Santa Brunch and Happy 30 Month (2 1/2 Birthday)!

Two weeks ago, we went back to Bryan to celebrate my Dad's birthday as a family and to also attend the fabulous Santa Brunch at Miramont. The weather was actually a little chilly, so it was finally starting to feel like Christmas time.

We arrived Friday night and it was really nice, because my parents arranged for a babysitter, so we could all go out to dinner. We went to the fine dining restaurant at Miramont and we all had delicious meals. Of course everything tastes better when your enjoying a dinner out with adults. If only I could have a drink or two. Ha!

Speaking of the baby, he or she is really starting to kick a lot now and Jeff has even felt some kicks on the outside lately, which really makes it real. There is a mini human in there. Very cool.

On Saturday, we played at the house in the front yard most of the morning and the men took the kids over to the driving range too. Saturday night, we had our final birthday dinner for my Dad and celebrated royally.

Sunday morning was the brunch. We all dressed up in our holiday finest and headed over to Miramont. There was tons of food and a kiddy table for crafts. Connor wouldn't touch the regular food and went straight for the desserts. He has a crazy sweet tooth. My goodness. It also doesn't seem like he does well at buffets. He's too overwhelmed or something.

When we first arrived, we tried to get a photo with Santa, but Connor want no part in that. He was terrified yet again this year. Oh well. Maybe next year we'll have a complacent infant and a more mature 3 year old.

Overall the weekend and the brunch were a huge success. I can't wait to go back next year.

I should also mention that Connor turned 2 and a half today and I should really update you on his progress.

Connor continues to talk up a storm. Some of his cutest phrases lately are "Mommy, what's wrong?" He'll also say things like, "I have milk right there" and then he'll point with his thumb, not his pointer finger. He is really using a lot of full sentences and is finally starting to ask real questions instead of saying "buh boo bah" when he meant, "What is it?" I still have no idea where that came from.

He is not so big on tantrums. It's more wining that is his issue. He also has been very defiant and goes against what I ask him to do. For example, I'll tell him not to throw a book off the table and he'll do it. He is constantly testing me and for the most part, I'm still winning those battles. He gets time outs when he is overtly defiant and that seems to at least pull him away from the naughty thing he was doing. He continues to want to throw things and I still have some sympathy for that, because he LOVES sports, so half the time we are saying "good throw" and the other half we are saying "don't throw that." It's got to be hard to understand when it's OK and when it's not.

Despite his mischievous nature, he is also really sweet. For example, I hit my leg the other day and yelled in pain and Connor came over and kissed my leg. It was so precious. He does know when he was naughty and will say sorry and he does a pretty good job of saying "Thank you," which always sounds so cute when he says it without being prompted.

Connor is still a very picky eater. Despite my intentions to have a child with a very balanced palate, our son seems to only eat a few things and sometimes not even that. As you can imagine, based on his appetite, he has finally really started to thin out. He still has his cheeks, but he looks much more lean. Everyone still says he looks very tall for his age and most people guess he's three. I guess he'll be tall like his Daddy. I just wonder if he'll be stout like me. Hmm.

Connor is also still very shy. Just the other day, we walked into a new place and he literally hung onto the back of my jean's pockets for the first 20 minutes. He warmed up eventually, but he was terrified at first. If any stranger tries to talk to him, he will run over to me and try to hide behind me somehow or just bury his face into my legs.

With all that said however, once he is in his comfort zone, the kid is adorable and very happy. He has a zest for life and loves to giggle and smile. When he really gets laughing, it's absolutely contagious. He also likes to play with other kids and once they get into a game they can both do, he seems really happy with his buddies. For the first time the other day, he actually had a game of kick the ball with another little boy. They would kick it back and forth and actually took turns. It was fun to watch, because it seemed mature somehow.

I guess I shouldn't be shocked that he is maturing in some sport way though. Pretty much we spend our day rotating between football, basketball, t-ball, tossing any balls and golf. He will push trucks and he likes them, but sports and just running around are what really make him happy. I guess that's good from our end. He's got pretty much all the balls he needs. We're saving some money. He's got a really strong arm and he is pretty accurate too. He can also kick straight and far. He likes to kick soccer balls, but also kick a football like a field goal or punt. He is also starting to make baskets into the hoop from quite a distance. He doesn't like to just plop the ball in the net. He likes to throw it in or run and dunk. It's hilarious. We tell him to get closer to the net and he won't do it.

