The LaGreca Family

I honestly NEVER thought this would happen.  I know that this happens to almost ALL children (at least ,that’s what I have heard), but I just didn’t think I would see the day when it happened to Nicholas.

He almost fell asleep at the dinner table! It was the quietest meal we have had with him in a LONG time (since he was a newborn, I think!)  Joe’s family was over for dinner last night and we were enjoying our food, chatting, laughing, etc.  NCL started off great – ate lots of his pork chop, 2 helpings of mashed potatoes and some applesauce.  He didn’t have much to say at dinner and he wasn’t throwing his food on the floor (both of which are common occurrences at our house).  After awhile, he stopped eating and just sat there.

He just SAT there! Very still.  We noticed that he was being very quiet. Joe offered him an avocado piece and he wouldn’t even look at Joe. He just sat there, staring off into space.  So, we let him be…and wouldn’t you know it….his eyes started to get VERY heavy and he started the “head-bob/wave.”  We were all laughing SO hard (I guess that is kind of mean, huh?)  Joe said, “go get the camera, quick!” — and then said, “this is what the boy gets for not taking his nap today.”

Poor little boy…he was so tired.  In bed at 6:30pm….and didn’t get up until 8am this morning.  Amazing.

It took me a little longer than expected ..to put this video together.  I wanted to include lots of little video clips, along with some of the nice still shots.

We had a great time at San Onofre State Beach with friends and family. We had 3 RV spots and one big tent.  We are definitely looking forward to going back next year.

Here is my “all-time favorite” picture from the weekend.  I couldn’t believe I caught it on camera…pretty sweet, huh?

Enjoy the Movie!!

Random Thought #1: My fears and anxiety during pregnancy (re: the possibility of having a boy) have been proven true.  Our little boy is pretty crazy.  If I didn’t know better, I would think that he was constantly fed SUGAR because he literally bounces off the walls.

The last few days have been rough. Really rough.  We were thinking that this is what everyone meant when they warned of the “terrible twos”—- however, I have been told recently that THREE is even worse!  God help me…please.

Random Thought #2: Joe called me yesterday afternoon and said:  “I left the front door open so Nicholas could play in the courtyard, then I went into the kitchen to clean up.  I walked into the livingroom and found a pile of dirt on the ottoman – and NCL was driving his cars over it.”

I couldn’t help but BURST into laughter.  Now THAT is pretty funny. I am bummed that there is not a picture for evidence (that would be the FIRST thing I would have done—grab the camera).

Random Thought #3: Nicholas can say our dog’s name now..well, sort of.  It comes out as “Goc-Co” — and he will say it over and over and over, until he finds where Roscoe is hiding. The poor, poor dog.  We have ruined his life.

Random Thought #4: We are both ready for a vacation. Not only do we need a little break from the boy, but I think we are both getting the “travel bug.”  It seems like it would be so easy to hop in the motorhome and just drive…..but, there is this one little thing that gets in the way…….work

Random Thought #5: I was laying on the couch the other day, around 4:30pm (tired from our weekend adventure up to San Ononfre—video coming soon)..and NCL was playing in the livingroom.  He came over to me, put his head right up to mine (almost nose to nose), put his little hands on either side of my cheek and said “Mama….Mama…up, Mama!”  He doesn’t understand “resting” I guess.

Random Thought #6: I am very excited to report that Nicholas’ attempt to sing his “ABC’s” has GREATLY improved over the last week. I try to sing it to him (“with him”) at least once a day.  He has gone from “A-deedle deedle, dee” to actually copying the letters I am saying. He especially loves: “A, B, E, G, I, J” — most of the time I make it to K or L, and then I start over.

Random Thought #7: We wake up every morning to a voice in the house that is saying (or yelling) “Mamaaaaaaa…..Daddaaaaa!”  He calls us to come get him out of his crib. Although, most mornings I walk in there, he says “Hi Mama!” – and then he giggles and plays around in his crib some more. Not really anxious to get out.  I say this ALL the time, but I am really, really going to miss the crib.  The containment is priceless!

Random Thought #8: I know you all know this because I have said it a trillion times on this blog….but, here goes again….this little boy LOVES his Daddy.  He always calls for his Dadda in the morning and wants to run back to the shower to say “Hi Dadda!” — He wants to be right in the middle of whatever Daddy is working on.  And he wants to be played with (he will take either parent for this…..actually, he will take ANY human being….but it’s super cute when he asks for his Dadda).

I especially love the patience that Joe has for him when mine has run out (seems to happen a lot more and a little faster lately).  Joe can divert the boy’s attention very well.

….I will leave with this picture….so darn sweet.

Joe and NCL cuddle while watching a Disney movie right before bed. (It still amazes me when I actually see Nicholas sit still longer than 5 seconds).

As you all know, Nicholas’ Grandpa LaGreca is an amazing woodworker (rocking horse, personalized stepping stool, and fern stand – that I don’t seem to have a picture of in the photo gallery).

The most recent Grandpa creation is nothing less than spectacular! After our road trip to Idaho, we were all VERY aware of the fact that NCL is in complete ‘awe’ of semi trucks (Grampy – you will appreciate that – if only you still had yours!). Every time a semi passed us on the road, (you can imagine how many times that happened….about once every 25 seconds), NCL would point out the window and say “WOW!!!” or “WHOA!”

So….only 4 months later….Nicholas has his very own, all-wood, made from scratch, semi truck.  This picture doesn’t do it justice, but I promise, it’s very cool!

NCL was immediately on the ground, driving it all over the house.  The bed in the back comes off and NCL figured out how to put it together right away.

Gold Star for Grandpa – he did it again! There is no other toy like it….how lucky for NCL

…but goodie.

Remember this picture?  NCL used to LOVE to get the salad spinner out and put it on his head….and then run around the house.  (This picture was taking in Dec. ’08, NCL was almost 14 months old)

Some “toys” just never get old. NCL got into the kitchen cabinet this past weekend and saw the salad spinner. He just HAD to have it.

“Nicholas Talks” – An Update

As I was saying recently, NCL has finally started talking.  The day he said “Mama” and “Dada” was pivotal for him! (and for us!) His vocabulary is growing everyday. It really is so neat to watch.  If he doesn’t know how to say a word, I ask him to look at my mouth and try to sound out the word with me.  He tries..it’s cute.

One of the things that really surprised us is that he will STILL sign “more” when he wants more of something. We ask him “Do you want more?” and he says “yeah.”  I ask him to say “More Please” – and he will sign ‘more’ and then say ‘please’….it’s kind of funny that he still uses that sign.  (We only taught him 2 signs…and he still uses “All done” as well.)

I will leave you with another “Hey Nicholas–Smile for the camera” picture