Practicing new walking skills with Daddy (I'm obssesed with these shots-they had no idea I was snapping:-)
Bubbles with Mommy!
Meeting New Friends
Here's to one of the many places we will miss in North Carolina!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Springtime Oasis
Although Fall is definitely my favorite season overall, Spring is hard to beat here in North Carolina...especially went it's spent at Duke Gardens. Our little family had a wonderful time welcoming the first day of Spring last weekend in this beautiful oasis on Duke's campus. With a picnic lunch, a few toys, and near perfect weather~it was an unforgettable day!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Celebrating 1!
I love birthdays. So much. I think I love them so much because my sweet mom always made them so special. And it wasn't until my adult years that I realized how much I took that for granted. Most years growing up, I had two celebrations...a weekend party with friends that more than likely wasn't on my actual birthday and then a family celebration on my actual birthday. Gifts galore. Birthday cakes. Outrageously fun parties. Balloons (there were ALWAYS balloons). Flowers delivered at school. Sweet, sweet cards. Dinner outing of my choice. Even a surprise "Sweet 16." Still today~much older and miles apart~ my mom finds a way to make my birthday a BIG DEAL.
I tell you this because this is exactly how I feel now about my son's birthday. It's a BIG DEAL. Every year it will be, but this year was his FIRST! A monumential day! As you've seen from my blog, we've had quite a bit of transition going on around here. So I must say, I was a bit concerned that we'd have trouble pulling off Judah's celebrations. Besides the minor incident of selling our home earlier than expected and having to be out before his orginally-scheduled party for which I already had the invitations printed (nothing a few post-it notes on the invites couldn't fix ;-)...we pulled off several celebrations!
Judah shares a birthday two days after my mother and one day after my step-father. That's right, mid-March (16th, 17th, 18th) calls for quite the party in our family! We are so thankful that Judah, his KK and his K-Pop had a night to celebrate together. And Gran'ma and Pop joined us, too! We all went out to one of our favorite restaurants in Chapel Hill, had a great dinner, opened gifts, and enjoyed cake back home.
The next day was Judah's big party at our home with our family and friends. When I thought of his special day, the "theme" for the day came easily. "You are My Sunshine" is not only one of his favorite songs and the only song that was able to calm his cries during his first year of life, but it also represents how much he means to us and those who know him. He truly is "our little sunshine" and brings big smiles to so many faces. Oh, and his favorite colors are yellow and orange, so that made the decor, food, etc. really easy! Another post will be dedicated to this party in the near future when we get all of the photos back. In the meantime, check out our photographer's blog post to see a sneak peak of the day.
Fast forward two weeks...Judah gets another celebration (on his actual birthday) in our new~albeit temporary~home...complete with lion and tiger cupcakes~his two favorite animals :-)
I tell you this because this is exactly how I feel now about my son's birthday. It's a BIG DEAL. Every year it will be, but this year was his FIRST! A monumential day! As you've seen from my blog, we've had quite a bit of transition going on around here. So I must say, I was a bit concerned that we'd have trouble pulling off Judah's celebrations. Besides the minor incident of selling our home earlier than expected and having to be out before his orginally-scheduled party for which I already had the invitations printed (nothing a few post-it notes on the invites couldn't fix ;-)...we pulled off several celebrations!
Judah shares a birthday two days after my mother and one day after my step-father. That's right, mid-March (16th, 17th, 18th) calls for quite the party in our family! We are so thankful that Judah, his KK and his K-Pop had a night to celebrate together. And Gran'ma and Pop joined us, too! We all went out to one of our favorite restaurants in Chapel Hill, had a great dinner, opened gifts, and enjoyed cake back home.
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| Having fun with KK and KPop |
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| Playing with Dada at the restaurant |
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| Singing "Happy Birthday" to KK and KPop |
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| Helping to blow out the candles (but distracted by a roll of ribbon :-) |
The next day was Judah's big party at our home with our family and friends. When I thought of his special day, the "theme" for the day came easily. "You are My Sunshine" is not only one of his favorite songs and the only song that was able to calm his cries during his first year of life, but it also represents how much he means to us and those who know him. He truly is "our little sunshine" and brings big smiles to so many faces. Oh, and his favorite colors are yellow and orange, so that made the decor, food, etc. really easy! Another post will be dedicated to this party in the near future when we get all of the photos back. In the meantime, check out our photographer's blog post to see a sneak peak of the day.
