On December 3rd, my parents flew in from California...and then on December 5th, my sister did the very same thing! They came to town to attend Nicholas' very first birthday party. His actual birthday is December 7th, but we decided to have an open-house style party for him on Saturday the 5th. The hours were 1 pm to 4 pm with a pre-determined 2:3o pm cake and singing time..(For those who only like to show up for the cake and then move on to the next party) We actually did have some folks attending who had several other parties that day, so the open house format really worked out.
Nicholas seemed to have a wonderful time playing with the other kiddos who attended. One little boy, about two years old, was unsure about playing with such a rowdy group at first so he had his Daddy hold him for a while. Nicholas asked if he was "sleeping," since he was being held. Once he saw the boy was not sleeping, he brought over one his toys and tried to hand it him while saying, "Share." A very cute moment.
When it was time for cake and ice cream, everyone gathered near the kitchen forming a half circle facing Nicholas. Lisa attempted to light his "number four" candle while everyone began to sing, but Nicholas blew it out immediately! We had never practiced blowing out a candle, so we were both surprised he blew it out so fast. He must have seen it on Noggin/NICK Jr....anyhow, Lisa lit the candle again and everyone began to sing. It was at that moment Nicholas got a puzzled, almost scared look on his face. It was obvious he had never experienced a large group of people all singing the same song while looking at him....Before the song was over, he had once again blown out his candle....I am sure he will have this whole, "wait 'till the song is over before blowing out the candle" thing down by next year.
Although all the people we invited were not able to make it, it was really wonderful seeing the ones who did come by to celebrate this special day. We really appreciate our totally cool awesome off the chain family and friends.
Around 4:34 pm when it was just my family remaining, we began to open presents. The first gift Nicholas opened was a giant Tonka Dump Truck from his Uncle Eddie and Aunt Lolli. The next few gifts did not get much attention due to the awesomeness of the dump truck! He did eventually get to every gift and played with everything until it was time for his bath! Thank you all for the great gifts, the Thank You Cards are forthcoming.
The next morning when he came downstairs he cried out, "TOYS!" He must have thought all those presents were just a dream...
On Monday, December 7th, we celebrated his REAL birthday! For this special occasion we took him to the Doctor for his 4-year-old check up.
And now for a vital statistic update:
When we first arrived home with Nicholas on April 24, 2009 he was, oddly enough, 39 inches tall and weighed 39 pounds. Both of these numbers placed him in the 75th percentile for a boy his age.
After his 4-year-old check up we found he had grown 4 inches, placing him in the 95th percentile and gained 11 pounds, which is "off the chart" for boy his age...our sweet little boy is now 43 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds!
Then came the booster shots........all FIVE of them. This was fun, fun, fun for the whole family. Daddy got to sit on the exam table first and then Nicholas sat in front of me between my legs. Then Daddy crossed his ankles on top of Nicholas' legs while giving him a "real big hug." This careful positioning was in order to immobilize the child while two nurses plunged 5 needles into his upper thighs! Mommy was trying to calm Nicholas during the fast and furious aforementioned needle plunging....we laughed, we cried, we cried some more and then Nicholas got a sucker and a sticker for his troubles.
Happy Birthday Son!
We tried to make it up to him that evening...
After dinner Nicholas got to have his very own cupcake (baked from scratch and frosted with homemade frosting my Lisa!) and a cup of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream...
Friday December 11th.
Today we were able to finalize our adoption. We had to be home with Nicholas for at least 6 months (Texas Law) before we could even make a Court appointment....December 11th was the earliest date possible so we took it! We met our lawyer at the family and juvenile court building in Dallas. Lisa's father (on his birthday!) and his friend C.C. were able to meet us there to witness this special event. The judge was very nice and encouraged photos. Lisa's Father was able to snap some pictures and even shoot some video....once we figure out how to get it off the camera, we shall post it!
Nicholas will soon receive his United States birth certificate...this will then allow us to get him a Social Security card...woohoo...
Each day that goes by Nicholas seems to be getting more and more cute and we are so glad he is in our lives!
He is learnin' the English real good two.
Future News: December 16th is our meeting our local school district to discuss what type of program Nicholas will be starting. He will be attending a Head Start school for Pre-Kindergarten beginning early next year!
More details to follow!
And now for some new pictures in NO particular order….
Playing with his new crane with Grandpa Loeb.....by the way....when Nicholas saw Lisa's father and my father together he immediately said, "Grandpas." :-)
Being sworn in during our December 11th court appearance.
Opening his first birthday present....the mighty Tonka Dump Truck from his favorite Uncle Eddie and Aunt Lollie.....he loves it...
About to chow down his first Thanksgiving Dinner....he ate all of his "Chicken," which is what he currently calls Turkey...
Cuddling with Grandma Janice during his birthday weekend! Thanks again to you and Dad and Ann for coming out to visit....hope to see you all again very soon!
Proudly playing with the U.S. flag....long may it waive!!
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