More Milestones

Shamus is proving to be one smart little cookie. In 7 months he's learned how to roll over (3 months), get up on his hands and knees and scoot (4 months), and in the past month alone crawl, sit up unassisted and is now starting to pull himself up. Even though he was the last one born and the smallest, he's determined to be the first one to do everything. He is saying some words, mama, dada and baba. He's also cutting his first tooth, and handling the pain pretty well, just like his brother and sister did. And speaking of teeth, Marissa has lost her bottom two. It's so crazy and amazing seeing them all grow and change from day to day.

Oh yeah christmas

Well I just remembered I haven't posted anything about Christmas. Well first we want to thank everyone that gave any gift be it the smallest stocking stuffer to the largest over sized box. Thank you! Christmas in our house is now and always will be about being with family. We were fortunate enough to have the time to spend with everyone.

First we had Christmas with Dad and Neal and Kristin and their little ones Brayden and Brooklyn. That was one crazy night. The boys got sleeping bags. which means they are ready for camping this year and all the years to come. Marissa got a makeup kit which she loves. What little girl wouldn't want a whole suitcase full of make up? Jessica and I got Coleman camping chairs which are something we both have wished for. I got a FREE PETE t shirt and Jessica got an ARAN Irish scarf. All in all we made out like bandits. THANKS DAD.

The Nesthide Christmas came next: hold on its wild ride. Every one was there, Greta came out for an appearance, even TJ's son Andrew was there rocking the sweater vest. This was Romans first chance since the family reunion to play with Andrew who is the closest to his age. We had a blast. Roman found the ice bucket early on and the chase started. Shamus didn't do much but he did enjoy everyone commenting about his red hair. With so many baby's there it became very obvious the next generation of Nesthides are here and are poised to take over.

While the gift exchange is always exciting it was even more so this year. With the continuing stealing of gifts and my mistake of getting Melanie's ornaments stolen we had plenty to laugh at. Jessica and I are extremely grateful to Emily for stealing our candles and plates. While very nice, in a house of 3 children the griddle we stole from Beth-Ann has easily become the best gift from Christmas.

Mom's Christmas: now this one comes with a disclaimer: We weren't there for the whole time so any destruction the kids did is not all their fault. Yes Jessica got sick during Christmas and I rushed her to the hospital. She is fine just some breathing problems that went un-treated. The kids made out like bandits again. With the clothes and the blocks and everything they are ready for the new year. Thanks MOM!We love the outfits for the boys. Marissa loves her book. I even got to read a story to her from it.

CHRISTMAS DAY! So in keeping with tradition we were fortunate enough to have a large gift for all three kids. Jessica's Father Jerry got the kids a new swing set and had it shipped to us. Now i am pretty good with tools and i consider myself an expert on cars but this swing set is very very large. I called in the expert at Christmas morning amazement. DAD to the rescue. Dad came over prior to Christmas morn and took the swing set in box for and did pre assemble and organization so that Christmas morning at 5 am when he showed up we would be able to complete construction in the allotted 1:16 min. While we were one minute over with the frigid temperatures, it was below freezing, and the needed silence as to not wake Roman. I think we performed the first Not So Normal Family Christmas miracle. Besides the swing set the kids had a great haul. Roman pulled in lots of cars and trucks, he got refrigerator magnets and some ARMY men. Shamus got lots of baby toys, and Marissa got a whole mess of fashion decorating items. Jessica got some of her favorite things, and I got the new CD from the band the kept me sane overseas. Linkin Park.

Later that day was the Buckley family Christmas. Northern Kentucky here we come right back were we started from. Even though we packed a whole family into a small two bed room apartment the whole family had the best time. Roman was great and Marissa played and was a perfect angel all night. We got socks and picture ornaments. I even got a reflective vest! It was great for the kids to see everyone. Shamus got to show off his red hair and Roman got to show off his long hair.

On Wednesday of the Christmas week Jessica's mom came over with MORE presents for the kids! yes these rug rats just kept getting gifts. She brought more clothes which were sorely needed. As well as more toys and fun things to keep the kids entertained for the whole year.

All in all this Christmas was amazing. Thanks to all those who made it happen.

The next Rocky Balboa

I have seen the future and I can remember the past and Roman has combined both. I remember the first couple of Rocky movies where Stallone would train with everything from a side of beef to the step of a museum. Roman was at the playground and from these images I believe he was channeling the Italian Stallion himself. Just scroll down.

More play time

So as you know Ohio weather is very crazy. With warm spells during winter Jessica had a chance to take Roman and Shamus to the park across from Marissa's school. Boy did Roman have a field day. Kudos to Jessica to handle both boys and the camera.

Roman enjoys any type of outdoor activity but i think being at a playground gives him the joy we all wish we could have again. he truley runs wild.

A whole new year

I know its hard to believe but 2008 is upon us and the kids are very excited about all the things they will get to do this year. One of the big gifts the kids got this year was a new swingset from their Grandpa Jerry. Yes we had one already but if you had seen it you know it was a just a matter of time before it fell apart. The kids love the new play set. With the recent break in the weather Roman and Marissa gave us a glimpse of what this summer will look like.