Connor Matthew

It's "Moosely" time!

2005-09-19T13:16:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! We're moving! Yup, it's true. We decided it was time for us to have a family website. More on why later. So go here: A family of moose in the woods and check us out. Don't forget to bookmark our new home. It's where we'll be from now on. Mrs. Flinger is still trying import things from here to there...but it's not going so well for her (so sorry Mrs. Flinger!) so we shall see.

It's been fun here....but we think you'll like it better there!

We're working on it.

2005-09-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Leslie made us a new site. It's oh so cool. We need to do some work on it first. Then you all can see it. (Ahem, Dawn and Erin...who didn't wait! he he)

Things are good in the Connor world. He is tired today. We think he doesn't feel so hot. Poor baby. Erik took him to Target this morning and to get new kid CD's, Connor was so excited to be going out with Daddy he ran around the house shouting "Daddy! Bye bye! Daddy! Bye bye!" until Erik was ready to go. It was so sweet.

Connor has also started to imitate letter names now. Aunt Joanne got him these cool stuffed letters to play with, which he loves, and when we say the letter name he says them too! He also made an awesome connection this morning: He loves the book Ten in the Bed (given to him by Grandma) and while listening to his CD this morning when that song came on Connor ran over and got that book off the shelf and brought it to Erik and I and said : "woah woah" (for "roll over roll over").
Now how cool is that????????

Hey Mama!

2005-09-14T20:21:00.000-04:00

That's how Connor calls me sometimes. Mainly it's just "Mama." But it's just so awsome to hear it everytime. He has never called me "Mommy" just "Mama." Erik has always been "Daddy." But me, I'm "Hey Mama!"
I love it. "Mama" is the word I hear all day long. It's how he wakes me up sometimes. It's what he says when he is tired, needs something, is missing me and is looking for me. It's the title I have waited my whole life to hold.
I'm Mama, hear me roar.

Man, my life is good.

They are so funny!

2005-09-13T19:38:00.000-04:00

This video was supposed to be of them dancing. It just got funnier!

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The Beach Report

2005-09-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

Connor and I returned from the beach yesterday afternoon. We had a wonderful weekend. It was nice to spend quality time with him and my friends. Joanne and Kristen came down for the day on Saturday, it was so good to see them both. Connor was thrilled to have some Aunt Joanne time (aka: lots of spoiling and hugs and kisses).
Connor adored sitting on the beach and playing in the sand and the water, but he would NOT walk on the sand! It was too funny to see him. He just stood there everytime I tried to get him to walk and shook his head no!
On Friday, while sitting on the beach with the girls, Connor was having some Ritz crackers. He was in the process of eating one while I held his next one in my hand. All of the sudden a SEA GULL flew up and hit me on the head while trying to get the cracker out of my hand. I screamed, as did all of the girls sitting with me. It was FREAKY! Connor just continued eating like nothing happened. Ugh.
On Saturday morning Connor decided to wake up at 5:30 in the morning. I chose to ignore him and he continued to call me across the room. My friend Amy was sharing the room with me and was doing a good job of ignoring the "Mama" calls too. Connor then decided that since he couldn't get me he would try another tactic. He starting saying "Amy." It was then that I heard Amy giggling and I got up and put Connor in bed with me. He then saw his shadow from the night light and said "Oh Wow!" I then decided it was time to get up, leaving Amy to giggle herself back to sleep.
All in all it was a great weekend and Connor was a good boy. I was so proud of him!

In other news, he kicked a ball for the first time today AND did his Mickey shape sorter all by himself yesterday! Woo-hoo!

2005-09-12T11:01:00.000-04:00

The first Eagles game is tonight! GO EAGLES!

2005-09-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

Hello? Daddy? I am the only boy on this beach....Are you proud?

2005-09-12T10:53:00.000-04:00

Connor loved playing with the ocean water!

Yeah, I can do this.

2005-09-08T12:09:00.000-04:00

It's another Aiden day. I am really starting to enjoy the days with the boys. I am soooo ready for them to take their naps by 11:30, but I am happy for them to wake up too.
I went back to work yesterday, it actually felt good! Connor had an awesome day with Grammy and Grandpop. I think he gets the "grandparents=spoil me" thing now because whenever I tell him any grandparent is coming over he runs around the house yelling their names. Yesterday morning he kept saying "Gammy.....Pop pop.....Gammy......Pop pop." Today I told him Grandma was coming over to go run errands with us and he ran to the front window and yelled out "Gama! Gama! Gamaaaaaa!" It's a heartwarming thing for me because I never had the opportunity to be spoiled by grandparents as he does.
Connor and I head to the beach tomorrow. I am so ready to go....mentally. I have to pack though. I guess I should go do that soon. It's going to be so fun to hang out on the beach with Connor and my friends. I'll post pictures when we return!

