9 Months

 9 months, already!

 

 

 It was too hard to get a picture of him

 sitting up with the blocks

 And it is even harder to get him to wear his Viking

 hat long enough for a picture

 Riding around in his car

 Playing at the mall

 Accepting his sister's love

 Definitely a dare devil

 I love it when we can get him to wear a hat

 The "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" rules doesn't

apply with our little man

Lunching with Mimi

  

Nikolaus is 9 months old and he definitely keeps us on our toes.  A crawler and a climber, this kid knows how to get around.  He likes to practice walking too, while we hold his hands.  Nikolaus also has four teeth.  One bottom tooth sprouted last month and was all alone until his 9 month appointment.  His pediatrician saw three more coming in at the same time.  Luckily for us, he has been a trooper... Must have a high threshold of pain (like his sister).  Nikolaus continues to thrive and according to Dr. Cox, he has great eye contact and social skills.  Here are his stats from his appointment:

Weight: 19 lbs. 15 oz. (50th percentile)

Length: 28 1/2" (50th percentile)

Head Circumference: 46 1/2 cm. (85-90th percentile)

Nikolaus loves being outside and who doesn't when you have so much to explore (and put into your mouth).  I'm not used to having a baby move this early or put everything in their mouth.  Nikolaus has tried dirt, sand, leaves and sticks.  And he goes back for more!  What can I say, he is all boy. Even though he likes to explore and play with new toys, he still loves to be held.  Especially in the morning when everyone is trying to get ready for the day.  I guess he just wants a little more attention and cuddle time after sleeping 12 hours.  Nikolaus still gets plenty of attention from his sister.  I think she knows he is getting bigger and more durable because she has been tackling him more and pulling him down on herself more.  He doesn't complain, but I continue to warn Natasha that he will be bigger than her one day and he will get his revenge.  Other than that, it warms my heart to watch our two loves play and interact with each other.  And make each other laugh!

7 and 8 Months

 7 Months Old

 

 

 Happy Independence Day!

 

 On the way to the 4th of July Parade
 

 Watching his sister drum

 

 Swinging in the backyard

 

 He has found a hiding place

 First time in the red car...

 ... And he likes it!

Sissy feeding him 

 First time at the fair

I just love our little Viking to pieces

 



 

It is definitely getting harder to take pictures with the blocks

 



Standing man

 

This mama is not ready to have such a mobile child this young.  Time just needs to stop, so I can catch my breath and re-baby proof the house.  Nikolaus is 8 months and can crawl, sit back up from lying down/ or crawl position, he is pulling himself up on everything, and he can climb the stairs!  I guess he is trying to catch up to his big sister, who didn't crawl until she was 10 months old.  Natasha was more the talker (and still is). Nikolaus started to crawl and pull himself up at 7 months (obviously, I missed the 7 month post) and hasn't slowed down since... up goes the baby gate and down goes the crib mattress.  Besides being mobile, Nikolaus has discovered his voice.  He likes to be loud and has started saying da-da and ma-ma.  He is a great eater and a good sleeper and overall a happy, smiley, giggly baby!  We will see how much he has grown when we go to his 9 month well check at the end of the month.  

Tasha Tasha Tasha

  

 Safety day at swim lessons

 

Ready to swim 

Big jumps 

She could do this all day 

Swimming back to the wall 

Having a snack after a long swim session 

Face painting 

Tasha and Noelani 

Tasha and Kayley in the bounce house on the 4th 

Kiki and Tasha 

BFFs 

Our little Angel fan 

And Nikolaus' biggest fan (and vice versa)

It has been a while since I have posted about our little fish or a "little octopus," as Natasha would like to be referred to when swimming.  She is a character.  Anyways, Natasha finished her swim lessons for the summer back in May and she is amazing.  Natasha can jump into the pool, swim, flip over into a back float to catch her breath and flip back over to swim to us or a wall.  She is definitely comfortable in the water.  I still feel the need to stay in the pool with her just in case, but her ability to swim has helped me manage two kids in the pool at the same time.  Natasha has been having some great fun with friends this summer.  It's great to have girls her age, close by, to have regular play dates with. It is so cute seeing her interact with friends and her little brother.  Yes, Natasha still loves Nikolaus.  And he loves her, even after all the smothering and bossing she does.  This sassy three year old makes us laugh everyday and drives us crazy at the same time.  But we are so blessed that she is ours.

Here are some Tasha Tells It All stories:

Tasha: What's that line?
Me: Where?
Tasha: On your forehead.
Me: It's called a wrinkle
Tasha: Who gave it to you?
Me: You!  (Zac cracking up in the other room)

Tasha: Can we buy some plums.

Me: Yes, we can buy you some plums.

Tasha: Plums are purple.

Me: Yup.

Tasha: Say "how do you know that"

Me: Okay, how do you know that?

Tasha: Cause I just do!

Tasha: Mommy, can you please get me a snack.

Me: What would you like?

Tasha: I don't know.  You figure it out.

Tasha: One day I will be a mommy and you will be my baby.

Steamboat in the Summer

Headed to Colorado

 

 Nikolaus first time on a private jet

 Morning hike

Fun at the beach 

 Nikolaus loves the outdoors

 

 Feeding the horses

 Natasha had a great time throwing sticks in the

water for Cooper to retrieve

 Lounging on the beach

 

Riding the Gondola

Natasha enjoyed the ride

 



"More Puffs"

Natasha being silly

 

Beautiful view

 

Beautiful family

 Father's Day hike

 

Happy Father's Day, Zac! 

  Natasha was more interested in picking flowers than actually hiking

 The end to a great weekend!

We had an amazing time in Steamboat, Colorado over Father's Day weekend.  The weather was warm and the scenery was beautiful, as always.  Natasha and Nikolaus did great on the plane ride over and had no problem settling in at the Flying L.  Natasha managed to lock herself in one of the bathrooms, but daddy talked her through and she was free in no time.  And she did slip while playing in the pond with Cooper and mommy had to run in (fully clothed) to rescue her. Other than that we had no other hiccups in our trip.  Matt, Elizabeth and Brooks were great hosts and it was just a fun weekend away with family!