As for potty training, we are still a long way off, but he is really starting to at least understand how to use the potty. He is starting to grasp how to pee on command, which I think is a definite building block. On average, we pee in the potty 3 times a day. There are two times a day that he will definitely go, which is right before nap and right before bath time. The other time of the day is whenever I can sort of get him to try it. He is still reluctant, but with some candy bribing, he is starting to come along. We'll see. I don't have high hopes he'll be trained before the baby arrives, but we'll see. Maybe he'll just get it.

Well that's it for now. I still feel like Connor is the sweetest boy in the world and I often can't stop myself from kissing his puffy cheeks. Here are some pics from our weekend in Bryan.

My Dad and Libby fascinated by the dueling, dancing Santas. Connor loves these things. The cowboy one is actually from our house. We had to bring it with us, because he couldn't leave it for one weekend.

We have sort of decided that the empty lot across the street from my parent's house is basically just an extension of my parent's front yard. It is a great place to play all kinds of sports, because they kids can hit it anywhere and there is plenty of room. Thanks Miramont for the extra space. :)

Once the golfers are gone, we have also turned the golf course into an extension of my parent's back yard. Again, there is plenty of room to run and play. Here they are kicking an inflatable beach ball. What fun.

This was a cute picture of all the cousins watching a kids show at the bar. At least I think they were doing that, not ordering up drinks. Hmm.

The happy cousins before brunch.

Libby and Winnie hopped up on Santa's lap and Winnie actually told him what he wanted for Christmas. Libby was a little more reserved and the oldest Martin didn't trust Santa so he didn't go up there.

As you can see, Connor wanted no part in the Santa experience.

Decorating/eating all the candy for a cookie.

Decorating Christmas cards.

Libby and Connor helping themselves at the kid level buffet.

Connor loves sweets so much, he actually dove his face right down into this cake and took a bite. Oh my goodness.

The D'Andrea family.

The Treadways. Fun times at the Santa brunch. Ho, ho, ho.

Thanksgiving and Beyond

We were fortunate enough to have two Thanksgiving meals. Not so bad for a pregnant lady. Hee hee.

First we hosted Gigi and Pagger Don in Sugar Land. Despite our small kitchen, Gigi and I managed to cook up a storm of delectable holiday favorites. We also need to thank the men who not only washed dishes, but also made some amazing cornish game hens on the rotisserie grill. Yummo.

While the family time was great (except for A&M losing to Texas), the bad news was, Connor got his first bad illness of the winter season. It was so bad that I had to take him to an urgent care center on Thanksgiving morning. The poor guy couldn't stop coughing and he had a fever. The worst part was that since he was feeling crumby, he only wanted to be around Mommy and Daddy. He wouldn't let Gigi and Pagger Don give him attention. I felt bad. They told us later that even a sick Connor and better than no Connor, so I guess that's good. Connor healed up well and we're just waiting for the next sickness. Christmas anyone? Ugh.

On Friday, we traveled to College Station to have Thanksgiving part two. Since the bulk of the meal was the leftovers from our first Thanksgiving, it was actually a breeze, which was nice. Lots to eat, but not a lot of fuss. What could be better? My Mom also made an extra pie (we had three!), broccoli pie, and a baked turkey breast.

We ate our Tivo Thanksgiving on Saturday night, after a FABULOUS Michigan victory over Ohio State. Ok, I'm not proud of this, but I did threaten my unborn child's allegiance as I was screaming at the T.V. for Michigan to come out with a win. I guess it worked. I couldn't take an 8th straight loss. Go Blue!

On Sunday, we decided to go see a movie, since it was cold and windy. Connor had never been to an actual theater so we thought we'd give it a shot with the Muppets Movie. I had forgotten that previews are so long. We were in the theater an hour before the movie actually started and by that point Connor was getting tired of the popcorn and was ready to go home. Oh boy. Luckily though, we convinced to stay for all but the last 20 minutes. I took him out and played at the arcade for a while until my parents and Jeff finished. I'd say it was a success for our first time out, but not easy.

