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.

Virginia is for Lovers

Dogwoods blooming in the springtime
Blazing colors in the fall
The softness of a summer twilight
Sweet honeysuckle fills the air
My heart will always lead me there

Mother to our Founding Fathers
Birthplace of Democracy
Your fields bear scars of raging battles
Witnessed the fight to set men free
The triumph of equality

~Virginia by Lynn Klotz Rinker

I couldn't wait to get up into the mountains. I couldn't wait to see the beautiful fall colors. I couldn't wait to breathe the crisp fresh air. I couldn't wait to see Casey, Hilary, and the Bakewell's. Now I can't wait to go back. The flight up couldn't have been any better, and Connor even got to have his own seat. His face on landing was priceless, and he seemed to love every minute of this flying experience.

It was a bittersweet trip, and we thought of daddy many times. Our last fall LU trip was to celebrate his 60th birthday, and when planning this trip, he was planning on being there. It became very important to try and recapture one of my favorite pictures from the previous trip and we went on a wild goose chase to find the right street. All we could remember is that when we had passed it the first time we had all gasped and dad quickly parked the truck on the side of the wet road so we could jump out and snap a shot. Above is what we got this year. I think it was even more beautiful on the previous trip, and it makes me happy to think we all got to experience the beauty in all of it's glory together.
Uncle Casey is now in the process of getting his Master's, and to many freshmen he is known as Mr. Guise. He holds a GA position and I couldn't wait to see his little cubicle, and then even more thrilled to see that Hilary's cubicle is caddy-corner to his. I am so proud of both of their hard work, and I would have loved to be lucky enough to take a class with them as my "teacher". Those kids don't know how great they have it. The school has grown so much and there were times I was amazed at some of the changes. It's huge, offices have moved, and maybe we were a little lost. Way to go Liberty!


Of course we spent time out in the beautiful fall weather, and I tried to get as much of it on film as possible. Connor wasn't thrilled with sleeves on this trip and we found it difficult to even put a jacket on him. What a funny little guy. We would put him in a long sleeved shirt and he would hold out his wrists and look at us and moan. One thing he did love was his Uncle Casey. He couldn't get enough of him and lavished hugs and kisses on him. It is so precious to see the bond they have, and I am grateful for it. A young boy cannot have enough strong, loving, Christian men in his life.
While we were there we got to see a theatre production. This was my first ever show in the new Tower Theater and I was in awe. Little Shop of Horrors was wonderful and the whole complex is enviable. No raked stage for them. Real rehearsal rooms. A costume shop with sewing machines. I was amazed. Again, those freshmen have no idea how great they have it. Way to go Liberty!


Fall and Football always go hand in hand, and really was a main reason we went up at this time. We met up with the Aunt Merilee and Cousins Megan and Lindsey for a wonderful afternoon of football fun. I was so excited to spend time with them, and Tim couldn't be any happier to get in a game of Liberty Football. To make it even better we won! I love spending time with my Bakewell family, and they got a baby fix. Aunt Merilee even got to hold a sleeping Connor for a little while. Now it's Megan or Lindsey's turn!

Just to add one more gold star to this weekend my dear Hilary put together a little play date with some of our LU Theatre friends. It is amazing that our little ones are all within about 6 weeks of each other. It was too much fun seeing them together, and even more fun for us girls to talk. I found it so interesting to see how quiet Connor got when he was around the other two. I've never seen him like that. It took him a little while to warm up, but after they all got together pounding out a beautiful melody on the piano, Connor felt better about everything and started to act like himself. I took lots of pictures of the playing and we have great video of the giggles. I felt like I already knew these two beautiful babies, but it was so heartwarming to get to know them in person. Rhett is such a character, and his joy is contagious. Bea is so feminine and dainty, and seems just so self-assured you just stare in awe. When they started running after each other squealing down the hall my heart just felt so content.

