I know, I'm bad

What, you like my shades?

Hi Blogland.  To say we've been busy around here would be an understatement.  On Aug 12th, we found out that our landlord had rented our apartment out for the 15th instead of Sept. 1st.  We really saved his butt and moved into our new place in Brooklyn in 3 days.  I'm sure our babysitter was happy for all the last minute extra hours.  We managed to get it all done, and now, 3 months later, I can't imagine still living in that small space on the UWS.

Brooklyn has been great.  We have a huge place in comparison to our last place.  We have needed all the extra space and amenities that have come along with it, including my favorite, a full sized washer and dryer!! Wow, how did I live the past four years without it.

The day before preschool he was all set with his Toy Story backpack

Playing in a basket found on the street, real Brooklyn Style

In September Nolan started a two day a week 2's preschool program.  We've had a few hick-ups but overall he's doing well and really loves it.  He's always so excited to tell me about his day and show me his art work.  The teachers say that he is their little helper.  He was even making kids, "more snack," with play dough.

Off to ride the R train to Brooklyn Heights

Quick Nolan update.  He is talking if full sentences, and he's using his words more and more to communicate.  He's still not interested in potty training, but we ask him every day if he wants to go on the big boy potty.   Nolan is a huge help in the kitchen.  He loves to help me load and unload the dishwasher and when he can he helps me cook.  I've found that getting him involved in the kitchen and with dinner prep makes him way more interested in trying new foods.  We're still very lucky that he is willing to try new foods and eats most of what we put in front of him.  We're still dealing with some behavior issues, that I keep hoping will get better.  He has great days and good weeks followed by a bad run, but I have to remember that he is frustrated too.

Interviewing potential Knicks City Kids

Helping Daddy get ready for Basketball Season.  Lets Go Knicks

Nolan loved Halloween and was so polite with his, tik o teet and than to with each person that gave him candy.  For those of you that don't live in NYC, the kids Trick Or Treat at area businesses.  There are a few people who sit on their stoop and hand out candy, but for the most part they go to stores, bars,  etc to get their candy!

In other news, my sister got married in late Sept and is now Mrs. Hess.  The wedding was so fun, and of course Katie was a glowing bride.  The party went off without a hitch, and Nolan even got to be the last one down the aisle before Auntie Katie and hold a big sign that said, "Here comes the Bride!" He did such a great job!

Shawn had Lou Seal sent up to our seats to say hi to the Bride and Groom! My sister was MIA and he waited for almost 30 mins.  That's some serious game ops pull!

Bride and Groom at Pyramid in Walnut Creek.  This is Shawn's view with Nolan after he did his part!

June Round Up

Nolan really has come a long way in the past couple of months.  We're still dealing with some biting here and there and of course, toddler deafness, but he's saying more and more every day.

Nolan has always been a talker, but it is so nice to finally understand him.  He has been wonderful with communicating about where he wants to go, if he wants to do something, and of course if he wants to eat.  He is so smart and pretty much has the entire UWS memorized.  He normally can tell me where we're heading!   Summertime means ice cream and other yummy frozen treats.  Nolan can see, and start yelling for, ice cream two blocks away.  I do my best to walk around the places, but sometimes I do give in.  Who doesn't like frozen treats when it's 90+ outside.

We went to Jones Beach on Long Island and had so much fun in the pool and at the beach.  Nolan has no fear of water, and he was been doing so well with jumping off the side of the pool, blowing bubbles in the water and practicing his kick, kick, kick!

With the hot temps, we've had to spend a little more time inside then normal, but Nolan is doing so well with playing by himself!!! This is very exciting for me, and it has allowed me to get a few more things done around the apt.  He loves superhero's like Batman, aka MatMan!  All of the billboards around NYC introduced him to these guys a little early!  He also loves to "cook" for me, "Mama, I cook."  He has also started to call himself by his name, Nowan :0 It's really cute to see him understand who he is in the mirror and in pictures!

Waiting for his dad and Papa Dave before the Met's v. Cardinal's game

Same Stick Dancer, different band

Trip to the amazing Bronx Zoo.  The gorilla exhibit was so awesom.  

Just trying to stay cool in the city.  Most parks and playgrounds have some sort of water!

