to another bowl to add the fudge topping.

Enjoy!

Well,  I am a bit behind in the recipes again.  Honestly,  I have been cooking dinner the last few weeks but not really pleasure cooking.  One reason is that it is just too hot to think about being in the kitchen. I also think I am just overwhelmed at everything that must get done at the moment.  I have a huge deadline for the dissertation today, so you can expect this post to be very short.  I have also been trying to prepare Tori's clothes (yes, I still have 0-3 month clothes) for a local Wee-Sale.  I think it is time to rid myself of all these rubbermade containers of girls clothes.

This week,  I chose another pie to share.  I have this recipe laying around the house, so I haven't really been creatively thinking about a wonderful pie to post -- it was just east and so is the recipe -- so enjoy.

Lemonade Pie

• 1 package sugar-free lemon jello
• 1 package cream cheese (you can use the reduced-fat kind in order to lower a few calories)
• 1 3/4 tsp crystal light lemonade
• 1 graham cracker crust
• whipped cream

Prepare the jello according to the package directions.  Refrigerate until almost set.  Transfer to a blender and add the cream cheese and crystal light.  Mix until smooth.  Pour the mixture into the pie crust and refrigerate 5-6 hours (I would pop in the the refrigerator overnight). Add whipped cream (you can either add a layer of whipped cream on top or just add a dollop to each slice if you are watching your girly figure!

Can you believe that I have been blogging for a year now?  When I started this whole process,  I thought that I might treat this like my exercise program (on and off again), but I am proud to say that I have been a faithful blogger for a whole year now!

This time last year,  we had just submitted our dossier and chose our region.  Our agency was awaiting accreditation, and we were not sure when a referral would come.  I had convinced Slade that we needed to take a vacation and we were making plans for our trip to Mexico.

I also read in one of my July postings that I was making a resolution to lose 25 lbs by January.  Well it has been a year and how much weight have I lost -- 0.  I guess that I need to make that July resolution again. 

You know what they say -- the more things change, the more they stay the same!

On Thursday, we had our appointment with the county health department to check Nicolas' hearing.  The IA (international adoption) doctor and the specialist at school both recommended the hearing test, so the school contacted the health department for us.

I was running late, as tends to be the case lately.  However, this time,  I thought "oh well, we'll get there when we get there."  I wish I was more skilled at getting the gang out the door but I always forget something (everyone to the bathroom before we get in the car, snacks, drinks, diaper bag packed, etc). After first going to the wrong building, we finally made our way to the correct office.  The audiologist wasn't all too happy with my tardiness.

I had Tori with me for the appointment and in hindsight,  that was not the smartest decision.  Nicolas was distracted by her.  She has been attention seeking lately, so she distracted the audiologist. 

So here's what happened.  There were 3 tests that the audiologist needed to conduct, and we were able to complete 1 1/2 of them. 

• The first tested for pressure on his ears.  As it turns out,  Nicolas' left ear did not register on the test which meant there was fluid behind the ear.  The audiologist said it was not uncommon for children his age.  As long as it was not an infection, it would be fine. 
• The second test was the newborn hearing test.  She didn't conduct the second test because of the fluid behind the ear.
• For the third test, we were in a sound room.  She would play a sound and Nicolas' would turn his head toward one of the speakers in the room.  When he turned his head,  she would display a picture on the TV screen. 

While Nicolas and I were in the sound room,  Tori was outside of the room with the audiologist.  And, let's just say that wasn't such a good idea.  The audiologist was able to get part of the test complete when we took a "break".  I had a conversation with Tori, Nicolas got a snack and back into the room we went.  This time,  Nicolas was more interested in the snack than the sounds, so we were done for the day.

The results of the test were that she thought Nicolas's hearing was fine.  She wasn't able to test the sounds at the highest range (4000) but was able to get a result around (3300), and she was fine with those results and indicated that the speech pathologist could request another appointment if there seemed to be problems or concerns with the quality of his speech. At the appointment,  Nicolas was all talk in his new Nicolas' babble.  Everything is "what's this", "what's this", etc.  She even saw me saying things like "pick it up" and Nicolas responding, so she didn't think he was hearing impaired.

