I Legally Pronounce You....

It has been a while since my last update and there is tons to share. Most importantly, we recently heard those 11 magical words, "I now pronounce you the legal parents of Shawn Mykal Nino." Last Wednesday, March 17, Jason, Uncle Zach, Shawn and I headed to the courthouse to visit Judge Moulder who consummated Shawn's adoption. We are so excited to say that this whole process is over and as silly as it sounds after over a year together it really does feel different. I don't know if a protective "just-in-case" wall was up before or what, but it has definitely been broken down. Shawn is the love of our lives and the life in our party. It is so bad now that we fight over who he is cuddled up next to. We had family in town this weekend, so Shawn had to stay in our bed. Of course he was cuddled up to Mommy, but when I left the room to go to the restroom, I come back and Jason has snatched him away and is spooning with Shawn. We are in a very happy place and are so thankful that our beautiful son is blessed with so many wonderful friends and family in his life. I especially want to thank Uncle Zach who traveled a miserable 4 hour drive with our 3 month old nephew, Luke, to be there for Shawn's anti-climactical (yes it is a word) adoption hearing. Poor Luke was exhausted and could not get comfortable on the trip to Houston.



As always, I have to share a few of the most recent topics of conversation according to Shawn. These are the latest:

• As we ride the Bat Boat on Lady Bird Lake with cousins Charity, Chris, Cheyanne, and Tristan, some fool shouts from the Congress Street Bridge, "SHOW ME YOUR CANS!" I am sure that you can guess what comes next...Shawn Mykal Nino shouting back multiple times, "NO SHOW ME YOU CANS!" This resulted in the whole boat with approximately 70 people on board bursting into laughter only to be followed by Shawn's favorite chant for his favorite 2 x high school wrestling champion, "CODY DAVIS clap x clap x clapclapclap!".


• After Shawn's adoption we go to eat lunch at a wing place in Montgomery. There was a sweet little girl waiting on us of all tables for her very first day on the job as a waitress. Needless to say, she fumbled a bit only to be pointed out by our very well mannered son, "Hey LADY, OH MY GOODNESS!"

I love the honesty of a 2 year old.

Spring Break was a great time for all of us. We actually got to spend quality time together. Not only was the adoption final, but Shawn also made his first trip to Sea World. He LOVED it and Shamu shocked him with a huge splash on a cool morning. Shawn was able to feed the Sea Lions, watch the Dolphins up close, and learn a new Shamu dance. We had so much fun enjoying his first trip to Sea World with Uncle Andrew, Emilio, Aida, Luke and Kayla.

He also went to his first Bull Ride at the Austin Stockshow and Rodeo. Thank you Nana and Butchy Boy for the fun trip. He loved watching as, "Dee horses run faster to get the bull." He has definitely mastered the "YEE-HAW!" but I have to say that the only part of the rodeo that he is still talking about is, "Dee Yucky Llama pooped by my foot." How fortunate we are that bodily functions are very interesting to our 2 year old.

Finally, last night we ended the week with a Pizza Party with the Larra's. We each got our own pizza crust, accept for poor Jason. Teresa and I accidentally made his pizza for him. All of the toppings you could dream of were out on the table and everyone got to make there own. The Pizza Party was supposed to be fun for Kaleb and Shawn (and it was) but I think that the adults enjoyed it a little bit more. Jacob of course got a little bit carried away, had to leave to go purchase more toppings mid preparation only to come back with a business plan for his own Pizzeria. We all shared and enjoyed each other's pizzas, however, Jacob would not share without a 2 dollar charge per slice. I will post pictures so that you can place your orders.

What this week made us realize more than anything is how much we love spending time with friends and family and celebrating our many blessings together.

We just returned home from a much needed break at my brother's house. As we are both 1st time parents this year, Jason and I spent Valentines Day weekend with Zach and Nicole along with our handsome boys Shawn and Luke.

I can not believe how much Luke has grown. He is so handsome and has the greatest smile ever. I don't think Shawn knows what to think of him or do with him and all I want for him to do is love on him. We were able to manipulate to get a couple of posed pictures but Shawn quickly said, "I'm done!" as he pushed Luke away. I think it is more that his busy body can not sit still for more than 2 minutes.

None the less, we had a great Valentine dinner, and are so happy that we were able to spend time with The Corbell Crew.

Those is for the Ladies!!!!.

We are quickly learning that our 2 1/2 year old son has no filter on his mouth and he quickly says whatever comes to mind. He unfortunately is also very smart (maybe I'm partial) and is making many connections in life. Today...Jason and I decided that maybe it is time for me to become a more modest person.

When walking through Kohl's this weekend, we encounter a large clothing rack full of bras and underwear waiting to be put on the sales floor. Brace yourself for his latest connection in life. Shawn announces to all of the employees and shoppers,

"HEY, Those is for the LADIES!!''

