Overwhelmed because all of this past week, I have been taking care of Niko. I took the week off since Nina had surgery on the 9th; she is doing really good in her recovery. Throw in a sick child since Wednesday; it’s probably just a cold…coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. On Wednesday and Saturday, Niko…
Post Halloween Snacks
I am trying not to eat Niko’s Halloween snacks in his Magical Mystery Tour ceramic cookie jar and the Halloween snacks at work, but they look so lonely and would be much better in my stomach! So, yes, I have eaten a lot of bad stuff; anything chocolate at home and skittles and starburst at…
Firsts
It was a weekend of firsts. On Thursday, it was Halloween and it was also Niko’s first time trick-or-treating. It was our first time living in a real neighborhood with other people around us who also have children. Niko really enjoyed walking around, seeing other kids getting candy, knocking on doors, and looking in garages as…
The Toy Purge
Yesterday, Niko and I sorted thru the majority of his toys; some of them ended up in a huge donate box, some of them we threw away, and the rest we kept. For the ones we kept, I organized similar toys into bins. Our play areas looks a lot better now that everything has been…
Orientation and No Nap Niko
Last Tuesday, I was finally able to start my orientation at WGU and I was excited. I made myself a really comfortable spot on the sofa, had food, had water, my Acer Chromebook, and a plush laptop pillow. From where I was perched, I had a great view of lightening from a thunderstorm that eventually…
Healthy Decisions
Since I started eating better and exercising, I have also started to make healthier decisions when it comes to food. I do struggle a little bit at home, but at work, I do really well. At home, I have to eat a very small snack when I come home and I can’t eat Niko’s dinner;…
Two Day Anniversary Celebration
Last Thursday, Nina and I celebrated our 9th anniversary; ALONE WITH NO CHILD, by buying myself a belt at Marshall’s, dropping off a package for Nina at the UPS store, depositing money at our bank, and eating at Salt Grass. The icing on the cake was an impulse stop at CVS for Blue Bell Mint…
I Love My Wife
On Thursday, Nina and I will be celebrating our 9 year wedding anniversary. Yes, we are 10/10/10; it’s easy to remember! I am off that day and also on Friday. We don’t have big plans, probably just a steak lunch somewhere while Niko naps or doesn’t nap and maybe some shopping for a new belt…
The Dad Is Getting An MBA
I have been contemplating getting a higher degree for a long time and just within the past few weeks, I have decided to make it a reality. At first, it was Sports Management, then Journalism, then Accounting, and finally an MBA. So, on November 1, I will start my MBA at Western Governors University. Right…
The Dad Wasn’t Prepared
On days where I have work the following day, I always get my clothes out the night before and put them in the closet. So, when I get up the next morning, I don’t have to think; just put on the clothes and I am good to go. Yes, I get dressed in the closet. …
The Healthy Dad – Part 2
So, I am 11 days into my phase to lose some weight and although I don’t think I’ve lost any weight, my body feels different; thinner may be a better word. Since last Monday, I started to walk instead of reading during my breaks at work. It’s nice to get away from my desk. I…
The Healthy Dad
Hi, my name is Mark and I want to lose 20 pounds. I have been eating unhealthy for several years. I am by no means overweight, but I do enjoy food; especially pasta, rice, and bread. And, definitely anything sweet! The hardest thing for me will be eating healthier. I tend to snack a lot…
The Dad Is Tired
Ever since we started doing midnight potty training with Niko, I have been getting less sleep and sleep for me is very important. But, as I say, I do what I have to do. I would much rather have me do the midnight potty training than Nina; Nina isn’t the best sleeper in the world…
The Mom’s Birthday
Tomorrow is Nina’s birthday. So, to celebrate, I have a day off; I really like bank holidays. I was also off on Friday and my parents came over during Niko’s nap so we could have a date. The date wasn’t exciting as we went to Old Navy and Target. But, it was nice to get…
Niko’s New Crib – Part 2
So, it’s been more than 3 weeks with his new bed and about 4 1/2 weeks of midnight potty training. And, both are going really well. He hasn’t yet gotten up in the middle of the night and roamed around his room. Sometimes, after we tuck him in his bed with 3 blankets, he throws…
Sprinklerized
Even though we have a beautiful children’s pool, we have only gotten in it a a few times; mainly, because Niko won’t wear a bathing suit. Hopefully, next summer he will wear a bathing suit and we can enjoy the pools a lot more. To substitute a pool, I ask Niko if he wants to…
Niko’s New Crib
Nina and I got a new king mattress from Purple on Tuesday, July 30th. And, our old king mattress will be Niko’s new crib. Yes, my 3 year old is going to have a king sized bed! Yes, this is is going to be a new experience for all of us as he will no…
The Daddy Style – Part 3
Sometimes when I come home from work, Niko says that I look very nice. I always say thanks! My work uniform is blue jeans, a polo shirt, and nice work shoes. I can’t wear my daddy uniform to work, because most of the time the clothes I am wearing when I am at home with…
Oh SH..
I have been doing really good with not cursing around Niko. Yeah, I curse a lot less than I used to. But, a few days ago, I almost said the SH word as Niko was sitting on my lap eating dinner. I am glad I stopped at the SH, because he immediately repeated the SH!
The Dad Bribes
I know I am not the only dad who bribes their kid to do something. In my situation, the bribe is ice cream and the issue is clothes; most of the time! Dad: Niko, if you take off your pajamas and wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt, I will get you ice cream….