Our Family Vacation to Kauai

We had the most wonderful vacation to Kauai from September 3-12, 2011. We've been looking forward to the trip for quite sometime and it exceeded all of our expectations. We stayed at the Marriott Kauai Lagoons which was such a luxurious timeshare condo. Some days were filled with action and adventure including swimming in the warm waves, viewing gorgeous Kauai by helicopter, visiting waterfalls , and the guys golfing. Other days were spent relaxing by the pool, watching Connor enjoy the pool slide over and over again, enjoying Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping, and touring the sights of the island. It really was the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. We went to the Marriott Luau and Connor was the star of the show as he eagerly went on stage to learn the Hula... it was certainly our highlight. We are blessed to have such a wonderful family and to have made another unforgettable memory. We talked often about Baby Girl and returning to Hawaii in a few years so she can enjoy the beauty too. Grandma Jill even bought her a cute little Hawaiian dress to match the Hawaiian shirt we got Connor. These are some of my favorite pictures (chosen from the 943 pictures we took!). Enjoy!

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.”

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!

Big News in the Louis Family!

That's right... Connor is going to be a BIG BROTHER! Michael and I are very excited to meet our new little one and Connor seems ecstatic about his new role! I'm currently 16 weeks along!

Baby Louis #2 due January 11, 2012

Fun at the California State Fair

This past Tuesday, we headed to the CA State Fair with Mimi. We had a blast and enjoyed our last year being VIPs and getting to use the "Garamendi Magic Necklace" which allows you to ride any ride for free. :-) Connor had a blast as usual and it was a day we'll remember for sure! Thanks for coming along Mimi. I think I would have tired out without your help.

My Nephew is Here!

On July 23rd, my sister Mandy went into labor at 27 weeks, 6 days pregnant. The labor progressed extremely fast, not even giving time for the epidural to kick in before a beautiful, baby BOY was delivered. We all thought it was a girl, based on predictions from previous ultrasounds, but Cayden John Rodney Dirsken surprised us all! He was 2 pounds, 14 ounces at birth and is pure perfection. He is very small and his lungs are underdeveloped since he came so early, but we all have faith that the Lord will help him grow and get stronger each day. For those of you reading, please pray for my new nephew, the nurses and doctors that are caring for him, and for Mandy and Chad as they make their way through this. Likely Cayden will be in the NICU in Roseville for many weeks before he can come home. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful little nephew. I'm finally an AUNTIE!!

This photo is just to give perspective... Cayden's diaper next to a Saltine Cracker... and you can see in the pictures that the diaper is big on him. Perfect things come in small packages!

Trip to SF to celebrate Dave and Jill's B'days

This Saturday we headed up to SF to see a Giants game for Dave and Jill's b'days. Michael, Connor, and I headed up early and spent some time at Pier 39. Then, Dave and Jill joined us for a delicious lunch at Scomas. Afterwards we drove around the city to give Connor a chance to nap in the car. During the ride, Chad, my brother in law called and said that Mandy was in active labor and the baby was coming. We rushed to the Giants stadium to drop everyone off for the game and I sped to Roseville as fast I could. My baby nephew was born while I was crossing the bay bridge so I missed the delivery, but it was all in God's hands. So, this is the only photo I got of our SF trip... Not even one of the Birthday Boy and Girl! I think Michael may have taken some photos at the game on his phone, so hopefully I can upload those soon. See the next post for details on the baby!

Water Park fun with Auntie Mal

Connor is enjoying having Auntie Mal live with us this summer. I think he thinks she's his special playmate. He's going to miss her so much when she heads back to LA. These are some photos of them getting wet at the water park by our house.

River Cats Game

Sunday we went to the River Cats game to celebrate Dinger's birthday. This is an event Connor has been looking forward to for months. It was a fun day and at Dinger's b'day were all the mascots from the area which made it very fun for Connor. Connor got a goody bag from Jelly Belly and a Dinger Bobblehead. We even got to dance to Dinger on the drums and his whole band.

Maui Night at the Harden's Home

This weekend we headed to Modesto to spend time with Michael's extended family that were in town. The Harden's hosted a fun Maui-themed night and it was wonderful to spend time with such great relatives. We truly are blessed!

Fun with Family at Fairytale Town

We had a fun day yesterday! Relatives from Michael's side came to visit and Connor had a blast getting to know his (second) cousins better. After Fairytale Town, Connor went home to Modesto with Grandma Jill to continue the fun with the family. What beautiful and sweet children!















































Delicious picnic lunch that Grandma brought! Thanks Jill!