Postcards From the Beach

We arrived at the beach Friday evening and are staying until Monday morning - just a quick getaway! We're spending our time relaxing, doing some online Christmas shopping, and we had Sunday brunch at Beaufort Grocery.

Today Connor and Dad spent a few minutes on the beach (it's kinda cold out there now) and yesterday we all went to the Emerald Isle, NC Christmas parade!

Connor and his beach

Handsome beach explorer

Self-portraits

Our beach finds

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Most recently, Santa was at Montgomery Mall!

Connor was excited to go see Santa, but once at the mall he said that he didn't want to sit on his lap. We stood in line to wait anyways - apparently Santa work before 12 noon. Thankfully Santa was a pro! He asked Connor for a High Five which broke the ice and then asked him about his little brother.

We were too busy getting set up for the picture that we couldn't hear what he asked Santa for Christmas, but most recently he's been saying "anything." Previously, he was asking for a piano and a "see-saw castle." Whatever that is! Does anyone know what a "see saw castle" is? If so, Santa would love to know!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

We spent today shopping, decorating the house for Christmas, and visited Santa.

Some randon conversations heard during the day:

_____

Connor: **sounds of repetitive hiccups**

Connor: Uh, oh!

Dad: What's wrong, Connor?

Connor: I'm hicking up!
_____

******
_____

Daddy: Connor, you are all over the place! Do you have ants in your pants?

Connor: No, just pockets.
_____

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

Making turkey cupcakes was one of Connor's favorite things last week. When they were done and all lined up above he said, "they are at a show - it's a turkey show! They are on a turkey field trip!" (Last week Connor's class took a field trip to see a show called "Miss Nelson is Missing.")

Happy Thanksgiving to all our wonderful friends and family!

Recent Photos of Our Family

Bath time!

Daddy and Marcus

Dad and his boys

Two Hospital Visits in less than 12 Hours!

Hi everyone! We're all doing well, but yes, we just completed two hospital visits in less than 12 hours.

Last night during bath time, Connor actually took a shower. It's his latest thing. First he didn't want bubbles in his bath anymore and now he prefers to take showers. What a big boy, right? Well during his shower last night he slipped and banged his chin on the metal frame to the shower door. He ended up with two gashes on this chin and Dad took him to the ER around 8pm. Daddy stayed at home with Marcus.

Connor was so brave and after the initial incident didn't shed another tear - even while he was getting the 6 stitches in his chin! Only one gash required stitches, the other was brought together by the strip things. He got to choose black stitches or blue stitches and he choose the blue. The best part of the night was when Connor got a green popsicle at the end of the visit. We got home at midnight to tell Daddy of the adventure.

Here's a picture of Connor waiting for the doctor!


Needless to say, Connor slept late this morning and we had to wake him up in time to go to our weekly appointment for Marcus at Children's Hospital, which went very well.

So we're very much over talking to nurses, seeing doctors, the co-pays, and anything medical-related. All four of us are going to take much needed naps now.

Have a great weekend!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

On the way to school today, Daddy looked in the rear view mirror to see Connor tugging at his ears. This was the conversation that followed.

Daddy: Connor, are you turning on your "listening ears" for school? [We're working on listening skills these days.]

Connor: Yes, but I turn them off when I go home!

That explains A LOT!

Our 'Lil Pumpkins

Proud Big Brother

These photos were taken while we were in Massachusetts after Marcus was born.

Our New Arrival

We are pleased to announce the arrival of

Marcus

Born October 1, 2008
5 lbs. 1 oz, 19 inches

Field Trip Report

Today Connor went on a field trip to a farm! This was his report after school today.

Dad: Connor! Did you have fun on your field trip?

Connor: Dad! I went to a farm! There was an owl. We had to be quiet, he was sleeping. There were apples. We made apple cider! I taste it.

Dad: Did you help make the cider?

Connor: Yeah! With a handle. I turned the wheel!

Dad: That sounds like fun!

Connor: There was a snake!

Dad (changing the topic from the snake): Who did you ride with on the bus? A teacher or one of your friends?

Connor: My friends. Abigail and Isa!

Dad: Are they your girlfriends?

Connor: Yeah.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Today at a car dealership, Connor and Dad were sitting in the car while Daddy was outside looking at a car on the lot...

Connor: That looks like Auntie Jean's car!

Dad: No, that car is long and ugly! (Auntie Jean's isn't)

Connor: That's not being nice to the car, Dad.

Dad: Yes, you're right, I shouldn't have called it ugly.

Connor: Say sorry to the car, Dad.

Dad: I'm sorry car.

Connor: Thank you!

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Check out this video of Connor singing Baa Baa Black Sheep!

The Potty Report

Why is is that we have so many Potty Reports on our blog? Anyhoo...

Yesterday the potty downstairs got clogged (no, not from any of Connor's antics, the old fashioned way). So we had to get the plunger...only Connor calls it the "Funger." We definitely don't find anything fun or funny about using the Funger, but it is cute when he says it!

