Our first family Vacation

We had a great time going to South Dakota, Wyoming and then on Minnesota to see family. Nic did great in the car, but a trip like that tests all our limits for car travel. The sights were worth it!

March for Babies 4-26

The rain cut the walk short, so we bailed for a fun brunch at Nosh in Geneva. Team Nic raised nearly $1,000. Not bad for our first year.
Nicole, one of Nic's primary nurses, came with us, as well as Parker and his mom, Kim, who was a roommate of Nic's. at Rush Copley. We saw another preemie pal, Landon, who is pictures at left in the stroller group. If the weather holds up next year, I think it will be even more fun.

Swim Time

Jeff and Nic started Water Babies today at the Rush-Copley Healthplex Pool. Nic took to the water like a little fish. He didn't cry once, which I can't say was the case for all the babies. He had about 10 classmates ranging from 6 months to 2 years. He loved hearing some of his favorite songs and splashing in the water. He also didn't mind getting dunked. They did some exercises by the side of the pool and others in a circle so the kids could see each other. They also had water toys for him to play with. The indoor temp was quite warm and the water was also very heated. Nic was pretty quiet, just taking it all in with wide eyes. I think he will like it even better next week.

Horsing Around

More #1 B-Day Photos - Feb. 23, 2009

On Nic's real first birthday, we just did yellow upside down ice cream cone cupcakes instead of a big cake. It was easier for him to dig into, but I can't say that he was all that messy. He much preferred having his shirt off to play after it got icing on it.

Belated Birthday Photos

Sorry it's taken so long to get first birthday photos up. It's hard to believe this photo on the left was Nic one year ago, not even 2 lbs. The syringe next to him shows you the comparision in size. We are so thankful for all he has overcome this year. He is such a joy in our lives.

We celebrated Nic's birthday on the day and then also when Grandpa George and Grandma Nancy came to visit that weekend. Grandma Sheila and some friends were able to join us for the celebration. Nic shared his red velvet cake with Grandpa George, since Grandpa got to pick his birthday this year. Nic didn't like the cake nearly as much as his grandpa does. You would have thought we'd fed him pickles! I guess it's good that he doesn't have much of a sweet tooth yet, except for sweet potatoes. He certainly won't have to fight my dad for those. Nic weighed nearly 19 pounds at his first birthday. He loved all his presents, but still was perfectly happy having just the paper they came in to play with as well.

The Boys are Napping

Nic and Jeff take a nice Nap together. Mom grabs the camera ... Monte was napping, too.

Nic and Monte

Nic really enjoys watching Monte run through the house and play near him on the floor. Monte has still not been feeling well with his epilepsy, but he continues to be a good watchdog when it comes to Nic. He follows me to Nic's room each night to lay at my feet as I rock him and get him to sleep. He then silently follows me out once Nic is resting.

Former Roommates - Now 11 months

This picture was taken a few weeks ago, but is amazing considering these three guys are were once NICU roommates. They all came to the NICU in late Feb. or early March of 2008. Nic was the first to come, even though he and Xander had the same due date of May 28. Xander managed to have a couple extra weeks to grow before he joined Nic. These guys once had duelling alarms, forcing the nurses to run back and forth to see which one was desatting or having a bradycardia. Where once they were separated by the thick plastic walls of the isolettes, they now have no boundaries. No wonder they didn't truly let these guys hang together in the NICU! It will be fun to see them grow and change together. Nic just had his 11 month birthday and I am starting to get very sentimental about where we were this time last year, really just starting to get comfortable with being pregnant and showing. We have so much to be thankful for, and I'm grateful that this Valentine's Day we'll have Nic to hold in our arms. Last Valentine's Day rushing to the hospital, we weren't so sure this would ever happen.

Ride 'em Cowboy

Nicolas enjoys riding his Radio-Flyer Pony. He really is getting the hang of making it move and bouncing forward and back.