Express yourself!

Yesterday marked Quinn's 9th month with us. He is sure growing, changing, and expressing himself in a new way every day. Some people (like the neighbor, and the old ladies at the coffee shop) would like him to express himself silently. I have to admit sometimes I want this too. At the same time though; he is finding his own voice, his own style, his own groove in this world...so GO Quinn... Dance, sing, play the way you like (Just know I have to say 'NO' to some things and of course 'worry' about the rest!) Just be Happy...I think you are when you are dancing!

Bundled up!

So it has been the coldest winter for the UK in 40 years. I can confirm it is Ccccccold here! Despite the weather, we are still managing to go on our walks, take a coffee break, feed the swans, dodge the ice, and take a swing ride here and there. So not much to complain about...then I hear about the weather in San Diego...I think I'm aloud to complain:)

Time for the WaSHinnnnng MaCHine!

In this household John is on top of the laundry. It is most helpful and another thing off the list of things that I have to do. (thanks babe). Then one day, he greeted me in the kitchen with an extra bundle to throw in...
Looked what happened!

"The Auld year ended on Hogmanay. A new yin sterts today!"

(Taken from a book John got for Quinn this Christmas. You must try your best Scottish brogue when saying it 'outloud')!

Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Jazz Handzzzzzzzzz!!!!

Quinn's parents both participated in 'Show Choir' (did I say that out loud) while in High School. So, he is pretty much destined to shake it, sing it, and yes- jazz hand it! The past couple of weeks Quinn has begun to feel the rhythm and share his groove. I should have left the video going a bit longer on the first video so you could really hear him hit those high notes! There are three (mostly for those hard core Q fans) videos to share all the ways he likes to let loose.

Yes, I CAN stand up in my crib!

But I don't know HOW to sit down! For the past few (too many) nights Quinn has been standing up in his crib screaming because he can't get down (at around 8:30pm, sometimes 1:30am, or what about 3:30am). Oh joy for mama and dada! So today began 'sit down class'. John started it in the morning with pillows around the coffee table, and I continued the training in crib with the help of Peter Rabbit. Quinn got very curious when Peter Rabbit went down the "hole" and had to follow after him. Tonight will be the big test to see if Q learned anything today. I sure wish Peter Rabbit could help out (without mama or dada) in the wee hours of the morning!

A Good dose of G-ma and G-pa

Quinn had a Great visit with his Grandparents. He got lots of cuddles, laughs, and enjoyed having two extra sets of eyes to admire his cuteness! Q's M&D also enjoyed the Grandparent factor (for oh so many reasons) and will miss sharing all the fun with them on a daily basis. Thank goodness for Skype. It makes us feel not that far away. G-ma and G-pa headed off this morning to Montreal to see Aunt Jill, Uncle Pete and the rest of the Pozar/Verreault family where they are sure to enjoy more fun, love, and snow!

Merry Christmas to All....

And to all a Good Night! We skyped with the Niekrasz family, the Pozar/Verreault family, and made a toast to all of those we are far away from tonight. Wishing you all a very Happy Day, a Merry Night, and many good wishes in the year to come. Love to you all~

Christmas Carol

While most people are celebrating Christmas on this special day. We in the Niekrasz family celebrate for a different reason...it's gramma's (mom's) birthday! So mom, here's a little special gift in pictures that we prepared for you. Of course, Quinn decided to eat it, but we captured it before it was entirely consumed. Burp!

Happy Birthday Mom / Gramma / Carol! Enjoy the sun and 70 degree weather!

Love,
John, Jenny, Quinn, Cindy, and Harvey

PS. The ukelele is Quinn's new passion, a present from Mommy to Dad and son.
PSS. When you get here in the Spring we want to take you to the Willows Tea Room for a Birthday treat! http://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/

A White Christmas

I have always dreamed of one, and have now experienced my first! A special year of many firsts to celebrate. Of course the most memorable is that it is our little guys first Christmas. Yesterday on Christmas Eve we woke up to a layer of fresh snow and were delighted to get even more as the day went on. We enjoyed a beautiful walk along the River Leith, a Christmas lunch out where G-pa got a special cup of melted chocolate (Italian hot chocolate= yum), and Quinn was all smiles for the blanket of white that covered our street!