The week after Thanksgiving we had our 20 week ultrasound to check on the progress of the baby and make sure everything looked good so far. Well, so far so good and we even managed to make it through without finding out the gender. Now we'll just have to wait until April. I'm getting more and more excited as I can really start to feel the kicks.

As the weather is finally getting a little cooler, it's starting to feel more like Christmas. We decorated the house last weekend and although I wasn't that into it this year, since we're the only ones that see it, once it was done, I was happy. It really gets you into the spirit of the Holidays. Enjoy your final 17 days until Christmas. Happy Shopping.

Robbyn preparing her famous dressing (or stuffing for the Northerners) and a view of all the pots on the stove. We maxed out my kitchen.

The men watching football. Very manly.

Enjoying (all but sick Connor) our Thanksgiving feast. It's always fun when I get to bust out my good China. I still like the pattern. Feww.

The men "happily" doing dishes. Thanks guys!

Connor perked up a little bit Thursday night before Gigi and Pagger Don left so he let them read him stories.

Thanksgiving part two. More men and their football.

Our second Thanksgiving meal.

I'm 22 weeks today and I'm really starting to show. It's fun and with baby kicks more and more prevalent, this whole "baby thing" is feeling more and more real every day. 4 months to go.

Here is a picture from our 20 week ultrasound. Isn't he/she adorable? Well maybe not yet, but wait until those chubby cheeks fill in.

Our mini Christmas tree. We went small this year. It's only about 5 1/2 feet tall, but it's still cute. I like it.

Our stockings including one for the new baby.

Now here are a few miscellaneous pictures of Connor getting messy while he eats. This was a few weeks ago while it was still about 80 degrees and we spotted an ice cream truck. After this, he immediately took a bath.

Connor lucked out and got to lick a whisk after I made whipped cream for a pie.

He loved it. It was funny to watch him manage around the parts of the whisk. (Oh and check out my baby bump. It's pretty noticeable here.)

Last night Jeff and I had a holiday dinner, so Connor stayed with a babysitter. She took some pictures of Connor make a mess at dinner time. Ha!

Spaghetti and cottage cheese face. He's thinking, "What, is there something on my face?"

Grandpa's 60th B-Day

A couple of weeks ago, we went to College Station to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday, with a party. The whole family was together, which is rare and we think the birthday boy had a great time. Enjoy some pictures from our party.

Grandpa and Jeff took Connor to a kids carnival at Miramont. He came home with quite a funny look.

The fun and supportive men in the Roach sisters' lives.

The birthday boy.

The amazing babysitter Kendall who watched all 4 kids.

Connor and Libby helping to make a mess of the play room. Oh boy.

Happy guests dancing during the party. We had a live band and lots of good food. The sisters sang "Fathers and Daughters" for our Dad and of course the guest of honor sang Friends in Low Places. It was really fun.

The birthday boy with his grandkids. Can he fit one more on his lap? I hope so.

Dewberry Farm with the D'Andreas

Two weeks ago, my sister and her family came to Sugar Land so we could all attend Dewberry Farm together. It's a fun farm themed park that is great for kids ages 1 through 8. We all had a blast.

Connor on the drawbridge on "Fort Dew Hickey."

Sliding down a fun slide.

Bouncing with his cousins. He loves his cousins and follows the oldest Martin around like a puppy.

Riding the cool and "exciting" cow train.

Riding down the bumpy slide.

Walking back from the pumpkin patch and kicking over pumpkins.

Doing duck races with rubber ducks and water pumps.

Feeding the goats. Connor didn't like them eating out of his hand so he'd just drop the food through the fence.

Riding rocking horses in the little kids playground area.

Riding the big slide with Daddy.

Connor's School Picture

I picked up Connor's school picture today and for once he's actually smiling. I was so pleased. Check it out and enjoy! Doesn't he look like such a big boy. (weep, weep).

