Little Ham

Since we love knicknames in this household, we must report on Connor's newest knickname: "Little Ham." He has this one particular smile that he only brings out for the camera. Let's just say that he has not yet perfected the "natural" grin...

Connor's Grandpa Frank has commented multiple times that Connor seems to have an unusually large mouth...we have no idea what he is talking about.

Just chillaxin' guys!

"Oh, Bonjour!, Oh, Dufuf?"

My life is like a "Friends" episode. I kid you not. Any faithful "Friends" fans out there remember that episode where Phoebe is trying to teach Joey to speak French? Well, in case you missed it, I have a refresher for you (see below - please view before reading the rest of this blog...or you will not get it):



For at least two months I have been trying to teach Connor to say "mama" and simultaneously his dad has been trying to keep up with me in teaching him to say "dada." Please note that if you count total time involved in this task, I win hands down. Apparently time involved doesn't count. Connor has already expressed his favoritism for his "dada" LOUD and CLEAR. Yes, that's right Connor spends all day rubbing it in my face, "dada" "ohhhh...Dada" and even what sounds suspiciously like "Hi dada." Whatever. As you can imagine, I have upped our "practice" hours teaching him "mama"...and his response, "dada" "dada" and even "day-de" "AHHHHH - Day-de" (Daisy). Its as if I am teaching this kid French.

Elmer Fudd Caps

This is a shout out to cousin Scottie who turned 26 yesterday! Connor is a big fan of cousin Scottie. He LOVES Scott's Donald Duck voice. In fact, Scottie and Connor have quite a bit in common...they are both loud burpers, have loud voices, and enjoy funny noises, just to name a few. Scottie has realized over the past few months that whatever Connor has is sure to show up on his next Christmas list...do they make a bouncy chair in size 6 foot 10? Apparently they both share a similar fashion sense and indeed were both caught wearing Elmer Fudd Caps last night at the birthday party. Although I assure you, Connor does like Scott...apparently the sight of him in his new red plaid, ear flappin', wool lined, cap was, well, just a bit too much to handle! And lets be honest, if Scott wears it on the beach with just a speedo, (as he plans to do)...Connor will not be the only one crying.

Who will boss who around?

Ever since Connor & his cousin Lauren were born, there is a running bet in our family about which cousin will boss the other around. So far the jury is out. Connor had a great time "playing" with Lauren this weekend. I use the term "playing" loosely, because they mostly just sat in close proximity to each other, eyed each other, and grabbed at each other's hands, socks, and toys. Connor has a 3 month advantage which so far translates into the ability to army crawl...so he can mostly control the scene. But watch out when Lauren learns your tricks, Connor! 3 months will be nothin' to brag about.

The Wave

Connor learned to wave last week! At first he struggled a bit with the timing, waving a few seconds after he left around the corner in his car. But he's getting a bit better at it and sometimes will start waving until his audience waves back. He mostly waves at people, but has been known to wave at his BFF (see previous post titled "Man's best friend, Baby's best friend?") Sometimes he shows his exuberant personality and waves with TWO hands...

But has also mastered the one handed cool, calm, and casual style...apparently taking after his cool, calm, & collected Dad.

What will Connor's Dad do next?

Imagine my surprise when I came home from work last Friday (the day before Valentine's Day) to find a finger painted card from Connor...

What? An 8 month old can finger paint? Isn't that stuff toxic? And well, everything he touches goes straight into his mouth! How did his Dad keep it out of his mouth....?

Apparently he did not. Casey assures me that this particular type of finger paint is indeed nontoxic. So, I guess in that case...I LOVE the gift! Thanks boys:)