This trip seemed like it was over too quickly. I wasn't ready to leave. I needed more time to enjoy the happiness I felt while I was there. Every moment we spent there was so full. We didn't know when we booked it, but I needed this trip. It was just what the Lord knew I would need. It is a reminder of what Fall represents, but there is hope in knowing that Spring will come. There is so much I could write about this wonderful weekend. We laughed and cried. We saw beauty all around us, and that includes in the eyes of our loved ones. Many new memories were made, and maybe the most memorable would have to be Connor's first kiss.
Now how precious is that?

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

Good Grief, Connor’s first foray into trick-or-treating was a success. Naturally, thanks to Connor’s natural appearance, he went as Charlie Brown. We then got creative and Kristin went as Sally and I went as Linus. "My sweet Babboo" was uttered multiple times throughout the night. At first, we were a little concerned because the weather here has not been cooperative of late. Over the weekend and into Monday morning, parts of South Florida had accumulated almost a foot of rain. However, by Monday afternoon, most of the rain had moved away and left a nice cool evening in its place.

Our first stop was to Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Hackett’s house. It was here that we first devised the plan for Connor to go as Charlie Brown so we figured it would be appropriate to stop by. After that, we went down to Grandma Glenda’s. From here we took Connor/Charlie Brown out to a few houses on the block. Connor’s walking has been getting better daily so we decided it would be fun to allow him to walk as much of the neighborhood as he could. He did great. We stopped at a few of Grandma Glenda’s neighbors who knew Connor and they were excited to see him. For the most part, the decorations did not bother Connor. Occasionally something would trigger a prop to scream, or something would move suddenly and he would briefly pause, but after a second, he would brave on forward. The same can not be said for our little pup Roxy, who of course went as Snoopy.

After meeting up with Aunt Kaitlyn and her friends for some more trick or treating, we headed back to Grandma Glenda’s to sort through our spoils. For Connor, this meant climbing over, sitting on top of, and throwing any and all candy he could get a hold of. As a treat, Connor got his first lollipop. Not surprisingly, he knew exactly what to do with it and finished it off with no problem.

This coming weekend we are going back to one of the places we truly love. We are heading back to Lynchburg to visit Casey and of course Liberty. As is usual, this trip is going to be busy and full of fun, food, friends, football and theater. We plan on taking Connor (this will be his second trip to Liberty) to his first Liberty Football game. I of course am most excited about this. We also plan on taking in Liberty’s production of Little Shop of Horrors while also setting aside time for great friends we have not seen in a while and family coming up from North Carolina. I expect this to be exactly what we need right now.

Football!!

Are you ready for some? It's been a busy week. I feel like I need a breather, and yet things are always busy around here. We've had some beautiful weather recently, and we can really feel the change in the air. Cool for us is only in the 70s but by George, it's time to break out the boots! Of course we got Connor an adorable little pair that has sheep's wool on the inside. Too cute!

The day before Connor turned 1 we went to Sears to document the occasion. Come on, I had a free coupon for a sitting and some prints, I was in! This is the shot we picked, and I just can't get over how big he is.

In a wonderful turn of events a dear friend from high school was in town and contacted me asking if there was anything I would be interested in having pictures of. It was her way of bringing some sunshine into my life. She had no idea that we wanted "real" pictures of Connor turning one, but God new I hadn't had time to book anything and laid it on her heart. Jenn was able to meet with us Saturday morning and she took some beautiful pictures of Connor. I cannot wait to see the finished product. The weather was gorgeous, and though Connor was still dealing with his cold, and a very runny nose, he was full of smiles and we have some real winners. Photoshop can fix snot any day! I was able to incorporate some props that reminisce Daddy in some of the shots, and it makes it all the more special. A stuffed animal Buffalo he had brought back from his trip to Sturgis, and a beautiful tin fire truck really made the shoot mean so much more to us.

Saturday marked one month since the accident and I don't think my heart is hurting any less. Saturday was very difficult, and I know that this Saturday will be even more so. October 29 is daddy's birthday. He would have been 62. I'm waiting to feel like myself again. I'm waiting to adjust to this new normal. I'm waiting to breathe again, it's just so hard. Life goes on, we move forward, and we have to keep going in that direction.

