Cute Conversation with Connor

This conversation happened this past Saturday and I wanted to write it down to remember it. Connor's language is exploding and it's so fun to talk with him... I just want to be able to recall his cuteness at this stage.

Me: What do you want to do today?
Connor: Let's go to LA.
Me: We can't go to LA today.
Connor: Why? I want to go see Aunt Mal.
Me: LA is very far away. It would take us all day to drive there.
Connor: No it's not. LA is not far. You take a right, and then go straight and take another right. Then you go left and you see Malzor (a nickname I call Mallory).
Me: That sounds about right, but it would take ALL day Connor.
Connor: Let's go. I'll show you.
Me: (puzzled look)
Connor: I'm serious Mom.
Me: (chuckling)
Connor: I would drive there and show you. But I don't know how. When I'm big I will drive there and show you. I'm serious.

Love that boy!

Mimi took Connor to Micke Grove Zoo in Stockton this Monday and as Connor said, they had "tons of fun!" Connor stayed a couple nights in Modesto with my parents, enjoying hanging out with Poppy and Mimi, exploring the back yard, going for walks, and going out to dinner. They even went and got his 3 year pictures done for us. Here are some pictures that my mom texted me of their trip to the zoo.

Photos from Connor's 3rd Birthday Party

Here are some shots from Connor's big bash. I think I enjoyed the party and didn't take enough pictures because I don't have any cute, posed pictures of Connor with his friends or all the family that was there. Oh well! Enjoy the candid shots!

Here is Grandma reading one of Connor's new books to him the morning after the party.

Enjoying the Candy Bar favors... Opening presents... look at that expression!
Our little family! Can't believe he's 3!

Hooray!

Pinata chaos!

Connor showing his hitting skills off! Playing with the boys in the pool.

Enjoying the "Kid's Table"

Swimming with Lilliana and Sophia.

Our family, the Bollengiers. The Famous Candy Bar

Mallory and Connor playing in his new rocket from Mimi and Poppy.

Opening presents on his actual birthday. He couldn't wait to ride his scooter so he stood on it, with his helmet on, while Michael finished putting it together.

First Day of Preschool

Yesterday, Connor began preschool. He has been very excited about going to preschool as we've spent much time this summer touring different schools and talking with the directors. The night before, Connor started to get hesitant saying that he wanted to stay home with mommy and not go. The morning of, with coaxing from me, he seemed hesitantly excited. We had rehearsed how the morning would go, with me staying to play for a little while and then hugging to say goodbye. Once we got there, Connor was excited and friendly with the other kids. He seemed comfortable and happy. I cried a little and had to keep my sunglasses on to hide it from him. When saying goodbye, he said, "Don't worry about me Mommy. I'm fine." Such a sweetie! When I picked him up, his teacher, Ms. Julie, said he had a good day but he cried during naptime. When I asked him about it, Connor explained that there wasn't a pillow and they didn't read him a story or sing him a song. He seemed to understand that naps would be a little different at preschool. This morning wasn't as smooth. Once we got to preschool, Connor was happy as long as I was sitting and playing with him. I tried numerous times to leave, but he began crying each time. It literally feels like your heart is breaking when your baby is pleading with you to stay with him. I know we'll get into a routine and he'll eventually love preschool. But it's just so hard for the time being. We eventually gave one last hug and a teacher took him in her arms. I went into another room to get myself together and waited to see how he transitioned. He stayed in her arms for a few minutes and then got down and joined the group. I'm praying this gets easier every day. I called Michael on my way to work and sobbed. He was sympathetic, but also laughed at me and my pregnant emotions. I told him he has drop off duty from now on. ;-)

Happy 3rd Birthday Son!

Here is Connor on the morning of his birthday! He woke up and said, "Today is August Fourth and it is my BIRTHDAY!" Then he continued, "I'm not two anymore. I'm three. I just can't belieeeeve it!"

Outfit made by Danielle Christy's aunt... how sweet!

Birthday Message from a Proud Auntie!