2005-09-06T12:50:00.000-04:00

I knit this scarf for myself this weekend. I had to brag and show it off here. I just love it.

I am almost afraid to post this....

2005-09-05T11:59:00.000-04:00

But, I will.
Last night, Connor pooped on the potty people. I can't believe it.
Will it happen again before he is 2? I don't know.
Was it a fluke? I hope not.
Were we super excited? Ohmygoodness yes.

I just hope I didn't jinx us by writing this down.

Random Connor-ish stuff

2005-09-04T12:39:00.000-04:00

I just LOVE days like today. The weather is beautiful. Connor slept well last night so he is happy. We were outside ALL morning and life is good. Here are random Connor tidbits from the past few days......
*We have discovered that Connor has inherited Erik's pure love of science and nature. He wants to see how everything works, grows and just ticks. He loves bugs and will lay on the ground watching them crawl all around. Flowers, trees and plants are also so interesting to him.
*Connor has been chit chatting up a storm lately. He has been having whole conversations in jibberish with us and himself. Yesterday he said his first official whole sentence on the way to Grammy and Grandpop's: "The woo-woo, it all gone!" (Speech therapist mommy is proud.)
*At Grammy and Grandpop's we played ring a round the rosie with him. Connor thought this was the most hysterical game, EVER. We had to play it again and again and again.
*The stranger anxiety phase has set in, now when Connor sees new people he hides between my legs and wants to be picked up. Everyone tells me it's a phase and it will pass. I believe them, for now.
*Mrs. Flinger is in the process of re-doing this blog for us. Expect big changes in a few weeks!

2005-09-04T12:36:00.001-04:00

What's under the tree Daddy? What is that Daddy? Tell me more and more!

2005-09-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

Connor has inherited Erik's love of science and nature.

2005-09-04T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hmmm, this is all very interesting information you are presenting me with Daddy...I shall think about this.

2005-09-04T12:34:00.001-04:00

Faster Daddy!

2005-09-04T12:34:00.000-04:00

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-04T12:33:00.000-04:00

Happiness is having milk and crackers with your best buddy!

2005-09-04T12:32:00.000-04:00

"Now Hobbes, you need your diaper changed...I just have to figure out how these things work...."

Does Fall = Wake up Early?

2005-09-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

So Connor has decided to start waking up at 6:10 a.m. I guess it's all the baby rage since Ben is doing it too. Ugh, I was loving the 7:15 thing. He woke up so happy and was happy all morning AND I was able to get up before him and have Mommy time.
This morning he has been whinning and clinging to me because he is so tired. We tried to put him back to sleep at 8, but that didn't work. He keeps rubbing his eyes and lying on the floor with tiger (Hobbes) amd his blanket.
Today we head over to Grammy and Grandpop's for dinner, the rest of the weekend has nothing on the agenda. Just the way we like it.
Connor and I leave for the beach on Friday. We are going for the weekend with my girlfriends and their kids (there will be some who don't have kids too). It should be crazy and fun.
9 women, 5 kids, one nice weekend....we hope!

It's September!

2005-09-01T13:37:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's September already! I am happy about it because I am ready for Fall but still a little sad because it means I go back to work next week...boo-hoo.
Connor and Aiden had a great morning. We played inside for and hour, played outside for an hour, took a wagon ride to the library, came home, ate lunch and then I put them down for their naps. Those boys were tired! Neither one protested too much about napping! I expect them to be up soon....=)
We found out last night that Aunt Lynn and Uncle John's friends, Christine and Mark, lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Please join me in praying for them, it must be so hard, and she is pregnant (due in March) so we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.
Erik has off for four days starting tomorrow, Connor and I are thrilled to get some serious Daddy time! It's supposed to be beautiful all weekend, let's hope that stays true!

Meow and More

2005-08-30T11:53:00.000-04:00

Grandma just called as Connor was finishing his lunch. She asked Connor to sing "Baa Baa Black Sheep" with her before she got off the phone. He did and then asked for more. And more. And more.
Then I was getting him ready for his nap and giving him his million kisses before reading his book. He asked for more kisses and more and more.
But, the cutest part of our naptime routine today?
Grammy and Grandpop bought Connor the book "Finding Fido" a few weeks ago. It has quickly become a favorite in this house. Today while reading it before going down for his nap, Connor said "Meow" each time he flipped the flip part up in the book to see the cats.

