The Summer of the Sandbox

Connor's Dad recently finished the construction of a new outdoor sandbox for Connor, complete with a large umbrella stand and benches. Apparently there is nothing cooler to a two-year-old than a wooden box full of sand. Connor spends every waking moment plotting how he can get right outside. I get numerous requests (before breakfast even!) for "Connor go outside?" Connor has been in the sandbox in his PJ's, while eating a breakfast bar in one hand. In the hot late afternoon/evening, we know that we might as well leave the house, unless we want to sit outside in the sandbox in fever-inducing heat. Connor has even skipped meals to play out there (and let me assure you, this kids does not skip meals often!)

The other day I took Connor to a "kids fair" of sorts. There was music, dancing, and even face painting. The whole time we were out, Connor repeated "Connor go home, play sandbox!" about once every five minutes. Apparently sandbox trumps kids fair. I fear that one morning I will wake up to find Connor with his pillow and blankie curled up in the sandbox. He loves it that much.

Camping: The Case of the Missing Sponge

The Cunninghams took off last weekend for for an adventure in the wilderness. Just to keep the excitement alive, we packed Connor's old favorite PJ's...fleece with moose. He loved them so much, we had to just put his sandals on right over the footsies, so he could wear them all morning long. Of course, now that we are back home and it is 80+ degrees, we have retired the the Pj's to the closet. The weather does not phase Connor though, he still requests them each night. *Sigh*

Just like last year, Connor loved it all!! He loved the dirt, the dogs, riding his trike on the trails, boating, and even swimming. However, I think his very favorite activity was playing in the dish water tub with some sponges. When we went to pack up, the sponges were no where to be found. Oh well, no big loss. Then as we were unpacking at home we discovered them. They were neatly tucked away in the little yellow "basket" on the back of Connor's trike. Apparently he was saving them for later. Maybe he noticed a few items that needed cleaning back home...? P.S. Connor still does sippy cup tricks...even in the wilderness when no one is watching.

BACKpack

Connor loves to carry his little monsters in his backpack. There is only one problem: Apparently it is much easier for a two year old to get it on as a FRONTpack. Connor's Dad & I decided this was a little too baby-bjorn-ish so we are working on teaching Connor how to wear this on his actual BACK. Of course the only problem is that when you do this you can't actually see Elmo & Zoe anymore. I told Connor that maybe Elmo & Zoe would like to just rest in the BACKpack for a little while from all the jumping, wrestling, clapping, eating, and chaos of their regular little lives... I think I'm going to teach Connor how to carry his own snacks/diapers in there next. On second thought, if a child is old enough to carry his own diapers...it might be time to potty train.

How old are you?

Just before his birthday in June, we taught Connor how old he was going to be. Since that time he will proudly answer that question with, "I'm TWO!" (although we are still working on getting only two fingers sticking up...that part is a bit tricky). Now that Connor is such a big boy, we are slowly (but surely) trying to talk him out of his binky (that's a pacifier for the non-parents & Grandpa Frank) by reminding him that binkies are for babies & he is now a big boy. Last weekend his grandma stayed with us and noticed that Connor still had his binky in his mouth long after he woke up. Trying to help out, she said something along the lines of, "Connor-what is that in your mouth? Is that a binky? You don't need that anymore, now that you are a big TWO year old! Those are for babies. You are a big boy now. Connor, how old are you?"

Connor's reply, "One."

Like Father, Like Son: Chapter 3

Connor resembles his dad in so many ways. Kinda into baseball, basketball, & football (especially when the Beavers play). Then there is the lawn mowing. And then there's the obvious mini-me look-a-like thing. Now there is the lego maniac claim. Apparently Connor's dad was a bit of a lego maniac himself. Quite honestly HE. STILL. IS. We were at the mall the other day & I asked Connor's Dad where he wanted to shop. His reply, "Well, I've been hoping to get to the Lego store." That was his only request. When we get there he proceeds to show me all the coolest legos they have now. (Ummm...I'll be at Nordstrom's, when you boys get done.) Since Connor got a new lego set for his birthday, his dad has brought home new lego pieces to "go with the set" not once, but TWICE. Connor's Birthday was only a few weeks ago, does he really need NEW lego pieces? But what do I know...I'm obviously not in the lego club. This is the mini-me's first building all by himself. You should see what they build together...I don't know if my house can handle all this lego land construction.

Very Stylish PJs

Connor is taking swimming lessons this summer. No pictures are available because I am also swimming with him in the pool. It is apparently difficult to find swimming lesson times for a kid who naps in the afternoon. Thus, we signed up for the only morning lessons available at the...shall we say..."elite" club. You don't have to be a member to take swimming lessons (and we are not). However, this club is amazing. SERIOUSLY AMAZING. Like way, WAY nicer than any gym I have ever belonged to. They give you large plush white towels for swimming lessons like they have at fabulous high-end resorts. (Unlike the scrawny ones which do not wrap all the way around you). There are two pools, complete with lawn chairs and cabanas, 6 basketball courts, and 5 dressing rooms (according to gender AND age). It is basically the same as a 5 star resort, but just includes a few treadmills here and there. I think if I asked the help, they would gladly provide me a lush white robe to wear and give me a pedicure on the spot. Needless to say, there are quite a few thin, attractive (and probably wealthy) club members milling around in their Lululemon gear. Thus, Connor and I try to don our most stylish outfits on the way to this gym for swimming lessons, you know...just to blend in with the crowd.

Well, lately Connor has been REALLY into making his own decisions. In fact, he almost always says "No" to whatever I suggest. For example, whenever I ask him if he wants to eat (even if he is starving) he will say, "NO!" then proceed to go get his bib & sit at his table. Umm..okay. I guess actions speak louder than words. In addition, he really likes to pick out his daily outfit. Today he insisted upon wearing his favorite Batman PJs to the club for swimming lessons. There is really no talking Connor down once he has made up his mind, so I decided to just roll with it. I think that's what really stylish moms do...