Running

Having a toddler means lots of running, running to get out the door for the office, running from one place to another, running in moments of fun, running at the playground and eventually we crash.  And when we do, it is oh so sweet.  Conor has been on the constant move since he started walking before his first birthday but once he lets me rock him to sleep it is the sweetest moment that I do not want to let go.  To think he will one day learn to say no.  But for now I enjoy all the kisses, sign language, and tight hugs.   

Water and sun fun brings this guy to nap time.

 This little guy enjoyed his second wedding of the summer.  It was one hot day.

I do not know why he thinks he is so funny but there was a smile hiding under those towel.

We enjoyed some time downtown and Conor got to have his first hard ice cream.  

Conor also enjoys cuddling his teddies these days, often piling them on top of himself or us.

Crazy hair day.

Conor enjoyed his second zoo trip but this time he was walking all over the place.

But his favorite place had to be the splash pad and the carousel.  I think he remembered his first ride in San Francisco at Pier 49.

We opened college football season in our Irish gear, teaching him our team to root for. 

This is one of my favorites, Conor does not have a preference on stuffed animals but this puppy just happens to be one from my childhood.  Not as soft as others but he gets a lot of cuddles.

Summer fun

This summer has been quite a blast, lots happened and even more precious are all the memories we made as a family of three.  We traveled, saw some new places, and we did  it all together.
As it winds down I look and see this big boy, walking and babbling.  Smiling at everyone that talks and  works him down.  Thankful that he still wants me to rock him to sleep and is ready to play at any time, that giggle and cackle makes the day so much sweeter.

Helping water plants ended up watering the lawn.

Ferry to Alcatraz, a sweet moment.

 A nice nap during the race.

 First soft serve on a hot day.

 Preparing for lift off.

Plane seats are made for napping.

 Before a 6 mile run in the early morning.

Water can be the best for this little guy.  Entertainment that leads to naps.

Nectarines for the win.

Dress up fun.

Some adult time before another school year starts.

Rides on the cans have been a new thing.

This bean bag is one of Conor's favorite spots. Grandma made it for dad and its still getting some great use on a daily basis.

Family reunion meant some Tegan hugs, not too many as she was busy playing with all the kids.

There are so many other things that happened and we documented it as best as we could.  Conor may not remember it all and we may have to do the trips a few more times I am thankful that we enjoyed ourselves and seeing him move and lead us on new adventures.

Uno

This guy turned one year old over a week ago.  And let me tell you, he loved it, but he was not as excited about the cake as I had been.  Conor was moving and grooving and he showed us all his stuff as he walked around following everyone and keeping up with his friends.

Just over a year ago I had this guy…

The only thing that has not changed is how busy we have become since we got to bring Conor home.   Our adventures are much more memorable with our little guy who brings laughter and more joy to each day.  Running around is just a diaper bag away with car seats and take along toys.  Working on keeping shoes on and keeping Conor in sight as his need to explore becomes a priority.  

6 days from turning One, Conor had his first race with rain.  We had to Macgyver a rain suit for him as there were none in his size, sometimes we have to improvise but Conor is always up for something new.

Surviving

And by that I mean, with little sleep and much less free time during this busy tax season we are very much thriving and not just surviving.  I did not know how this tax season would go knowing that I have had to feed and be gone more than at home while Conor is awake but thankfully we have all come together in the home to make each day the best it can be.  And of course having a supportive workplace makes it that much easier to be away when I begin to realize that I miss being home with Conor and enjoying the day.  I am glad we are not just surviving this busy time of the year, Darren, is as he has been the past couple years, getting us ready for dinner and fed before the hangry side shows up.

This is what Conor has been up to recently.

Loves his baths.

Darren snapped this one while I was at the office.

8 months on Left, 9 on Right.

 Because sometimes we have to shop and underestimate how much we have to purchase.

Going to be as cool as daddy.

He loves swinging, finally nice bough to take him out for some fun in the backyard.

Cannot keep his socks on.

Before he got mad at me for taking pictures.

He needed me to hold his bottle so he could shop.

Crawling under the table while the rest of us finished up dinner.