Dear Connor,

Everyone who spends time with me knows that there is not much in life that I'm more proud of than being your Aunt. These past three years watching you grow and change have been an absolute blessing. You are a child unlike any other I've ever known! (which is really saying something being that I pride myself on spending lots of time with little ones baby-sitting and working) You have such a kind and loving nature, and at only three years of age, you are one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. You have seen me come to your mom a lot with problems I need help figuring out and you never forget to come over to me and say, "Aunt Mal, why are you sad? I will get my doctor kit," and you never leave my side until it all seems better. You are the baby, and I am the one who is always supposed to make you feel better, but you have no idea how often it has been the other way around. Your joyful spirit and strong desire to include everyone around you in the fun and joy has inspired me from day 1. Even before you could talk, you would politely wave to everyone within sight, and now you often start conversations with perfect strangers saying "Go Giants!" or telling them about your exciting day. You make me laugh out loud every day I spend with you, and I think of you so much on the days I don't get to see you. I constantly show pictures of you and tell stories about you to my friends in LA, store clerks who see your photo in my wallet, and even my professors. I only feel more proud when I am accused of being an overly obsessed auntie. I promise to always be an unashamed FAN of you Connor Michael! You make everyone around you happier... especially your mom and dad who I had thought were two of the happiest people I knew even before you were born, and you have increased that happiness ten fold. I am so excited for your future, and I know there are so many wonderful memories and accomplishments in store. I will be here to cheer for you, spoil you, and laugh with you. Our unique relationship as auntie and nephew is so special to me. I love you every day! Love, Aunt Mal xoxo

Here are some of my favorite conversations and quotes we have had together!

Laugh Out Loud Connor Classics

“Mal? You’s a girl? You don’t have no penis?”

“Nope.”

“I sorry Aunt Mal, I sorry you don’t have no penis.”

“I did it by myself!”

“No way Jose!”

“Yeah, Jose!”

“I do not WANT to take a chill pill!”

“Mandy had her baby, Connor! It’s a boy! You’re a big cousin!”

“Noooo. Mandy’s baby a girl. Mandy’s baby is named Mia.”

“The baby is here already, and it’s a boy named Cayden.”

*long pause*

“…that’s a little sad.”

“Why’d you get a blue car Mal? You shoulda got a pink car… I thought it was pink.”

“Hey guys! Watch! This is gonna be a holy macaroni!”

*in reference to a baseball hit*

“Can I have a sip?”

“No Connor, it’s soda.”

“I have soda all the time. At Poppy’s house. We love coke.”

“Who loves Connor?!”

“I do! I do!”

“No you DON’T.”

*to a complete stranger at the checkout stand*

“Hi! I am Connor! I am a good boy. I get a treat.”

“I love you all the time…but I only like you thiiiiiis much.” (holding up two fingers)

“My tummy hurts. I don’t need to go see Dr. Jain. I am just fustated that my tummy hurts. Will you rub it?”

“Aunt Mandy have a baby in her belly. Mommy have a baby in her belly. Aunt Mal? You have a baby?”

“No, no baby.”

“What’s in your belly? Pizza?”

“Is this fun or what?”

“Or what.”

“I would like pancakes for dinner. That is a good idea.”

“Hi Mal!”

“What’s my real name?”

“Dr. Phil.”

“Hi Condog!”

“No, I not a condog. I am Connor Louis.”

Melt Your Heart Moments

“My friend at preschool was crying.”

“Why?”

“He missed his mama. Like Llama Llama misses Mama.”

“What’s Daddy’s real name?”

“Mike!”

“What’s mommy’s real name?”

“Pretty!”

*after making a wish on an eyelash*

“What did you wish for Connor?”

“I wish for Mandy. And for Baby Cayden. And for his doctors.”

*to Megan’s belly*

“I love you baby. I your big brother. Grow big! And then I take you to a Giants game.”

“Aunt Mal no go to LA to school. Aunt Mal stay and play with Connor. In the loft.”

“Daddy no work! Just go and get the money and come home to Connor.”

“Thank you for paying for my apple juice Daddy. Thank you for buying it.”