Later in the day, the other potty got clogged upstairs (again, not from Connor, the old fashioned way). From the top of the stairs, Dad heard "Dad! We need the Funger!!" Once Dad got upstairs he decided to quiz Connor on the appropriate use of the Funger, as sometimes it's really fun to find out what he's thinking about.

Dad (half afraid to hear the answer to this question): "Connor, what is a Funger used for?"
Connor: "The toilet!"
Dad: "Why do we use a Funger in the toilet, Connor?"
Connor: "When the poopies get stuck!"

Of course! How silly of me to ask.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Bedtime "Stories"

Recently heard excuses from Connor to delay bedtime:

Excuse #1:

Connor: "Daddy, I have to go potty!"
Connor (10 minutes after a trip to the bathroom): "Daddy, I have to go poo poo!"
Daddy: "Connor, you already went potty. Please go to sleep."
Connor: (1 minute later): "Dad, I have to go potty!"
Connor: (10 minutes after a trip to the bathroom): "Dad, I have to go poo poo!"
Daddy: "Connor, you already went potty twice. You can go potty again when the sun comes up."


Excuse #2:

Connor: "I have a boo, boo!"
Dad: "Where is your boo boo?"
Connor: "On my foot - kiss it and make it better!" (note: he "got" the "boo boo" by laying in bed)
Dad: *kisses the boo boo*


Excuse #3:

Connor: "My bed is broken."
Daddy: "Connor, please go to sleep."


Excuse #4:

Connor: "Dad! The door is starting to close!!!"
Daddy: "Look, I'm putting Tango (the penguin) in front of your door so it won't close."


Excuse #5:

Connor (two seconds after Daddy thought Connor was asleep and shut his bedroom door): "Dad! Dad! Dad! Daddy shut my door!!!!." (said with an emphasis and loud enough that you would have thought the world was coming to and end)



The list will get longer, we're sure...stay tuned!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This weekend was a "Connor and Dad Weekend" as J. is out in Los Angeles for work and looking for celebrities.

On Saturday we went to the Splash Park in Germantown during the morning and the farm playground near our house in the afternoon. Sunday morning we went to Port Discovery in Baltimore.

On the way to Baltimore, Dad asked Connor, "Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?" "A Dad, just like you!" replied Connor.

That comment made the entire weekend the best ever!

Name That House

Whose house is this? Hint: it belongs to an Emmy Award-winning reality TV star actress.

Home Again

We returned home today from a wonderful, fantastic, amazing, week-long r Family Vacations cruise to Cananda & New England.

We will post photos and video later in the week, but for now you can read about the cruise in this New York Times article.

Also, check out the video that Rosie just posted on her website.

Happy Birthday Connor!

Connor,

We love you very much and are so proud of you, our BIG BOY! Happy 3rd birthday!

Dad & Daddy

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Last week while getting ready for bed, Connor had just finished brushing his teeth.

Dad said, "OK...go get in your bed now. It's time for bed Mister Connor!"

"I'm not a man" replied Connor. "I'm a big boy!"

Kids Do the Darndest Things!

Today was a "snow day." There was a huge water main break somewhere, but it was enough to put the entire county on "boil water alert" and someplaced didn't have ANY water - including Connor's school. So we got to spend the day at home!

This is what happens when an almost-three year old decides to wash his hands...and plug up the sink to make bubbles...and splash!

Note the pooling of the water and bubbles on the floor. Look closely and you can see the lines on the walls where the water ran down. Oh yeah, the mirror was covered with water and bubbles, but joined the pool on the floor before we could grab the camera.

And of course, this all happened less than one hour after the cleaning lady left. Now the powder room is EXTRA clean!

The Little Gym

Each Saturday morning we go to The Little Gym. Today was the last day of the "semester" so we brought along the Flip to record some of Connor's favorite things - including the parachute, the balance beam, the high bar, and the "donut." You can see it all in this video. The last scene is Connor having his name called so he could get on the podium, do one final "Ta da!" and get his Big Star ribbon. Enjoy!

The Potty Report

It's safe to report it now without totally jinxing it - Connor is potty trained! Woo hoo!


One of the reasons we stayed close to home over Memorial Day weekend was because we were going to go for it! The pressure was on as we rarely have three days in a row to do anything at home and we definitely didn't want to get caught far from a potty. Saturday afternoon we just put him in his Thomas the Train underpants that he had picked out months ago and he took to them like a champ by declaring that "babies wear diapers, I'm a big boy!"

He had a couple of accidents that afternoon and one the next morning, but that was it! The first night he had a dry night and to this date has stayed dry all night and during naps!

He did have one accident the first day at school, but it was because he couldn't get his pants unbuttoned fast enough. When he arrived at school the first day, he ran in and shouted "I'm wearing underwear!" All the teachers clapped and hollered and made a big deal out of it. Connor loved it!

By the way - the secret to our success is M&Ms as incentive.

Why didn't we do this months ago?!?!