He is just sooooooo much FUN!

The sweetest thing

2005-08-30T08:20:00.000-04:00

So, we found out that S.L.E.E.P. is the key to Connor's doing (or undoing as we found on out on Sunday). He must have been so tired on Sunday. He had an awesome night's sleep on Sunday night to Monday and he was back to his old Connor self yesterday. It was a relief.
Grammy and Grandpop came to watch Connor for a few hours yesterday while I went into work and Audrey, Sophie and Grandma came over for a quick lunch, so I think this helped improve his mood overall too. However, today he is asking for everyone. He has gone to the window and front door several times saying either "Gammy," "Gampop," "Gama," or "Audee." I think he thinks if he calls them enough one of them will come! He has also called all the males on the TODAY show "Daddy" this morning.

Last night while Connor was winding down before bed Erik and I were watching the news about Hurricane Katrina (which by the way all of the people who live down there are in our thoughts and prayers) and Connor climbed onto the couch for a Mommy hug. After getting his hug he slid off the couch and as he was sliding he gave me 3 love pats on the leg and then leaned over and kissed my leg with a nice loud "mmm-wahhh."

I looked at Erik and said "I think that was one of the sweetest moments in my entire life."

UPDATE

2005-08-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

Well, Connor took a good nap. He woke up happy and has *yet* to show his crabby side.
Fingers crossed for a better afternoon.

Someone send more kid cd's...QUICK!

2005-08-28T10:37:00.000-04:00

So Connor's latest obsession? Music. Kid music. Lots of it. ALL OF THE TIME. Erik and I are so tired of the same 4 cd's we have....any one have suggestions for good ones?
We know it's a good phase to be going through, since he LOVES to dance, but man oh man is it nice to hear adult music sometimes!

Today, we are trying really hard to be good parents. Connor is NOT trying to be a good boy. After refusing to get dressed, I had to tackle him and get him dressed (as he screamed) he then got mad at me when he didn't get his own way and threw a toy, when I asked him to pick it up he threw himself on the floor. After a few minutes of us calmly talking to him he was still screaming so we put him in his chair (which he hates) and then he said he was sorry. A few minutes later as I was leaving for church he decided he was mad at me for leaving and he threw his shoe at me! As I left Daddy had him in the chair again. Erik said he was in the chair two more times while I was a church (once for kicking Erik and the other for dumping his entire bowl of cereal on the floor on purpose!)

Whew, it's only 10:45!!!!!!

Is it naptime yet?

I made it!

2005-08-25T20:16:00.000-04:00

So today was Aiden's first day with Connor and I. It went well. Aiden didn't come until lunchtime, since Mike only had to do a half day today, but it still went well. He napped for me. Whew, was I worried about that. Connor, on the other hand, had one rough day. He did well this morning, but was cranky by the time Aiden got here and was having some mommy sharing issues. Then, after happily going down for a nap he was rudely awakened by the mowers mowing the park across the street. I tried for an hour to get him back to sleep, but, it didn't work. He WAS awesome about being quiet so Aiden could sleep. He kept going to the door of the bedroom Aiden was in and whispering "Shhh, Aiden night night" SOOOOO cute.
I got a super cute video of them eating lunch. Maybe I will post it.......
Erik and I decided that some of the behaviors Connor is exhibiting right now (yes there are a lot I haven't told you about, mostly involving shouting NOOOOOO at me and running away) are directly related to Daddy going back to work. Poor kid, he misses him sooo much. Ouch, my heart hurts to see it. Luckily, Daddy is home tomorrow and all weekend. I have to go into work for 2 hours tomorrow...that should be interesting!
We got 4 huge bags of hand-me-downs the other day from a friend of Erik's and there were Elmo jammies in them. If you could have only seen the look on Connor's face when we put them on him tonight. Priceless.

p.s. I turned on word verification in the comments section to keep away spammers....all you have to do is type the word you see to comment. Sorry for the extra trouble...hate the spam.

