Smith Snippets...

Back in Texas

2009-12-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

Shortly after returning from Michigan we got to share a few days with Grandma and Grandpa Stapp and Aunt Sally. It was so great to see them again yet the time seemed to go too quickly. The first day was a little rocky as Connor was still recovering and jet lagged for sure. However, he perked up shortly after. Here are a few pics from a really great day hanging out at my brothers house and one from Chuy's... this is a must for the out of townee's!

Snack Time!

After filling our bellies at Chuy's

"CHEEEEESE"

Grandpa is a riot!

Cousin Gavin showing his stash!

"Excuse me!!"

More Michigan Pics...

2009-12-27T23:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, now for a few happier pictures of our time in Michigan. Though Connor was sick most of of the trip... we did manage to get some pictures were he didn't look completely pathetic.

Well, he wasn't exactly all smiles... but there were some smiles that weren't caught on camera.

Fever Fever Go Away!!!

2009-12-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Well wouldn't you know it. Poor little Connor ended up getting sick a few days before Christmas. His new name: MR. CLING! Seriously could not put him down for a second. He had a pretty high temp and just felt really crappy. He didn't sleep very well at night, but loved the chance to fall asleep laying on someone. Again, we just hung out and saw family whenever we could. On Christmas Morning we went to Aunt Lynne's where he did more clinging to me. Unfortunately I didn't get a whole lot of pictures due to this fact. After a yummy Christmas brunch we went back to grandma's where he took a really long nap. Then later that evening all the family came for dinner. It really was great to see everyone... I only wish Connor felt better so he could enjoy it also. Here are a few random pics taken of the poor little dude.

Cousins make it better!

I love my daddy!

I love my mommy!

Feeling blah!

Mommy... pweeeeze pick me up!

Need some more Tylenol please!

The REAL Stuff!

2009-12-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas visit to Michigan started out a little rocky due to missing the flight there by ONE minute! Guess their rule that you have to check in 30 minutes before your flight is taken quite seriously. Anyway, we still made it to MI a little tired but no worse for wear. We chilled out (literally, HA!) for a day or two then decided to get Connor out in the REAL stuff. Though it wasn't quite the winter wonderland we had imagined for him... it was just enough for him to realize he was glad he lived in Texas. Once we got him all bundled up in his snow suit we ventured outside. At first he was just a little apprehensive of the fluffy cold white stuff... then after sitting in it for a minute or two that was it. He'd had it and wanted to go inside. We were out there for maybe 10 minutes tops. It was lots of fun for me though. I loved seeing him all bundled up like the little kid from my favorite Christmas movie. I'm looking forward to when he is a little older and can really enjoy the snow!!

Texas Snow!

2009-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Not everything is bigger in Texas! Here is the first snow we've had in years. Blinding isn't it?!? No, really, if you look really really close and squint.... you might be able to see some tiny flurries. Connor didn't know what to make of it as it hit his face. I think he was a bit annoyed by it really. Nevertheless, this was his first snow. I'm sure when we go to Michigan for Christmas he will get to see the real stuff.

Need a Wipe Anyone?

2009-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

Turn your back for one minute and this is what happens. Connor was joyfully playing with his books and toys in his room when I left for one reason or another. I swear I was just gone for one minute and when I got back... there were probably enough wipes on the floor to wipe a hundred little baby butts. Okay, maybe I exaggerated a smidgen, but take a look a this...

I feel the need to mention that there were a bunch more wipes underneath the basket that he pulled onto the floor. What a little stinker!

Making Progress...

2009-11-15T23:31:00.000-08:00

Connor has really started to figure stuff out. It's so neat watching him learn. Here is a breif showing of a couple of new skills. I'm so proud of him! My baby boy is growing so fast!!

A Visit to Grandma's

2009-11-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

On this day trip to San Antonio, Connor had fun playing with Grandma's doggies. Here he is being bombarded with kisses from Harley. Harley is such a gentle giant. Connor really likes him but not sure how much he liked all the kisses. Hehe!

Too Tired to Eat?? Really??

2009-11-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

Most of you have witnessed that this kid can put away some food... and though he loves his snacks he just could not muster up the energy to finish this treat. Although, this was around the tale end of his cold, so he was probably more tired that usual. I just thought this was so cute I had to share.

Poor Little Sick Boy

2009-11-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Shortly after Connor's birthday party he got a bad cold. Overly concerned mommy ended up taking him to the doctor twice. Both times he was checked for the flu but didn't have it... thank goodness. Never the less he was one sick little dude. I had to check on him often during the night because he just sounded awful. Here he is on his first visit to the doctor. Poor thing was feeling pretty bad at this point and probably wondering why the heck I was taking his picture.

Thankfully he made it through and wasn't too mad at me for dragging him to the doctor more than I probably needed to. Better safe than sorry though.

Peace, Love and Happiness!

