Monday, December 14, 2009

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Fun Little Weekend and a Birthday Shout Out

Well, it's almost the end of what was a pretty fun weekend. As I posted yesterday, we got to see Santa on Saturday and that was super fun. I didn't mention though, that my Friday evening started out with a ladies ornament exchange and party. It was the ladies on my street and we always have so much fun together. I am proud to say that the ornament I brought was a big hit and was stolen twice.

Saturday morning was especially nice for Mommy, because after about an hour of Connor being up, Jeff got up and took him to McDonald's so Mommy could go back to sleep. Obviously, Connor did not eat at McDonald's but he did get his very first happy meal toy and has since really enjoyed chewing on it.

Saturday evening was fun as well, because Jeff and I went over to our new friends Jessica and Ryan Lucas' house for dinner. Their son Jack was in bed and we put Connor down over there and then the adults ate, chatted and drank wine. It was a great evening. The transition from one bed, to the car seat, to home, is always a little scary and I feel bad waking Connor, but he did very well and fell back to sleep at home with no problem.

Today has been another good day. Connor slept a little later than usual, because of the evening disruption last night and then took a two hour nap so Mommy and Daddy were pretty happy. He also did pretty well when we took him to IHOP today. I was craving their Harvest Grain and Nut pancakes, so we took a little outing. He started in the high chair, but we had to take him out and hold him when he got a bit fussy, but it wasn't bad. He sat with us and watched us eat and watched all the people in the restaurant.

Because of his long nap, we wanted to see if he'd stay up a bit longer, so after IHOP, we went to the grocery store, and even though he was starting to show signs that it was time for a nap, he let Mommy and Daddy shop with no problem.

Now he's napping and Daddy is watching football and Mommy is about to do some online shopping. Not a bad day and overall, a very fun weekend.



Connor chewing on his McDonald's happy meal toy from Saturday morning. He really likes it.


Connor eying Daddy's breakfast/brunch. Not yet buddy. Stick to purees for now.



Connor wanted to wish Grandpa Roach a very Happy Birthday!


See you in a few weeks Grandpa.


I am so happy to wish you a Happy Birthday.


OK, you get the point. Now it's time for me to chew on the sign. Sorry.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Tis the Season

Tis the season and we have caught the Christmas spirit down in Sugar Land.

First, last weekend, our family got to do a reading and light the advent wreath in church. It was the candle of love, so that felt very appropriate, since there is a lot of love in our family these days. Connor did just fine and sort of looked blankly out into the congregation. He gets so serious when we're out and about and just loves staring at new sights and sounds.

Later in the week, Grandma Roach came by for a quick day trip and we took the opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping at the mall. I hope everyone on my list has been nice, because I'm in full swing on gift purchasing mode.

This week, I also braved Toys R Us and it actually wasn't that bad. I have realized that it is really hard to shop for a 6 month old, because they can't talk and you're basically just guessing about what they are going to like. I probably spent 15 minutes second guessing myself and picking up items and putting them back. When all is said and done, Connor will probably like the boxes for most of these gifts more than the gifts themselves, but I had to get him something. Now that he's getting more engaged and likes toys, it's time for some of those toys that he can actually interact with and learn from. Wish me luck. Hopefully he'll love his Christmas items.

Then today, we went to this gardening center called Enchanted Forest and looked at the pretty plants and got to visit with Santa. From the pictures, you can see that Connor just sort of sat there looking around. We got a glimpse into our future though, because many of the older kids were very scared of Santa. For now, Connor just thinks he's another lap to sit on. Good boy.

Well, I've still got lots to do, to get ready for the Holidays, but the spirit is definitely with us.


Looking dapper in his sweater vest that he wore to church to light the advent wreath.


Very styling my boy.



Connor was acting a bit fussy, so we stood outside and watched the rain.


He always likes being outdoors.


Grandma Roach came in for the afternoon to see a decorator and to visit with us.


Our family Christmas tree.