Getting Ready for Ch, Ch, Changes

2005-08-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

We're getting ready for some changes over here.....
Daddy went back to work yesterday, he works 3 days this week, 4 next week, 4 the week after and then it's back to full blown 5 days a week without Daddy. Boo hoo. Connor was okay when he first woke up yesterday and didn't see Erik (I think he figured Erik was still sleeping) then as the morning went on he started to realize that Daddy was missing! He starting calling for him and when I told him that Daddy went to work (went bye bye) Connor threw himself on the floor and starting crying while saying "Daddy Daddy Daddy." I thought my heart was going to break. Today was a little better, he only cried for a few minutes when I told him Daddy was at work. Just think what he is going to do when I go back on the 7th....
Starting tomorrow Aiden is going to be spending every Thursday with Connor and I! We are so EXCITED! Mike and Leigh's babysitter backed out on them so with some shifting of schedules and other things we helped them work it out so Aiden comes here one day a week and he goes to my mom's (Connor's Grandma) one day a week. I hope it works out well, as I feel safer with Aiden being with us and Grandma instead of yet another stranger.
My only fear about having two 1 year olds all day is trying to get them both down for naps and not having one wake up the other. I'll let you know how it goes!
Erik and Mike put doors on the spare bedroom (our now office) last night so Aiden has a quiet place to sleep. There was another motive to putting doors on, but that's part of the project in the works....
We went to the park this morning with Grandma, Audrey and Sophie and boy did they tucker Connor out. He is still sleeping (it's been over 2 hours!) It was alot of fun though. Grandma made us lunch AND bought us ice cream from the ice cream man. YUM!

A video of the boy

2005-08-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

Stole this idea from Erin (Thanks Erin!)

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Because this is so neat

2005-08-23T13:12:00.000-04:00

Video sharing at JussPress.com

Audrey is 5! TODAY!

2005-08-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

Okay, these kids KEEP GROWING UP! When does it end people, WHEN? Does this mean someday Connor will be five? Can't have that, must find a way to slow it all down.......

Audrey's party was wonderful yesterday. Erik and I got her a globe (she's been wanting one) and she said "Just what I wanted Aunt Jane and Uncle Erik....the whole world!" It was a classic moment I will never forget! I also made her a poncho which I am quite proud of, she will be one cool chick in pre-school this year.

Connor had a busy day yesterday. Grammy and Grandpop came over for brunch, he took a nap and then partied all afternoon. Aunt Laura, Uncle Bob and Christopher came up from NJ to spend the day, it was so AWESOME to see them. Chris leaves for college on Friday, his first year, I can't believe it. He's going to Loyola to major in business an, of course, run cross country. We are so proud of him! I remember when he was born and can't believe he's an adult now. Dude, I am getting old! My Uncle Bob and I share a birthday and he realized that I am going to be 30 this year while we were chatting yesterday. I think it made him feel old too. Sorry Bob, I love ya though!

Speaking of turning 30. At first I decided I wasn't going to do it. Then I agreed to doing it if I could have a dishwasher. Then, we made a decision about our future that involves me having to be 30 (more on this later, it's still a project in the works) so I said I would do it. But, I am still not sure I like the idea.

OH! There is another big project in the works too (I need a little help from a friend though) involving this blog. More to come soon......

2005-08-22T13:03:00.000-04:00

Happy fifth birthday sweet Audrey, your Aunt Jane can't believe her baby girl niece is 5! We all love you sooooo much!

2005-08-22T13:02:00.000-04:00

The birthday girl and her "bride" friend Lauren.

2005-08-22T13:01:00.000-04:00

Audrey loved the poncho I knit her (it's a little big so I need to resize it...doesn't it look nice though?)

2005-08-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

Audrey and Lauren were dancing to the beat!

2005-08-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

I have been trying all summer to get Connor to eat an ice pop.....yesterday he did....happily, as you can tell!

2005-08-22T12:58:00.000-04:00

Connor and Audrey had fun playing in the cozy coupe on Saturday!

2005-08-22T12:57:00.000-04:00

Look at the praying mantis that lives in our backyard!

Home Sweet Home

2005-08-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

We're back! All of us are in one piece too! It was a great week with family. Olivia is such a sweet little girl, I ache already from missing her so much. She is my goddaughter and we bonded so much over the past few days, it hurts to think that I don't know when I will see her next.
Erik loved getting to know Olivia more and spending time with his brother and Lynn. I too liked the time with Lynn and John, it always bothers me that we don't get to see them often. Connor now knows who Aunt Lynn and Uncle John are, this gives me peace. I hated when I would talk about them and he didn't know them. Now he does, happily.
We did just what I said we would do while we were there. We played with the kids. ALOT. It was fun and relaxing. We took them to the zoo one day, but MAN IS ALABAMA HOT!
Most of our time was spent in the house playing and napping! (Well, poor Lynn had to work....)
We discovered that Connor is an awesome traveler. We borrowed a DVD player from Mike and Leigh, THAT was the key to our successful travels. It took just over 16 hours for each trip. The way home was spread over 2 days and Connor dealt with it like a champ. We were so proud.
I have posted ALOT of pictures. We took over 400, so don't make fun of the 20 some I posted.
I think they show you about our good time. ENJOY!

