The First Haircut

We called it his "duck tail". This doesn't adequately show how every cute little tendril would all curl up together at the back of his head, but it's a pretty good shot with how long it was getting. What to do when you're little guy looks bald as it is? I did not want to play the part of Delilah, and take away the progress we were making with his mane. But, it was time to clean things up. So of course we want to make it memorable and I thought....what would be more special than mommy doing it herself?! No pressure.Where do we start? How do we keep him still? We need something to occupy him, we need something to try to save the little curls, we need steady hands, we need a miracle.
Whoooops, pull those scissors away quickly!

Actually he did really well. Aunt Kaitlyn was a a huge help as always, Grandma took pictures, and daddy filmed the whole thing. It is a little rough, but I'm happy with the outcome. The scariest parts were around his ears, and if I really want to get serious with those spots I will wait until he is fast asleep.
Ta-Da!
Happy Haircut Boy!

Running

Our sweet precious boy doesn't walk anywhere. He likes to run! He's wanted to run since he learned he had the ability to stand up. Any time he would watch an older kid race by he so desperately wanted to join in. Ladies and gentlemen, he has joined the marathon and boy does he sprint. It's been weeks now of trying to keep up with him. I'm not sure I'm in shape enough to for this stage! It's not quite an elegant run, (picture Frankenstein's monster disjointedly moving his joints as fast as possible) but he sure can move quickly. It is so cute though. His chin jutting out back and forth, his arms flailing about, and his little feet trying to keep up. He is all boy!
Connor also likes to dance and sing. I catch him singing to himself during play time and it just warms my heart. My favorite song is the "Mama" song, that sometimes changes to the "Dada" song, yet it is the most precious and special. It's just two notes repeated over and over again, but it is a Grammy winner for sure. He also has been dancing up a storm recently. He has his new "Chuggington" arm move that he picked up somewhere along the way, that changes to arms above the head and then swaying back and forth, sometimes accompanied by some foot stomping. It really makes me giggle! He likes to participate in our rehearsals at church, and I'd say "he's got the moves like Jagger".

The last visit we took up to Liberty we purchased Connor this great little t-shirt. I love it because it has a front and a back and he is finally big enough to sport it. We've got a future student in the making...fan the flames!

All Boy

Connor is certainly in touch with everything around him. Our little boy doesn't miss a thing, and wants to be involved in all of it. I think that's why we tend to get bumps and bruises so much. He can't get from one thing to the next fast enough. We experienced one of our most severe bumps about a week ago.

Connor has a sweet spot on his head. He tends to like to fall forehead first, slightly to the left. He tends to almost always have a bruise right there. Well he wanted to add a dent, bump, and mark to his bruise while we were visiting Great Grandpa Ernie for his birthday. The two were playing, and in the midst of Connor's squeals of delight over Grandpa's barking dog (you had to be there), Connor tripped and went head first into the coffee table. The thud was sickening and the egg shaped dome that followed was even more scary. This was the first big accident that Tim has been around for, and we were both a little uneasy with how Connor was after his show stopping percussion solo. We drove all the way to mom's house to have him checked for a concussion or any other problem. I had called on the way to tell them to be prepared, and Grandma Glenda was still shocked by what she saw. Thankfully our little bundle of energy only has a little scar left now that the scab has fallen away. Hopefully that will go away too.
Around the same time as Christmas Connor found a new love. "Blair-Blanes". Yes, he is now officially consumed with airplanes. Grandpa Gary would be so proud, and Tim can't take the smile off of his face. Anytime we walk outside Connor points up and starts scouring the sky for movement. Daytime, nighttime, it could be leaving the grocery store, it doesn't matter where or when; airplanes. If he hears an airplane when we are inside he will climb up on the couch and try to look out of the front window. It is so cute. Tim is loving this phase. He has downloaded apps of airplanes landing, which keeps them both occupied for a while. Tim also took Connor over to the airport the other day to watch them take off and land. I kind of think of it as dad doing a fly by whenever Connor spots one. "Hi guys, I love you."
Connor developed a cold the same night he bumped his head. Not really that big of a deal, until you start googling "Head trauma" and "runny nose". Probably not a good idea, but I can't help myself. I thought maybe he ruptured his sinus cavity, but oh no, web MD said it was much worse. It had us thinking he could have a fractured skull with cerebral mucus flowing through. Sign us up for a doctor's visit immediately! They of course said it seemed like a runny nose, and that he would be fine. The runny nose has lasted a week, and he did develop an ear infection, but he is now on medicine and should be feeling better in no time. Oh the things our minds think!
Our big boy also likes to dip. Yes, he likes to dance too, but he loves to dip his food into ketchup. No, he does not want you to dip his food, he wants to do it all on his own. Mmmmm does he love ketchup. Although the picture looks like another one of his accidents, it was really just him deciding he wanted to eat the ketchup container instead of dipping the food in it. He does keep us on our toes. No wonder we are so tired. On top of still not sleeping through the night, (yup, we still take turns), we are constantly on the move with our little bundle of energy. But he is SO worth it!

