Nico's latest efforts

Really, things couldn't be better. We're a little pressed for money, but love having Shannon or me home with the baby every day. We don't see each other as much as we'd like (I work mornings and early afternoons, she works 3 evenings and late afternoons and takes classes two of the other evenings. Not that much overlap). We really liked my winter break and are sad that it's over. But basically, everything is just fine.

Nico is what drives "fine" in our world. When he's good, we're pretty good. When he's not, we're not. He turns one tomorrow, and the last few weeks have been rich with development and new stages. His communication is progressing by leaps and bounds - words, signs, expressions - he has so much to say and so many ways to say it. We, as parents, just try to keep up. Is that open hand over his mouth a sign for "food?" Is it trying to sign "mamma" but missing? Is his "da-da-da-da-da" trying to say daddy? Does he know which one of us is Daddy? When he put his hand to his head was it the sign for daddy? Is he clapping his hands to say hooray or to sign more? What the hell is he doing by sitting in his highchair, raising his right hand in the air, and leaning his head against it and grinning? He's saying something, but what? It's thrilling.

( More, with videos! )

And that's the news!