Feeling optimistic

As we head into 2013, I find myself feeling very grateful about all that we experienced in 2012 and hopeful about all that I believe 2013 will hold.

Connor has changed so much over the year, we are very thankful to see him thriving and growing into an adventurous, funny, and affectionate kiddo. Here are some highlights:

Sliding in Baltimore

Laughing with MiMi

Posing for Mommy

Christmas smiles

Reading with Grandma Honermann

Playing at the lake in Montana

Reading with cousin Maya

Running for the first time

Riding Sadie (she tolerates a lot!)

Hugs with Mommy

 Tom and I have both settled into our new jobs over the last year, and that feels good.  After all of the major changes in 2011, we both needed that type of year.

For 2013 for myself, I'm hoping to carve out a little more time for myself to do things that I enjoy for myself (running, cooking, reading).  Perhaps even blogging a little bit more.

Happy New Year!

Some bunny had Easter come a little early

Our little baby is now a little boy, runs everywhere, blows kisses and gives hugs!

 He also hasn't realized that when he does peek-a-boo with his hands we can still see him.  Trying it out with Dad.

Change

Now that we are reasonably settled in our new home, all of the changes from the last year are finally settling in:

• Baby!
• 2 new jobs
  
• 3 homes
  

Tom and I figured why not make all of our major life changes in one calendar year.

In seriousness, it has been one heck of a year. It would be hard to jam much more change in. I think I've been a trooper, but am finally in burnout stage. All in all, we are glad to be settled in and have regular access to family. We see my folks and sister frequently -- all without having to hop on a plane.



Connor has been wonderful, he is truly thriving. We had our first parent teach conference this week. We wondered what in the heck can they say about a 10 month old, but it was good to hear that they feel he is thriving and independent. The comment was made that everyone always knows when Connor is around aka, he is loud.

He is a sweet boy. He kisses frequently versus the little love bites he used to readily give, is quite snugly, and is generally pleasant to be around. He has started to sign a bit which is awesome. First signed word=milk, first spoken word= uh oh. He has been so healthy, and we feel very grateful each day for all of the gifts we have in our life.

Settling In

We are now in Richmond and settled into temporary housing. I started my new job this week, Tom starts his next week, and Connor had his first half day of day care. I think we're all doing reasonably well.

There are lots of things that we miss about Portland, mainly our friends and comforts of home. We really miss our backyard as Miss Sadie needs to be walked 3 times a day. With working, taking care of Connor, and trying to take care of normal life things, it seems like most days these isn't room for much else at least during the week.

Connor is such a sweet boy, mostly full of smiles and giggles. I hope that the choices we are making help him continue down that path. He is starting to become aware of Sadie, and I think he will have lots of love for his fur sister.

Connor has been able to enjoy the pool here. I think he likes to watch everyone in the pool more then he likes the water, but it's fun. We have gotten together with our friends the Brolunds, and Connor and Lily are fast friends.

We feel very thankful for how everything is coming together. We know that we have been very lucky on all fronts. Thank you to everyone supporting us through this journey.

Goodbye Portland, hello Richmond?

I have always been the type of person to fare better with more on my plate than less, and 2011 is well on it's way in keeping with that tradition. After many long and late discussions, we are going to be heading east to Richmond, Virginia.

This was a really tough decision for us. There are so many things we love about Portland, walk factor, public transport, food, and progressive culture . Over the last year and a half we finally feel like we have friends that we've come to consider family here. As wonderful as that is, we found ourselves frequently wishing that we didn't have to hop on a plane to see our family. With the arrival of the little guy that feeling has grown stronger.

I was lucky enough to land an offer from Capital One in Richmond at the same time that Tom landed a job that was transferable to Virginia. We're going to give it a shot and see how things pan out. Both my parents, sister, and Tom's brother will be drivable from Richmond, and our good friends the Brolunds live in town, so we'll have some support to start with.

To our friends in Portland, we can't say thank you enough for making the last 6 years some of the best we've had. Portland truly is a wonderful little gem, and we are going to miss it and you.

Hinnies, poop, and barf

These are now daily words in my vocabulary. It feels like I spend a good part of each day tasked with the removal of body fluids. I frequently am wondering what I am smelling. Am I wearing baby barf, is Connor? Why is my hand wet? Please don't let it be poop!

I am also amazed by the number of diaper and outfit mishaps we have. Maybe Tom and I have poor diapering skills, but we have to swap out outfits nearly every day. I have become expert at removing body fluid stains from fabric. Ah life with an infant!

There is also the art of timing the diaper change so that we don't get hit directly with poop or pee. It is harder then what you may imagine. Changing diapers immediately after waking up or after feeding is risky.

One thing no one told us was how explosive baby bowels are. It is a good thing we outgrow this!

Getting burped



Immediately after a diaper change


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Growing

The little guy continues to grow. Connor had his two month appointment on Friday and his weigh in confirmed it. He is now in the 90th percentile for height and in the 75th percentile for weight. He clocked in at just under 13 lbs!

Connor also got his first vaccinations. Tom had the honor of sitting with Connor as he got them. We felt bad for him as he started to realize it hurt.

Here is a picture of him after the appointment, but before the hysterical crying started later in the afternoon.


His Valentine's Day outfit, you'll notice he has developed quite a belly and some chubby cheeks!


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