Thank you Shawn Mykal for education me. The last time we visited this same store, I had to take a potty break. As we leave the restroom and travel through the home decor, he tells the very nice lady enjoying her day of shopping,

"LADY, My mommy just did potty!"

Thank you Shawn Mykal for educating a perfect stranger. I guess this is God telling me that maybe Kohls is not the store for me.

Another very proud moment we had this week was when we went to cheer on Uncle Andrew at his final basketball game. "Go Lions!!" They went out on top. I do think however that the highlight of the game was when one of the 8th grade boys went to the free throw line. Just as he is on his third 'focus dribble' set to shoot, Shawn Mykal shouts,

"What you gonna do with you pants on the ground?"

Needless to say, the poor child lost concentration, laughed and missed his shot. Do you think we let our son watch inappropriate things on TV. Oh wait, we are perfect parents and don't let our child watch TV. I apologize Andrew for the embarrassment.

In addition to these learning experiences, Shawn has also recently been exploring and developing an understanding of his 5 senses. As I am typing this blog posting, Shawn has told Jason and I that he is need of some 'Pribasy' or as we adults call it 'Privacy.' This is how the conversation typically goes.

Mommy or Daddy: "What are you doing Shawn?"

Shawn: "I need some pribasy."

Mommy or Daddy: "Why? What are you doing that you need privacy?"

Shawn as he closes the door: "Go away...I need pribasy."

Mommy or Daddy: "Why? Are you pooping your pants?"

Shawn: "No, just a little bit."

Mommy or Daddy: "If I look in your pants is there going to poop?"

Shawn: "Just a little bit."

What this typically means is that Shawn is avoiding the toilet because he refuses to poop on the toilet. We always ask him, "Shawn go sit on the potty. You can do this, let's sit on the potty." His typical reponse is, "No...it's just a little bit." Well tonight our conversation took another direction. It went just like this:

Mommy: "What are you doing Shawn?"

Shawn: "I need some pribacy."

Mommy: "Are you doing poop? You need to do that in the toilet."

Shawn: "No...I need pribacy."

Mommy: "If I look in your pants what am I going to see."

Shawn, as he is backing up to me so that I can look in his pants says:

"No...it smells like it is a BIG one."

He was right. OH, the memories. On another note...I can't wait for Saturday to come. We wil be heading to Ft. Worth to celebrate a family style Valentines Day with Uncle Zach, Aunt Nicole and Baby Luke. My how our lives have changed and we couldn't be happier about it. We have so many things to be thankful for and blessed with this year. I hope you all know how much we love you and miss you terribly!

Daddy Is Coming Home!!!! Where are all of you?

Yeah!!!!! Jason is coming home tomorrow and Shawn and I couldn't be more excited. It has been a long week with Jason gone to Portland, but Shawn and I made it. As you all know, Shawn is stuck to Jason like glue so it was fun to have a little bit of Mommy and Shawn time, but man do we miss Daddy. It is just not the same without him.

Last night Shawn told me, "I will go to big bed when Daddy come home from work." I thought to myself, oh my it is going to be a long night. He did go to sleep but the first thing he said this morning was, "I want to lay wis Daddy!" He had to settle for Daddy's pillow while watching cartoons. We missed him terribly and are so happy he is coming home tomorrow.

I'm keeping my thoughts short today, but I want to know where all of your updates are. It was you who convinced me to start blogging. Everyday, I get on to see all of your updates and still none. Please don't leave me hanging anymore. I miss you all!!

Aaw...The Little Things!

I think it is important for us take a moment to celebrate the little things that make us smile and laugh each day.

• A text from my husband! Jason is away in Portland for a week. I guess day 2 of his week away is the one where I really miss him BAD. Just about the time I want to call him and know I can't because he is working, I get a text just to see how my day was. Thanks for asking Babe, and all I really needed today was to hear from you. Shawn is missing Daddy too. He told me before bedtime, "I don't wanna go big bed...Daddy come home from work."


• A surprise talk with G-Daddy! I called my sister today to chat for a while. I was a bit down because I hadn't heard from my dad, and he is supposed to leave for Africa today. While talking to her she says, "Hey, Daddy wants to talk to Shawn." Hmmm...isn't Daddy supposed to be on an airplane right now? After loosing his passport, my dad wasn't able to go to work today. This is totally out of character for him, but at the same time, you think God works in mysterious ways. Shawn had been asking for G-Daddy and there he was on the other end of the line. Dad and I had a great talk today, he always gives me a burst of reality and insight. Thanks for the great talk Daddy, we haven't had one of those in a while.


• Just a few extra days! I know that it is extremely hard for my dad to leave the girls and Anita behind each month to go to work. As frustrating as it is that he lost his passport, it is a few more days that he gets to be with the family. Even just a few days are a blessing that need appreciation. Maybe you should take the boat out for a ride dad, since you haven't this month.


