Connor turns 2! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Connor. Happy Birthday to you! Can you believe our little man is already 2 years old. Unlike when he turned one, I'm not that sad about this one. I think I've been adjusting to the idea that he's two for months now, because when people asked his age, I'd say something like, "He'll be two in June." I've kind of felt like he was two for a while now. It's helped my adjustment to Connor being such a big boy.

Today was Connor's 2 year doctor appointment and it went very smoothly. He is still a big boy (as if we didn't already know that). He was in the 95th percentile for both height and weight, weighing in at 33 pounds and 36 inches tall (i.e. 3 ft.). So if they say you can double their two year old height for their adult height, we're looking at a 6 foot boy. That makes sense to me. He also passed the developmental tests with flying colors. In fact I think he is doing stuff that is even more advanced for his age, like his ability to point out colors and the fact that he is starting to count. She said he still may have a little coordination problems considering his size, but overall he is doing great. I was a proud Momma.

Connor really does seem to be thriving and despite his short fuse and occasional fussiness, he really doesn't seem very "terrible" at all. Of course he does have his share of meltdowns and is certain that every toy is his (MINE!!!), I think that's to be expected. Overall he's still a sweet boy and when he laughs and smiles, you can't help but melt. The best is watching him run around. He sort of waddles his whole body. It's so funny. I love to watch him run. He is getting better at climbing too and just seems more and more confident in his own skin.

As for his language development, I'd still say he does really well for a boy. He seems to talk all the time and will try almost every new word or repeat things Mommy and Daddy say. He can also put mini sentences together and refers to himself in the first person a lot. He may say something like, "Baby Connor running," or "Mommy truck down" (Mommy's truck fell down).

His eating hasn't improved much unfortunately. I still have to sneak in his vegetables and some days it seems like he is not interested in eating at all. The doctor wasn't too alarmed and said we just shouldn't give up, which I don't think we're doing. Hopefully he'll open up his tastes a little. For now it's still pretty frustrating.

He is still a good sleeper, sleeping almost 12 hours at night and taking a 3 hour nap. I know we have lucked out in that department. The best part is that he doesn't fight his naps or bedtime. Sometimes he'll talk in his crib for almost an hour at night, but he doesn't fuss. If he's not tired yet, he'll just roll around in his crib and talk to himself. It's pretty cute to listen to.

Well that's about it on his 2 year update. Now enjoy some pics of our recent outings and Connor's 2nd birthday party at Gymboree.

A few weeks ago, we went back to the Houston Children's Museum and I remembered to bring my camera.

Connor had fun playing in the toy trucks.

Connor is way into tunnels right now. Here he is putting the cars through the big tunnel.

Now he's pushing a truck around a big ramp. What fun.

Connor catching a ride in the pick up truck.

We met up with my friend Sara and her daughter Mabry. Connor and Mabry are just one week apart in age.

There is a water area outside at the Children's Museum. Connor did a good job putting a few pipes together to make a fun water sprayer. He did get a little wet, but it was so hot that it felt good.

It was adorable, because he found this little girl on the playground area and they were cracking each other up. He is always entertained by the older girls he meets.

They played this game, where they would flop to the ground and laugh. It was so cute.

Hanging out in the tunnel together.

Two weekends ago, I was lucky enough to visit my sister Julie in Colorado, while Jeff lovingly watched Connor at home. We had a great time. I love my sister!

Julie with her boyfriend Brian at Equinox Brewery.

Of course we had to go on a hike in beautiful Colorado. The weather was about 80 during the day and 60 at night. Man, I won't get that kind of weather until perhaps November. Ugh.

Connor loves watching daddy mow and the other day he actually joined in. It was so precious to see him acting just like Daddy. I had to take some pictures.

Connor and Daddy crossing mowing paths.

Aren't they just two peas in a pod. Like Father like son.

This past weekend was really fun, because both sets of Grandparents and Connor's cousins and his Aunt Erin and Uncle Arthur came in town to celebrate Connor's big 2nd birthday.

Here Connor is giving Pagger Don his Father's Day presents a little early, since they flew out early Sunday morning.

Oh Gigi, you are so silly. Having fun playing with trucks.

Now Connor gets to open a few of his own birthday presents. What fun.

Connor even got his very own wagon. He liked it right away.