Halloween Fun

This Halloween, I swear we have been celebrating for weeks. Unlike last year, Connor seems to really get what Halloween is all about...candy!!! Lucky for me, Connor has let me embrace what I believe Halloween is all about...dressing my son in the cutest costume I can find and taking lots and lots of pictures of him. As you'll see below, I did just that.

Our first photo op opportunity was at a local church Halloween fair. They had what they called "trunk or treating" where they had games, activities, or just candy handouts.

They also had a bounce house, which amazingly Connor really liked. At our school's fall carnival they had a bounce house and it was the first time he really liked them and now he can't seem to get enough. As a Mom, that's fine by me, because it's a good way to tire them out and to see him bounce, laugh, and fall down is adorable.

The church fair also had a little pumpkin patch, where we took some pictures. We couldn't dress him in his costume, because it was about 85 degrees and the poor boy would have melted. He did sport his spooky spider shirt though.

Our next photo op was at a bigger pumpkin patch and even though it was still warm, it was cloudy, so Connor didn't totally melt in his adorable elephant costume. Lucky for us, he still tolerated the snuggly costume, head piece and all. I chose an elephant this year, because his favorite stuffed animal is an elephant and he can make an elephant noise too. Plus, I figured this might be the last year I could dress him in a silly and cutesy costume. Next year, he'll probably request to be Buzz Lightyear or something. I guess that's why it's a good thing we're having another baby. More cute costumes are in store. Yay!

Connor also got to wear his Halloween costume to school last week and they even trick or treated around the church. When I picked him up, his teacher told me that he was a school favorite. Of course I wasn't surprised. He looked darn cute.

Finally, Halloween actually came and Connor couldn't wait. He asked about it all day and I kept telling him he had to wait until Daddy got home. He kept talking about lollipops. He is really into lollipops these days. We had a lot of fun. We went out from about 6:30 to 7:30 and after one hour, Connor was pretty pooped. He livened right up though, when he started into his treat bag. Mom and Dad even had a few. It was funny, because Jeff had a lollipop and when Connor was finished with his he took Jeff's right out of his mouth and ate his. It was too funny to tell him to stop. Now we've got to wean him off this candy addiction. Oh no.

Enjoy our Halloween festivities.

At the church fair, Connor goes "Trunk or Treating."

Enjoying the bounce house.

Bouncing is a blast.

Connor took a seat on a pumpkin and of course I had to take some pictures.

That's a happy pumpkin patcher.

I love Halloween.

Can I take this one home?

Now he did some posing on the hay.

Mom and Dad got in the Halloween spirit too, by attending a Halloween costume party.

Here is Connor posing at the bigger pumpkin patch with his elephant costume. He really didn't mind wearing it. That made me very happy.

Is he the cutest elephant ever or what?

We found a gray pumpkin to match his costume.

The costume even came complete with a tail. He even looked cute from behind.

We took a really bumpy hay ride. Connor liked it though. We took his hat off too, because it was still nearly 80 degrees. Halloween costume makers don't consider Texas temps when they are making costumes. I'd rather these temps though, than those poor New Yorkers who already got snow. Brrr.

Connor was fascinated by the inflated decoration that he said was "dancing."

Posing in his costume with his classmate Jackson, the tiger.

A happy elephant in class with classmates and one of his teachers, Ms. Jan.

Finally, Halloween arrived and Connor was ready. He seriously had a death grip on his candy bucket. He carried it all night.

We left a little before dark, so I got a few shots of us heading out to trick or treat. He was a little timid at first, but he got into it in no time. It was so cute to hear him say "trick or treat" and then "thank you."

We met up with some of our neighbors and they were quite a festive group. The older kids were really into it, but Connor made his way to the candy handout every time.

Here's the group on to the next house.

Our neighborhood had some good decorations, but this house is by far the best. It's totally decked out and spooky with sound effects and everything. Connor was a little scared, but we held his hand and he made his way through the scary stuff, up to the door.

He did get scared of a few costumes he saw though. I guess Jeff walked him up to the door on one occasion and he saw this zombie and Connor made Jeff hold him and Jeff said he was almost shaking. Poor guy. In his defense, it was a very lifelike costume.

Back at home, Connor enjoyed the spoils of trick or treating...candy. Hurray! "Can we do this again tomorrow night?"