• You noticed! You know, Jason and I are with Shawn Shawn every day. We laugh at him and try to share with everyone all of the funny and heartfealt things he says. We love that he loves you all so much that he turns to you in his times of despair (like bedtime or to avoid time out). He is forever begging to talk to Uncle Zach, Nana, G-Daddy, G-Mommy, Nini, Momo, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Zeke, Aunt Tiffany, Grandma, Grandpa. This is the cycle we go through on a regular basis. He loves you all but most of all he ALWAYS wants to talk to Aunt Cole (what have you been sneaking him Nicole). Today though, G-Daddy noticed that his speech has improved and he is much easier to understand, they even had a conversation on the phone. Thanks for noticing Dad!


• Shawnisms! So Shawn is playing in the tub tonight and I stepped out to grab his pajamas. When I come back he is using the backscrubber like a plunger. Of course I laught hysterically and say, "Shawn Mykal Nino, what are you doing?" His response is, "There is a lot of paper towels Mommy...Tyson do it at school." Tyson is the Assistant Director at his school. I guess he has been plunging the classroom potty and now we plunge at home.

?????I wonder what tomorrow brings?????

A Wild Ride

Today, Shawn friend Becca from next door came over to play. We wanted her to come and play so that her parents could have a little break, but they are just so darn cute, we all ended up watching them in the backyard.


Shawn got a new truck just like Daddy's for Christmas and today he picked up Becca for their first date. He keeps telling us how much he likes Becca. She has a great smile, great laugh, awesome personality, she is super cute and her parents are pretty cool too. I guess today, he finally got up enough nerve to take her for a ride in his 'Pick-up.' The funny part is, she an independent woman and took over the drivers seat taking him for a ride (even if he had to push the gas for her because her feet barely reach). PRICELESS!

I've had this picture for a while, but it brings a smile to my face even on the worst of days. It amazes me every day how much of Jason's humorous character Shawn has. Is that something that is learned? Can you tell he is Jason's son. Now that he has his own guitar, that will be the next pic.

This week has been a tough one at work, but no matter how tough the day is, I always come home to my loving family who jump and scream and give kisses to welcome me home. Oh...oops, that is just my dogs. I absolutely love my husband and cherish every moment we have together with our son, but I have no clue what he did to have Shawn so stuck up his butt. My son could care less right now whether I am home or not. He is so attached to his daddy. I guess I should just be thankful that I have such an amazing husband and father. Thank you Jason for all you do to make Shawn so happy!!!

The first of many...

This is our very first blog. My brother Zach and sister-in-law Nicole introduced me to blogging so that we can share memories as our children and families grow. I hope that you enjoy sharing in our memories with us.

I hope that our blog will serve as a place where our friends and family can join in laughter that Jason and I are experiencing as Shawn grows. He is definately the life in our party, and there is never a dull moment. Hold tight to your stomach, because many of our stories can make your tummy turn. I hope you don't have a sensitive one, because you will miss out.

In just the last week, here are a couple of his finer moments:

• We are working hard on potty training right now. As I pick Shawn up from school his teacher shares with me that rather than going potty, Shawn is turned around singing and dancing with a hip thrust, "Shawn Shawn shake the snake, Shawn Shawn shake the snake." I was absolutely horrified. I have no clue where this came from and am disgusted. The only thing that I can determine is that he has a toy snake that he runs around shaking and hissing at us and we will scream. I pray that this is the connection he has made, but never sings the song again. I have never been so embarrased, but am bracing myself as my friends tell me this is the life of mom of boys.
• Our 2 year old is becoming an expert at avoidance tactics. Today, the task to avoid is nap time. Just when I think that he has finally settled in to rest, Shawn shouts, "Mommy, I have poop in my pants!" Well, of course I am going to come in the room. I can't have him resting in dirty pants. But what do you know, mommy got outsmarted by the 2 year old. Do you think there was poop in the pants, NO!!!!
• There is constant noise at our house. If the dogs aren't barking then Shawn is screaming. This is the life. This morning the dogs barked at the door to go outside, so I let them. Next Shawn wants to go outside. When I tell him no because it is rainy and cold, he seems to accept it. 3 minutes later though, I have a 2 year old barking at the door to get out. "Woof Woof mommy, I need to go outside." I guess he thinks that is the code word to get out.
• As you know, we have a colorful family. My brother refers to us as Neopolitan. Last night, Shawn and I were watching the 20/20 Special on the Haitian Earthquake. The producers were documenting all of the children who are victims of the earthquake. Shawn, as serious as can be looks up at me and says, "MOM, hey, that looks like Shawn Shawn!" Of course he is right, and so begin the conversations about why we all look different.