A Day in the Life...

I bet you are all wondering what Connor's life is like nowadays. So here is a day in the life of our Main Man Connor!
------------------------------------------

Life is very busy when you are almost a 4 month old little boy!

Let me show you what Monday was like...

I wake up around 7:00 am and am ready to begin the day. I don't like to wake up alone so I cry to let Mommy and Daddy know that it is time to pick me up. But Mommy and Daddy like to snooze for a bit longer. So I like to make funny noises while I snuggle with Daddy until he wakes up, because then we get to play. I'm always very happy and observant in the mornings. It is my favorite time of day.

 

Once Mommy wakes up she has to get ready for work. She feeds me right before she leaves and then she kisses me and Daddy goodbye. I miss her lots when she is gone but I like playing with Daddy.

First it is bath time. I love baths with Daddy, Mommy tries to help sometimes but Daddy is better at not getting it in my ears or my eyes. The water is so warm, sometimes I fall asleep because it is so nice. Mommy and Daddy think it is so funny when this happens. After my bath I get lotion put all over me, I don't like this, but Mommy says it makes me smell soooo good. Then I get lots of kisses because I smell soooo good, Daddy can't resist.

After my bath I'm pretty tired, so I take a little nap while Daddy does homework. Sometimes I sleep in my pack-n-play, but today I slept in my swing. Daddy was in a hurry so he waited to get me dressed after my nap.

I woke up a little cranky today, so Daddy pumped my legs and sat me in my Bumbo, it was fun to watch Daddy working hard on the computer. Then Daddy feed me and we played until Mommy got home.

Daddy and I play in the mirror. I see my Daddy and some strange little boy. Daddy says it's me, but I don't believe him. I just stare and stare hoping to figure out who it is. But nothing comes to me so I get bored and I let Daddy know that is time for something new by giving him some of my favorite squawk-like cries.

Mommy's home. I missed her. She gives me lots of kisses.

Then Mommy and me have fun playing together while I have tummy time. It isn't my favorite to be on my belly, but I put up with it for a little while and I am getting more and more used to it everyday. Mommy tries to give me toys to play with too, but I am not really interested in them yet. But I like the noises. Mommy is trying to teach me how to roll over but I don't really care about that. My favorite thing to do right now is to be on my back and grab my toes. (I am also getting very close to sitting up, all I need right now is a tiny bit of help. And sometimes you can catch me doing it all on my own)

Right away I am hungry again, mostly I just like to snuggle with Mommy since she has been gone. So I don't usually eat for long. Today I feel asleep, being in Mommy's arms is SO nice.
When I wake up I really need to be changed, my diaper leaked and so I am soaked. This makes me very sad, because this never happens. Mommy changes my diaper first, I used to hate diaper changes. Now I am pretty good, I just like to look around and make faces. But did you know I am now in Size 2 diapers, I am getting so big. I like Pampers diapers the best because they are nice and soft and fit me just right, so I don't leak... much. Once that is done Mommy takes my wet outfit off. I hate being naked, because it is so cold. So I scream until Mommy finds me a new outfit (I used to go through a lot of outfits every day, but I am doing better now. I still go through a lot of diapers, but I won't tell you about every one of them today). Did you know I am getting bigger and now I am wearing my 3-6 mon clothes (and sometimes 6-9 mons).

While Mommy and Daddy eat lunch I wake up and make funny faces and I usually get Daddy to play with me a little. But I don't want to make him late. Daddy gives me lots of kisses before he leaves for school, he misses me a lot.

Now it's just Mommy and me, we like to sit down and cuddle while we watch TV together. Sometimes I fall asleep, but I try really hard to keep my eyes open. Afterwards Mommy gets some housework done while I get to play in my swing. I love my swing. It plays all sorts of songs that drive Mommy bonkers.

Today I get a little fussy while I was in the swing. I had a belly ache. When my tummy hurts, I get squirmy and I grunt really loud. But I don't like to cry. Luckily Mommy knows how to rub my belly just right. After I was feeling better Mommy feeds me and I go right to sleep. I take a long nap, right beside Mommy in bed.

Wonder why my outfit is different... I pooped through my
last one and it got everywhere so I had to change.