Tim purchased season tickets to the Dolphin's games this year and because it was so beautiful out on Sunday we decided to take Connor to his first professional football game. So maybe our team hasn't had much luck this year, we still manage to have fun at the games. Connor Boy loved clapping with the crowd, and yelling when appropriate. But Connor really loved dancing along to all of the musical interludes, and we have found that he likes rap. That's right, his little body really starts to rock when rap comes on, and his head juts forward and back to the beat. We're going to start calling him C-Dog from now on. The game was really good and we were actually winning so we decided to duck out and beat the crowds at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Who knew we would miss so much. I'm glad C-Dog didn't have to see the trouncing we got!
This next week our little trio will be taking a much needed trip. We're heading up to Virginia to visit Casey and the rest of our LU loved ones. We even get to see some Bakewell's! All of this already means so much to me. I love LU in the Fall, and my heart needs my near and dear. This picture is from our last very special fall visit up there. I hope this trip will hold its own new memories and also help us look back fondly on our old family memories from 2 years ago. I can't wait to see everyone, and feel a little peace.
One last thing, I wanted to include the picture we put on the front of Connor's Thank You notes for his birthday presents. I just had so much fun with these pictures, and when I found this shot I knew it was perfect for the cards. Casey slapped the "Thank You" on it and we were set to go! We are so thankful for the love and support given to our family, and for those who showered Connor with their love on his birthday as well. We are truly blessed.

Fall and Fevers

In the week since turning one Connor has had 3 Doctor visits, a trip to the pumpkin patch, gotten a bad cold, and learned a new word. Life keeps moving forward. I feel like I've lived in a daze since the accident, but I'm reminded daily through Connor that we have to keep going. There is no pause button in life, and certainly no rewind. We can keep moving towards the future and savor each day we are given. I don't understand why things happen, but I know who makes the plans, and I trust Him completely though it's hard sometimes.

The first two doctor visits were completely planned. Connor had a well baby check-up for turning one that was interesting in and of itself. It was right around nap time, and we were lucky enough to have to wait an hour just to be given a room. Connor does not like sitting in one place for an hour, so that already put us on the wrong course. When we were finally seen, it was by a doctor that was filling in for the doctor we usually see. They do his checkup on the table and would not let me hold him in my lap while they poked and prodded. Of course Connor didn't like that either. He certainly made it known that he was not happy. I'm used to Chuckie (that's his alter ego he adopts when throwing a temper tantrum), but clearly the doctor was not. Let's think about this, he was due for a nap, they made us wait for over an hour, then poked and prodded with no kindness, and Connor had enough. She was shocked at his behavior and told me I will need to watch his anger, and I should be teaching him how to express himself better. That's fine lady, next time he gets upset I will require a dissertation on proper emotional outbursts relating to situations at present. He is one, he is tired, and he does not like you. During the visit we learned that Connor is in th 90th percentile for height and 75th percentile for weight. 31 inches tall, and 22.3 lbs respectively. He also got three shots which they jabbed in his arm, again propped up on a table not in my lap. The next doctor appointment was with Tiki Dental for his first Dentist Appointment. With 11 teeth he was ready! He got a "cleaning" and a checkup. His teeth look great and his gaps are perfect. Sure he bit the dentist, but it's par for the course. Her finger was in his mouth, and she said it's normal. The third appointment was on Monday because baby Connor is sick. Fever, runny nose, cough, ear infection and little appetite, leads to exhaustion for mommy and daddy. The poor guy can barely breathe through his nose, and we're up all night with him trying to help him sleep. I'll be ready for a healthy baby, Chuckie days and all!

We went to the Flamingo Road Nursery Pumpkin Patch this past weekend. I was so impressed with their set up. There was a horse drawn "hay" ride, pumpkin painting, a farmer's market, and lots of pumpkins. Connor was in "ball" heaven. He thought every pumpkin was a ball, and couldn't stop saying so. He also was transfixed by the horses when we went for our ride. It was such a fun day that we spent with the Collins' and Rizzo's. It was overcast but that gave us a cool breeze, and made it not too hot. Our Florida version of "Fall". We knew Connor wasn't quite himself because smiles were very hard to come by. It was a serious Connor day, and by the next morning we had a congested mess. The loot we brought home consisted of one big pumpkin, 2 baby pumpkins, and a cool bumpy green gourd. Connor likes to remind us of "ball" every time we walk in or out of the front door.