2005-08-19T19:17:00.001-04:00

I am ready to go to Alabama! Let's GO!

2005-08-19T19:17:00.000-04:00

This is our sweet sunshine niece Olivia. Isn't she so wonderful?

2005-08-19T19:16:00.000-04:00

Strike a pose there is nothing to it!

2005-08-19T19:15:00.000-04:00

We like the zoo parents, but ummm, it's HOT!

2005-08-19T19:14:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know how pretty I am in pink!

2005-08-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

So you guys are related to me huh?

2005-08-19T19:13:00.001-04:00

The kids and their Daddies went swimming.

2005-08-19T19:13:00.000-04:00

See Olivia, this is a sticker. You peel it off like this. Isn't that cool?

2005-08-19T19:12:00.002-04:00

Hi Aunt Jane!

2005-08-19T19:12:00.001-04:00

Mommy, I am being good. Really. I am.

2005-08-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

We love this boy....even thought he won't stop sucking on his lower lip lately!

2005-08-19T19:11:00.001-04:00

How could you not LOVE this face?

2005-08-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

Who us? We were just dancing, we promise! (he he he)

2005-08-19T19:10:00.001-04:00

You push me Connor.....

2005-08-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

Now I will push you!

2005-08-19T19:09:00.002-04:00

A magnet for you Connor!

2005-08-19T19:09:00.001-04:00

Cousin Connor is right, this woo-woo thing is pretty good!

2005-08-19T19:09:00.000-04:00

Now, how did Daddy put these woo-woo tracks together?

2005-08-19T19:08:00.000-04:00

We did a 'since we couldn't be there' birthday party for the kids. They liked he cake!

2005-08-19T19:07:00.000-04:00

After playing ball with Olivia, a guy needs a break!

2005-08-19T19:06:00.000-04:00

She is even beautiful from the back (We miss her so much already!)

2005-08-19T19:05:00.000-04:00

We dressed the kids up to go out to dinner. This is the best picture we got...tells you a lot about our 'photo session' huh?

2005-08-19T19:04:00.000-04:00

On the way home, we stopped to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo! Do you see Connor and I in the window?

2005-08-19T19:03:00.001-04:00

Do you see our son in there?

2005-08-19T19:03:00.000-04:00

An hour from home, we were so aching to see our house!

2005-08-19T19:02:00.000-04:00

On the way home, watching ELMO, missing Olivia.....

We're here!

2005-08-14T21:15:00.000-04:00

We made it to Alabama! Olivia is so wonderful, I can't stand it! There is internet access, but it's slow dial up so ya'll (ha ha) don't get pictures until we get home.
Here are some trip highlights so far:
Connor is an awesome traveler. Poor kid got soaked in his diaper on the way down and didn't complain. Erik and I found out the hard way that driving all night doesn't work for us. We will be driving back in 2 days instead of all night.
Olivia and Connor adore each other and are starting to play together more and more. Olivia is quite taken with Connor's ability to walk and watches him with interest.
I have taken the initiative to teach Olivia the sign for "more" and she is doing it! YAY Olivia!
Connor is talking so much while we are here. Yesterday he brought a circle from a book to me and said "circle." Tonight at dinner he pointed to a red sticker and said "It red." Erik and I are so shocked at what he knows.
Connor is not sleeping super well, so we are wondering how our week back is going to be when we get home.....
Olivia and I are buddies, she cries when I leave the room (unless her Mommy is there, then she isn't so into me!) I can't stop kissing her and have already cried once because I just love her so much! Erik is quite taken with her too and is having so much fun with her.
Connor is extremely disapointed because there are no trains (woo-woo's) here, so since I got tired of him asking "Where da woo-woo?" every five minutes, while Lynn and I were out shopping today I got Connor a Thomas the Tank Engine playset. He, of course, loves it!
Connor really loves his Aunt Lynn and Uncle John and has blessed them with lots of hugs and kisses. I think they like him alot too!
That's all for now. I will try to update another day and I promise pictures when we get home, cause ya'll want to see these!

See YA'LL in a week!