Saturday afternoon was Connor's birthday party at a place called Gymboree. It's a big room with lots of things for the kids to climb on and play with. The good thing is that it's geared toward kids under 5, so all the stuff is pretty manageable and you don't have to worry that they'll hurt themselves. We picked a sports theme and since Connor's favorite sport still seems to be basketball (although golf and now t-ball are a close second and third), I got him a basketball cake.

Grandma and Grandpa drove in from Bryan that morning to attend his party. Here is the room where we had cake and snacks.

I arrived a little early to drop off the food and decorations, but Daddy Jeff arrived soon after with the guest of honor. Here he is arriving at his birthday party. I'm not sure if he ever realized he was the guest of honor, but he sure had fun.

Climbing around in the play room at Gymboree in his "I'm 2" shirt.

All the proud grandparents hanging out at the party.

Connor found a tunnel. Yay!

There was an actual instructor with the party that would occasionally direct the kids into different activities. Here they are pulling a fun elastic rope.

Lounging out at his second birthday, checking out the scene.

Playing basketball with his friend Allison.

Rambunctious and fun loving cousins Martin and Winnie jump around.

One of the activities that Connor really liked was climbing this big, round log and "jumping" off at the end. All the kids looked so cute climbing up in a row. Right behind him is cousin Winnie and then Martin.

Connor also really liked when the instructor brought out cones and bats so the kids could play t-ball. Connor was a natural.

Sweet cousin Libby riding a rocking horse.

Flopping on big soft mats with your cousin is so much fun.

What birthday party would be complete without some parachute time. The kids were a little hesitant at first, but they got into it at the end.

The kids also got to chase some bubbles. What fun. As you can see, Connor had quite a few buddies attend his party. All in all there were 16 kids and all their parents. It was a great group.

Connor blowing out his birthday candles. I didn't realize that the second candle I put on there was a trick candle so it kept reigniting, but we got it out. Ha!

Connor started with some fruit snacks, but was really excited about the birthday cake. He had been talking about birthday cake all week.

Here he is sitting with his buddies eating cake. Yummy!

After the party (which ended at 5pm), the family headed back to our house and hung out. Here Connor and Libby are enjoying the wagon.

The kids also hung out inside and enjoyed a nice story from Pagger Don. Connor got so many new books for his birthday.

It was really hot, so we busted out the sprinkler and the kids had a blast. Connor is still not much of a water baby, but he had fun mowing and getting an occasional spray.

Then all the cousins had fun around Connor's water table. It's so fun watching them all play together.

We ordered pizza and here all the kiddos are enjoying it together at the mini picnic table.

Sunday was Father's Day and after we played at home, opened presents and cards for the Dads, and had some yummy breakfast casserole, we headed to the neighborhood pool.

Connor was unsure at first, but then started getting into it once he found the water slide. He seemed to really like that. We all had so much fun. What a fun birthday and Father's Day weekend.

On Our Own and Doing Fine

School ended a few weeks ago (May 19th) and I was totally dreading it. Questions were running through my head. What am I going to do without two days a week where I can get a few extra things done and a break from the constant toddler whining? Will Connor be sad that he can't see Miss Hilary anymore? Will I be able to keep his education going without a teachers help? How am I going to keep an energetic toddler and myself entertained in Houston all summer in the 100 degree heat, without us both losing our minds?

Well, so far so good. It helps that we haven't done any traveling recently, with the exception of trips to College Station, but it's nice, because I haven't had that stress during the week of packing and prepping and then unpacking and preparing for the next trip. I can just play with Connor and deal with one day at a time. We've relied on my playgroup a lot for company and other Moms are in the same boat as me, so we've been scheduling lots of playdates at weather friendly places like splash parks, pools, indoor playgrounds, etc. I feel so blessed to have met them and I'm so glad to have their company.

Sadly though, it seems like Connor is a bit skiddish around water. He is not that into pools or the splash parks. Splash parks are basically a bunch of man-made waterfalls, hoses, fountains, and other water features that kids can play in during the summer heat. It's nice because it's a lot safer (or at least you don't have to be on your guard quite as much) than a pool and if your kid is really into it, the Mom doesn't even have to get wet. Of course Connor has been very nervous and clingy the two times we've been this summer, but I'm not giving up hope yet. It's too darn hot and all the other kids have a blast, so wish us luck. We'll keep trying. Pools have also been a little rough for Connor, but I think we made some strides last weekend at my parent's house in College Station over Memorial Day. He is definitely not a water baby, but at least he didn't seem scared as much. Let's hope not, because pool time is pretty important in this hot and humid weather.