"Bubbles". My little elocutionist found a bottle the other day, and it became the perfect teaching opportunity. He loves to imitate sounds and learned "bubble" really well. I love to hear his babble, and it's so fun trying to guess what he is going to say next. We've heard "I love you" once, just after I had said it to him and started to walk out of the room. Everyone stopped, looked at each other, and then the "oh my gosh's" started. What a cool kid our Connor-boy is! Can you believe our last pumpkin pictures looked like this?

1 Year Old; Happy Birthday!

We hit one out of the park for Connor's first birthday party. I can honestly say that I may have been more stressed out over this than when Tim and I got married. It has been a very stressful few weeks to say the least, but I really wanted to give it my all and make this special. The team work that came from my family and friends to help make this happen was incredible. Connor is so lucky to have so many people who will step up to bat for him. Of course we had a theme, and Red Sox, win or lose, will always be a part of our family so that was an easy choice. Throw in a great invitation by Casey, a scoreboard by Grandma Glenda, a concession stand, and all of the hot dog and toppings choices one can imagine and you've got yourself a baseball bash. Popcorn, Peanuts, Cotton Candy, Soft Pretzels, Cracker Jacks, (I feel like a vendor calling out my goods) you could almost imagine you were at Fenway!

Here is a link to watch Connor dig into his cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4DDCo9n0Mk&feature=share

Connor had many friends come, and many special people. We surely felt the absence of Grandpa Gary, but we felt God's grace throughout the day. It was amazing how the Lord used His power to show us that He was still in control on Sunday. The entire weekend South Florida was experiencing a Tropical Wave. I thought we would have to call the party on account of rain. We woke up to rain, we did last minute errands in the rain, we set up in the rain, all the while praying for just a little sunshine. Please Lord, we just need a little. We adjusted. We set up most of the party on the porch, still had the bounce house delivered, set out all of the chairs, had towels on hand, all the while not knowing which way we would swing the party. As the first guests arrived the clouds began to break. For 3 glorious hours we had sunshine. Take that 60% chance of showers all day, we have a mighty God. I am still in awe of how well everything turned out. So much of it is still a blur, I'm still trying to decompress and slow myself down from everything that has been taking place in our lives. The Lord will only give us what we can handle, and He knew my soul needed the sunshine. In the moments when I can't make sense of any of this I can look to how He took control, and how He is still taking care of us. Thank you Lord for Connor's party.
Our little Boy is 1. It is amazing to go back and read this (go ahead, click it) and see how far we have come. I have so much more life experience under my belt. My newborn is now walking and talking and certainly has a mind of his own. He is amazing to me. My most incredible accomplishment. I couldn't be more proud to be his mom, and I hold him so close to my heart. I stand in awe of the gift I was given.

I now know that I can still survive on very little sleep. That things you have to struggle to be patient with, teaches you patience. I've learned that when a baby won't stop crying for hours, you cry too. Sometimes you have to act like a lunatic to get your child to giggle or smile, and you think it's worth it. I am now positive, every baby is different! I know I can sit on the floor for hours entertaining a child and still go to work. I've learned how quickly I can move to prevent a bump or bruise from happening. I know now that a mother never stops praying for her child, and thinks about them by the minute. Lists work! And, it was verified, singing is the best medicine, whether it's "You are my sunshine" or our "Connor" song.

Grandma Glenda made her banana cake special for him to enjoy all by himself.

Today's your first birthday

How can that be true?

Each day has been so special

To turn you into you.

I love to kiss your little cheeks

and hold you nice a close.

Your little personality

is what I love the most.

It's a blessing to be your mom

I love you oh so much,

I can't wait to watch you grow

and see all you touch.

You are an amazing little boy

I just want you to know,

please don't rush your growing up,

take it nice and slow.