Mother's Day 2014

Mother's Day 2014

It seems that we have started a tradition of sorts for Mother's Day and hopefully it is one that continues for a while because its a nice alternative to a luncheon in an overcrowded restaurant (at least that's this mom's opinion!).  We head over to Funtown as moms get in for free (both our boys are free currently) and therefore we only have to pay for one Dad!  We also spend the day with Grandma Janet and Grandpa Dennis.

This was Conor's second year riding the rides and while Colin is still pretty little he was able to go on a few things.  Mostly though, he hung out with Mommy in the carrier and took a nice long nap before taking in the sights and there was a LOT to see!

The first thing we did was the Merry-go-round.  Conor has not wanted to ride the horses at the mall so we weren't sure how this would turn out.  But, there was a dragon and he was very excited to ride the dragon and have me take a picture for his friend Lachlan who had celebrated his birthday with a dragon theme the day before!  While Conor rode the dragon with Daddy standing close by, Colin rode a horse with me.  Of course, he was safely tucked in his Kinderpack while we were on the horse.

First Amusement Park Ride EVER!!!  6.5 Months Old!

 After the Merry-go-Round, Josh and Conor went on the race track cars.  Conor was allowed to drive and he seemed to have a lot of fun.  It was hard to capture pictures because the driver seat was never near any of the viewing areas.

Then it as time for the Ferris Wheel.  Conor had seen it while on the cars and asked if we could go.  We had one person too many for the ride so Conor went with Grandma and Grandpa for his first amusement ride without his parents.  Colin rode with Mommy and Daddy - this time he fell asleep in his Kinderpack.  Babywearing is such a wonderful thing - it allows us to do so many amazing things while keeping Colin on his schedule and safe from harm.  I'm so glad that I learned how to babywear and all its benefits early on with Conor because both he and Colin (and Josh and I too) have reaped the benefits!  Conor spend a good part of his ride looking up and down for the balloon Josh and I were in.  It was fun to watch his face as he realized we were above or below him.

Colin experiencing life as an only child; even if just for one ride

Looking for Mommy and Daddy

After our ride we ventured to the other side of the park where the children's rides were.  First we ate a little bit of lunch because everyone was very hungry.  Conor immediately wanted to ride on the swings.  He did these a few times.  Its great because there are never any lines and there are so many swings that he can ride a few times in a row.  I do believe they are his favorite ride at the park.

Colin had to sit most of these rides out so he enjoyed spending his time with me!  We found a nice spot to sit and nurse once he woke up.

And then Conor came over after his swing ride to say hi (Daddy was waiting in line for him at the helicopters).  These two little guys are my world and I hope I am the best mother to them that I can be!

Helicopters are so much fun!  Conor was big enough this year to push the bar himself which enabled him to decide if he was up high in the air or down low on the ground!

Seeing Conor spend time with Grandma and Grandpa is always nice (Colin spends time with them too of course - but he's not mobile yet!).  I have a picture like this from last year too and its sweet to look back and see how much he's grown in just a year.  Last mother's day I was pregnant with Colin when we were at the park!

This year Conor was big enough to ride some of the rides himself.  He went on two water based rides and LOVED them.  The first was a small ride where the parents are always within arms reach of the boat but the canoe ride was like a lazy river.  He was very good about keeping his hands in the canoe and holding the little rope they gave him.  The current pushed him along and he was so excited to see us every time he rounded a corner.  During these rides Colin was in the stroller watching and interacting with the family.  Maybe next year we will let him ride with Conor.

It was such a busy day that the boys were very tired when they got home.  Everyone went to bed very early and feel asleep hard!

Perhaps Colin went to bed a little too early or maybe he just wanted some alone time with his mommy on this, his first mother's day, because he was bright eyed and bushy tailed around 11pm.  So after some snuggles and some warm milk he went to bed with me.

It was such a wonderful day with my little men and my extended family.  I can't wait to do it again next year!  Happy Mother's Day!

xoxo
Erin

Twice the Fun - Literally!

Dear Conor,

On August 3, 2013 Daddy and I had a rare day off together and we decided that there had been so much transitioning and focus on other things this summer that it was time to start having some fun!  So we made a trip to Dover, New Hampshire to go to a play place called "Twice the Fun."  How much fun you had there and Mommy and Daddy had so much fun playing with you!

