Holly Jolly Christmas

We have had quite a busy Holiday Season and lucky Connor got to have three Christmases.

About a week before Christmas we had a small family Christmas at home. It wasn't a big Christmas for Connor this year as we really didn't think he needed too many more toys and since the only thing he asked for was candy, we lucked out and had a pretty low key Christmas. I'm sure we'll indulge him more once he starts asking for things, but for now, he was happy with just a few gifts. He certainly liked opening presents and ripping through the wrapping paper.

Probably what he liked best though, was the night before, we set out a Christmas cake for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer. While Connor was sleeping, Jeff and I took a few bites out of the cake and ate some of the carrots, but Connor was more than happy to finish the rest of Santa's cake the next morning. He really liked that.

The Thursday before Christmas we headed to Amarillo to spend time with Jeff's family. His sister Stacey was home from her time working on a cruise ship, so Connor got to see her for the first time in months and this was the first time in 2 years that she has been home for the Holidays.

It was a lot colder in Amarillo than in Houston, but it was nice to have that kind of weather over Christmas. The first night we actually had a few snow flurries and then we had a full on white Christmas with about 6 inches of snow on Christmas day. It was beautiful and Connor actually loved playing in it. He liked just walking through it, pushing snow off of things, and of course throwing snow balls. Surprise, surprise, Connor liked throwing something. We ate great food and saw some family friends.

We also got to have our second Christmas. Connor being the only little one, got to help open everyone else's presents. He also liked handing out the gifts. Sometimes he'd get it wrong, but we'd figure it out. We all got some really great gifts. Connor's favorite may have been Toy Story. He immediately fell in love with that movie.

Even though Amarillo got 6 inches of snow on Christmas (Sunday) we were able to get out on Monday without a hitch. It's nice being somewhere that is more used to snow than a place like Houston that shuts down if there are snow flurries or the threat of ice.

On Wednesday morning, we drove to Bryan for our third Holiday gathering. This time we got together with my family, including my newly engaged sister Julie and her fiance Brian. Brian proposed on Christmas day. We are all very happy for them. The wedding will be next fall in Colorado.

Our first night in town, we got a babysitter and went out to eat. We decided to go to a sports bar so we could watch the UT bowl game. It turned out to be a lot of fun, because we could play pool and darts too. It's always nice to get away just the adults, especially with four young kids at home and of course one more on the way.

The next day was Tivo Christmas Eve, so we all put on our ugliest Christmas tops and celebrated in style. Traditionally on Christmas Eve we do a white elephant exchange. The gifts are usually pretty silly and it's always a lot of fun. One of the highlights was the slang term flash cards that I got. They are hilarious. On Christmas Eve, we also have the men create Christmas balls. It's basically biscuits coated in sugar and cinnamon with chocolate in the middle. They are delicious and the men always have fun making them. Just imagine all the ball preparation puns. It gets a little out of hand, but it's funny.

On Tivo Christmas Day, we held off the kids until about 9AM and then we all opened stockings. After stockings, we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and have yummy coffee cake. While eating cake, we let the kids open their gifts. We actually managed to get them to open one at a time, but the hardest part was keeping them from stealing each other's gifts. Martin, at age 6 was pretty understanding, but the littlest ones, Winnie (4) and Connor (2) and Libby(2), still aren't quite so comfortable sharing. We survived though and I think they all enjoyed their gifts. Luckily we had great weather the whole time we were in Bryan, so we could play outside any time we wanted to. That gave them space to play with their toys in peace. During nap time and after the kids went to bed, the adults opened their gifts. What a great Christmas.

The next day, we finally caught up to the rest of the world and got ready for New Year's Eve. During the day, we were happy to watch A&M beat Northwestern in their bowl game. Jeff, Connor, and I also went to the Bryan Children's Museum for what they called a "Noon Year's Eve" celebration. They had decorations up, snacks, and then at noon, they counted down from 10 and dropped a small decorative ball from the ceiling. It was cute.

For the adult New Year's Eve celebration, we had our traditional dinner of heavy appetizers so we didn't have to have a big sit down dinner and boy did we eat well. We each made something and we had plenty of food. Arthur even made split pea soup with a new pot he got for Christmas and it was delicious. We also set off some fireworks. We let the kids watch a few of the smaller ones and once they went to bed, we set off some bigger ones. It was really fun and festive.

