Almost April.......Woah!

Well, almost 4 months since I last updated the blog. (not really good at this yet) Devon is doing well and I think for both of us in acknowledging that we both are excited to be near the finish line. When we started this journey I really did not believe it would go so fast or our lives would continue to be so hectic in finishing it. Makes me wonder how the remainder of the year will pan out.

So here is the update:

The shower was last week and was an absolute blast. We both are thankful for the friends and family in our lives that care so much about us. It really does take a 'family' to raise a child. I can see the impact that our family and friends have already had on Maddox.

Godfathers named: That's right! My definition of a godfather is a role model that is a life long mentor of a child. Two of our close friends came to mind. Justin & Ben epitomize the meaning of what a Godfather means to our standards. We told them a few weeks ago and were excited to see the thrill they both had on this duty. The advice both have given us over the years have not only assisted us in the time of need but have crafted who I am today. The impact on Maddox' life will be felt.

I will begin working on the nursery this weekend. Hopefully, depending on work. Paint, chair rail, carpet cleaned, and crib construction I want done by mid-month.

Overall, I am excited and cannot wait to meet the guy. I will try an update again soon.......We go to the Doc in the AM. :)

Week 13....Boy or Girl?

Today Devon and I went to the high risk clinic. I was excited because of the cool 'hi-tech' equipment that they had there. We got tons of cool photos and video of the little guy. We also found out that is seems to be a boy. 97% or so.

WOW! I was not expecting that. I truly believed that we would have a little girl. I believe that so much I never really gave my mind the opportunity to think about having a boy. (as odd as that sounds) So, Maddox James Nickolaou it is. It is exciting and sureal at the same time.

Besides that news, the baby and mom are doing well. Maddox, has long legs already. (Gators basketball jersey will be added to the XMAS list for the little guy) We go back in a few weeks and should confirm the sex. I am still in disbelief.

Devon started her blog as well. Check it out. We are excited to share this with all of our friends and the world.

Telling the Family!

Devon and I approached the 12 week mark excited. We finally approached the end of the first trimester and could not wait to tell the family. How appropriate it was right around Thanksgiving. As we drew to this date we struggled with how we would announce this.

Ultrasound pictures in coasters? During the dinner prayer? A quick video of photos from our past year with a surprise ending....that seemed to be the best.

Thanksgiving day. Of course, everyone ran late but when all arrived we socialized for an hour or so then we went to play the video. As we watched a few laughs occurred from some of the pictures and then the slide appeared 'Here we go....June 6th, 2010.' (Ana thought it was a family cruise?) then the ultrasound picture appeared. A pause, then a long look between my mom and sister occurred. Dad seemed to be confused. 'Who's pregnant' was the next comment.....then tears of joy. Dad, said 'Holy Shit'. Then called everyone in his phone stating 'guess what Niko did on vacation.' Mom, cried and so did Ana. Justin was speechless.......the overwhelming feeling of letting the foundation of this family know was something special.

As I reflect on the day I realize that I appreciate the foundation of family more than ever. As 'mini-Nickolaou' comes into this world I want to show that our family will be the foundation of their lives. Although, all the stresses of life challenges us. Thanksgiving 2009 will be a 'Good Night' for all to remember.

Why this Blog / Finding out

8 1/2 weeks I kept the excitement aside from family and friends awaiting to tell them the good news. Devon was pregnant and our lives were about to change. The surreal feeling of going through the first doctors appointment to seeing the heartbeat for the first time are concrete in my memory. It truly is amazing to know this is actually occurring.

The point of this blog is really to log the moments a new father goes through. Devon is doing the same by starting a baby blog for her. I wanted to shed a different light on this amazing moment in my life / also share some of those humorous moments I am sure the wife will not tell. :)

Finding Out

We returned home from a overseas vacation. Being on vacation for nearly two weeks drained us and we were glad to be home. (especially in my own bed) On the way back, I noticed Devon was acting a bit odd. She seemed sick a few morning, blood suger was out of wack, and she complained that she 'felt weird'. Monday morning, the first day back to work I asked her to take a test. A faint second line appeared. Both of us did not know what that meant and she said 'no way' and I went to work.

Well, after some reseach I realized that it probably meant that she was. But we weren't sure. I returned home that evening only stopping to purchae an electronic test. (boy they were expensive) The next morning she took the test again and minutes later we recieved our confirmation. 'It really worked' were my first words.....I know lame!

Keep reading.....more to come!