Connor is all smiles at the Enchanted Forest.


Connor posing on a cute little bench.


A close up of those jumbo cheeks.


Waiting in line to see Santa. Luckily, the line wasn't very long.


Connor in the middle of talking. I think he's saying, "I can't wait to see Santa. Ahhhh."


Connor, Santa, and the "reindeer".


We met our friends Jessica, Ryan and their 4 month old son Jack at Enchanted Forest and they took our photo. Merry Christmas everyone.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Cold, a double meaning

Well, I'd like to report on both a cold and the cold.

We believe Connor is going through his first cold. Last night he woke up multiple times because of a stuffy nose. Luckily, we were able to pull out some of the clogged boogers with a bulb syringe and feed him and put him back to sleep, but it was still a bit of a rough night for all of us. I don't know if it really bothered him or if it scared him or what, but he'd wake up every couple of hours screaming. It was really sad. He doesn't have a fever or really any other symptoms, so I think it's just a cold, but it's still sad. Poor boy.

In other news, it's actually cold here in Sugar Land. Last night we went to the Sugar Land tree lighting, but left before the tree got lit, because we thought it was a little too cold for Connor and now today it's snowing!! For the Houston area, snow is a big deal. There are people in this city who have never even seen it before, so it's quite the talk of the town. Connor and I are hunkered down at home staying warm and watching it.

Despite his sniffles, I couldn't resist taking a few photos of him outside in the snow. Before you call CPS, I swear I bundled him up really well and we were only out there for maybe two minutes. I figured, we needed to document his first snow, especially since it's very rare in Houston.

I can't help but think how different my child's winter experience would be if I still lived in New Jersey. I'm sure we wouldn't be worrying about a measly inch or two or snow. I'm not complaining though. Living in a mild climate during winter is so much easier for Moms. I don't have to spend 15 additional minutes layering on clothes and a hat and gloves and then a snow suit. Man, that'd be tough. I am sure you get used to it, but I'll take our one snowfall a season, thank you very much.

Here are just a few photos of our cold weather adventures.


Bundled up at the Sugar Land tree lighting.


The pretty Sugar Land town hall and the dark tree.


We had someone take a picture of all three of us in front of the tree.


Bundled up Mommy and Connor.


Bundled up Daddy and Connor.


This is a picture I took today of Connor watching the snow fall. It was really cute. I think he's pretty intrigued.


The snow as it was beginning to fall this morning.


A few hours later it started to accumulate.


Can you see it collecting on the chiminea, chairs, and grill?


Connor sitting on his playgym and watching the snow through the window.


Connor with quite a few layers, ready to brave the snow outside. (Oh and thanks for the cute Christmas sweater Ms. Erin Shea)


Sitting on the table under cover of the umbrella.


Watching the snowflakes fall. Each snowflake is one of a kind, just like you buddy.


Now I set him in a chair with the snow falling on him. See it collecting on his little hat.


I think he is actually giving me a dirty look in this one, so soon after we went back inside.


Snow in our back yard.


I don't think you can tell, but the snow was actually falling sideways when I took this. It's like a blizzard out there.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

What a difference a year makes

Last year during the holidays, I was newly pregnant and excited about who was growing inside me. We didn't know the gender, so we called the baby "TJ." Since TJ already felt like a member of the family, I made him or her a stocking that said, "TJ" on it and I hung it from our mantel along with our stockings.

This year, things look a little different on our mantel. We know we had a beautiful baby boy and we made a stocking just for him. Also, I don't think those baby items were beneath the mantel last year either. Ha! Oh how things have changed. I think the stocking holders say it all..."JOY!"


Connor's very own stocking.


Our mantel featuring baby items.


Connor posing with last year's TJ stocking.


Goodbye TJ, hello Connor.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Funny Football

Well, I don't know if this video proves that Connor likes football or that he thinks it's ridiculous. Either way, he thinks getting a football tossed at him is hilarious. Enjoy!