By the end of the appointment,  I was beat.  Whew -- I needed a nap!  I think Nicolas' is finally getting tired of all the doctor's appointments and is starting to not be as cooperative as he once was.  Only two more appointments to go before I return to work (IEP meeting with Child Find, and IA Doctor at Hopkins).  Hopefully,  they will go smoothly.

I have been trying to decide how to write this blog.  I'm not really sure how to start. . .

Last Tuesday, a week ago from today at 10:30 am,  I got a call from the doctor.  He had the results from Nicolas' DNA test results.  He had decided to run the blood work last month because of the lack of medical history we received from Russia and because of the delays that Nicolas was showing.  When he called,  he said,  "I have the results of Nicolas' DNA test, and I need to speak with you as soon a possible."  At that moment,  I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach -- I knew that it must be serious.  I agreed to a Thursday appointment and called Slade who immediately called the doctor and rescheduled the appointment for that afternoon (good thing because I was a basket case!)

We met with the doctor Tuesday afternoon and learned that Nicolas has Fragile X Syndrome.  This is a condition of the X chromosome that affects mental development.  From what we understand,  the effects of this condition range from learning disabilities to autism.  Now, we are no experts, so we do not know what all this means at the moment.  You can perform a Google search and find much information from FragileX.org and FRAXA.org.  Interestingly enough,  the July 7 issue of Time Magazine also has an article concerning Fragile X,  you can check it out at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1818268,00.html

Much of this information is very scary to me.  Please, know that we see development in Nicolas every day.  He is a happy child who loves to be outside running and playing, and he is picking up words every day.  In fact,  he is about to drive me crazy with "what's that mom?" every two minutes.  We know that Nicolas adjustment has been slow, but we are bewildered by the diagnosis because of all the development we see in him.

As you might imagine,  Slade and I have been on a roller coaster of emotions the last few days.  We are doing our best to try to understand this condition and to be patient as we await more information from specialists.  We are trying to take each day as it comes.  One day at a time. 

We believe that our adoption was directed by God, and we know that he has not left us now.  I can only imagine the fate that Nicolas would have held if he were to stay in Russia, and it reminds me that God has a plan even if it is not what we had expected.  I know that God sent Nicolas to us so I must trust in him to see us through whatever we might face with Nicolas' condition.

I was reading through posts on FRUA (Families through Russian and Ukraine Adoption) a week or so ago and came across some information that I thought I'd share.

TCU is conducted an attachment study of adopted children.  If you have an adopted child (domestic or international) you may be interested.  Participants only answer a questionnaire so it's not a big time commitment.  By participating,  you would receive comparison results from other adopted families.

If you are interested,  contact Amanda Hiles Howard at a.r.hiles@tcu.edu

The final deadline for data collection is July 25th.  So,  if you are interested, you need to contact her very soon.

Well,  it didn't take long for the  swing set to take it's first causality.  Just hop over to the Nelson's blog to check it out.

Let's hope that we have a safer weekend!

For some good news -- Nicolas had his cardiologist appointment on Wednesday and his ticker is in perfect condition.  He had both an EKG and Echocardiogram.  The Echo was cool as you could see the blood moving through his heart!  Since all was well, the doctor gave the go ahead for any procedures that would require anesthesia.

Sorry the video wasn't working.  I switched from MSN to YouTube -- try it again.  It appears to work!

Well,  that pretty much sums up our weekend!

My Dad (Papa Texas) and GrandMolly flew in from Texas to meet Nicolas.  We were excited to have them visit, and we had some fun-filled days.  Thanks to GranMolly and the hard work of Dad and PapaTexas, we now have a new structure in our backyard that Tori and Nicolas love. 

On the 4th we considered going down to the National Mall, but instead, opted for a baseball game.  We have a local minor league team, Bowie Baysoxs, just down the road. What's more American than baseball?  Our neighbors, Eric, Beth, Michael and David went to the game too.  Unfortunately,  it rained most of the evening and we spent a lot of time trying to stay dry.  We had several rain delays and finally threw in the towel (literally) around 9pm.  By then, Tori was begging to go home because she was so tired!  I did have a moment during the baseball game after we sang the National Anthem -- it was Nicolas first Independence Day and the first time he had been present for the National Anthem as a US Citizen!  I almost couldn't make it through the whole thing without crying.

