As if..

We were not busy enough with Conor our big test is about to happen.  We are entering a busy season in life between tax season and everything else we have already been juggling.  While also preparing for all the things that are planned right after a short breather of 2 weeks when we enter into May and all the things planned that month that lead right into June when our little man turns 1.  Yes the party planning has begun, because it can.

Conor has been up to a late in the last month.  He is crawling on his terms and for the things he wants, whether they are his or not, he will get to them.  But he enjoys standing a lot more, he will side shuffle himself to get items that he sees and of course our phones and the remotes are usually what he has his eyes on.

We moved Conor into a big boy car seat, no more pumpkin seat in mom's car.  He is getting long and of course has put on the weight that comes with being a growing boy.  He is finding that he likes musical toys as his collection has grown from Christmas gifts.  He has 8 teeth and it seems like there might be more coming as he has been drooling a lot lately.  Those teeth have certainly helped him in chomping down on his favorite snacks of veggie straws, crunchers and organic animal crackers.  If Conor sees our dinner in sight he will not stop until he has a strong hold on the plate.  We have decided to do some baby led weaning, definitely see him interested in everything we eat so as long as they fall in certain categories I do not hesitate to let him try but it has been mostly veggies with some fruits and tastes of other things.

Trying on his sunglasses from his friend Anna.  Loves the camera and seeing his photos.

A few days before Christmas wearing his gift from Tia Luz, Uncle Tim & Tegan, Grandma D snapped this photo.

Christmas Day, a big day for Conor with more family time.

 Checking blood pressure, we both enjoyed the giggles.

We always say Conor has my features and Darren's bone structure, this proves to me just how much he looks like his dad.

Because he can stand on the bed and hold onto the head board.

Waiting for doc, but tore up the exam table paper first.

Crib was dropped as he was getting too happy in pulling himself up to stand.

As of recent Conor likes to chew on apples, all those teeth help in getting the juices.

 Our new shopping position, no more pumpkin seat he can now see everything and everyone.

Half a year

Almost a couple weeks ago Conor turned 6 months.  It is a joy everyday to see this little man grow and how much we have all adjusted to the changes as he has become so much bigger, smarter, curious since the day we met him.  This little man is the greatest delight in our life, he makes things better even when I thought he had made it harder seeing his smile and hearing him giggle makes the hardest moment easy to pass to the present joy.

Just wanting to share some of the amazing photos from his 6 month photo shoot with my dear friend Amy.  Perfect time with the decorations up and his need for a nap came too soon as we tried to wrap it up.

Merry Christmas!

Five, what?!

Conor turned 5 months, Five months, FIVE months.  When did this all happen?! Despite my tired eyes and sometimes aching body, the pure exhaustion, where did I go?, who am I? and so many other thoughts and feelings we have now been parents on what will soon be 6 months.
I can count more laughter than tears, because even when I want and have fallen apart I find the gratefulness for this journey and this little man who has stolen me away from the future to focus on the present.  I work really hard to stay in the moment and all too often realize that he will not always be so small and hold in my arms a few more minutes before laying him down.  Also wanting to plan for his future as the constant list maker and planner that I am.  I can constantly wonder what he will become and how I can shape his character, beliefs, morals and so much more but tomorrow is not promised and I want to live for the right now and know that this is my story so far, just be thankful.

These are the moments that make it all worth it…

So strong as he holds himself up in his jumper.

Conor tends to attack me when its time for a feeding. Rather have this than crying any day.

Getting comfortable.

He likes to stand nice and tall, being held between my legs for support.

His first time on a swing.

Had to share this, can't see his whole face but he was slightly giggly as he was being pushed.

A beautiful fall day, and leaves to crunch under us.

Daddy put his onesie on, needless to say this was his second time wearing the sailor outfit and first time that it was put on backwards.

Such a giggly little man, showing off his bib from grandma and grandpa D.

Trying to take more photos of him smiling.

Again with the "kisses," this time I got bit before we started to eat.

Check up at the doctors office, he loves to look and play with mirrors.

First taste of rice cereal, Conor wanted to take the spoon and he did a few times. Learning how to get it all in his tummy and not all over himself.

Sometimes Conor gets put into a basket as to let me get some things done.

 Conor and I spent some relaxation and I had an amazing turkey burger in the hotel while Daddy finished his run in Vegas.

Testing out the high chair at breakfast.

Licking off every last bit of cereal from the spoon.

Pawn Stars, to see in real life what we catch on Tv.

Having fun.

Conor's first flights to Vegas and back went amazing, he is the best wee traveler.

 Back home again, a great getaway.

Growing

Conor turned 4 months old this week, wow.  He has been growing and continues to bring joy and laughter into our home.  He is so nice that for about a month or so now we have been getting 10 or more hours of sleep at night and that is amazing.  Now if we could only figure out a way to be ready for bed just as he goes down, but instead some of the house cleaning gets taken care of, us time and some unwinding occurs before we get beneath the warmth of our blankets.

Last month Conor got to spend some time with his big cousin Tegan, Ama and Apa.  Tia Edina got settled in and we are getting into our groove.

Tegan had fun with Conor but as most 4 year olds the questions kept coming.  "What does Conor eat? why does he not talk? Why does he not walk?"  Because apparently Tegan does not recall that she was not born doing all these things herself.

This is my favorite, as they talk to each other.  Conor is quite the babbler and of course Tegan cannot stop talking.

Tegan also let us in on a secret, "I wish he was a girl."  I asked Tegan why she wanted Conor to be a girl and she simply replied, "So we could be best friends."  Of course I explained that as her cousin Conor could still be her best friend and only male best friend until she got married.

Conor can be quite the character, he likes to lean back and just babble.  He now has 2 teeth making their way up the gum line and he is getting better at not biting me.

Seriously?! Too much.

This was one of Conor's first gifts, Grandma and Grandpa D gifted it to him at Christmas.  He is really enjoying the noises and grabbing onto his various toys.

Yes, we are getting closer to holding our bottles completely.  The less milk in it the easier, all those nutrients weigh a little bit.

Trying to get him to burp one night and I realized how peaceful he was, Conor sure has captured my heart.

We were ready for game day this past weekend.  Conor sure is going to be a football fan, he enjoys the sounds while it is on.  Not sure what sports he will take to most but I am guessing baseball and running might be in his future, football scares me now with concussions but hopefully technology amps it up.

Right now we are looking forward to Halloween as we will get Conor all dressed up and even have a costume change.  Pumpkin carving with his cousins and most of all seeing what other new developments Conor makes as he continues to work on rolling over and exercising his legs.