Then it was time for a car ride. I hate the car seat, and I even hate the car, it used to put me right to sleep every time but not anymore. I just scream and scream. Mommy and me finally got to the store and we went on a little shopping trip. Afterwards we got home and Mommy had the wrong keys... OOPS Mommy. So we had to go to the Apartment office and yay they were open and could give us a spare really quick. I fell asleep while Mommy walked all around. I think I am getting a little heavy for her because she got really tired and put me down every chance she got.

Then we picked Daddy up from work and gave him lots of kisses. Then it was time to wake up and play again one last time before going to bed! Daddy and I cuddled on the couch together before bedtime. Daddy had to do some homework before bed so I rested on his shoulder. Then I fell fast asleep, and only woke up a little when Daddy put me to bed.

 

Thanks for spending today with me, its sure fun being almost 4 months old!

Connor's 3rd Month

It is September and Connor is a ripening 3 month old! He is getting smarter and more handsome by the day. Everyday we are just thrilled to sit and watch and play with our darling little boy! He is so amazing and we are constantly saying how anxious we are to have more! We fall in love with this little boy more and more.

Connor Update:

Approximate Weight: 14.5 lbs
Approximate Height: 24.5 in
(No doctor’s appointment this month so the measurements might be off a little)

His eyes have decided to settle to a dark blue-gray very similar to Daddy. They are beautiful. He just started wearing Size 2 diapers and he is barely fitting in 0-3 month clothing anymore (some better than others), time to move up to 3-6 months. He spits up rarely. He HATES driving now, ever since our 4 hr trip to Boise. He doesn’t use the pacifier at all anymore. He doesn’t mind having his diaper changed anymore, he just stares up at the light. He is still loving bath time. And the swing is still one of his favorites! It is our solution to everything. His nails grow so fast we are constantly having to clip them and he still ends up leaving himself nasty scratches. He has started pinching, not a fan. It is the worst when his finger nails are long because it is a bad pinch and scratch all in one. He has now discovered the wonderful dancing and kicking his feet can do. He is also so alert! He takes the bottle really well, now that I am pumping regularly for him that is a good thing. His hair is still curly when it gets wet. So cute!

Relaxing in the Bath

Fascinating Feetsies

It is amazing how the swing can turn my screaming monster,
into this peaceful perfect child. Love it!

 Connor is changing so much, he is growing so fast and learning so much!

Milestones at 3 Months:

• He moves his arms and legs in excitement he sees Mommy and Daddy
• When he hears our voice these days, he sometimes looks directly at us and starts gurgling or trying to talk back.
• He can put some weight on his legs when you hold him upright.
• He makes all sorts of sounds like “ahhh”, “gooo”, “cooo”, and all sorts of gurgling noises
• He squeals and coos in delight when he's happy.
• He will smile spontaneously.
• Recognizes Mommy and Daddy’s face
• He turns toward the sound of a familiar voice.
• He can bring his hands together.
• With a mighty effort, he can raise his chest, supported by his arms, when he lies on his stomach.
• Holds up his head at 90 degree angle while on stomach
• Holds head steady when upright
• Opens and shut hands
• Kicks legs
• He does small mini push-ups
• He can bear weight on both legs
• He will bat at toys sometimes
• Reaches for toys and objects when he is in a good mood
• His hands are his favorite toy right now; you may notice him staring—and grinning—at them often.
• When lying down he will pull his head just a little, as if he wants to sit up
• He will sit up alone for just a second and then fall forward
• He can scoot forward on his stomach, a little ways

Mini Push-ups

Yummy fingers, can't get enough

Connor Likes:

• Loves being at home, after our trip from Boise he was such an angel just calm and happy at home.
• The mornings are his happiest part of the day
• The stroller, he can look all around and sit up in it pretty well now
• The frog toy that dangles from his car seat he will stare at it intently and bat at it every now and then
• Playing with Daddy, Daddy makes funny noises and faces
• Talking with Mommy, we have long untranslatable conversations
• The motion of a spinning fan
• Being held as a he is sleeping
• The white bears that hang from the swing, they put him in a trance
• Staring at Lights, and anything interesting
• The noise when Mommy and Daddy roll their tongues
• Sucking on his hands
•  If Connor could have it his way he would have people pat his bum all day long.
• Being outside, or somewhere new – lots to look at
• LOVES being rocked!