15 Month Check-Up

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2012 is truly going to be memorable. With the rate Connor is advancing, each new day is an adventure. I know of 4 big trips already, and I can't wait to see how Connor enjoys each one. Tim and I are in awe of the gift we were given, and this year we are going to appreciate each day we have together. The Lord has given us so much to be thankful for, and even in the midst of missing dad, I can hold to our Heavenly Father's promises.
Of course we have been faced with a "new normal" and for my birthday I wasn't up for very much. It was low key, and perfect. I had my loved ones near, dinner was yummy for everyone, and we ended the night roasting marshmallows by the fire and making "S'moreos". I had great play time with Connor and that was a gift in itself. He loves to play hide and seek, and tickle bugs are so much fun! I love this new stage of play!!!
Today was his 15 month old Well-Baby appointment. I look forward to these visits to see how Connor is growing! Right now Connor is 33 inches tall (one month too late to ride the Speedway at Disney!), and 23.14 pounds. This puts him in the 90-95th percentile in height and just under the 50th percentile in weight. He's going be taller than me by the time he's five I just know it! Dr. Ayuso was very impressed by our little guy. She says that he is very "advanced" in his vocabulary and his comprehension. She couldn't believe how smart he was, and was shocked by his mouthful of teeth. At this point he has all of his canines and we are just waiting for his second molars to come in. Then we can wipe our hands of this teething game! We also discussed Connor's reflux, and how it is something he should have grown out of by now. So we will be back to see the GI Doctor soon so we can get some answers. Another topic of conversation was his lack of sleeping through the night, of which she pointed right back to the reflux. We are very tired parents, and we keep telling ourselves one day he will sleep. One. Day. Until then we will enjoy our waking time with the little guy, and savor every moment! Who couldn't love this face?

A Christmas to Remember

Hello Santa.......you are scary! After traumatizing Connor with a visit to see the man in red we thought it was only fitting to reward him with a visit to see the Mouse with red shorts. My family has made our annual Christmas voyage to Disney World for over 15 years. It is a tradition that is very important for us to keep. No matter how down you are, nothing brings you up better than a stroll down Main Street USA, especially bedazzled with Christmas ornamentation. This trip was especially fun because Connor really took it all in. He wanted to touch the big bouquets of balloons, and catch the "snow" falling from the air. He's still not sure about other dressed up characters, but he loved the rides. He very desperately wanted to ride the Race Cars on the Speedway but came up about 1/2 inch too short. We couldn't believe how close he was to the 32" mark. He is one tall boy for 14 months old. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day either, and it was just the icing on the cake.




Of course we took in the great lights at Hollywood Studios, and we ended our Disney adventure at Ohana which has now become another tradition. Every time we go I tell myself to take my time with the food, but then I just rush forward and eat until my heart is content. Each item they bring out seems to be more tasty than the last. Then one tends to go back for seconds, thirds, and sometimes fourths. Add to the list the dessert and you leave popping a button. Little Connor slept through the whole thing, even with our raucous laughter, the baby was content.