2005-08-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

We're heading south people. Deep south. Alabama south.
Am I scared? a little Am I excited? YEAH MAN! Am I worried about the 16 1/2 hour drive with a 16 month old....YOU BETCHA!
However, once we get there, it's a week of pure quality hands down OLIVIA time (oh and Aunt Lynn and Uncle John too) But, we get to be with OLIVIA for a week!
All I want to do is play with her and Connor, play play play. Give her a million hugs and kisses and then a million more. Teach her some signs and words, get to know her and have her know us. Give her some more hugs and kisses. That's the plan. I. can't. wait.
We won't have internet access when we are there (oh my is Jane going to suffer!) so I will update when we return and post probably a million pictures of OLIVIA!!!!!! and Connor.
We leave tomorrow night at 7 p.m. and drive all night with hopes of Connor sleeping all night.
Wish us luck! (I gotta go pack!)

Connor's Crunchy Hippie Mama and Dada

2005-08-09T20:29:00.000-04:00

(This post is based on Erin's latest experiment and to support it!)
That's me. I am a bit of a crunchy granola mama (and Erik is a crunchy dada too). Why?
Here's proof:
I "wear" my baby (or I did until recently when it was too hot) meaning: I love slings. I love them. I have two. One of them is even a paisely print. So hippie. Can't wait to start using it again, and I think Connor misses hanging with me in the sling.
I breastfed Connor, until just recently. I would have gone until he was 2, but he was done, I cried, a lot. I am a HUGE breastfeeding advocate. I am always so happy when people do it and/or at least try.
We recycle. EVERYTHING we possibly can. Erik amazes me as to what he pulls out that can be recycled (like the lids to coffee cups from my favorite coffee shop!)
I think Birkenstocks are the best shoes ever invented. BUT, I won't wear them with socks. I have to draw the line there.
And the thing that makes us really crunchy?
WE CLOTH DIAPER CONNOR.
Yes, we like it too.
Before Connor was born Erik asked me if we could do it. I said "OH NO!"
After Connor was born, I couldn't stand the amount of trash we were using and I said "OH YES!"
We are saving so much money. After our (hopefully) 2nd child is done being diapered, we will have saved over $3,000 in diapers.
But money isn't our main reason. It's the environment people. Do you realize how LONG it takes disposable diapers to biodegrade? Do you have any idea how many disgusting chemicals are in them? Do you know how those chemicals cause diaper rashes? Do you ever think about the amount of waste we are just plopping into our landfills?
And, did you know this: It's against the law to throw away human waste, yet we still do it. (Hence the reason I dump Connor's #2 diapers, cloth and sposie, into the toilet where is more properly disposed of.) Seriously, think of the poor garbage men, dealing with that waste!
I could continue on about the environment, but I think you get the drift.
The other reason we cloth diaper? Research shows (and Connor is starting to show) that cloth diapered kiddos potty train sooner. Yeah, that's nice. Why? They can actually FEEL wet. Unlike in sposies, they feel nothing.

So Erin, yay for trying cloth diapering. I wish more people were willing. I am so glad we do it. It's a good thing in more ways then one.

2005-08-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

Connor and Hobbes (Do you get it?)

2005-08-09T20:23:00.000-04:00

Connor loves Hobbes' tail (and his lip lately!)

2005-08-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

Happy 6th birthday sweet Kelcey! We had so much fun at your party today, it brings tears to my eyes that you are growing so fast. We love you very much!

2005-08-07T20:09:00.000-04:00

Look Mommy "aa-pan!" (airplane) [This is what is his saying in this picture]

2005-08-07T20:07:00.001-04:00

Connor drank out of a juice box for the first time today, all by himself!

2005-08-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

Blowing "bubbles!" with a dirty face is so much fun!

2005-08-07T20:06:00.000-04:00

These two girls are hands down the sweetest sisters I have ever known. I love you two soooo much!

2005-08-07T20:05:00.001-04:00

Can you guess who had stuffed shells for dinner?

2005-08-07T20:05:00.000-04:00

Stuffed shells are so good! Connor had 3 tonight!

2005-08-07T08:51:00.000-04:00

This Connor's friend Grant, isn't he cute? I miss when Connor had chubby thighs like that. Hi Grant! We love you!

2005-08-07T08:50:00.000-04:00

Connor was busy tonight, first he had to fix his mower...

2005-08-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

Gotta get that mower started!

2005-08-07T08:46:00.001-04:00

Then he and Daddy had to mow....

2005-08-07T08:46:00.000-04:00

Then he needed to sweep up the grass....WHEW, It's hard work taking care of our yard!

Spring Cleaning, a few months late!

