Willard Beach Playdate

Dear Conor,

On August 24, 2012 we met up with some of your friends for a playdate at Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine.  This was the second time we had been there but the first time that you would be able to crawl in the sand.  As soon as I got you there and put you down you were OFF!  I never knew that one little baby could have to much sand on them at the ends of the day!

Once you got comfortable with the beach I took you down to the shoreline.  Here you were a little more leery about the sand because the water was taking it away from under your feet but you soon felt comfortable with it and it was all I could do to keep you from going too far into the water.

crawling on the shoreline

you closed your eyes when you splashed!

Babies N & L playing in the waves

You and all your friends playing in the water

Sandy Baby!

 Pretty soon the shoreline wasn't enough for you and you wanted to go further into the water so I said SURE and plunked you right into the Atlantic.  Of course, the water wasn't deep and so it was relatively warm.  You got all excited as the waves lapped at your back and crashed over your thighs.

Water Baby

Friends!

My sweet boy after his water play!

 After playing in the water for a bit it was time to dry off and get ready to go back home.  You and your friends were all brought up to the blankets and the other mommies watched you for a minute while Mommy went to get you a new swim diaper and get towels from another Mommy's car (she left them there by accident).

 You were a much happier baby once you were out of the very wet swim diaper and clothes.

A fresh diaper makes it all better!

 Why did Mommy let you swim in clothes?  Because it was very hot and sunny and I didn't want my baby to get too much sun so you stayed in a lightweight long sleeve shirt and shorts for most of the morning.  Grandma used to have Mommy wear a big tee shirt when she was a little girl over her swimsuit on days like this and so I did my best to keep you protected!

After the beach you and I went to the toy store to get you a wagon.  Daddy said that it was ok to buy you a wagon 'new' because we would be using it for so many years and you loved everyone else's so much that it didn't seem fair to make you wait until December to get one (for your birthday) when you wouldn't be able to use it much.

We tried to pick out a wagon that would serve many purposes and would last for several years.  We picked one that had fold down seats so you could be strapped in but also could be used as a traditional flat bottom wagon.  This particular wagon also has the ability to become a bench that can hold up to 250 pounds!  Lastly, your pimped out wagon came with an umbrella and a cooler bag and cup holders for Mom and Dad!

Your first wagon ride.

Yeah!

A bench for the family!

Some might call you a spoiled little boy Conor and to an extent perhaps you are but its because we love you and we are trying to ensure that you have a variety of things to engage with as you don't attend daycare and get to play with different toys there than you would at home.

I really hope that you had a great time at the beach with Mommy because I did!

xoxo
Mommy

Fillip Family Playdate @ Great Island

Dear Conor,

On August 23, 2012 you and I drove down to the New Castle/Portsmouth ( area to have a playdate with the Fillip clan!  We met at the same park as last year (when you were still in Mommy's Tummy) call Great Island.  They have a playground (well, really two - one for Bigs and one for Littles) and there is a large sandbox, lots of grass and a beach!  So many things to do that its easy to spend the entire day there!

When we first arrived it was sandbox time!  Sophie loves to play with you and calls you "Baby Conor" and treats you a little like I imagine she treats her baby dolls.  She is so sweet and was making little castles for you to knock down.

Sophie 3; Conor 8 months

After a little while Ryan decided to join in on the fun in the sand and the three of you got quite sandy before deciding it might be time for the swings.

You love to swing.  You actually prefer to go a little faster and a little higher than I am really comfortable with.  There are two baby swings side by side at the park which meant that you and Ryan got to swing at the same time.

See that little person behind you?  Sophie loved pushing you and Ryan and pretty soon she figured out that she could hang off the back of your swings and "swing" herself.  She did this for quite a while and alternated between your swing and Ryan's.

After swinging I took you and Ryan for a wagon ride in the Fillip's wagon while Sophie played on the big kid playground.

You are so smitten with Wagons - first Meo's and now Ryan's.  I think that you might need a wagon of your own!

After some playground/wagon time and a little lunch it was time for the beach.  I had not brought your beach things because I had forgotten there was a beach but that didn't stop you from trying out your new crawling skills in the sand.  This was the first time you ever crawled in the sand and at first you weren't so sure about it but pretty soon you were taking off and Ryan was having fun chasing you.