Hopscotch

We're having a "staycation" on this three-day Memorial Day weekend - a break we've needed for a long time. The weather is perfect...for some Hopscotch action!







Later today we'll spend some time at the pool and then have a backyard BBQ.

We hope you're enjoying your holiday weekend, too!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

The next time you see us in person, ask about the "sticky tape" conversation that Connor had with Daddy.

Summer Haircut

Connor got his haircut today and half enjoyed the experience, much to our relief! There's no doubt that the lollipop that we promised him for after he was finished had something to do with it (he picked the purple one)!

Pillow Fight!

We spent this past weekend in Pittsburgh. On Saturday we visited Aunt Lynn, Uncle Aaron, and Cousins Bailey and Ronny and had a great time at the "house with all the toys" according to Connor. The highlight for Connor were playing in the playhouse, throwing sticks into the creek behind the house, and collecting dandelions in the field.

On Sunday we spent a wonderful day visiting Pappy at his house. The weather was great - a perfect day to spend outside. The kids got to ride the see saw that Grandma Mary built and later practiced their Hillbilly Golf, which Bailey is getting really good at!

At one point Bailey and Connor began a pillow fight in the house and were promptly told to take it outside. After all, Pappy has a great big yard in which to run around and wear off energy. Here is a video of the pillowfight!



Eventually Bailey was overheard saying "Just put the pillow down and tackle me" and the pillow fight turned into a wresting match of sorts. Ronny just looked on in amazement. Here's the video of the wresting match!



On the way home Connor was asleep within 3 minutes of being on the road and slept for the first two and a half hours - pillow fighting and wrestling is exhausting! Later that night Connor asked if we could go to Bailey's house next weekend. Guess the weekend was a hit!

Has anyone seen Mr. Potatohead's glasses?

Easter Egg Hunt 2008

Better late than never, here are photos from Easter. We spent the day at Grandmas' house for an Easter egg hunt and to celebrate Dad's birthday.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Much of our day is spent asking Connor to say "please" when he asks for something. Yesterday in the car, Dad made the all-too-common request for Connor to "please use the magic word if you want that." Now as we all know, the answer to this question is "please" but yesterday Connor surprised us when he said "por favor."

Our thanks go out to Dora the Explorer, her monkey Boots, and her cousin Diego for expanding Connor's vocabulary in Spanish. We are also now hearing Connor say "Adios," some colors like "Roja" and "Verde" and he can count to ten - "uno, dos, tres, quapro, cinco, seis, sete, ocho, nuebe, diez." No, that's not how you actually spell those numbers in Spanish, but that's how he pronounces them!

Update - Lyrics Request

Upon popular request, the lyrics have been added to the post for this video.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

The last couple of weeks must have been Spring Break in our area, because a lot of kids were absent from day care. There were a couple of days where Connor was the first one to arrive in the morning in the Two's Room. Each time this happens, as soon as he walks into the room and sees that no other kids are there, he says really loud so the teachers can hear, "Where are all my friends?"

One day this past week after he said, "Where are all my friends," he further commented, in a MUCH louder voice, "I'M NUMBER ONE!"

Which came first - the chicken or the Easter egg?

UPDATE 4/13:

Upon popular request, here are the lyrics:

Chickens give us eggs,
Chickens give us eggs,
Hi, ho, the dairy-o,
The chickens give us eggs

Kids Say the Darndest Things

On our recent beach vacation a couple of weeks ago Connor began crying about an hour after he had gone to bed. Apparently he had woken up and got a bit scared because he wasn't at home. Going up the stairs, Dad asked "Connor, what's wrong?" "I'm scary!" responded Connor.

Connor shoots...video

From another perspective of a 2 1/2 year...Connor demonstrates his videography skills.

Connor shoots...photography

As seen from the perspective of a 2 1/2 year old, we are pleased to present the following photographic images guest starring Dad, Daddy, Amanda, and Grandma JoAnn (technically, her knee). Enjoy!

A Free Cruise!

Enter here to win a free cruise from r Family Vacations. Each person can enter once per day through April 15, 2008.

More Pepperoni Please!

Photo Booth Fun

A 2 hour wait for New Year's Eve dinner + 3 hungry adults + 1 full-of-energy child = Photo Booth Fun!

B & O Railroad Museum

For any child into trains of any sort, the B&O Railroad Museum is a great place to spend a few hours - and includes a ride on a REAL train! A HUGE thank you goes out to Grandma Martin and Grandma Mary for taking us!

What? There are terrible THREES?!?!?

Just when we thought we were getting off easy during the "terrible twos" Grandma Martin sent us this article.

Proud Parenting Interview

Check out this intervew we did on using the Internet during our adoption journey for the Proud Parenting website . There are some cute pictures of Connor when he was 15 months old.

Happy New Year!

We're ringing in the New Year with a blog! What better way to start both the New Year and the blog by sharing a proud parenting moment from New Year's Eve? Here's the first installment of "Connor Cinema" in which he uses chopsticks for the first time!

Ross received a Flip for Christmas, so stay tuned for more video!