Nicolas had a big Christmas this year.
We celebrated with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Thomas, Mommy and Daddy.
Nicolas loved all his new toys. And couldn't wait to play with them all.
We jammed on the guitar, tickled Elmo, and drove all the new trucks.
Nicolas would like to wish all our family and friends a wonderful new year filled with health and happiness.
We've been on long walks.
Nicolas keeps exceeding weight and height standards for his age. 
Nicolas has been sick... more than once.
We've had a number of "tickle sessions".
And Nicolas is still the happiest kid in the world.
Nicolas turned 3 last Saturday! 
We had dinner and cupcakes with friends.
And we had meal at Nicolas' favorite restaurant. Followed by a surprise cake and birthday song!
To think that 3 years have gone by since this video is mind-boggling!
Happy Birthday Nicolas!
Instructions for viewing this video:
Nicolas is really good at signing more when he's hungry!
After finishing his summer reading, Nicolas was ready first his FIRST day of school.
Nicolas wasn't really interested in posing for his big day.
Outside of the classroom there is a daily picture schedule to let all the little ones know what lies ahead. Nicolas took note.
But nothing could have prepared us for the tricky first few days. We are slowly getting the hang of it.
A word (or two) about the ice. We use ice as a form of oral motor therapy. It helps to contract the muscles and strengthen them. This helps with talking, drooling, and eating. By tapping and rubbing the ice on the cheeks, lips and tongue the muscles start to become stronger. Instead of wincing at the ice cold temperature, Nicolas does the opposite...
Take 2
He got his own first-class seat, thanks to his amazing grandparents!
Nicolas had a great time playing with the entire family.
Doesn't Pepper look interested?
We are going on a big trip to see Grandma, Grandpa and Pepper in Istanbul! Don't I look excited?
Wish us luck and send us happy thoughts!
It's been a busy month filled with dinners out...
...visits from Grandma and Uncle Thomas and trips all over the place.
Nicolas looked proud of himself too!
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Nicolas has also found his tounge. And so most days he has it sticking out.
He likes his new found tounge!
Nicolas had his first class portrait taken. He attends a weekly afternoon class to prepare him for preschool in September. As you can see, they are only proofs but they turned out so well that we couldn't wait to share them!
Nicolas has been spoiled lately. Both Grandma and Grandpa came to visit us!
Grandpa surprised us with champagne and chocolate cake for Grandma's birthday.
Nicolas was happy to exchange champagne for apple juice.
After all that sugar, Nicolas had energy to burn and he used it to attack Daddy!
Nicolas also celebrated Easter while Grandma and Grandpa were visiting. That just meant more chocolate. Yum!
