Twizzlers, Cookies, and Bailey!

This afternoon I was very busy making a "trial run" version of Connor's birthday cake. It required different types of candy for the legs, mouth, and spots of Miss Spider. After I was finished, I snagged a twizzler for a snack. Connor saw this and quickly made his way across the living room, held onto my leg for support, and yanked the twizzler right out of my hand (of course, I let him... you would, too.. it was SO cute!). Now, I'm not one to advocate candy for a not-quite-one-year-old, but I figured a little taste while I took some pictures wouldn't hurt him (and after all, he'll be having a birthday cake next weekend!). Bailey hopped up on the couch next to him, hoping for an easy treat, but no such luck!

Well, of course Connor was mad when I took the Twizzlers away after I was done taking pictures, so I gave him an Arrowroot cookie and put him on the floor. He was very happy! Bailey was right next to him and couldn't have wanted that cookie more. Of course, being eye to eye, Bailey was hoping to steal the cookie, but I was right next to them the whole time, so his plan was foiled. But, after Connor was finished, the cookie remains fell to the ground and Bailey finally got his treat. Seriously, these two are too cute together!

Playtime with Mairead

This afternoon, Dave, Meg, and Mairead came down for an afternoon of play. While the big boys pruned some trees, Connor and Mairead played out on the deck. It was a beautiful fall day, and Meg and I enjoyed watching them play together and learn to share their toys. It seemed impossible, though, to get a picture of them when they were both looking at the camera. We hope to get a few more days like this before the cold weather makes an appearance. The kids sure do love the fresh air!



Connor loves these balls. They're the perfect size for an almost one-year-old!

"Hey, pretty lady!"


We ALMOST got them to both look at the camera!

Meg was bombarded with little ones...the drooling and furry kind.


Mairead and Connor were fascinated with the singing Elmo.

Connor loves Elmo!

Mairead was so cute - she kept sharing toys with Connor.

Connor had just finished spinning in a circle...it's funny to watch!

Spaghetti Night

We had pasta night on Friday and for the first time, Connor was allowed to eat his spaghetti by himself. He loves spaghetti, but usually Mom feeds him to avoid the giant mess. He started off okay, but quickly began to smear the spaghetti all around his face. He got some sauce in his eye and was not a happy camper. The dog, however, was in heaven, licking up anything that happened to fall from the high chair!

Happy 80th Birthday, Aunt Betty!

This past weekend, Connor took a trip to Manchester, Connecticut to attend his Great-Great Aunt Betty's 80th surprise birthday party. It was held at cousin Shawn's beautiful home in Manchester. Connor immediately wanted to crawl up on all of the beautiful antiques Shawn had, but he was quickly pulled away!

Aunt Betty was very surprised as she walked in the door, and very excited to learn that Connor had made an appearance, for this was the first time she's met him! It was the first time for all of the Connecticut relatives, actually. He was a hit, and he was enamored with his third cousin, Sophia, who is 2 years old. He watched her run around the house and was all smiles everytime he looked at her. He's always been fascinated by bigger kids; I think he's amazed that they can actually walk around. At breakfast the next morning, Sophia and Connor were able to play and Sophia even let him play with a few of her toys. It was precious to watch!

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with the party, as Tropical Storm Hannah made her appearance in Connecticut. Despite the downpouring rain, it remained hot and humid all night, which explains all the pictures of everyone looking like drowned rats. Shawn was disappointed that we couldn't enjoy his backyard, but everyone still had a wonderful time.

Connor almost made it to the end of the party without falling asleep, but he was tuckered out from a long day of travel and socializing. This marked the first time Connor slept in a hotel, and boy did he sleep! He had a very fun weekend and hopes to see his Connecticut family soon.

11 Months Old

Today Connor turns 11 months old. I can't even believe how fast time has flown with him and that in only one short month, he'll be a year old. I still find myself staring at him sometimes, just in awe of him. He's so wonderful, and I still can't believe I get to keep him! He's learning new things everyday, and is desperate to walk. I even find him letting go of furniture and balancing himself without any assistance. He's so close to walking, and boy are we in trouble when he does! We're already running around the house and he's only crawling.

One of Connor's new favorite things to do (besides bang on the door and splash in the dog dish) is to shake his rattles and make music with whatever toy is also making music. He'll sit and dance to the sounds all around him, and it's so adorable. He'll take a rattle in each hand and hold them above his head while he dances to his "music". He's a talented kid!

We can't wait to celebrate Connor's first birthday. Be sure to log on for pictures of his special day!

New Found Fun

Since Connor has been crawling around the house, he's found something he loves to do...climb up on the door and bang on it! The door rattles a little whenever he hits it, and he loves it. I'm sure the people walking by must think we never let him out; it looks like he's trying to get out of jail or something.