34 Quarter Pounders With Cheese

So I just had my two (almost three) week checkup and the doc was very pleased if I do say so myself. As a matter of fact she told Mommy that I don't need to go back until I'm two months old! I weighed-in at a svelte 8.5 pounds! Can you see my second chin taking shape? That makes me equivalent in size to a stack of 34 Quarter Pounders with Cheese....or so Daddy tells me. I think Weightwatchers is starting to affect him.

I also got my hepatitis shot....took it right to the leg like a big girl but not without letting all of Northern Virginia know I was nailed. I say if the hepatitis wants a piece of me, bring it on - I'm now armed.

NLC

Forlorn Without Sugar

Everyone has just finished feasting for Thanksgiving and Mommy has graciously pulled me out of my rocker (which was relegated to the floor next to the dinner table I might add) and placed me on her lap.

This is where I'm left utterly wanton for some of that fine pie over on the table but no - it's not meant to be. I am forlorn for any kind of dessert. I have inherited Daddy's sweet tooth and it must be satisfied.

In lieu of my family meeting my requirements, I am now accepting donations. Please direct your contributions to my address with haste.

Back to my formula....blaghhhh.

NLC

No More Yankey My Wankey

During Daddy and I's morning ritual of coffee and formula computer-side, we've really started to get our game on. I like to pull Mr. Cow's little handle which evokes a cacophony of sound that would make any Daddy just want to run for the hills. This morning I really got into it and repeatedly pulled Mr. Cow's "Wankey" and Daddy's once proud look quickly turned into one of defiant indignance.

With enough of this formula in my tummy to feed the Corps of Keydets at VMI, I quickly fell asleep after my musical extravaganza. Ah bliss.

NLC

Cool Moe Auntie K's

Today Mommy, Daddy and I went over to Aunt Kara's for some "Faux Thanksgiving" fun. Tay-tay and Connor are not due back to the house until Friday night so we won't really have our Thanksgiving until Saturday. Aunt Kara is supposedly going to make most of the fixins on Saturday and has threatened Ham in lieu of Turkey. I'm not entirely sure that's kosher with me since this is my first holiday in this world and I should get to experience my Thanksgiving with all the traditional fanfare. But what do I really care - what am I going to do, try and "gum" it all down between bottles?

Anyways, we had great fun today. We got in the holiday spirit with the movies Elf and The Christmas Story and lets not forget the smoked oysters, cheese and crackers - now that's good livin'. I don't care what Daddy says, Aunt Kara is a-ok with me!

Stella Artois

NLC

Soapy Trails and the Great Bubble Mystery

This morning I had my first so called "soapy" bath. I have to admit this soap stuff has left me in a veritable olfactory paradise. I didn't know I could smell this good. I figured the afternoon after Daddy had that big Mexican lunch or that time right after I had that big diaper blowout was about as good as it got but no - it gets better....much better.

Incidentally, during my bathing trevails there was a pregnant pause followed by raucous laughter when some bubbles materialized further "south" in the tub. I'm glad Mommy and Daddy had a good laugh but I don't get it. It's all a complete mystery to me.

Back to the grinding stone called, "my life."

NLC

The Gilmore Girls

Daddy is off to work today for the first time since I've graced the world with my presence. I'm not sure if he's disappointed or can't wait to get the heck out of here. Either way, Mommy and I have our first day to ourselves but not without a little twist. Taylor has come down with a bug so my big sister is going to stay home with us too! Girl's Day!!!

I see all kinds of fun in store for us today - feeding me, sleeping, releasing my bladder and other unsavory events in my diaper.

Anyone out there who wants to give Mommy a sanity check - drop us a line!!

NLC

Green Eggs and Spam

This truly was a watershed moment for me - today was my first breakfast at Round Hill Diner. The epicenter of all that is good in the culinary world. Eggs, a plethora of meat products, including Daddy's local fav, scrapple....pancakes, home fries, toast....did I mention eggs? Well the menu may not be extensive but the atmosphere is just right and the food is "prepared" just like mamma use to make it.

Daddy marked this momentous occasion with a camera-phone snap of me next to his worked-over, yokey plate - a real statement I must say. He really knows how to put his daughter in the most flattering of positions.