Nolan loves to run around at the World Famous Lincoln Center.  He somehow figured out that he can fit inbetween the beams.  Curious George!

16 Handles, our fav spot of that cool treat I talked about above. 

A little me time in Philly.  Pit seaction for Tim McGraw! What a fun afternoon.

May Phone Pics

As you can see, I haven't been the best blogger.  I finally uploaded all of my phone pictures to my computer, so I can update my blog.  Now a days I hardly use my actual camera.

At the park with Aunite Wee as Nolan likes to call her!

Fun outing to SF with our Gma.  Who knew vegan doughnuts could be so good

My cousin Kevin on his first US tour, back up assisted by his brother, Curran!

It got hot quickly in NYC, fun in Mad, Mads pool

Sister's bridal shower! These girls have been BFF's for ever

Baseball Season! Popcorn out of a Met's helmet in a suite!

First trip to Philly

Park Dancer AKA Nolan in CP. This kid loves to jam!

Mother's Day at Yankee Stadium.  We had some amazing seats!

April Phone Pics

Checking out movie trailers in Central Park 

Headed over to Brooklyn to see what kind of playgrounds they have~

Elijah's 1st birthday.  Nolan had cake and lots of gelato at Otto. 

Tilden Park Train.  Nolan LOVED it!

Tilden Park Petting Zoo..."Mama, yoot, a moooo."

Lots of hair

The Before Shot at Tilden Park Petting Zoo 

After my mom took him to finally get the mop under control

I know I've been  horrible about blogging, but things like facebook and Instargram are so much easier and more convenient.  There has been lots going on, so I'll upload some pictures from my phone with a few more updates!  

Welcome baby Carley Noelle

Prego Pizza at Skips, a WC tradition 

Last Day as a pregnant lady 

On their way to the hospital 

My Sweet little niece is here!

Born just after 11 p.m. on 4/25 

A very proud Auntie that was so lucky to be at the hospital when Carley was born. 

Nolan and I had a long trip out to California.  I went to a wedding, was at the hospital for the birth of my brother's baby, and co-hosted my sister's bridal shower.  You could say it was a productive couple of weeks.  The timing was so amazing to be able not only to be in town when Carley arrived, but being at the hospital made it that much more special.  Kyle and Renee are already such great parents.  Nolan was so sweet to his "baby, baby" I was really impressed.  He was very gentile, and when we weren't around them for a day or say he kept asking for  Uncle, Aunt Nee and baby! 

Look Who's Two

We had a fun birthday party for Nolan at the Knicks Game.  We had a suite for just our friends, and even though the Knicks lost, we had a great time.  The girls that work with Shawn had a custom "2" jersey shirt made for him with Bennett on the back.  It's so cute and he just loves having his own Knicks gear.

This is Nolan's favorite seat in the house.  He loves to watch the intro videos that his dad makes, and of course his "go gos!"

Shawn lined up a lot of special guests to come by the suite, including a balloon maker and the Knicks City Dancers.

Happy Birthday to our spunky, energetic, fun loving, stubborn yet sweet, curly haired two year old.  You add so much to our lives, and we are so proud to be your parents through thick and thin.  You're our little love bug bubbas!

**more pics to come soon**

Disney World

We headed down to Orlando this weekend to join Shawn for the NBA All Star weekend.  We were able to catch up with old friends, and Shawn and I even got out without Nolan two different nights!

Since we were down there, and had a couple of park hopper passes, we decided to take Nolan to Disney World.  I have to say that he is to young to appreciate the full power of Disney, but he did have a good time.  He really wasn't into the characters because they were clearly kind of big and scary!  He loved the Buzz Light year ride, Small Wonder, and a great surprise ride at Epcot, Finding Nemo.  Shawn and I agreed that was the best ride of the day.  They CGS the Nemo characters into actual fish tanks.  It was really great.  After the ride, you wind up in a big aquarium, fully equipped with a dolphin!

Running from Buzz to the Castle

Mama, it's Hot Dog

On Small World

Getting his groove on on Main St.

Ready for the Parade

Quick stop to see Donald in "Mexico."

Nolan was a trooper most of the trip, but he sadly got sick on Friday night and on the plane ride home.  This mama was about to cry.  The poor people around me were lucky enough to not be to close, thank goodness I was on the aisle!