Christmas Eve was spent at our house again this year with a yummy roast and other fixings. I didn't decorate much this year because Connor has the innate ability to make anything into a toy. I figured if the tree was up and decorated, what else did we need? It was nice putting the table together to entertain for the evening. We watched Elf and then made our way to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at church. Connor wore his first tie, and I cannot get over what a big boy he is turning into. Again he found dreamland during the service, and we didn't have to worry about him burning down the building with lit candles.



Mommy and Daddy were very excited for this Christmas with Connor. Last year was special and he responded to the presents, but this year took on an entire new phase of gift opening. His squeals of delight, laughter, and facial expressions will forever remain in my heart. The little boy was on cloud nine!! His big gift waiting by the tree this year was a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, complete with trailer. He could not contain his excitement! He knew just what to do to, and opened the door, got himself in, closed the door behind him and started turning the steering wheel back and forth. It was the most satisfying experience as a mother to watch him thoroughly enjoy himself. This is how a child gets spoiled. I love giving him things he truly appreciates. Luckily, he is far from being Veruca Salt. He was certainly on the Nice list this year. Santa brought him plenty of things that roll, especially cars and trucks which are his favorite right now.



This year we finally had our first taste of Monkey Bread, and boy was it good. I know, I know, who hasn't had monkey bread? Well, the people in this family could certainly raise their hand up until Christmas morning. I think it will be a Christmas staple, and a birthday staple, and an anniversary staple, and a fourth Saturday of the month staple (wait is that tomorrow)....etc


Christmas morning at Grandma Glenda's house was just as special. With getting his very own motorized Lightning McQueen, to his own Alarm Key Chain, each gift was an adventure. I will have to post the video Connor cracking up pushing buttons on his keys. It had the whole house laughing. He truly is a constant source of joy, and we are in such awe of him. I don't understand the people who aren't as thrilled with him as we are, but then again we are a little biased. Three days before Christmas marked the 3 month anniversary of Dad's accident. Some days are much harder than other days, but I can say that Connor is a constant reminder to "Keep moving forward". On the tough days I can almost hear dad saying come on Kristin, pull it together. He was very tender towards me though, and I know he would have wanted to be here with us to enjoy this Christmas like we did. I know though that he had a much better Christmas than we could ever imagine, but it doesn't make me miss him any less. I'm looking forward to a 2012 that holds more Joy and Laughter than Heartache and Tears. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Holiday Rush

It has been nearly a month since my last update. So much has been going on and we are constantly in the middle of something. Almost every day of December has a marking on our calendar. I really have to take the time to remember to slow down and enjoy the time we have with each other even if we are busy.

Thanksgiving was beautiful. We spent it at Grandma Glenda's and everything that we ate was absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious. You know how some years the casseroles are a little off, well we didn't have that problem this year. Everything was great. We spent it with loved ones, and it was very bitter sweet. I didn't have my "dad talk" that day, and it was just another reminder of how much I miss him. Connor spent the morning playing quarterback at Tim's annual Turkey Bowl, and then the Fisher's joined us for our supper at mom's. It was very memorable. We spent Black Friday taking our Christmas pictures, and I have to say my friend Anthony did an incredible job. We had fun, that's for sure!

December has been Christmas non-stop. With Kaitlyn being in the pageant at First Baptist of Ft. Lauderdale, and I running rehearsals for our Holiday Program at school, I feel a little Holi-dazed. We are never sure when we are going to get a free moment, and in a way that has been good. I can see why people get lonely around this time of year, but with our flurry of activity I keep my mind occupied.