2009-10-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Went to an awesome costume party the day before Halloween. Jodi, Rafi and Mateo love to throw great Halloween parties and this year was no exception. We had a family costume this year. Greg was "Peace" all decked out like a hippy. I was "Love" Probably had close to hundred hearts on me. And Connor was "Happiness". Had a big smiley face on his shirt as well as happy face patches on his pants (which decided to fall off).

Anyway, there was lots of yummy food, and fun games. Everyone had a costume and looked really good. We ended the evening playing "Rock Band". Then took a sleepy little boy home to bed. He was quite happy to be in his own bed instead the pack 'n play.

Last year at this time, Connor was only a week old so he didn't really get to celebrate. I think he had a good time. Next year we will actually get out and "Trick or Treat" with him. Can't wait to see how that goes!

Tractor Time!

2009-10-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween day and we decided to go to a pumpkin patch, which ended up just being a quick tractor ride and that was about it. Connor took right to the tractor and sat perfectly still with a smile on his face. Loving it!

Next he decided it was time to drive the tractor.... again... loving it. (Pumpkins in the background)

We tried setting him in the pumpkins.... didn't work. We tried standing him by the pumpkins next to a hay bail.... didn't work. Then we tried setting him next to some scarecrow with a pumpkin

Anyway, it was a beautiful day and Connor was very happy when not in front of the camera. We also bought a few things from the "Country Store". The church that had the pumpkin patch was also selling homemade items with proceeds going to charity. We ended up with lots of ornaments, soup mix, apple pie filling and a few other odds and ends. They even gave us a slice of pie made with the pie filling. That sold us for sure! Yum!

That evening we handed out candy to the neighborhood kids and called it a night around 8:15. Had to get a worn out kid to bed and every time the doorbell rang... Missy would bark her head off. One little boy said "I'm afraid of the dog", but certainly stood there long enough to get a handful of goodies. Hehe.

Happy Halloween to all!

Turning ONE is so much FUN!

2009-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNOR!

Or so we thought! HA! Poor little man Connor had is 1 year appointment and got four shots the day before his party. Needless to say he was not in the mood to celebrate... and who could blame him!! Note to self: schedule yearly appt AFTER his birthday party!

Otherwise, it was a gorgeous day and everyone else had a great time. Connor had lots of wonderful friends to share his day with. We stuffed ourselves with hot dogs, fruit salad and cupcakes. The kids played on the huge jungle gym and swings. We even had a blow-up pool filled with plastic balls.... well, it was a bit lackluster in the ball department but they still had fun.

Here are some photos for your enjoyment. Wish I could have fit all the pictures on here.

Special thanks to Mary & Dick for helping with the food and drinks, Michele for baking all the cupcakes, Jim for manning the grill and Jodi & Rafi for taking all the pictures!!

Ducks need to swim.... right?

2009-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to me that even a 1 year old knows that a duck belongs in the water! I hope Missy doesn't mind lending her water dish for a little duck bath!

Family Photo - Pumpkin Style

2009-10-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

What can I say... aren't we a cute family! Just wanted to get this out there. Thank you Mary for providing the pumpkins.

So Connor has been a bit sick lately. He came back from Midland with a cold (his first ever) and now he has an eye infection. Not sure where he got that from. Anyway, he is on the path to recovery.

He has started to say "mama" upon request and "dada" when he feels like it. I'll try to catch it on video and get it on here asap.

Well that's all for now.... stay tuned.

A Midland Wedding Weekend

2009-10-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Off we went... Connor, myself, Papa and Grandma Mary all piled into their car and we were off. This was Connor's first road trip. It took about 6 hours to drive to Midland, TX, for Greg's second cousin's wedding. Greg was in California for work and was to meet us in Midland mere hours before the wedding started.... more on that later.

Connor did very well on the trip. He had a few cranky moments, but who wouldn't? He was strapped into a seat and wasn't able to "get comfortable". But with his favorite learning DVD and the happy distractions of Grandma Mary.... we made it in one piece. Oh, and we HAD to stop at at least one Dairy Queen in honor of Greg. He calls them "Texas stop signs". Here's a little video of Connor playing with his sun shade rather than using it to shade the sun. Silly!

So once in Midland and after we checked into our hotel, we went to see the bride to be. She was very VERY calm for getting married in two days. Connor loved playing with all the doggies and warmed up to everyone after a little while. That night we just took it easy and tried to go to sleep close to our regular schedule. Connor had a crib provided by the hotel, but was NOT very happy about it. He would not go to sleep for me. So I ended up having to hold him till he fell asleep and then carefully lay him down. After two failed attempts... He finally went down for the night.

The next day we got ready and down to the complementary breakfast we went were we saw Connor's Uncle Mike, Aunt Ashlie and Cousin Wyatt who arrived late the night before from Michigan. Connor and Wyatt are on opposite nap schedules so they didn't get to play a whole lot. That night we had the rehearsal dinner were Connor was up way past his bedtime. You'd think he would go to bed easy because he was sooooo tired. But noooooo! This night was worse than the night before. I don't think he fell asleep till around 10pm.