Please don't overlook the "sugar silos" they still use at this rustic establishment - truly a time capsule for my little soul.

Off to points unknown.

NLC

The Undersea World of Nicola Lynn

Auntie Spencer got me this kickin new cradle rocker which by my estimation has everything but the kitchen sink. We've got fish, water in a bulb above my head, music, wave noises - the amenities are just this side of a Hatteras Yacht - limitless fun for a gal like me. America's Cup here I come.

Back to my maritime adventures.

NLC

First Night at the Grid Iron

I went to TJ's Championship Football Game today and sat right in front of her as she cheered. She was the best out of the whole lot of them. At half time she came over and gave me a big kiss - yet more attempts to win me over...its working.

Baby Loses Eye to Rogue Chest Hair

This is not amusing but I detected much laughter in the room at the time. Clearly I will need to sharpen my wit if I am to survive in this hostile world.

Punitive concepts for such indiscretions involve more late night feeding and sleep deprivation for Mommy and Daddy.

I'll keep you updated.

NLC

Hear no Evil, well...See Some Evil

I'm all bright eyed and bushy-tailed after a really great night of sleeping last night. I slept for two, three hour stints to the absolute delight
of Mommy and Daddy. I'm ready to wreak havoc and eat the family out of house and home. Did I mention I'm up to 4 whole ounces of formula at one sitting? Not bad after starting with a paltry 1.5 ounces when i first got home.

Mommy continues to be my rock - you know a little girl like me has lots of needs and Mommy steps right up likes she's done this bit her whole life. Daddy has been there too but I think I've got the mojo going with Mommy.

Daddy ordered Mommy to go shopping on her own yesterday and I think Mommy didn't quite know what to do with herself. But judging by the bags she brought in when she came back, she fell right back into the groove.

Consilio et animis

NLC

Oy Vey...

...sorry about Beavis' inappropriate previous post, I don't know how those little paws worked the keyboard - he's sly that way. As I understand it, he's just not getting the attention he's accustomed to getting since my arrival. I can kind of see where he's coming from but I've got to give him his "props" - he's got tenure....but just between you and me, he also has a habit of ejecting some HUGE hairballs and thats no way to build a rapport with the ruling class.

Don't Fall For the Hype

I would like the minutes of this meeting to reflect that I, Beavis - the cat, was here first in this household. It is my opinion that the commentary posted on this blog is completely ridiculous and I for one am not going to allow it to continue without being heard.

One should earn the right to be the center of such attention and I think few would argue that such rights whether explicit or inferred, have not been earned here.

So there.

B

PS - But her bassinet is pretty darn comfortable.

Feel the Force Luke.

So Daddy had this crazy idea tonight....let's give Nicola her first bath!! Everyone seemed delighted with the idea so next thing I know Im head-to-toe in water for the first time! I think I can get use to this bath thing but I think the wash cloth on top of the head just to get a laugh is a little much....and the reference to Yoda didn't help either. Urumph.

NLC

It's Like....Magic

Do Daddy's hands look as big as my head? Just thought I'd ask because from my end they look HUGE.

BTW, I think we've stumbled on my first nickname. Mommy and Daddy have been putting me to bed each night in one of those customized swaddling blankets with the two velcro attachments up front. It really is a complete misuse of science - where do you find the engineers to design these things?? Anyways...I have a penchant for getting an arm or both arms or one arm and a leg out of this contraption which confound Mommy and Daddy to no end....SO (here's the punchline finally) they've decided I'm like a little "Houdini". Hopefully the handcuffs, suspended over a freezing lake in a train trunk is not the next step but I think they find it all amusing nonetheless.

Back to my crib.

Houdini

Clean Up, Aisle 3.

Although Daddy has certainly been toting his fair share of the load, hanging out with Mommy is like a long day at the spa. I swear her love knows no bounds - especially when its time to change my diaper.

I still seem to get those loving kisses on the head and little tickles on my tummy even when I've left her the most gruesome "inventory" known to mankind.