2005-08-06T08:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Erik and I attacked the closets in our house. I went through all of Connor's clothes, organized him for the fall (I am so ready to not be HOT) Then, I got rid of 3 bags of my clothes and Erik made himself a closet in the attic. We were so proud of ourselves. The closets got "hairy" since we moved in and now they are looking more organized. While we were doing this Connor was a super helper. He went into the workshop to help Erik hammer, saw and play with some sawdust. He helped me put the big pile of clothes into the bags. Then he took a break with Elmo.
I celebrated my success by going to Old Navy last night with Leigh. =) My favorite find was this and this. She got some neat things too. We were so happy to be out shopping while the boys were home.
Today we head to Xander's first birthday party, it should be special since he was a preemie (7 weeks early) and is doing AWESOME! Connor was practicing singing "Happy Birthday" this morning.

2005-08-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

Here is why I cloth diaper Connor: This picture is proof that Connor hates a wet diaper...he sat down and said "pee-pee."

2005-08-03T21:36:00.000-04:00

This thing is wet people, let's take it off!

2005-08-03T21:35:00.000-04:00

A mommy kiss snagged on camera!

2005-08-03T21:34:00.000-04:00

Connor and Vader just playing around...

Just Random Connor Happenings

2005-08-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

We've been so busy, Connor has done so many neat things the past few days I needed to sit down and finally write about them!

We've discovered that he likes things in order. The other day he was playing in his sandbox and when he was done he climbed out, said "all done" and went over to the lid for me to put it back on. I did so and then Connor proceeded to take one of the bricks we use to secure the lid and put it in the exact spot it belongs! Later that same day while he was sweeping the front porch for us (one of his favorite things to do) he noticed that our big broom (he uses a Connor sized broom) was laying on the porch, so he picked it up and placed it back against the house, where it belongs. He likes things to be where they should be....soooo the child of 2 teachers!

The other night I walked in the door from being out and after greeting me with a hello hug and kiss Connor said "Amy." I looked at Erik with a questioning look and Erik said "Oh yeah, Amy called." Connor remembered that Erik told him to remind me that Amy called. Can you say "OH MY GOODNESS!!!"

Climbing is his new favorite activity. He climbs on everything. Yesterday Erik found him in the kitchen climbing up on the heating vent to look out the kitchen window. I caught him climbing up the rungs of the kitchen chairs. Ahhhh....I keep reminding myself that this is good for his gross motor skills.

Three times in the past week he has told us that his diaper was wet (by trying to take it off or saying "pee-pee") or poopy (by saying "I did poo"). I tried putting him on the potty one time when he made the poopy face...he just turned around and tried to climb it, of course.

His independent play skills are improving so much, it's so neat to just sit and watch him play alone. Tonight he pulled his wagon into the kitchen, attempted to build a wall with the legos in the wagon on the bottom step, put all of the legos back in and then put the wagon away. Umm, WOW.

Have I ever mentioned how awesome I think he is? How much I love him? What a cool one year old I think he is?

'Cause DUDE, this kid ROCKS!

Happy Birthday Miss Olivia!

2005-07-29T19:25:00.000-04:00

Connor's younger cousin Olivia turns 1 today. Can you hear me crying? She's ONE people, ONE! Seriously, why do these kids INSIST on growing up? It's been a hard day on the 3 of us, as we can't be in Alabama right now visiting and partying for our sweet little niece's first birthday. We are leaving in 13 days though to go there, so we will be ok then....We can. not. wait. to. go!

Erik and I got total parental smacks in the faces today...we were laughing after but not during the following episode:

We decided to head to Kohl's to buy new clothes for Erik for the fall since they were having a big sale. Strike one: We forgot to bring the stroller (shoulda seen it coming from there....) However, Connor was an angel and stayed with us as we shopped, he had a ball feeling all of the clothes. As Erik finished up I brought Connor with me to check out shoes for Connor for the fall. As we were looking at (what else?) ELMO shoes I noticed a smell...not a good one. Not at all. Erik came over and I asked if he had the diaper bag. Nope. In the car. Strike two: I said "He can live in a poopy diaper for a few minutes" About 5 second later I looked down and saw poop running down Connor's leg and on his foot. Ugh! I bolted out the door of the store and got the diaper bag from the car. We wiped up what we needed to and carried the poor child into the bathroom. After wiping poop up from pretty much all over the poor child except his head, I brought a cleaned up Connor to Erik for some new clothes (which should have been in the diaper bag). Strike three: After Erik and Connor went to Dorney park last week I never put new "extra" clothes in the diaper bag. So we had NO clothes for him. Good thing we were in Kohl's, we had to buy him some. Through all of this Connor was a champ! He always makes me so proud!
The thing is A) We always bring the diaper bag into places with us. We can't figure out why we didn't. B) I am a nut about making sure the diaper bag is "stocked up" for emergencies. The one time I didn't check....UGH!