The only bad news to report is that Connor did get sick again recently. He had his first case of strep throat. He also had a cough and was sort of wheezy. He started feeling sick over Memorial Day weekend and by Monday he had a fever and by Tuesday we had to go see the doctor. Poor guy.

Well I've accumulated a ton of pictures to share, so I'll let the captions do most of the explaining. Enjoy the photos!

Connor on the last day of school with his teachers, Miss Cheryl and Miss Hilary. They seem happy, but doesn't he look sad. He hasn't asked about them yet, but I know he loved them and he loved school. They did such a great job.

One of our first post-school outings was a trip to the Houston zoo. We picked a day when the weather was actually not that hot and had a great time. Here is Connor with his buddies Orion and Stevie.

Connor hanging at the zoo, checking out the cows I think. He loved the farm animals.

The zoo had a petting zoo area, but it was really funny, because the only thing it had were goats. Connor would walk around pointing and saying "goat" and then he would pet one and smile. It was really sweet.

Connor continues to be fascinated with elephants so he checked out their enclosure. There was even a baby elephant, which was pretty cute.

Cool elephant! We saw lions, tigers, cheetahs, monkeys, hippos, giraffes, birds, all types of deer/antelope, pigs, cows, horses, goats, chickens, sheep, turtles, ducks, fish, bears, and I'm sure lots more, and we didn't even get through the whole zoo. We had to head back to get the kiddos home for naps.

On our way out though, in the nearby park, there is a train that you can ride so we gave our train loving boys a treat. It was a nice 15 minute ride and I think the boys and the Mommies enjoyed the rest.

Connor just being silly walking in Daddy's shoes before bath time. If you can't tell by the funny face he's making, Connor has learned how to say "cheese" and smile for the camera. The problem though, is that he is still not very reliable. Most times he'll just say it and continue looking down or wherever. Sometimes though, he'll actually stop, look up at the camera and say cheese. I am of course trying to encourage that, but I don't think I can expect perfect picture skills from a 2 year old.

I realized I hadn't taken many "getting ready for bed pics" in a while and he's usually so happy and jovial, so I took a couple. Here is another "cheese" moment.

He likes playing on our pillows after we dress him after his bath.

One Saturday morning, Jeff took Connor and they played a little soccer. I wonder if this is a sign of things to come.

During the week, Connor and I attended Allison Zaccari's 3rd birthday party at a bounce house place. She had previously scheduled it for the weekend before, but had to cancel it because she was too sick.

Pictured here is Anthony, Lindsey, and little brother (1) Nick Zaccari.

Connor isn't too into bouncing yet, but he found the balls right away. There was this cool t that you could set the balls on that balanced on air blowing out of it.

The party-goers getting ice cream and cupcakes. Allison is in the middle with red hair.

Connor thoroughly enjoying his cupcake.

Presents! I thought it was cute seeing all the kids sitting down watching Allison open her presents. Of course Connor didn't sit there very long, but it was cute while it lasted.

That next weekend, we went to another birthday party. This time it was for one of the kids in my playgroup, Liam who was turning 2. The party was in his backyard, so it was pretty hot, but luckily there was a nice breeze, and lots of toys, so we had fun.

Connor pushing a bike.

I am pretty sure Connor thought he was the one pushing Liam, the birthday boy, around. It was funny.

Kicking a big ball.

There was this one little patch of dirt and Connor found it to play with a truck in. What a boy.

Man, those Capri Suns are like crack for children. He would try to drink the empty ones he found around.

He enjoyed jumping on a trampoline.

In a little bounce house.

There was another Connor at the party (the boy swinging next to him) and Connor really liked him. He's a bit older, but they made a cute pair.

Time for birthday cake. Liam's Mom Jessica made it. Isn't she creative. As you can see, Connor got a prime spot right up front.

Lounging. Ha!

One afternoon, Connor had a good time in the backyard splashing water all around. Hey, it's a perfect activity for this time of year.

