Niko's Surgery

Mommy, I am going to sleep on you - kay?

This is Niko's mommy. He is taking a nap right now. Nicholas' surgery went well yesterday. He was in a GREAT mood from the time we got there, to the time we left the hospital. He was all smiles. What a trooper! We got there at 5:45 am. My mom (a Saint) came with us. Nicholas was pretty much admitted right away. His surgery was set for 7:30. They gave him some "happy juice" and he sure was happy. He loved everyone! I was able to take him back to the operating room. It was kind of hard to see him being put under but I was able to give him a kiss from Mommy and Daddy. His surgery started a little past 7:30 and lasted until 11:00. The doctor met with my mom and I. He told us what to expect and how to change his diapers. He is wearing two diapers now. The inner diaper has a hole for the cathader and the outer diaper is to "catch" the pee. I changed it last night, and he screamed, I felt like the worst mommy in the whole wide world. I did sleep in his room last night. He went to bed at 8pm and woke up at 2:30 crying and not wanting to go to sleep. I gave him some medicine and a bottle. I also let him crawl for a bit. About 3:30 we went back to bed and he woke up at 6am. Needless to say, I am pooped :) The cathader can come out next Tuesday. It will be fun times changing his diaper. Niko feels okay. He is a little fussy, but I would be too! I am just giving him tons of love, and so is his daddy. Daddy brought home his meds and new diapers last night and really helped out. That is our update. Niko or I will update in a couple days. Now, I have to get ready for my first day back at school. Talk about emotions :) Take care, Mandy

Looking Forward to the Future

Can you find what is missing in the first picture? One of my mommy's pregnancy board friend photoshopped this picture and took away the bag. I was playing with that bag that day and I left it by me.

On Monday morning, Mommy, Grammy, and I are going to the hospital. I need to have surgery. It is a very common procedure, but mommy is still a little worried. She told Grammy she needed some wine to "relax" her. It worked. She was tired before I was. We know everything will go smoothly, but all mommies worry about their little boys. Mommy told Grandma and Grammy today how I left something inside her when I was born. I fell asleep soon after this comment. Later, Mommy told me I left a part of love inside her and this love will last forever.

Mommy will have to update the blog tomorrow - I gave her permisson. I have a picture of Daddy, Grandpa Tony, and myself - but Mommy needs to get it off the phone. Grandpa Tony was a blast to hang out with. I will explain more in that blog when I start feeling better :) Good Night! Niko

8 Months Old!!!!

I like being 8 Months old!

I am Niko! Hear me ROAR!

Do you see them?! I have two bottom teeth

Mommy told me today that the seventh month was the best month for me. Wait until she sees what I can do in my eighth month :) Today is my eighth month birthday. I have done so much within the last month. I can crawl, stand up, and "talk". Mommy says I am a real pro at crawling. I crawl everywhere. I do not like my carseat - I want to crawl! I have also been working on my teeth. Teething is no fun, but mommy told me it is part of growing up.

Mommy cannot believe how much I have grown. I heard her tell Grandpa Tony that she misses the newborn days. Mommy is excited that I am growing and will be able to interact with her, but she misses the newborn stage at the same time. I probably could arrange getting up three times at night again :)

Mommy and Daddy are very proud of my accomplishments. There is so much more to come.

Love, Niko

Grammy's House

Our summer has been pretty quiet. We do the usual shopping, visiting daddy at work, and a few trips to the park. Well, Mommy told me something big! We were going to Grammy and grandpa's house for a few days. I was excited because they have a lot of animals that I like to see. I love Cady, she is very good with me. I get along with all of grammy's animals. Mommy let me crawl in the kitchen, and she took me into the master bedroom, so I could crawl around - nice open area :) Mommy did have to go outside to chase a kitty that got out, but I was so good and stayed ( pretty much) where she put me. Mommy does not know how grammy does it with 6 animals and taking care of me. Mommy thinks that's pretty amazing.

When we got home, I got to see my other grandma and grandpa. How lucky can I get!? I was a little moody at first, but I got better. Next week will be very special. I will get to meet my other grandpa from Florida, plus Mommy wants to spend a lot of time with me. It is her last week before school and a week before my surgery. Stay tuned for some special pictures! Good Nite:) Niko

First Trip to the Zoo

Can we go see the fishies?!

What did you say? I am not cranky.

Mommy and daddy polar bears

A hippo (I was asleep when we saw this animal)

Mommy and Daddy took me to the Cleveland Zoo on August 10. I was a little cranky that day. I have a tooth popping up. Mommy understands and tries to soothe my pain with chewies and teethers. I did have fun at the Zoo. I really liked all the fish. My mommy said, my great - grandpa (Poppy) used to raise fish. She was a little taken back when she saw how interested I was in the fish. We were so tired when we came home. Mommy, Daddy and I took a little nap. I woke up REALLY crabby, but Mommy changed and bathed me and I was brand new. I spent two hours on the floor crawling and exploring. I did get cranky again and Mommy put me to bed and I was out until 11:00. Mommy told me I better not do that again. I have a surprise for her tonight, because I went to bed at 7:45pm. This week, Mommy, Daddy and I will be at Grammy's and Grandpa's House. I will take pictures of the animals there! Good Night :) Niko

Perfect Day

We had a very busy weekend. On Saturday, we went to the Banjoff (Daddy's side) Reunion. I never took a nap that day! On Sunday we went to church and then to Grammy and Grandpa's house. I got very fussy toward the end of the visit. Mommy decided that today we would do NOTHING. I was sooo good for mommy today. I took my hour morning nap. Then I play alot on the floor, and I was good. Mommy decided to try an afternoon nap, boy did I have a surprise for her. She put me in the crib and I was asleep in one minute. I slept for three hours. When I woke up, Mommy and I had to go the store and buy kitty litter and food. I was really good at the store too. We came home and I played on the floor some more. I got a little fussy at night, but mommy gave me a bottle and I was out for the night. Mommy told me that I had a perfect day. I do have a picture but they are not uploading right now. I will have to edit later. Night - night everyone :) Niko