Fast forward two weeks...Judah gets another celebration (on his actual birthday) in our new~albeit temporary~home...complete with lion and tiger cupcakes~his two favorite animals :-)
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| Lion cupcake~the Tiger was sharing the box and took a bite out of Lion when he was removed! |
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| Anticipating his Tiger Cupcake! |
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| Daddy lets him taste the icing! |
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| Taking a big boy bite! |
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| I think he likes it! Clapping for approval :-) |
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| Mommy's turn to share! |
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| So delicious! Watch out Judah before your mommy eats it all! |
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| Judah-1; Tiger-0 |
Much love to our little birthday monster!
Happy First Birthday Sweet Boy! Did I mention I love birthdays?!
I think Judah does too!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Springing Forward
Surprisingly, I'm not referring to the time change or the coming of a beautiful season...in their literal senses, anyway. The Nix family has been sprung forward into a new home and a crazy time of transition. That's right, since my last post we've officially sold our home, packed up everything we own and stored it in 5 different locations, as well as planned out where we will be for the next 3 months until our move to DC.
Our plan is complicated and includes us "living" in a few different places until June...let's just say God has opened many doors and we are grateful to friends and family for allowing us to become their temporary houseguests. We sold our home MUCH sooner than anticipated...
We are so very grateful but it has been a bitter-sweet whirlwind. We walked out of our door on Summit Drive for the last time this week, and it was so very difficult. While we are excited about our new life in DC (my husband begins a fellowship at the NIH in July), we are sad to leave North Carolina. After living here five years, this has become home. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, Jeff and I experienced so much in our first home so it was very difficult to say good-bye. For now, however, we are certainly springing forward into a changed time for our family and certainly, a new season.
"How is Judah?", I hear you asking. He has handled the transition very well....better than his mama and dada, I think :-) He never ceases to amaze me. When I think of all he has experienced during his first year of life (yes, my baby will be 1 tomorrow!), I become overwhelmed with so many emotions. On this, the eve of his birthday, I am incredibly grateful that he is my son and even more grateful that Jeff and I were able to experience the absolute joy of parenting him for most of his entire first year (we received his referral and first picture when he was just 6 weeks old). However, my heart is tinged with sadness as I reflect today. I think of this time last year, and my heart immediately breaks for Judah's birth mother. I cannot help but wonder what she is thinking, how she is hurting this week, and how she must miss sweet Judah. Although I will never know her personally, she has given me the greatest gift on this side of heaven...and I share in her heartache today. However, through Christ there is joy amidst the pain. And love is the greatest gift of all. Judah's birth mother chose love through ultimate sacrifice. Tomorrow, we will celebrate joy. And love will prevail.
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| Moving week in our empty house |
Our plan is complicated and includes us "living" in a few different places until June...let's just say God has opened many doors and we are grateful to friends and family for allowing us to become their temporary houseguests. We sold our home MUCH sooner than anticipated...
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| That is a real SOLD sign, unlike the fake one I posted earlier :-) |
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| Happy Birthday sweet boy! |
Monday, February 28, 2011
And the Oscar Goes To...
Last night's Oscars inspired me to go through some old videos of mine. Okay, not really but I did upload several of them recently and I can't believe that I didn't post this one taken in early January. This is when J-man was really into initiating Peek-a-Boo. Initially, I had no idea what he was doing when he would crouch behind furniture, only later to pop up with a smile. Although a little late, I thought this should be posted as his film debut. Don't mind the narration, and his little fall at the end :-)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Nine Nixes in North Carolina
The kids especially loved the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science....well, the adults did, too, as you see from the pics below.
Jman had tons of fun, too! Baby Finley even got in on some of the action, and Carly was a great helper!
By the end of the day, someone was tired.
Judah had so much fun with his "big boy" cousins, too!
They even gave him some pretty cool early birthday gifts, and enjoyed helping him to open.
I love my Uncle Scott & Aunt Carrie...and my stick :-)
Thank you for coming to visit! Can't wait to come see you in Ohio!!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Eleven Fun Facts from an Eleven Month Old
Hi Everyone! It's me, Judah, again...been a while. I have a really big day coming up in March, so before I emerge from baby-land into toddler-land, I wanted to share some fun facts about me....11 as a matter of fact, because Mama says that's how old I am (in months, anyway :-)
1. I am big. I'm not sure exactly how big (mom says we won't know until my 12-month doctor's appointment). I do know that I am taller and heavier than most babies my age, though. I like that...because I am strong....and I am healthy....and I am growing.
2. I am taking steps by myself! Mama and Dada usually have to ask me, though, while holding something I really want. I mean, it's a lot of work, but it excites me and one of these days I'm going to be brave and just go without Mama and Dada asking me.
