Connor Went Sledding

Who: Connor and his blue sled

Witnesses: Me and Z

Date/Time: December 31, 2012

Where: Oaklawn Park, Hometown USA

To make the most of the bit of snow on the ground at the end of the year, we stopped by Oaklawn Park on our way home, unloaded the sled, suited 'Rad up, and headed uphill.  He loved it and was smiling at the bottom of every run.  He rocked it until the final run, when Z and I decided that letting him ride out the whole hill on his own was a good idea.  Wah wah wahhh.  The sled took a quick swerve to the right high on the hill and he tumbled out onto his stomach.  He wasn't happy but he was unharmed.  We packed it in after that, but are looking forward to more time on the snow.

Connor is Forward-Facing

Who: Connor and his car seat

Witnesses: Me and Z

Date/Time: November 11, 2012

Where: Our garage, in the Kelpster (our green Outback)

We pulled the car seat out to raise the shoulder straps, but when we put it back in we decided to do so forward-facing.  I think the little man likes it, but by no means is it the end of the fights to strap him in.  You win some, you lose some.

Connor's First Steps

Who: Connor and his First Steps

Witnesses: Me and a librarian shelving books

Date/Time: August 2, 2012 at approximately 5:55 pm

Where: E.D. Locke Library

'Rad took three or four steps to move from the puzzle table to the bookshelves while a librarian shelving books watched from between shelves.  I wish I could have caught it on video.  He was confident and didn't seem the least bit phased by it.  I was stunned into silence, excited and afraid.  What does the world hold for all of us now that it's expanded so much for him?

Connor's First Baseball Game

Who: Connor and the Madison Mallards

Witnesses: Z, GPS, and me

Date/Time: July 1, 2012

Where: Madison Mallard's Field

It was over 90 degrees out, but we got the little guy out to hear his first crack of the bat.  He also participated in and unofficially won the "Diaper Derby."  He was a trooper, luckily kept his sunglasses on, and didn't let the heat get him down.  I love that kid.

Connor's First Tooth (Almost)!

Who: Connor and his first tooth

Witnesses: Z and me

Date/Time: June 26, 2012

Where: In his highchair on the kitchen table

For months we have believed that Connor had been teething and maybe he had.  But today was the first time we felt physical proof of this mythical baby stage.  After a day of whining, clinging, and fussing, I felt the tip of a bottom front tooth making its way through 'Rad's gums.  Gummy smile, goodbye (I'll miss you).  Teefs, hello.

Connor's First Pool Day!

Who: Connor and a baby pool

Witnesses: Z, Blue, and Me

Date/Time: June 10, 2012

Where: Our backyard, WI

It hit 90 degrees that Sunday, so we inflated this little pool and filled it with hose water.  Very, very cold hose water.  Poor 'Rad.  But after a while he warmed up to it as it cooled him off and he started playing around, crawling around, and horsing around in it.  I wished we could suit up and join him, but it was just a baby pool after all.  This was his introduction course before hitting the big pool at Grandma's house.  

When pool time was up, Blue took it over.  I don't know what it is about that dog and wanting to drink the water he lays in.  Gross.

Connor's First "Adult Food" Dinner!

Who: 'Rad and some Chicken Parmesan

Witnesses: Z, Blue, and Me (Blue was also part of the clean-up crew)

Date/Time: June 4, 2012 at 6:40 p.m.

Where: Our kitchen table, WI

I saved some of the Chicken Parmesan I made last night for Connor's first "big kid" meal.  He seemed to enjoy it!  He jumped right into mushing the spaghetti around, putting fistfuls of it into his mouth, and letting it roll down his front and onto the kitchen table for Blue to enjoy afterwards.  To top it off: a few cut blueberries.  I think we're off to a good start!