8.23.12 First time crawling in sand

After a little bit of beach time it was time to go home.  You were covered in sand from head to toe and there was an outdoor shower so I stripped you down and held you under the water to rinse as much sand as I could from your sensitive skin so that you would be able to nap in comfort on the ride home.  You didn't seem to appreciate this and you cried and cried and cried!  But some kind older ladies and a little old man tried to tell you that you would appreciate it later and that I was a good mommy for hosing you down. 

A quick dry off in your muslin wrap and a fresh diaper and clean clothes and you were asleep shortly after we drove through the gate to the park.

Thank you Fillip Family for a GREAT playdate and we will see you all again soon!

xoxo
Mommy

Adventures in Drinking

Conor,

While you are not so keep on eating table foods (it might have something to do with the fact that you still have no teeth) you love to drink water.  You were struggling with the sippy cup (I guess many breastfed babies do because you don't have to lean back to get your milk) so I bought you a cup with a straw.  Some of your friends have been successful with his cup and I had high hopes that you would do.

Well, you didn't disappoint!

First use of straw 8.21.12

It didn't take you long to figure out that if you sucked on the straw the water would come up the straw and into your mouth.  You really enjoyed being able to drink on your own and we are happy because there will be less spilled water on the floor when you want a little taste!

Now - if we could only get you to like table foods!

xoxo
Mommy

Pops comes to Visit

Dear Conor,

Pops came once more for his monthly visit and this time he brought Uncle Justin and Andrea along with him. This was the first time that you have met Andrea and you haven't seen Uncle Justin in a while!

On 8.20.12 we went over to visit the Pops Family and go on a little boatride with them.  As you have gotten older you have become a little more leary of new people and so introductions are taken a little slower than they used to be.....

Chillin' in Pops' chair and eyeing Andrea

Andrea and Conor.....still not sure about her mom!

ok - this is a little better :)

Shortly after the above picture was taken your Pops walked into the room and then you only had eyes for him!  You love watching him and he always practices your crawling with you.

After some crawling (and walking) practice it was time to head out to the boat.  We all road together in Pops' truck and you and I sat in the boat while it was loaded into the water.

hmmmm...whats under here Mom?

Are you sure I can't drive Pops?

gorgeous baby!

Yup - I can drive this thing no problem!

Whenever Uncle Justin comes up with Pops he always spends at least one night at our house.  You had fun having him over and even cozied up with him on the couch.

Some Uncle lovin'

Checking each other out!

You are very lucky to be such a loved little boy Conor - and your very lucky that Pops comes up every month to see you and spoil you :)

xoxo
Mommy

Backyard Fun

Dear Conor,

Since we have been on the 'go' so much this summer we decided that what our family needed was a family day at home to play together and so on Sunday, August 19, 2012 that is exactly what we did!

First we played on your swing.  You love to get pushed and you giggle when Mommy says "Wheee"

Even Hunter joined in on the swing-time fun!

While we were swinging the pool was warming up in the hot hot sun!  Once Daddy said it was warm enough it was time to dive in!  You just love the water!

trying to catch the water pouring out of the watering can

do it again Daddy!

your splish splash face!

 After a little bit Daddy brought out some of your ball pit balls and dumped them into the water.....that made the pool even more fun!

and more watering can fun!  Just look at that face!

is that an orange or an orange ball?

Hunter watching all the water fun but being careful to stay 100% dry

My little water baby

Not now mom - I'm trying to play in my pool!

We had so much fun playing today in the water and on your swing.....sometimes the best days are the ones that you spend with just your little family doing the simple things!

xoxo
Mommy

Happy Birthday Carter! (8.18.12)

Dear Conor,

On August 18, 2012 you attended your third birthday party of the summer (you had already been to Neve and Meo's parties).  This party was for your friend Carter and was a Monkey theme party so, of course, you had to wear your new Monkey romper from Great Aunt Barbara.

Many of your friends were able to make the party and you all enjoyed playing on the picnic blanket and eating each other's treats!

Baby A and O snacking with you.

Yummy Toast baby A

Pretty Baby O

Only you Con-man!

Hi Baby N!

You really liked this toy!

Mommy was busy playing with you and your friends so she actually didn't get a picture of the birthday boy but we know that he had a wonderful day and you had a great time at his party!

xoxo
Mommy