Farewell 2011!

Wow, it's been a while since I have been able to update our blog...but there is a good reason for it!  We have been busy with a newborn.  Evan Jeffrey was born on November 14th via c-section.  He weighed 8 lbs, 10 oz and was 19 inches tall (although I think the measurement was totally inaccurate because a few weeks later he was 22 inches tall).  Although I was disappointed that I had to have a c-section, everything went very smoothly and I healed quite quickly.  It's hard to believe that Evan is already 6 weeks old.  He's had some trouble with his feedings, but other than that he has adjusted really well.  We just love him to pieces!  Connor has done amazingly well adjusting to all of the changes that come with a new baby.  He has become my little helper and makes sure that Evan gets plenty of love by showering him with kisses.  

Overall, 2011 has been a really good year for us with the exception of losing my grandmother last January.  I can't believe it's almost been a year.  I think about her all the time and just know she is in Heaven watching over us.  Since last January, Brian continues to excel at and really enjoy his job at TripIt.  He was just recently moved into the role of "Lead Software Architect".  The boys and I are so proud of his accomplishments.  I am staying plenty busy with my church choir job, voice lessons, mom groups and well...just being a mom to two boys.  Connor is getting to the age where he really notices other children and enjoys interacting with them.  He is also very vocal and can say about 20 words now.   I just know he is going to be talking my ear off before long.  Evan spends most of his time eating, sleeping and just being cute. :)

In November, my brother Peter married Terah Gardner in Tacoma, WA.  Unfortunately, we were unable to make the wedding since it was right around my due date.  However, Terah's brother-in-law was so nice to set me up on Skype so that I could watch the entire ceremony.  It was the next best thing to actually being there.  I am so excited to have Terah as a sister-in-law.  She and Peter really complement each other and she is so easy to be around.  Welcome to the family Terah!

I realize this blog sounds more like a letter that would be sent with a Christmas card...but I meant to do that.  I figured this would be a great way to wrap up 2011.  Just writing this post reminds me how truly blessed we are and that we have so much to be thankful for.  I hope that everyone has a fun and safe New Years!  Love to you all.  XO

Smith Family Farm visit

On Saturday, we went to Smith Family Farm with our friends The Solomon's to pick out some pumpkins.  Connor had a lot of fun hanging out with his buddy Grace and even got to participate in his first hoedown!  I had such a proud mama moment when Connor got to play the maracas to "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain".  The farm also had a lot of animals out and about which Connor enjoyed seeing, although I think the dog was his favorite.  Other than the hot weather, we all had a great time and can't wait to do it again next year!

Maternity Photos

A few weeks ago I had some maternity photos taken by photographer Bridget Homer (www.kissesofsunshinephotography.com).  This is the first time we have used her, but we absolutely love the moments she was able to capture.  Connor, of course, was the star of the show!  Enjoy!

Connor's first pair of "big boy" shoes

Last week Connor and I made a visit to Stride Rite to find him a pair of tennis shoes.   His baby shoes just weren't working anymore, he put too many miles on them.  Finding Connor shoes has always been frustrating for me because he has the chubbiest little feet.  It is so hard to find a pair that fits well.  I was so excited when I found out that Stride Rite carries wide children's shoes.

Connor was very excited about all the different shoes he got to try on but kept going back to the same pair.  The sales lady wanted to see how he could move in them so she put the shoes on Connor hoping he might take a walk around the store.  Nope!  Instead he sprinted into the mall.  I had to chase after him (an 8 month pregnant lady running = hilarious).  I knew that these must be the right shoes for him since he was able to move with such ease and balance.  Oh and it turns out that wide shoes don't work for him after all...we had to get "extra wide". I didn't even know that they made shoes in extra wide!

These shoes have since become one of his favorite things. Connor is constantly bringing us his new shoes so that we can put them on him.  Here are some pictures of Connor in his big boy shoes...

3D Ultrasound

We decided that we wanted to do something different for this baby that we didn't do with Connor so we decided to try out the 3D ultrasound.  We actually had two separate visits and still didn't get all of the pictures we were supposed to so we will be going back for a third.  On our first visit, the baby was fast asleep and very unwilling to move for us.  His legs and arms were completely covering his face so we weren't able to see much....except for his nice long legs.  We went back a few days later and he was much more willing to cooperate.  It was so fascinating to watch him move around and do little things like yawn, open his eyes, wave, etc.  He already appears to be a very snuggly baby.  The entire time he was snuggling up to his legs, hands and the placenta of all things.  He's also got some great chubby cheeks happening.  From the photos, I see a lot of resemblance to Connor's baby pics but I guess we won't really know until the baby is born.  Only 10 more weeks!!:)

Catch up.....