3. I do like to do one thing on my own and that's CLIMB. It is so! much! fun! I love to climb all the way up the stairs in my house, and up my bookcase, and the baby gate, and I sometimes try to climb up my crib. I don't know why but this seems to scare my Mama. I know that she and Dada have recognized my skills, though, because I heard them talking about signing me up for rock/wall climbing and repelling lessons when I get a bit older....awesome.
4. Speaking of Mama and Dada...I say their name... a lot...and now, I think they even know that I'm talking to them! It is really cool and makes them smile really big. I also sometimes say "baby" when I see them in a picture or real life...I think they are cute and fun! And my favorite sound to make is "roooarr," just like a lion or a tiger.
5. Allie-dog is my best pal. I love when she gives me kisses, and I even share my food with her. Hmmm...maybe that's why we are best buds now?!
6. I have two new teeth for a total of 6 now. They hurt a lot when they came and I am not looking forward to many more months of this (I heard Mama say I have a lot more to go!) However, I know they are good things and help me eat yummy food.
7. Speaking of food, I am eating pretty much all "big-boy" food now. I love it...especially chicken, pasta, toast, pancakes, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, and blueberries...it is so much better than the "mush" Mama had been feeding me!
8. My new favorite game is "chase." Mama and Dada catch me every time, but it sure is fun getting them to run after me! I also love "Pat-a-Cake" and "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands." Now that one really attracts the ladies ;-)
9. I am obsessed with lights and how they work. It fascinates me when Mama and Dada turn them on and off...sometimes on the lamp itself and sometimes from a switch on the wall...very cool.
10. I love to sleep. I sleep all through the night and also take two naps a day. I've heard my Mama say that this makes her happy. Don't know why, but it sure does make me a happy baby. As long as I have Shasta (that's my sheep) and my crib, I am good to go!
11. I am ready for Spring and Summer. It's been really warm at my house for the last few weeks and I've had so much fun outside! I have a feeling I am really going to like the warmer weather...especially since I don't like to wear socks or shoes and always pull them off :-)
Well, that's it from me...final thoughts as a baby. Next time I capture Mama's blog, I'll be a toddler...watch out world!
Love, Judah
1. I am big. I'm not sure exactly how big (mom says we won't know until my 12-month doctor's appointment). I do know that I am taller and heavier than most babies my age, though. I like that...because I am strong....and I am healthy....and I am growing.
2. I am taking steps by myself! Mama and Dada usually have to ask me, though, while holding something I really want. I mean, it's a lot of work, but it excites me and one of these days I'm going to be brave and just go without Mama and Dada asking me.
3. I do like to do one thing on my own and that's CLIMB. It is so! much! fun! I love to climb all the way up the stairs in my house, and up my bookcase, and the baby gate, and I sometimes try to climb up my crib. I don't know why but this seems to scare my Mama. I know that she and Dada have recognized my skills, though, because I heard them talking about signing me up for rock/wall climbing and repelling lessons when I get a bit older....awesome.
4. Speaking of Mama and Dada...I say their name... a lot...and now, I think they even know that I'm talking to them! It is really cool and makes them smile really big. I also sometimes say "baby" when I see them in a picture or real life...I think they are cute and fun! And my favorite sound to make is "roooarr," just like a lion or a tiger.
5. Allie-dog is my best pal. I love when she gives me kisses, and I even share my food with her. Hmmm...maybe that's why we are best buds now?!
6. I have two new teeth for a total of 6 now. They hurt a lot when they came and I am not looking forward to many more months of this (I heard Mama say I have a lot more to go!) However, I know they are good things and help me eat yummy food.
7. Speaking of food, I am eating pretty much all "big-boy" food now. I love it...especially chicken, pasta, toast, pancakes, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, and blueberries...it is so much better than the "mush" Mama had been feeding me!
8. My new favorite game is "chase." Mama and Dada catch me every time, but it sure is fun getting them to run after me! I also love "Pat-a-Cake" and "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands." Now that one really attracts the ladies ;-)
9. I am obsessed with lights and how they work. It fascinates me when Mama and Dada turn them on and off...sometimes on the lamp itself and sometimes from a switch on the wall...very cool.
10. I love to sleep. I sleep all through the night and also take two naps a day. I've heard my Mama say that this makes her happy. Don't know why, but it sure does make me a happy baby. As long as I have Shasta (that's my sheep) and my crib, I am good to go!
11. I am ready for Spring and Summer. It's been really warm at my house for the last few weeks and I've had so much fun outside! I have a feeling I am really going to like the warmer weather...especially since I don't like to wear socks or shoes and always pull them off :-)
Well, that's it from me...final thoughts as a baby. Next time I capture Mama's blog, I'll be a toddler...watch out world!
Love, Judah
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