This is hilarious!

I'm gonna get you!

Last week we actually went to College Station twice. The first time was just for one day and night, because my Aunt and Uncle from Rochester, NY happened to be passing through Texas on their way to Oklahoma to see family.

Here Connor and Grandma are having a fun truck race.

It looks like Connor is winning.

The big Kahuna ready to play in, well actually nearby, the pool.

Connor would sit by the beach entry with a bunch of different sized cups and he would happily fill and pour. Then, Grandma and I would refill the cups for him. It was a good system.

Pouring into a truck. This is the life.

He has definitely been into golf lately so we brought his clubs along with us and he liked playing on the patio. It was pretty windy though, so sometimes the balls would slide under the fence. That made for a fun game of "let's hunt for the small, white, golf balls." Ugh. Oh well, he had fun.

Connor found some dirt and was pushing his trucks around in it. It's nice to come to Grandma's when his cousins aren't around, because he can have all the trucks to himself.

Connor got a special treat and got to have an ice cream sandwich at Grandma's. Yummy.

Just before Connor went to bed, my Aunt Maggie and her husband Rob arrived from a 16 hour day of traveling. I'm so glad she got to meet Connor though. Since she is my Dad's sister she definitely recognized some Roach qualities in him and that's always fun to talk about.

It's also funny to talk about the size of the Roach babies. Connor was born 9 pounds 5 ounces if you recall and my cousin on the Roach side of the family recently had a baby almost 10 pounds. My Aunt Maggie's boys (my cousins) were both over 9 pounds too. It's just funny that I guess that runs in our family and I didn't really even know it.

My Mom and Aunt Maggie enjoying a pre-dinner drink.

The next day we played at Grandma's all morning and then headed back home. As you can see, Connor felt like a prisoner. Just kidding.

Oh no, let us out.

For Memorial Day, we met up with my sister Erin's family at my parent's house in College Station while my parents were in Buffalo. Here Connor and his cousins Martin and Winnie watched some dinosaur video Friday night after we arrived.

Connor assuming his cup filling position.

Cousin Winnie in his pool float.

Martin and his little sister Libby sharing a float in the pool.

Martin and Winnie playing bean bag toss. They were really good about taking turns. It was sweet.

Connor was cute playing with his cousin Libby's water hat. Here he is posing with Daddy. How sweet.

Daddy and Connor being silly playing with their hats.

Happy boy.

Having a pool party.

Libby getting a ride from her Uncle Jeff.

Connor walking around in my sandals.

We finally got Connor in the pool by trying out his new airplane float. He seemed to do alright with it.

Happy swimmers.

All the kids in the pool.

Now Connor is actually in the water. Kick, kick, kick.

After dinner Saturday night, the kids all got some ice cream. A perfect way to start the summer.

On Sunday, we decided to go to Fitzwilly's in College Station for lunch.

Libby and Connor really brushed up on their shuffleboard skills.

Martin actually got pretty good by the end. Here he is getting some advice from his Dad.

More treats for the kiddos. I love Memorial Day! You have to have a popsicle to officially welcome in summer, right?

After a long day, the kids watched a Charlie Brown show. It's rare to get them all sitting in one spot, so I had to take a picture.

Sadly, over the weekend, Connor started to come down with something. By Monday evening had a 102 fever and this is what he looked like Tuesday morning. We went to the doctor Tuesday and it turned out he had strep throat. Poor guy. I hate to see him sick. He does seem to be getting better now.

Just hanging out with his truck before bed later in the week. I think I took this picture for Daddy who was out of town for 4 days this week on a work trip. We missed him a lot. Pretty much every day Connor would ask, "Daddy work?" I'd sadly have to say, "Yes, Daddy is at work. He's on a trip, but he'll be back in a few days."

I had to pick up something at the Houston Galleria this week and Connor had a great time playing in the kiddy area at the Galleria. The coolest part was there is this little train that you can pay to ride and some nice (and apparently wealthy) grandparent paid to fill the entire train so those of us in the kiddy area could all ride the train for free. Connor of course loved the choo choo.

As you can see, Connor is starting to feel like his happy little self. I took this picture for Jeff two nights ago. I asked Connor to say, "Cheese" and magically this is the picture I got. What a cutie.