Nicki And Adam's Family Blog

On June 28th, I was informed via phone call from Laurie (Russ's wife) that my brother was having some heart issues, so they were in the hospital. I did not worry too much, as often times heart issues are resolved with a stent and the patients "so to say" go home the next day. I think this is what we were all anticipating. Then I received the text and phone call from my sister who was down at the hospital in Milwaukee that 4 of Russ's arteries were clogged. 3 of them at 70 % and 1 at 99%. The one at 99% was what was causing him the chest pain. For those who do not know, heart disease runs rampant in my family. My father's first heart attack came at the ripe out age of 36, followed by another at 48. We have crappy genetics...and sometimes, like any other person, we do not eat healthy, or exercise the way we should. So, the news of a potential quadruple bypass came. Wow. From a possible "stent" to a quad bypass (potential). That was a shocker. Tears and...

I love my darling lady with the curls!! Thank you Adam!!

Charlie and Daddy at Camp Randall for Movie Night. Daddy dates are so important.  

So after practicing his drawing skills, Charlie says "why is this so hard?" With tears down his cheeks. Just so you know, what is drawn on these 2 pics was aides greatly by myself. Cheer up little dude, not everything in life will be this hard. You are awesome at so many things!!!

 Every now and again I get to catch a picture of Carrie sleeping.

It has been a busy but fun month for us. Charlie finished Preschool, but continues to be very busy with Summer Day Camp in Fitchburg, Swim Lessons, play time (including gardening, yoga, science, etc.. at the Seventeenth Radish), and of course a few "academic" periods a week where we continue to work on name writing, counting, alphabet letters, etc... Carrie is getting that lovely 18 month old attitude. She makes me laugh. She tries to have a tantrum, but then realizes it isn't working and continues on. She does like to hit though, so I have been known to slap her hand back a few times. That has stopped the behavior for the most part. She is a great eater, sleeper, etc...but not a great talker. I would say she has about 10 words, maybe. Dada, Mama, Shoe, Doggy, and a few more I am not remembering. Doctor is not concerned, but if by 2 she does not have 2 words together, then we will get a referral for Speech.  Adam is busy as always. I am working a little bit at ...

We have almost been in Verona for one year now. I can just about, with 100 percent confidence, say that this was the best decision that we have have ever made for our family.  Adam's job is going extremely well, he is presenting a the WAPA conference (Urban Planner's conf in Wisconsin) and leading a tour group out to EPIC for a tour on their green spaces. He is extremely busy, almost too much so, but he is building his resume quickly with all the projects he has done. And the "I will try to sleep with the planner to get a new restaurant" jokes never get old.  He is coaching 4 year old soccer through the REC department, which is funny and adorable and almost done (we are kinda excited not to rush out on Saturday mornings again). Charlie has a great group of friends at his preschool. Jack, Addison, Kinley, Sophia, Liam, and Blake have all become great friends and super sweet! I am thrilled that his social skills have increased so much. He adores playing with other c...