Finally,  The kids had a great time with the grandparents and we caught this fun video.  Nicolas got really tickled eating ice cream -- you're gonna love this video!

I think that July will have to be pie month.  I love pies -- I think they are my favorite dessert.  A great pie crust can be tricky in the summer because of all the humidity.  My crusts just don't see to turn out very good this time of the year.  I remember trying to make a peach cobbler one summer, and I redid the crust twice before I finally threw in the towel.  Instead,  during the summer, I have turned to recipes that have great cookie crusts.  I was searching for a recipe for the church potluck this past weekend and ran across this award winning Taste of Home recipe submitted by Kim Erickson on Sturgis, Michigan.  It was so yummy!  The pie has a great custard base.  Now the folks in my house were not too excited about the blueberries (more pie for me!).  I think next time I might try this recipe with blackberries -- they would be super delicious in this pie, too!  Or -- if you really wanted to have a red, white and blue effect -- how about half strawberries and half blueberries -- oh the options.  Onto the recipe . . .

Blueberry Cream Pie

• 1 1/3 c vanilla wafers
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 5 TBSP butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling

• 1/4 c. sugar
• 3 TBSP flour
• pinch salt
• 1 c. half and half (I used cream)
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 3 TBSP butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 TBSP confectioners' sugar

Topping:

• 5 c. fresh blueberries (or insert blackberries here)
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 1 TBSP cornstarch

Combine the first four ingredients;  press into the bottom and sides of an ungreased 9-in pie pan. (I used wax paper to get the crust spread evenly.)  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or just until the crust turns brown.  Cool.

In a sauce pan, combine sugar, flour and salt.  Gradually whisk in cream; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.  Cook and stir 2 minutes more.  Gradually whisk half into egg yolks; return all to pan.  Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes.  Remove from heat;  stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.   Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Pour into crust.  Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.  Chill for 30 minutes or until set (I let my set overnight).

Crush 2 cups of blueberries in a medium saucepan.  Bring to boil; Boil 2 minutes stirring constantly.  Press berries through sieve (this would be really important for blackberries!); set aside 1 cup juice (add water if necessary).  Discard pulp.

In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch.  Gradually stir in blueberry juice; bring to a boil.  Boil 2 minutes stirring constantly.  Remove from heat; cool 15 minutes.  Gently stir in remaining berries; carefully spoon over filling.  Chill 3 hours or until set.  Store pie in refrigerator.

So this pie does take a little TLC to make but well worth it -- I promise!

I'll get an update on our long weekend and visit with the grandparents up later today -- stay tuned!

I hope everyone is enjoying the 4th of July.  I wanted to pass along some information for you on this Independence Day.  What better way to spend your 4th of July then by remembering a relative or loved one who served this country in WWII.  While I know it is not possible for everyone to visit the WWII monument in Washington DC,  you can still make sure that those who served appear on the WWII Memorial registry.

How?

Visit wwiimemorial.com

Click on the WWII Registry button at the left. Follow the instructions to enter the name you wish to honor.  The vet you register will be recorded on the registry and receive an ID#.  Get your loved one registered today.  You can also add information with the name, type of service, etc.

I found out about the registry by speaking with Mr. Robert Eley, ID #547794 while I was shopping at Wal-Mart.  I thanked him for his service and promised to tell everyone I know (or don't know) about the registry.

Check it out TODAY -- oh, and enjoy the fireworks!!

Today,  we have been home for 2 months!  It seems like yesterday that we were getting off the plane and all those feelings of joy to be home!

So, how is Nicolas doing? 

