On the go!

Nash is at such a fun age.  He is learning so much and makes us laugh every day!!!

Happy Father's Day DaDa!

We had plans to go out on Nana and Papa Mineck's pontoon boat Sunday but the rain kept us inside during the morning hours.  After lunch though the clouds parted and we were able to take a boat ride to celebrate.  Nash's life jacket is still a little bulky this year but he is able to get up and move around the boat which is really nice.

Nash even got to help drive the boat!

Dear DaDa,

Thank you for being such a great Dad.  I love it when we get to hang out on the couch and read books.  I love riding in the skid loader with you especially when you let me drive.  I love it when you nap with me too.  Happy Father's Day!!!

Love, Nash

Let's Catch Up

I feel like it's been a long time since I've had the chance to sit down and post some things.  Since I last checked in, Nash and I checked out the Family Museum in Bettendorf.  He is still a little young to take advantage of all they have to offer but he managed to have a great time at a few of the exhibits.  He really loves all things with a steering wheel!

I'm almost afraid to say it but his never ending runny nose is finally ending!  YEAH!  Now we've replaced that issue with lots of bruises.  He is really up and walking now and with that comes lots of falling.  This past weekend Jason, Nash, and I took a road trip (7 hours one way) to Michigan to see our friend Chad marry his bride Lindsey in Cadillac, Michigan.  It was a long trip but beautiful.  The morning of the wedding Nash hit his head on the coffee table in the hotel room.  We went outside to get some air and he fell in the parking lot resulting in road rash on his forehead.  (Just to name a few incidents.)  I have mentioned something about having a custom helmet made for him to avoid a concussion.  I'm sure it's a normal process for a little boy learning to walk but watching him learn is taking a few months off of my life I'm sure.

The ZOO at last!

Jason and Nash looking at the turtles
Nana and Nash checking out the elephants.
Nash really liked the elephants!
Nash and I in the reptile building.  Daddy waited outside with the stroller...CHICKEN!

We finally made it the zoo yesterday!   Jason, Nana, Nash and I arrived at Niabi Zoo Saturday afternoon.  The weather was beautiful.  Nash still has his runny nose and cough but is doing SO much better.  Back into his normal schedule again.  We had so much fun.  We saw the elephants first which was really cool.  The monkey cage was empty for some reason.  But we did get to see giraffes, a bear, porcupines, birds, a lion, goats, big snakes, lizards, a cougar, a leopard, a panther...  We even took a ride on the train (see video) which Nash really liked.  TOOT TOOT! It was such a nice day and we are already looking forward to going back.

Update

So a lot has happened since I last wrote.  Looks like I spoke too soon about having "my Nash" back.  About a week ago he woke up about 11pm coughing and gagging.  His sinuses were so stuffed up and he had a lot of drainage going into his throat.  We tried several things to make him more comfortable but ultimately we were up several times with an unhappy little boy.  We went to the doctor the next day for Nash's 15 months checkup.  The doctor and I decided to wait one week on his vaccinations which I was so relieved about.  He was diagnosed with croup...what next?  It seems like it's one thing after another.  I must say I am thankful that he does not have the ear infections that I had as a kid.  

He is doing better now but still has a cough and of course...the runny nose.  He is also going through this stage where he has become a little more "high maintenance."  He always wants to have someone holding his hand when he walks and will cry we let go of his hand or expect him to entertain himself for a few minutes.  From what I hear, it's a stage that a lot of kids go through.  It's frustrating for Jason and I because we are so used to Nash being such an easy going kid.  I know it has something to do with him not feeling like himself lately.  Not to mention that he is probably getting another tooth that I can't quite see yet.  He's been through so much in the last two months and like I've said before, he is such a trooper.  We have lots of good times in between the meltdowns that keep us laughing.  He is still soaking things up like a little sponge.  He is starting to learn his colors with an emphasis on starting.  He likes to say "yellow" for most colors.  He loves mandarin oranges and raisins.  He hates cucumbers.  He still loves to be outside and has taken up chasing birds.  We now have a swing below our deck which he likes too.  Please pray for Nash's health.  He goes in tomorrow for his 15 month vaccines.  We have yet to make it to the zoo which I know Nash will love!  Maybe next weekend if he is feeling good and the weather cooperates.

Nash is BACK!

I forgot to mention that we have our old Nash back.  His rash is gone and he is feeling SO much better!  He still has that runny nose but I can deal with that!  It's so nice to have a happy boy again.  MMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mother's Day Picnic

We had a Mother's Day Picnic at the Middle Park Lagoon.  It was a little cool at first but then warmed up part way through.  Nash enjoyed the geese and the fish.  There was a lady fishing in the pond and she was catching little bitty fish about every 5 minutes.  Nash was curious, of course, and wanted to touch the fish.  He liked it!  We spent about 3 hours at the picnic which was about all the time we had between Nash's naps.  We had such a good time.  I am so blessed to have such a great family.  I just wish our West Coast Fam could have joined us too!

I got several Mother's Day cards which of course made me cry.  My hormones are a mess right now I think.  Jason, Nash and "Bump" gave me two Willow Tree statues.  One of a family of four and the other is of a woman holding a baby.  So sweet!