Yesterday was a little bit of a landmark day for us. We went to Babies-R-Us and I felt compelled to have a complete meltdown right there in aisle 3. I don't know, maybe I was a little gassy or just felt like turning up the volume but it wasn't good. Mommy handled it with style and grace while Daddy pretended it happens all the time and attempted to continue an intellectual conversation with Mommy comparing and contrasting jogging strollers. He doesn't fool me.

NLC

Sensibly Sheik

Here I am with my, "I can't believe I ate the whole bottle" look just after consuming large quantities of food. It's really great how the whole household rallies to my "chow call".

BTW, my follow up doc visit went swell - 7 whole ounces in three days...she was pleased.

Doesn't it look like I'm in some sheik's tent in this picture?? I think the closest I'm going to get to a harem is being one of the three women in Daddy's life. Oh well....if I must. Daddy needs all the help he can get.

NLC

Sista, Sista

I think my "gassy-ness" may have provoked laughter from my big sister. Mind you, she's no spring tulip herself but I think I have her beat for now. She's a great "feeder" and "burper".... a real pro. We're like two peas in a pod.

Now my big brother is a different story - he appears unphased by any of my infantile antics. He's a tougher read but I'm up for the challenge.


NLC

Pink Blanket or Ironic Symbolism of Baby Exiting Womb

Daddy took this picture of me while I was trying to sleep in my fav new rocker. I'm particularly fond of the "vibrate" function which feels remarkably similar to a ride in the car.

Speaking of cars, I'm perplexed why Daddy and Mommy have two fine German automobiles, yet Daddy seems to relegate me to the back of the Honda Hybrid.....what gives?

Damien - put the dog down Damien....

So...I bet you were wondering where I went? Why wasn't I posting anymore? What happened to that adorable little girl we all came to know and love?

Well...I've been performing select satanic rituals on Mommy and Daddy. Favorites likes, keeping them up all night feeding me at my beckon call; leaving them toxic waste-like substances in my diaper that work nicely with their gag reflexes; projectile vomiting after a good 30 min feeding.

Yep, right out of the Exorcist or another favorite, The Omen. Yet just like the movies they seem to love me more and more each day and I have to confess....I think I love them a lot too.

I'll have some more pics to post in the next couple days so don't change that dial.

Nicola

...and now for a shameless, self-promoting plug

I have to admit, I thought this picture might bring my Aunt Janice to tears so I've shamelessly posted it in the hopes she'll come and visit me soon!!!

I love you Auntie J!

NLC

Please Hold the Unagi

Mommy, Daddy and I had a great first visit with Dr. Wilson this morning. She checked me from head to toe and said everything looked very good. She'd like me to put on a little more weight so we're going to visit again on Monday - no biggie.

Afterward we all decided to celebrate my first successful doctor visit with my first meal out on the town at Samurai Sushi. Mommy and Daddy decided to have some "dead fish" but I just decided to watch....ewwww. It was great fun and the weather is made for babies like me.

Driven to the Bottle

My first night at home proved to be more trying than I think we all expected. Mommy and I didn't get to bed until almost 7:00 in the morning, with Daddy only fairing a little better.

I tried to eat from "Mommy's Bar" all night long but I was just not getting enough to satiate my monsterous infantile appetite. By early morning Mommy had the bright idea to relent and finally give me a bottle of formula and not a second too late. From that point forward all was good.

Mommy was a real trooper - I've got to hand it to her - I tried her patience and she didn't put me outside for deer food.

Casa de Nicola

We finally made it home this afternoon - I like the new digs. A little "country" if you know what I mean but it already feels like home. Mommy has already promised me lots of visits to the beach.

Jesse Ventura Comes to Visit

...well I thought there was a celeb in the room this whole time but its really just Daddy.

Although his kisses are a little prickly, I think I'll keep him - he's a pretty swell guy.

Two Girls and a Coupla Beds

This is me and Mommy just before leaving the hospital. Im out like a light but I get the distinct impression someone is watching me....MOMMY!

There's No Place Like Home...

Tomorrow is the latest in a string of big days for me - I'm going home!! Mommy and Daddy seem to be shooting for a midday departure. In all my life, I've never seen them so happy - something about sleeping in their own bed!?

Mommy and I continue to mend from our trying experience yesterday. She's got ice in the funniest of places but it sure seems to be doing the job.