There was a big play structure that was completely enclosed (only one way in/out) but it was big enough for parents to go through as well so your super tall Daddy and your pregnant Mommy made their way inside with you.

how to get through?!

Having lots of fun climbing with Daddy

You made it! 

Checking out the big slide

WEeeeeee......down goes Conor!

The huge trampoline.  You can't jump yet but you had fun walking across it

And you fell in love with the tool box and carried it around a good part of our visit and fixed all the ride on toys.

In the "beep beep" with the tool box.

We played for a few hours (probably about 2.5) before we headed over to Papa Ginos for lunch where you ate an entire large piece of pizza on your own and Mommy's crust before going home to play with Hunter.

You took a pretty good nap on the way home so we decided to head out to Old Orchard Beach for the evening (we took you a few times last year and it was fun).  We weren't sure how you would do as your night routine is far more important now that it was a year ago but we had to try.  We invited Grandma and Grandpa Jakan to come along!

We walked around for a while just taking in the sites and getting some yummy fair-type treats before deciding that you, Daddy, and the Grandparents would take a spin on the Merry-go-Round.  Hunter and I decided to watch!

Hunter jumped in your stroller to get a good view

with Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa

Weeeee.....lots of fun!

Grandpa was a good sport and rode an ostrich (I think that's what it was)

Then it was time to go as you were getting very sleepy (it was 7pm) and it takes a little while to get back to Grandpa Tom's house.  So we said our goodbyes and started our drive home.  You fell asleep pretty quickly (about 15 minutes into our drive) and by the time we got back to the house you had been asleep for at least 20 minutes.  Daddy opened the house door and took Hunter around to the back and I got you out of the car and upstairs into your crib without you waking up (I put you in your jammies before we drove home)!  You must have been very tired because that never happens and there were a lot of stairs for Mommy to climb!  You woke up a few times that night but overall it was a good night - I think we left at the right time though - you aren't a late night baby right now!

I'm so glad that we were able to spend such a fun day with you!

xoxo
Mommy

Jakan Family Christmas

Dear Conor,

On Christmas Eve morning Grandma and Grandpa Jakan came over to have Christmas Eve Brunch with us and exchange gifts.  Mommy found a vegan Belgium waffle recipe so Daddy could have some too and I bought Veggie sausages so you could have a little protein with our waffles.

You started the morning in Christmas-y jammies but a leaky diaper meant you had to be changed just before they got here :(

 

Grandma and Grandpa were so excited to see you and to be celebrating Christmas with you!

Christmas 2012

We decided to open presents before having brunch because you tend to get sleepy during the mid-morning and we wanted you to have a nice time exchanging presents with your grandparents. 

Its Santa Conor

 

Hunter trying to help you open presents

Selecting a present to hand out.

Daddy always yawns when opening presents

Conor is not sure why Daddy is yawning

Pajamas!

Grandma and Grandpa LOVED your plate!

Grandma also loved her new purse!

Good Job Grandpa!

Even you thought it was great!

My sweet and silly boy

So loving

Who is making you laugh so hard?

Its Silly Daddy!

Daddy opened a special present - the mug that you painted for him

Taking a rest with Mommy - before a diaper change!

Hunter helps you open your first gift.

Its music class instruments!

Grandpa opens our present - James Bond!

Daddy's popcorn maker

Super Friends!



What is this?  Its to the whole family.

Red Claw Tickets! (and a tee shirt and basketball)

Playing with the basketball

Sweet Boy and his little curls

Grandpa bought you a rocking horse.  You weren't sure about it at first and then it scared you.  Mommy and Daddy put it away until you are bigger!

 

What a GREAT Christmas!

We had such a nice Christmas brunch with Grandma and Grandpa.  The waffles came out really yummy and Grandpa liked the sausages even though they were made with veggies and not meat!  After brunch you were 100% ready for a nap so we said Merry Christmas and Goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa so that you could get a little rest in while Mommy and Daddy finished packing the car for our trip to the Cape.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for such a special Christmas Eve Brunch!

xoxo
Mommy