Before we headed back on Sunday (New Year's Day), the ladies got to go out to lunch to celebrate my Mom's birthday, which was two days later. Since it was a holiday, not much was open, so we ended up at Olive Garden, but we still had a really nice time. Even though we had been together for 4 days, it felt like the first time we had all had a chance to really catch up. I feel so lucky that we are such a close family.

After Connor got up from his nap, we headed back to Sugar Land and regrouped after two weeks of Holiday celebrations. It took me a few days to recover, but I know it was well worth it. What great times.

Daddy reads Connor "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at home about a week in advance. Connor called it the "Rudolf the Reindeer book."

Connor setting out the cake and carrots for Santa.

The note TO Santa. Click on the photo to enlarge it and read it.

The next morning, Santa wrote a note back to Connor. Click on the photo to enlarge and read it.

Connor's first Christmas Day, he liked ripping open the presents.

Connor's most special gift from Mom and Dad/Santa was a baseball/football toss. It's got a hole with a net, so he can practice his throwing and aiming at a target. He seems to really like it and hopefully it will grow with him.

Our first night in Amarillo and Connor wanted to play golf outside despite the frigid temperatures and snow flurries. Aunt Stacey was a good sport to play with him for a while, but eventually they both needed to go inside and thaw out.

Cold but happy.

On Friday morning, me, Pagger Don, and Connor all went to the American Quarter Horse Museum. It was a nice indoor activity we could do and it gave Connor a chance to run around a bit. Since it was two days before Christmas there weren't many guests so we had the run of the place, which was nice.

Here Connor is showing off his riding skills on the mechanical horse. He really liked to ride it. Good thing Pagger Don had tokens.

On Friday, we also went to an indoor bounce house place. Connor didn't do much bouncing at first, because he fell in love with this ride on motorcycle that they had there.

Eventually though, we all had fun bouncing along.

Sliding down a fun bouncy house.

Going down a big slide with Daddy.

We decided to do Christmas one day early, so we read Twas the Night Before Christmas on Friday night.

On Christmas Day, Connor got right into the gifts with a brand new remote control truck. Very cool.

Connor celebrating Christmas and enjoying his candy canes from Santa.

Connor helping Gigi open her present.

Showing off my Christmas spirit with my Christmas sweater and handmade "Santa Baby" shirt.

We found a small pile of snow and Connor had a blast throwing it. Jeff would make a big production when it hit him so Connor was laughing hysterically. It was really cute. He didn't quite understand when his hands started hurting though.

Connor had fun riding his plasma car down the steep hill of the golf course. Wheeee!

Some snuggle time after a long nap.

Connor playing with his new toys with Pagger Don.

Our white Christmas in Amarillo.

Connor mesmerized by the snow.

Playing in the snow with Aunt Stacey.

We all got in on the fun. Here is Gigi, Aunt Stacey, and Connor.

On our last night, Stacey got to read Connor stories.

Our first night in Bryan and the kids settle in at the pub to watch Yo Gabba Gabba. Not exactly what my Dad had in mind when he built the pub. Ha!

That evening, we went to the Fox and Hound to watch football, play pool, and play darts.

Julie helping me make Christmas cookies. It was a mess but well worth it. They were decorative and tasty.

Jeff getting snuggles from the two youngest kiddos.

Showing off our ugly Christmas tops and our love on Tivo Christmas Eve. Ahhh.

Julie and Brian showing their Christmas spirit.

Mrs. and Mr. Claus get in the spirit.

Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to all the grandkids.

The men making Christmas balls on Christmas Eve.

Connor examining his stocking loot and especially liking the Santa candy canes.

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Connor trying out his new motorcycle. We found the same one he loved at the bounce place and got it for him at Christmas.

Oh my goodness, we got a visit from Santa. Connor hid behind me, but the D'Andreas seemed pretty interested.

Connor and Daddy doing a cheers to Aunt Julie and Uncle Brian on their engagement.

Daddy and Connor watching the Aggies beat Northwestern on New Year's Eve day.

Connor and Martin played an impromptu game of empty box basketball. Despite the 4 year age difference, Connor could actually hold his own.

On New Year's Eve we had a fun firework display capping off a great Holiday season.

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).