Lesson learned.

A perfect Summer day...

2005-07-28T13:38:00.000-04:00

Today has been a perfect Summer day! Alaine and her kiddos arrived at 10 ready for some fun. Audrey, Sophie and Grandma came over soon after. The girls had a ball having their own "girls club" on our back porch while Colin and Connor hung out together outside with bubbles. The weather is AWESOME! It's 80 degrees and breezy, a huge relief after the unbearable heat we have been suffering from here.
After some cheetos and pizza the kids went on the slide and then the girls played "Queen and Princesses" Great fun was had by all...even Connor who asked to go night night by 12, he was BEAT!
Since Erik and I cleaned the house last night, we are feeling relaxed and happy today. Our plans for the rest of the afternoon...none. Maybe some more sliding on the slide with Aiden....maybe a walk....who knows, who cares.....Summertime rocks!

2005-07-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

As Connor quietly observed, Colin took on the slide head first!

2005-07-28T13:36:00.000-04:00

Reilly Anne slip sliding down our hill!

2005-07-27T19:54:00.000-04:00

Our hummingbird!

Bad Blogging Mommy!

2005-07-27T19:45:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in 3 days! So busy we are here in our house! I have been working some extra hours for some extra money so Daddy has been in charge....it's been going well! I just feel like I haven't spent any time with Connor. I guess I know how Erik feels in the winter.
Connor is getting over his yucky bug. Alaine and her kiddos are coming over tomorrow for some good summertime fun, we are SO excited to have them come.
In exciting BIRD news, the above picture is one of the 3 hummingbirds that has been frequenting our front porch! We LOVE birds and this is such a treat. Tonight they came so close as we were sitting on the swing we heard them HUM! One of the coolest bird moments in my life.
Grammy and Grandpop left today to head to Alabama...they are visiting John, Lynn and the soon to be one year old Olivia! How is SHE turning one? So unfair how fast they grow up!

16 Months

2005-07-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

Connor is 16 months old today! Can YOU believe it, 'cause I can't.
Sadly, he has been running a fever for the past two days and has not so nice diapers going on. Poor soul, you can see it in his eyes how yucky he feels.
We are dog-sitting this weekend, Vader has joined our family until Tuesday. Connor has enjoyed having him here and Vader is getting used to Connor's quiet ways (he is used to Aiden going after him all the time).

2005-07-23T17:19:00.000-04:00

Grandma got Connor a new table, he and Elmo had snack there today....Thanks Grandma!

2005-07-23T17:17:00.000-04:00

Just reading the Sunday paper.....

I did it.

2005-07-23T15:05:00.000-04:00

I went away for a night. Without Connor.
He stayed here with Daddy while I went to NJ for my best friend's 30th birthday. I had a hard time sleeping last night (I never sleep well outside of home) so I woke up at 6 and came home, I missed the two of them so much. But, I did it. And, I. HAD. FUN!

Joanne is one of those people who is so nice, everyone who meets her, loves her. It was obvious last night when we went out and over 36 of her friends were there. It was overwhelming to see that so many people love my best friend so much. I feel honored to be best friends with such an amazing person.
So, Joanne, Happy Birthday, I love you.

Those 3 little words....

2005-07-20T19:29:00.000-04:00

Tonight while I was getting Connor ready for bed we were being silly and snuggling on the floor in his room. I kissed him as we were playing and I said the phrase I say to him a million times a day. Then I asked him to say it not expecting to hear anything back, but tonight I heard:

"Iyayou"

He said "I love you."

My life could not be any better.

“I’m going to win a blog design from Digitally Essential!”

2005-07-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

I love my Connor
On this site, I write for him
HELP! His blog is blah.

Please oh please gals at Digitally Essential make my blog so nice!

Baltimore recap

2005-07-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

We returned home from Baltimore last night, it was a great trip! Connor was wonderful on the whole trip and pretty much just went with the flow! We went to the aquarium, which he wasn't too thrilled about (we think it was too dark and crowded for him in there), the science center (which he loved!) and the railroad museum (which he also loved!). Our hotel was beautiful and right on the inner harbor. It was very hot and sticky, but we dealt with it just fine. Baltimore's inner harbor is a great weekend trip, highly recommend it to anyone! Connor loved having his Grammy and Grandpop right next door and had a blast going from our room into their room (and getting Grammy and Grandpop's undivided attention!)
It's nice to be home again, I missed our house. We have one more vacation planned this summer, which is our big one. We leave in August to go down to Alabama to spend a week with Uncle John, Aunt Lynn and Olivia (REALLY excited to see them!)