Wow, I am really not great at this blogging thing.  It's been three months since my last blog.  It has been a busy, busy summer for us.  In June, Connor celebrated his first birthday.  He had a pool party at Cousin Tina's.  We felt so blessed to have many friends there to help us celebrate.  Connor loved his birthday cake and it definitely showed.  It's so hard to believe that he is already on his way to being 2!  I am amazed at how fast he is growing and learning.  It is so fun to watch him discover new things.

Also in June, I performed my final graduate recital.  I officially have my graduate degree now.  WOOHOO!  I never thought that this day would actually come.  Everyone keeps asking me what my plans are now that I am finished with the program.  Well....I'm not entirely sure.  I imagine myself teaching voice at the high school or collegiate level at some point.  In the immediate future I will work at being a mommy to Connor and his little brother.  That's right, we are having another BOY!  So far, everything is going really smoothly with this pregnancy.  Only 12 weeks left until we get to meet this little guy.  In the very near future, we will be doing a 3D ultrasound and hope to get some great pictures from that.  I will be sure to post them when we do.

In July, we traveled to Oregon to visit the family.  It was so nice because everyone was able to be there at the same time.  Connor LOVED playing with his cousin Callie.  She taught him so much in the week that they spent together.  While we were there, I was able to attend Terah's (future sister-in-law) bridal shower weekend in McMinnville, Oregon.  It was such a fun weekend and a great opportunity to get to know her family.  This was the first time I had ever spent the night away from Connor.  It was difficult for me but I felt reassured knowing that he was having a great time with Papa, Dad and Uncle Andrew.  Once we left Oregon, we headed up to Prince George, BC to visit the other half of our family.  Connor was spoiled with yet another birthday party!  He had such a great time getting to play with all of his little cousins and spending time with his Grandma and Grandpa.

After leaving Prince George, we headed back to Portland where my parents picked up Connor while Brian and I flew to Las Vegas for the weekend.  Once again, very hard to leave Connor but both Brian and I knew that with another child on the way we wouldn't have too many chances to do this again in the near future.  We had an amazing time.  I think my favorite part was being able to fly on an airplane without all of our baby gear.  What a treat!  Since then, we have been busy with our usual activities and house work.  A few weeks ago we finally had our backyard landscaped.  It feels so nice to finally have one!  Now we just need a BBQ...  Our next project is to get the entire interior of our house painted before the baby comes. I can't say I am looking forward to the process but hopefully the final product will make it all worth while.

12 week ultrasound

We had our 12 week ultrasound earlier this week (even though I am 14 weeks along) and it went really well!  The baby looks very healthy and seems to be extremely active.  Every time we have been able to see the baby, it's been moving.  Connor was always asleep in his ultrasounds so I'm a little worried that this baby won't be a sleeper.  I am hoping I'm wrong about that...:)

Big News!!

We are expecting our second child in early November.  We are very excited to be welcoming another addition to our family.  Connor and his little brother or sister will only be 17 months apart so our household will be pretty crazy for awhile, but I know that Connor will be a terrific big brother and helper.  I am just about 10 weeks along in this pregnancy.  So far, I have been feeling pretty good, although I have had my moments.  I had an ultrasound at my doctor appointment today and was able to see the heart beat, I even got to see the baby wiggle and kick.  I was in shock that the baby could be that active at only 10 weeks.    It's been far too long since I updated this blog, so I have a lot of catching up to do.  Please stay tuned for some more posts and pictures in the near future...

Grandma

Well, we just got back from Boston where we attended my Grandma Gilroy's funeral.  We knew that she had terminal cancer but none of us thought it would happen this quickly.  I am SO happy that we made a trip to see in her September when we had Connor baptized. If we hadn't, she never would have had the chance to meet him.  Although it was heart wrenching saying good bye to Grandma,  it did give the entire family another chance to get together.  Connor finally got to meet his two uncles, his Aunt Laura and Cousin Callie.  Callie is a year old and was able to teach Connor many things.  Connor returned the favor by teaching Callie how to do a really high pitched whine.  I'm not so sure his Uncle Andrew and Aunt Laura appreciated that.  Connor learned how to make clucking sounds while in Boston and hasn't stopped since....  He also had the opportunity to go swimming for the first time.  What a great kicker he is! Here are some photos of the trip for you to enjoy.....

Connor is 7 months old today!

I cannot believe that my baby is 7 months old today!   Time has really flown.  Connor has brought so much joy to our life.  His happiness and enthusiasm is contagious. My favorite part of the day is getting Connor up in the morning because I know that I will be greeted with a huge grin.  Connor is a busy guy. He loves to play with his toys (especially musical toys) and our dog Gracie.  He also LOVES his food!  Some of his favorite foods include: bananas, sweet potatoes, applesauce, carrots and green beans.  Here are some photos of the birthday boy at 7 months.