Connor is growing daily. He loves to say vroom vroom when he is playing with his cars, and he has actually mastered dribbling a soccer ball with his feet as he walks (much to Tim's chagrin). He is enamored with animals even if they don't want him near them. He's been scratched a few times by Kaitlyn's kitten, and yet he keeps going back for more. I guess he'll learn one day. For our child that has still not mastered sleeping through the night, this week we've had a few gains. We had two nights where we only had to get up with him once, and we were able to put him back in his crib. He then woke up at 5am, but Hallelujah, it was amazing. I think we have forgotten what sleep is, and some days we still walk around like Zombies. He has a favorite book now too that he likes to open up and point at the pictures. He says his vroom vrooms when he sees the cars on the page, he holds his hand up to his ear when he sees the picture of the phone, and he kisses the big kitten page. Oh how I love those kisses. When he blows them, he starts with a great big build up of "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm (wait for it)mmmmm-uah". Solid foods have been interesting for us and he tends to stick with Mac and Cheese, and chicken nuggets. I know that is what he will eat. Everything else is a crap shoot and most of the time ends up all over him, the floor, and Roxy's mouth. Oh yes, he feeds Roxy straight from his high chair. He thinks it's hysterical. We now have to put Roxy away during dinner time. We had a bout the past few weeks of Connor having separation anxiety as we dropped him off in the nursery during church. It was terrible, I've never seen him so upset. He starts screaming before you even get to the door. I have to say it's one of the most heart wrenching things to have to do. I think we may be getting over the hump, but we will see once we get back after our Holiday traveling.

Traveling? Oh yes, we are heading to our Happy Place. Maybe this time Connor will like the characters. I won't bet on it though. After his meltdown with Santa, it might be a while before he is ready for big characters that don't look like normal people. We were so excited to get his picture taken with Santa, and our little man had other plans. He was not very happy being placed in a stranger's lap, and certainly one that doesn't look like someone he might know. The Santa was very nice though, and told me Connor was doing the right thing. He said it's what I would want my baby to do if a stranger was taking him, and how was this any different. Oh sweet Santa. My little boy has been very good this year!

Life's a Zoo

“There's no limit to how much you'll know, depending how far beyond zebra you go.” ~Dr. Suess

Boy do I love a three day weekend! Any time we have to spend together as a family is priceless to us. We woke up Friday morning and embarked on a journey that kept us outside until after sundown. Our first stop was for sticky buns and milkshakes at Knaus. Those friendly Amish farmers to our south truly know what they are doing. We stood in line for 30 minutes just to get our fingers sticky with yummy goodness. Connor enjoyed each bite, and wanted more milkshake than we were willing to share! Their milkshake brings our boy to their farm. (Oh I said it!)
From there we headed to meet our friends at Miami Metro Zoo. I'm not sure what more visitors were watching, the animals, or our crew. We were a sight, and the kids were a hoot. Connor isn't quite in the baby world, and not quite in the big kids world, and toddles around in between the two. We enjoyed the time we all spent together. I am constantly in awe of how long we have known each other, and how much we have all grown up together. I still remember the sleepovers and the adventures, and now it will be fun to watch our little ones grow together. Now the real question is who is going to start dating who first and how much toilet paper are we going to have to clean up from our front yard as adults!
Our little boy really had so much fun!!! We gave him the freedom to run around and be silly, and he even got to feed the giraffe. Our huge giraffe friend seemed disinterested after a few moments of his noshing with us, and I had to have a little talk with him. Let's just say he answered to "Geoffrey".


Day number two of our wonderfully long weekend consisted of finally building Connor's big birthday present! Our friends/neighbors lent us a hand and Robert and Tim worked all day to build our great swing set. Connor and I spent all day in the yard watching and playing. Our little C-dog loved being outside and came up with all sorts of new ways to express himself. He loves to be "silly" and even has the most adorable "silly" face. Eyes up to the side, mouth open in a giggle, and head bobbing, and we know we are "Being Silly". It is my new favorite. He's also trying to express himself with new syllables, and we have been hearing "kopey kopey gopey gopey" a lot recently. Who knows what he's saying, but I'm sure he's creating his dissertation.


All done and Connor is ready to slide. He knew just how to climb up the ladder all by himself and sit right down to slide. He does it over and over again and is just smitten with his big boy swingset. Now we have to teach him how to climb the rock wall....no biggie.