Here Connor is playing in the hotel room. Greg wanted to see a video of Connor so I was happy to oblige.

The wedding day... Grandma Mary, Connor and I hit the mall for some last minute items before the wedding. Greg's plane was supposed to arrive at 4:05pm. This was 3 hours before the wedding started so plenty of time... right? Wrong! The plane had mechanical issues, so they had to switch planes... delay. The new play failed the security check... delay. Finally he made it to the hotel about 6pm and we had to meet the parents downstairs at 6:30. Greg had to shower, shave and get ready which he actually did.... but then couldn't find his wallet. We ended up spending an extra 10 minutes looking for it. He feared leaving it on the plane. But thankfully he only left it in the car. WHEW! Crises averted.

We arrived at the church with minutes to spare and were quickly seated. Let me just say that the bride looked soooo BEAUTIFUL!! I brought some snacks to distract Connor in hopes of keeping him quiet and the was hilarity began! He held the big container in one arm and started diving into the goodies with the other. It was like an avid movie goer with his huge tub of popcorn, continuously shoveling handfuls in his mouth while watching the show. I finally had to put the lid on it. Then he squirmed for a little bit and right as the vows were about to start he got vocal. Greg rushed him out of the room... Darn, almost made it.

The reception room looked awesome! We were already way past Connor's bed time, so I decided I would just be able to feed him (and myself) then just go ahead and take him back to the hotel for bed. Here is the handsome little guy! His hair is a muss because the ladies couldn't keep their hands off of his curly locks. He's a lady killer already!!

The next day was time for the long drive back home. This time with Greg in tow. We again made it in one piece and were all very happy to be home! All in all I would say Connor's first road trip was a success. Thanks for hanging with me thru this long post!

Scar Face!!

2009-09-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it wasn't exactly a great start this morning. I finished clipping the nails that Connor didn't let me do yesterday and then he was off to play a little before breakfast. All of a sudden he looks up at me with this huge scratch on his face. It seems no matter how short I get his nails he still can scratch the heck out of anything.

So then at breakfast he decides to choke on his Cheerios, so I took off the tray, unsnapped his strap, snatched him out of his chair and turned him up side down in what seems like half a second. After a couple pats on his back he was fine. WHEW! Freaked me out!

After Cheerios we moved on to applesauce. Guess he wasn't in the mood for that b/c after a couple bites he swatted the spoon and it went everywhere and before I could get a wipe... he rubbed it all over his face and in his eyes. Sheesh! The day did get better from there thank goodness!! Here's a picture of my little scar faced man. (the scratch looks smaller in the picture)

I want my Daddy!!

2009-09-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here Connor is very badly wanting into daddy's den. He knows that is usually were to find him when he is home. At least once a day he will go to the door and tries to get in. He loves to help daddy with his work.... and gives him a much needed distraction now and then.

Little Monster

2009-09-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it had to happen... Connor has grown out of his adorable one piece feety pajamas (they only go up to 9 months) so we had to get him some new jammies. So last week Grandma Mary, Connor and I went to the Outlets to see what we could find. We ended up finding these monster jammies (among others) that I think are just so cute and I think he looks so grown up in them. Here he is showing his monster personality. He could hardly stand still for any of the pictures (hence the blurriness) and even growled during one of them. Cutest little monster I've ever seen!!

Also, just discovered over the weekend, Connor has two more teeth coming in for a total of 8!! I can't believe it! I must confess that I did get a little misty eyed at the thought of him growing so fast! I'm completely amazed that we will be celebrating his 1 year birthday in a month and a half. Sheesh! Where does the time go?

Bath Time

2009-09-01T18:57:00.001-07:00

Connor has really started to enjoy his bathtimes. He splashes around and giggles a lot. For me it's kinda like being in the front row at the Shamu show at Sea World. Can you say "splash zone"?!? He is just so much fun!

Other than bathtime he loves crawling around and pulling himself up on anything he can. He goes from toy to toy then room to room. His favorite is to chase Missy around. She is getting really good at avoiding him. Also at the top of his list is climbing on Daddy in the mornings while he tries to sleep. Heehee!

Welcome to the Smith Snippets

2009-08-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it's about time for us to join the blog world... finally. As you all know I am the proud proud mommy of my little baby Connor. He is going on 10 months and has quite the personality. He is currently a quick little crawler and has two top teeth and 4 bottom teeth(2 of which are just starting to come in). He has a nice little play area, but seldom stays in one spot as he is constantly exploring the entire house. His daddy is a hard worker and doesn't get to spend as much time with him as he would like... but he's working on it. This blog will most likely be all about Connor as he is the center of our lives. Get a load of this little cutie!

Here he is taking a ride in his friend's (Mateo) little car. He really enjoyed it. I just can't get over how quickly he is growing!! Anyway, stay tuned for more little "snippets" from our lives.