• Food -- he is becoming a picky eater.  Sometimes,  we'll give him food and he gives us that look like you've got to be kidding me.  He'll play with it for a while but that is about it.  (This is a huge step from gorging everything in site).  Usually,  if his sister will eat it, so will he.  He loves, loves, loves bananas.  I really cannot keep enough of them in the house.  He also loves yogurt.  He uses the spoon well and is still learning to use the fork but is getting better.  I don't have to stay with him the entire time that he is eating anymore.  He does pretty good about regulating his food and I can even give him a cereal bar and not worry about him putting the whole thing in his mouth.
• Language -- Nicolas still doesn't have many words, but I do think that he is progressing.  He is starting the baby babble now.  In fact, he will talk up a storm -- only problem -- we have no idea what he is saying :)!  I think it is great that he is playing with language though.  He understands so much.  The problem is when he is trying to tell me something, and I do not understand!  His new word this week is sky. and we have been working on the word "yes" with him as everything is "nah".  It is a little funny listening to him say yes -- he really loves the "s" sound. 
• Sleep -- I wish I could tell you this has gotten better but it is still a struggle.  We had about 2 weeks of good nap time.  I would put Nicolas down for his nap and sit outside his door and he would go to sleep.  He has now taken to screaming fits again at nap time.  Sometimes,  these will last upwards of 2 - 3 hours on and off.  Funny thing is that he only does this when it is him and I.  When Slade is home, he will lie right down.  In fact, Slade came home early this week so I could go to a meeting,  and when he saw Slade, he went right to sleep.  He also goes to sleep pretty well at night.  Slade puts him down for bed and he is usually out of the room in 10 minutes -- can you believe that?  A few nights ago we went to give Nicolas his medicine (we have to apply after he is asleep), and he was standing in the middle of his room.  This has never happened before, but I am sure that he was not awake.  Do I have a sleepwalker on my hands?
• Potty training -- we are still working on this but he is getting much better.  Sometimes, he will even go all day with a dry diaper.  His word for potty is "kaka" -- I can't tell you the looks I got at the pool when he used this word.  The moms must have been thinking -- what are you teaching your kid?  Nicolas is learning to use his words to tell us that he needs to go to the bathroom.  Sometimes he will tell us after he has gone to the bathroom, though.  I tell you it won't be long, and he will have this down.
• Behavior -- Typically 2 year old behavior.  He knows the word mine!  He is learning to play by himself or with Tori so he doesn't expect me to be with him at every moment now.  He doesn't have the tantrums like he was having.  I guess he figured that wasn't working anymore.  I can tell a difference when we are home all day or when we have errands, appointments, etc.  He does much better when we are home all day (only problem -- Tori does much better when we are not!). 
• Activities -- He loves to play outside, running, throwing balls -- typically boy stuff.  He has also enjoyed the pool although not at first -- he clung to me like velcro (although I have learned to expect this in new environments/situations).  Now,  he is walking around the kiddy pool all by himself and doesn't even want me to interfere with his activities.  He does tend to mommy shop at the pool and every woman is mama.  I have tried to intervene before this happens.  He doesn't really understand personal space especially with strangers.  This doesn't happen everywhere but tends to happen more often than not at the pool.  This week,  he has taken to a play vacuum cleaner and loves to help unload the dishwasher (although sometimes the dishes go back into the sink!).
• Doctors -- Can you believe that we have at least one drs visit a week for the next month?  This week, we are off to the dentist.  Next week, we see the cardiologist, then we have the hearing screening, and update on shots, our assessment with the speech pathologist and finally the update with the IA doctor!  Whew,  I have to keep a calendar just to keep up with all these appointments.  I am so glad that I've had this time off so that we can fit it all in.

I do not go back to work until August so we have the month of July together.  I will be easing him into care.  We have decided on daycare for Nicolas beginning in August.  This is a long story,  maybe I'll share another time.  I will be easing him into this environment in July so that my transition to work will be a little smoother.  My dad is coming in for the 4th tomorrow, so it may be after the 4th before I post again -- we'll see how it goes.  If not --- Happy Independence Day early!

I'll leave you with the cutest picture ever!

The previous owners of our home had quite a since of humor.  Our upstairs bathroom had this fabulous wallpaper with pictures of chairs on it -- yes, we have a throne room!  Since we moved into the house 4 years ago,  we have not done anything with the bathroom but just move in.  We bought an inexpensive shower curtain and hung it for visitors.  I have redecorated every room in the house, but this bathroom.

When we registered for Nicolas' shower,  I chose a few items and if we received them,  it would spur me to update the bathroom.  Well, guess what?  we did receive those items, so in my spare time (ha! ha!),  I have been redecorating the bathroom.  I was all too happy to tear the wallpaper off the wall.  I have been wanting to do that from the moment that I saw it! Then, the bathroom got a fresh coat of paint and a few new nick-knacks and presto, change-o.  Now,  this is a bathroom fit for the kids.