I hear my room is easily the most completely decorated room in the house so I guess that's a good thing. Daddy seems a little troubled that it makes the rest of the house look like a crack den.

Back to my crib.

NLC

The Yalta Conference

Taylor and Connor came over and visited me at the hospital this afternoon and we had a fabulous time telling old war stories and plotting a coup against Mom and Dad once I get home. We've quickly become fast friends - they rock.

General Hospital Meets Survivor

Mommy and I have really covered some ground together in the past 24 hours. She may look like she just got voted off the island but she really worked hard to bring me into the world and for that, I'm the most proud of her.

I love you Mommy!!!!
NLC XOXOXOX

Meeting the Fokkers

I'm finally getting acquainted with my grandparents. They seem like pretty good people - Im learning alot about bifocal glasses and retirement plans.

Clearly I have my work cut out for me - this "life" thing sounds kinda complicated.

Peaceful Slumber - (AKA., down time for M&D)

Ok...it was a really long day and I have much beauty sleep to catch up on.

Please note my covered little fists which taste really good when I can get them in my mouth.

Wish you all were here.

NLC

My Window Sticker - Sorry, no EPA Figures

Here are my vital stats - judging by Daddy's "stature", I probably wont be height challenged but hopefully will forego the facial hair and bald head. I think Mommy and Daddy call this little card a keepsake.

DDAY....A Nude Beginning

Well, I finally I made it!! I'm here, Im finally here!!! All in all it went pretty well and I've got to say, its far better being in Mommy's arms than in the tight confines of her tummy. I came shooting out at 6:41PM ET and I weigh a strapping 7lbs. 2 oz. Along with 20 inches in length, I should be making the US National Swim Team somewhere around the year 2021.

I just want to take this moment to thank my parents and The Academy for making this happen!

Oh ya...and thanks for the snappy new white "doo-rag."

NLC

Run to the Light!!!

I think I heard the doc said Mommy is at 8 cm and it shouldn't be much longer...I see a light at the end of the tunnel!!

5:00? 6:00?

WOOHOO!!

DDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well....we're off to the hospital in a few minutes. Not sure what that means but I think I'm comin out today? Tomorrow? Soon!!

Mommy and I had a couple sips of Stella Artois last night to celebrate my imminent exit from her womb - I think I like it. Those Belgians - good waffles, good beer. We also enjoyed a little Ambien per the doc and we both slept like....well....babies.

I'll write as soon as I'm toweled off, receive my pedicure (Mommy is particular about the feet you know) and get wrapped up like a pig in blanket.

Wish me luck!!

NLC

Last Morning of My Imprisonment!!

This is my latest profile - actually this should be the LAST morning of this profile of me covered in some blasphemous tshirt that Mommy likes to wear. Luckily for you all you can't see the front of this shirt but suffice to say....unsavory - even from the inside.

I will keep you "abreast" of my movements over the next couple days. Needless to say - things, they be a changing. I'm very much looking forward to meeting everyone!!

DDay: -2

Ive decided it's time to start spicing things up around here so I started belting Mommy in the liver and kidneys early this morning. I'm gear down and ready to land - so let's get this party started.

It'll be much easier to post to my blog when I'm finally FREE!! It's kinda tight in here.

Two Live Crew

I think these two had something to do with my journey of the last nine months. My wonderful "host" (left) and I have really been through the ringer but it ain't nothing compared to the havoc I'm going to impose when I get outta here!

hee, hee...I love you Mommy!!

And then there were three...

I hear these two are part of the receiving party as well. With any luck, they'll have something to teach me because I've got lots to learn.
They look really cool in those outfits - I gotta get me one of those things. I think this is going to work out just fine...I LOVE them already.

Oh and babysitting - we are so there.

Where I Get Horizontal and Sleep....maybe.

Im thinking this is going to totally work for me. I have lots of light with some good blinds when I need to take a nap.

I hope the cat doesnt try anything tricky.

Lookin Out from the Inside

This is just like Scholastic Books...can you find my chubby mug in this picture??

DDay: -4

Its really starting to get uncomfortable in here and Im anxious to get out. Im starting to get a little nervous but I know the eviction is coming!