Happy First Birthday, Son!

Dearest Connor,

Happy First Birthday, Son! It's hard to believe that just one year ago today, you came into our lives just as smoothly and calmly as your good natured personality is today. You did just what you were supposed to and made labor very easy for Mommy! We are so very proud of you, sweetheart, and couldn't have asked for a better little boy. We promise to always love you, take care of you and support you for as long as we both shall live. You are our life now & we are so very blessed to have you! We love you, Connor!

Love,

Mom & Dad

PS - You had an excellent first birthday! We only sang to you about a dozen times (which you thoroughly enjoyed!), daycare sang to you & served you cupcakes that Mommy made for you. We picked you up a little early and took you to Monkey Joe's - which you loved and then out to a nice dinner where you had Penne Alfredo and applesauce! Such the big boy!

Connor's First Birthday Party

Connor with his Great Grandparents (Kevin's Grandparents)

Mommy helped me open ALL my gifts. Next year it is Daddy's turn!

As you can tell, I was more interested in playing than the actual opening gifts part.

The bib Aunt Becca gave me says it all.

This is one of my all time fave pics. Cousin Jordan isn't usually so calm and sweet as he is in this pic, shows a different side of him . . . to me anyway.

All right. Down to my birthday suit (sort of). Where's the cake??

As you can see, I did NOT like getting messy.

Connor with one of his favorite Christmas toys. Mom & Dad got him this one.

Practicing my baseball skills early.

Mom & Connor hanging out in the playroom.

Hmmmmm. Now how does THIS work?

Connor cruising the log at the mall, on a playdate.

See, Mom, I can do it!

Another favorite picture. He looks a little wistful here.

Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier!

Connor's playmate, Chase.

This is how Mr. Connor likes to fall asleep. My precious angel.

Connor does NOT like his new winter coat, as you can see!

Got me some new kicks! Stride Rites - they'll help me to walk!

Connor on Christmas Morning.

The tree (the pink pigs are for the dogs).

He did not like the messy cupcake on his hand.

Connor at his school Christmas party. Munchin on a cheese puff!

Are Mom & Dad watching me?

Yesterday was Connor's First Brthday Party! He had a good time, but was very tired! He only napped about an hour in the early afternoon yesterday and he finally went to bed about 8:45 last night. Slept good, though. Have to admit - we did too!

He must take after his mother though. He did not enjoy making a mess with his cake. He played in it for a few minutes and then was crying to get away from it. :) He was like that at his Thanksgiving party at school also - he put his fingers in his cupcake and then was waving his hand all around trying to get if off of there!

He wasn't too into opening his gifts, as suspected. He is visually stimulated by them once they are open though. He loves all of his new toys and most definitely his new clothes (of which we are very appreciative). Got several new books, which is always good, and some money to go towards the TV we'll be buying for his playroom (that's our present to him) and some to go to his college education fund. He got a new BIG Tonka truck, which seems to be his favorite (good job, Uncle Tim!), a monkey puppet (soooo cute) that goes with his 5 Little Monkeys book, a sippy cup with his name on it (LOVE IT), a birthday boy angel, a guitar, a push mower, a construction equipment puzzle (my favorite - reminds me of cousin Jeff) and more. Thanks to everyone who came and thank you for all of the gifts.

In other news, we find out tomorrow whether Connor has 2 weeks or 4 weeks left in his helmet. She added a patch at the last appointment to be even more aggressive in getting his head to finish rounding out. Wwe are hopeful it is only 2 more weeks. I have to admit that I will miss it when it is gone, but Kevin will not. It gives me great relief to know that he is protected with it on. Yesterday, he went without it at his party and ended up with two bumps on his forehead, a scratch on top of the head and a scratch on one eyelid! POOR THING! I felt so bad. He kind of looked like cousin Caleb by nights end with all the bumps and scrapes.

Connor also has 6 teeth coming in. He's been really good about it, but sometimes he does get a little fussy about them. He is drooling like crazy! They include his front two teeth and his left canine, so they aren't easy ones. The left front tooth has broken through and is coming in nicely, the right front is still breaking through the gums. He is also going through some separation anxiety lately. He had tears streaming down his face when Dad dropped him off at school a couple times this week. Better him than me. I'd have to take him back home and call in to work!

He's also very close to walking. He got his first pair of hard soled shoes a couple of weeks ago, but has really been wearing them for about a week now. He's trying to adjust his balance from going from soft soled to hard soled shoes. Any day now he is gonna let go and take a few steps. He will take steps between us and between items (couch and table) if it is within arm's reach. He can cruise down the wall easily and LOVES to climb the stairs. We put a gate at the top of the stairs not long ago so I don't know if it is the gate or the challenge of the stairs that attracts him the most.

Tuesday is his 1stbirthday, so we'll probably do something special with him that evening & probably send cupcakes or something to school with him so he can celebrate. Thursday we have his one year check up and shots, so that is always fun. He is such a good sport about everything. He cries for just one second after the shots and he's over it. Such a trooper, our little man.

That's about it for now. Hope everyone has a great week!