Leave of Abscence

I've been quite the busy body latley.
I haven't had much time to slow down and post something at all.

I was without work for a while. When you're without work with a child it can get a little more then nerve racking. I was out everyday filling out applications, turning in resumes, updating resumes, running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

Nothing.

Then, all at once. Not only did I find temporary work, I found permanent work! Bluefield Regional Medical center has decided to hire me. I couldn't be happier.

Niko is quite the little man these days himself. He turned 6 months on the 5th. We went to the doctor on the first and got his statistics as well as some vaccinations. You can probably figure out what was more enjoyable for him. He weighed 16 lbs and 15.5 oz and measured in at a whopping 28 inches long.

We've learned how to say "baba" and do with great glee.
We're trying hard to crawl and sit but to now avail quite yet.

Also, we've decided we are not fond of chicken.

But, we do enjoy sweet potatoes.

And the johnny jump up is a jolly friend.
Most of all we continue to learn how much we love each other!

A lot to talk about...

I suppose I've been slacking again.
I'm really hoping in my heart that the family has had the opportunity to check in from time to time. So many of you are so spread out. Hopefully this has been a wonderful way for you to watch Niko grow.

So - I will start at the end and work my way back to the beginning...of the past few weeks that is : )

I graduated may 20th from my medical billing and coding course.
I made a 98 on my final exam and a 90 in the class over all.
There's still a long road ahead for the certification, etc. but I'm well on my way to a wonderful career and would, now, be a wonderful candidate for a job!



Lindsey and I have spring fever... So we took a little trip over to my moms house, and there we found wonderland!

Thank you so much for my fairy tale photos!

On the 19th I had a wonderful time at the Goldman's!
I was invited over for a feast. I arrived a little late, but the whole crew was there. It was so wonderful to catch up with good old friends. We had Cornish hen, ham, broccoli casserole, green beans, and mashed potatoes. They made a delicious Mississippi mud pie for desert and good times were had by all!

Katerina and baby Niko got along like magnets! I was a change of pace to see Katerina all grown up and in love with Edward Cullen instead of the dolls of yesteryear. So happy that I had the opportunity to join them!

Niko spent some time in the kitchen with us girls, cuddling up with the hotties around the stove on a cool rainy day!

Mommy and Niko had a blast, needless to say! I'm looking forward to making more new and wonderful memories in Rock with my old long time friends! Both Kazan and Eden are expecting so Niko has much to look forward to as well!
Cheers to the future, happy families, and catching up.



And last but not least...




Happy Belated Easter

With Love -
The Easter Bunny

Happy Easter from Bluefield!

Niko and I are getting a bit of spring fever...
The park, camping, and starting our first garden are things we are getting more and more anxious to do.
But in the meantime, Easter is right around the corner.
Niko got his very first Easter card from Grandma and Grandpa Paul.
We were excited for the little taste of sunshine that came along with it...

Think warm like...

The beach, lobsters, and crabs...

Sailboats and smiley whales...

And Grandma and Grandpas house!!!

Thank you guys...
Cross your fingers for our warm weather days!

Big N in the big boy chair...

Niko had his first cereal meal in his big boy chair....

Auntie Lindsey and I really enjoyed this monumental moment!





At first he was afraid...

Whoa!
He figured out he liked it....and required more!

still wanted to suck like it was a baa baa...

Finally he mastered the spoon!

Whats next?


APPLES AND BANANAS!

I just read Niko his night night story and put him to bed...

Tonight we read :

I love this book because it has tons of lovable creatures. It has pop up tabs, textures and colors and is very sturdy so he can be completely hands on. It seems his attention span is growing for things like stories and imagination daily!

I love my little boy!

He's had quite the week...check it out!

Kicked back!

Niko and his new pal!

Toy time!

Mommies holiday and Niko's vacation.

Well, Where do I begin....

Lets start with St. Patty's Day!
I worked St. Patty's Day. For those who are not familiar with Macados, there three biggest days of the year are Black Friday, Halloween, and St. Patty's day. When you walk into the store you'll notice a lot of decor. Not unlike an Applebees...but much more tasteful (in my opinion.) Lots of old movie art, cardboard cutouts of Wizard of Oz characters, signed baseballs from local and world renound player, we even have a West Virginia room with vintage pictures and railroad lights and signs.
But, what seems to catch many eyes are the dozens of collages of past St. Patty's Day and Halloween party pictures. If you live in the surrounding area - Macados is the place to be (or at least show face) on those designated party days!
Here are a few pictures that may make the cut on a future collage board!

We danced to the funky jams....

Mike did a lot of clapping

Here's Tina (the sweetest manager ever) with her sister Sue (the sweetest retail/server ever)

Ashley (off duty) with Lindsey (on duty)

My good old friend Josh and Lou Lou!

Notice how Mike has the, "this isn't happening face" amongst all of the chaos...

We love our cooks!!!

Michelle and Steph (dueling blonds)

Sue and her stack of cash! / Lindsey with the million dollar smile

They had no idea I snuck in the picture *snickers*

Oh yeah, they survived!

Mike was ready for the night to END!

Tina and I posted up in the dish room!



Whilst all the chaos was going on with me at work. Little Niko had a wonderful vacation to McDowell county with his Auntie Teresa. She took some good pictures...all that's missing is some of her with the baby :(

Gotta love the face!

All dressed up for the country!!!

Hanging out with Grandma Farmer

Getting some heavy eyes despite the outfit...

Dustin was a good play mate...

And Adam made a good cuddle buddy!


All and all the past few days have been some good memories. Niko is home now (and I missed him terribly) It's interesting how 2 days can feel like a million years when your away from your child...but you appreciate them all the more when they're back in your arms!!!