Connor Dislikes:

• Car rides, car seats, being buckled in anytime anywhere
• Being too hot and getting sweaty
• Getting water in the bottle instead of milk
• Being interrupted when he is feeding, he well belt out screaming
• Being on his stomach for too long
• Not being able to move
• Being hugged too tight
• When someone blows in his face

Mommy and Daddy’s Favorites:

• Our baby’s breath
• Watching him sleep
• His smiles and squeals when he is excited
• He holds his hands together when he is nursing and sleeping sometimes
• Loud noises scare him but he is so easy going that he can be crying one second and you pick him up and he is a happy little clown
• He follows Mommy and Daddy with his eyes when we are in the room
• He still is smiling in his sleep, I wonder what he dreams…
• Connor's sleepy face
• He is sleeping pretty good at night, waking up once or twice for a quick feeding
• We love that he has taken interest in his feet now he will stare at them and grab them, and whenever he is on his back now his feet find their way in the air. I love to see him growing and discovering new things everyday.
• 
  This is sad, but when he gets scared he will flail his arms out to his sides and his eyes will get huge! It is so adorable!
  
  

  

  Goofy face

  

  Talking and cooing to Mommy
  
  

  

  Angry face



Big eyes... the flash from the camera can be a little startling



Happy boy during tummy time



Sitting up...for a few seconds

 



Sleepy face

Boise And Back Again

This past weekend we made a trip to Boise. It was our last chance to get away before school started for Shea. So we took advantage of the long weekend, thanks to Labor Day, and packed our bags.

These are the things we should have thought about.
First,  Boise is a 4 hour drive.
Second, Connor does  not enjoy his car seat.
Third, Mommy had to sit beside Connor the whole way (because Shea's Dad was driving with us, and he sat up front).
Fourth,  Connor likes to comfort feed when he is unhappy.
Fifth, I can't nurse Connor while we are driving.
Sixth, Screaming babies make driving very, very uncomfortable.
Okay so enough said. So now you know why it took us 8 hours to get to Boise instead of the 4 it was supposed to take. (Driving back was a lot better.)

We spent most of the trip hanging out with Shea's family. It was so nice to get to know them better. And everyone loved being introduced to little Connor.  He was a big hit. And now he is going through withdraws from not being held every second of the day morning or night. He is a HUGE snuggler and when he is in your arms he just melts into you. What an adorable boy!

Sleeping at Church

Enjoying being held, playing with new people is so fun!

Four Generations
(Front: Connor and Great Grandpa Stanger,
Back: Daddy and Grandpa Stanger)

While in Boise we went to the famous Tucanos which was amazing! It is a Brazilian Restaurant that we have heard lots of good things about. We were so excited that we finally got the chance to go, SO good! We went to the arcade and had fun doing a little gaming and Connor got to have his first ride, which he didn't know what to really think about.

Big Boy sitting up in his stroller

Tired Connor and Tonka Truck

Daddy kissing sleepy Connor

Out like a light

Spiderman ride!

He didn't know what to think when Daddy
put the token in and it started moving

(Connor yawning)
I guess Connor wasn't too impressed

Daddy wanted Connor to sit in Spidermans lap,
Connor wasn't a fan :)

On the way home we listened to the Boise vs. Virginia Tech game, while we were driving. It was a good game. Connor takes after Daddy and is a huge Boise fan, notice Connor's Boise spirit in the pictures above!

Now we are back to work and Shea has started school. We are busy busy. And in need of another break soon, time for another vaca!

Justice Served

So I had to share this funny story I heard.


Just the other day my Dad was grocery shopping and he had finished up and was putting everything away in the car. He saw the lady next to him was backing up and was pretty close to him. Not thinking anything of it he quickly packed up the car, but when he turned around to get the last of the stuff out of his cart the cart was gone. The cart was rolling away and he chased after it really quick to bring it back, when he got back the lady got out of her car and started screaming at my Dad. She was accusing him of smashing his cart into her car, leaving a large scratch which she was trying to get him to pay for damages. So as they argue a man comes up from behind and says “Hey I saw the whole thing. And you Miss hit his cart with your car; it isn’t his fault it’s yours.” Well at this the lady started arguing with the man saying “Leave us alone this is none of your business, and it’s not your problem so just go.” At this point my Dad is thinking this lady is crazy, I mean there are even witnesses to comment on what really happen. Why draw it out any further?

Anyway so she continues arguing and then all of sudden the man stops her and says “Actually this is my business I am a Frederick County Police Officer, and I can arrest you right now for disorderly conduct.”
(Haha. What are the odds?)

So then she gets real quiet and gets in her car without another word, and drives off.

That’s right, JUSTICE SERVED!