The Big 3!

Today we began Connor’s “birthday week.” We took a break from visiting sweet Cayden at the hospital and had lunch down the street at John’s Incredible Pizza. Mandy, Chad, and Poppy joined us for yummy food, rides, and lots of games! We all had a blast and we were tired out at the end.

It’s hard to believe that Connor is going to be three years old! It seems like he’s always been a part of our family and it’s hard to imagine how life was pre-Connor. However, at the same time, these past three years have flown by! Three years ago today was my due date with Connor. I remember being so anxious to meet my son, my heart full of love for him already. He has exceeded any expectation I had of motherhood and has brightened our lives inexplicably.

This past year has been amazing and full of wonderful memories. Connor is truly at such a fun stage! For the last few weeks, he’s been looking forward to his birthday, telling anyone who will listen, “I’m two, but I will be three on August 4th.” He often then continues to invite even strangers to his birthday party. His social personality and friendliness has just grown.

Some of Connor’s favorite things include:
•Baseball: He loves to go to baseball games and watch baseball on TV, but mainly loves to play baseball! His bats and balls are by far the most played with toy. He lines all the balls up on the couch and then waits for one of us to pitch. Often if I pitch, he asks, “Mommy, are you trying your best?” Michael is much better at pitching! Connor can really hit the ball well. After big hits, he’ll scream “Homerun!” and then run around the family room or kitchen as if he’s running the bases. Tee ball is definitely in the near future.
•Laughing: Connor often acts goofy or will do things to make other people laugh. I think he gets this from his dad, but he has such a zest for life and wants to share that joy with others. His giggle is contagious and can make any day brighter.
•Music: Connor loves to sing and dance. He enjoys singing kid songs, Christmas carols, and also random pop songs on the radio. It always makes us smile when we hear him sing from the back seat. He enjoys dancing and seems to have great rhythm. He also enjoys making music with his drums, keyboard, or guitars.
•Reading: Connor still loves to read! He continues to stack books on the couch and then asks us to read to him. It’s so fun now, because he finishes the lines to most of his favorite books and has memorized some books in their entirety. I love that he enjoys reading so much!
•Places: Some of Connor’s favorite places to go include Disneyland (in which he asks to go almost on a daily basis), Fairytale Town, Bounce Spot, any park, the rec center pool, the spray park by our house, Chuck E. Cheese, the mall (he found the climbing area recently and fell in love!), Costco (the kid can’t resist samples), and Target (mainly to explore the toy section while we follow behind).
•Food: Connor is not a big foodie… meal times are often a negotiation time. He’s definitely in the toddler eating phase of wanting to eat nothing but snacks. If he could get sustenance from only fruit snacks and gold fish crackers, he would be a happy camper! Some foods that he does enjoy include: pasta, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, beef, corn on the cob, fruit (watermelon, oranges, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and mango are his favorites), bagels, pancakes/waffles/french toast, meatballs, tacos, quesadillas, smoothies, guacamole, and peanut butter.
•Favorite Expressions: “Holy Macaroni,” “Oh my gosh!”, “Tutti Tutti funky fruity,” “That’s a good idea,” “I need a snack so bad,” “This is deeee-licious!”, “I want you to snuggle me for 5 more minutes (stall tactic as we are getting ready to leave his bed)” and many more.

At this point, Connor is fully potty trained, except for night time. He gets excited when he gets to flush the toilet himself. He has also mastered the art of standing up to pee. Such a big boy! He often insists on completing the whole process by himself… he’s at a very independent stage!

Connor is becoming very adventurous. If there is anything raised above ground level, he climbs it to jump off of it. He often looks like he comes from an abusive household because of all the bruises and scrapes he has. Trust us, they are 100% self inflicted, and we try to limit them as much as possible. Who said raising boys would be easy! We love to watch him take on challenges though. He is a very tough boy and seldom cries about falling down and getting hurt. I think “no pain, no gain” is his motto.

He continues to be very affectionate… giving hugs, kisses, and raspberries freely. The thing that melts our hearts the most is when he randomly says, “I love you Mommy” or “I love you Daddy.” He is also so appreciative, saying thank you for the littlest things we do. He has such a kind nature.

Connor recently became a cousin for the first time, with the birth of Cayden. He seems very excited about his role of cousin, but I think it’s hard for him to adjust since he hasn’t been able to meet Cayden in person. He’s seen lots of pictures and videos that we’ve taken in the NICU, but he anxiously awaits getting to give Cayden a kiss and hug. He often talks about the things he wants to do with Cayden, like bring him to a Giants game, introduce him to Dinger at the River Cats game, take him to Chuck E. Cheese, introduce him to Buddy, etc. They will surely be best buds in no time.

His anticipation for his baby brother or sister has also been so fun to experience. We found out in early May that we were expecting again and Connor has been excited ever since. He’s gone back and forth on his gender predictions, but seems to be excited either way! When you ask him what we’re having, he says, “We just don’t know yet.” He already talks to my belly and says things like, “This is Connor, your big brother. I love you and I can’t wait to see you and take you to a baseball game.” He also includes Baby in his prayers each night saying, “Help the baby in Mommy’s belly to grow strong.”

A big change is coming up next week. Connor is going to be starting preschool! We spent many hours this summer researching preschools, talking with directors, and touring facilities. It was such a big decision. We decided on a preschool called Storybook Preschool. It’s a beautiful facility… very bright, clean, and colorful. They have an academic focus with time for creative play and free play. They grow their own vegetable garden in which the kids get to pick the veggies and help prepare them for meals. There is a Christian foundation and Bible stories are included in the curriculum. A four year old neighbor down the street has been going for a year and his mom raves about it, which calmed my nerves a bit. I’m very excited, but nervous about this new adventure. Connor is 100% excited.

For now, we’re going to enjoy Connor’s “birthday week.” Our week ahead includes a play date with friends, a trip to Build a Bear with Auntie Mallory, and getting ready for his 3rd birthday bash this Saturday! Love to all!