As I start looking towards going back to work next week, I figured I better try to update the website. Its been difficult to find more than a few minutes of peace to sit at the computer, and even now Mannix is stirring beside me, threatening to wake up. Life over the last few weeks has brought many changes in both kids. Connor is becoming more of a toddler and asserting his independence. His vocabulary is growing- his favorite word is down... which he uses the most when we discipline him (hold him on our laps and explain why his behavior is bad and wait for an apology). His cutest word is either Monkey or Nemo, but his best word has been Mandy. Mandy was tickled to death to hear Connor ask for her by name! He has also been asking to use the potty at times, completely catching us by surprise. He has become less cooperative for photos, trying his hardest to ruin several family photo opportunities. I know, its hard to believe cute Connor acting up and he is cute even at his worst, but we've done a good job of not laughing when he acts up. Mannix has been slightly colicky at times, but this seems to be improving finally. The last two nights he has not cried as he falls asleep, but still cries at times during the day. He as been sleeping 5-6 hr stretches at night for a couple of weeks and a couple of 8 hr stretches. Hopefully this will continue as I return to work.
The last few weeks have been full of adventure and outings. Our first road trip with two kids was a short trip accompanying Scott on a work trip, staying one night in Winston Salem and one night in Johnson City Tennessee. Both kids did fairly well with the drive, we found a kids museum in Johnson City to pass some time, and enjoyed honey covered pretzels at Mellow Mushroom in Winston Salem.
(Trying to catch a smile)Early March, we had a beautiful snowfall of about 6 inches which led to more snow fun and redneck sledding. Living in NC, we cherish each snowfall and make the most of every snowflake, even though it is annoying how everything closes down. Melissa, however, on the same day was in Massachusetts driving to her first day on rotation in a blizzard!
On March 15th, both boys were baptized together at First Presbyterian Church. Scott and I looked forward to this moment and enjoyed having our families there to share in the experience. Scott's family was able to join us- his parents from PA and also his sister from hawaii. Mandy was able to schedule a long visit with us and her parents before a conference in Atlanta, so we were thrilled to have her with us. Mannix did very well during the service and the baptism, slept quietly through the experience. Connor, however, fidgeted during the service and starting crying when the pastor held him for the baptism. And by crying, it was more like panickedly trying to get away from him, reaching for Scott. Once he stopped crying, he promptly fell asleep (the first ruined family photos). We had a (rainy) cookout afterwards to celebrate with the family. Thank you to everyone for sharing in the boys special baptism day!
I'm working on this again...for the third time...and its already April and I go back to work in two days...so I better finish this update out.
So after the baptism, we spent the rest of the week in PA. Mandy rode up to PA and back with us, which was really a big help with entertaining the boys on the ride. We had to borrow my moms minivan to fit all of us and the dog Sebastian. Even still, it was a TIGHT fit! I guess we aren't too far away from a minivan type vehicle, but we will put it off as long as possible. We got to visit with Scott and Mandy's cousin Kevin both in NC and in PA. He is in the Navy, stationed in Key West, but being deployed to Afganistan. It was great to see him and we will be eagerly awaiting his return! Lucky for him, his deployment starts and ends with some time in Hawaii, so Mandy will see more of him and is in charge of arranging the welcome home party at the airport! Stay safe Kevin!
(I forgot about these photos with Connor crying...are they both crying?)In PA, we also visited with Scott's high school friends Shawn (and daughter Kylie), Hotdog and Carrie (and kids Kyle and Seth) and Tracy. We saw lots of family and Gram O'Neill got some snuggle time with Mannix. Marla planned for a family photo since Mandy was in town, so one afternoon we set out for a professional photo. Unfortunately they were backed up and after patiently waiting almost an hour, Connor had a meltdown just before the photo. The photographer tried her best to snap him out of it (I was mortified and basically useless) and the photo came out fairly well, despite Connors crying. In PA, Connor decided that every time Pat was in the shower otherwise busy, he wanted to try out the potty. He surprised us all by walking up to the bathroom door, knocking, and undoing his pajamas. Scott sat him on the toilet and saw him pee for the first time on the toilet! The next time he wanted to try was on the back porch...where did he get that idea?? The Easter Bunny also found the boys in PA for an early easter and Connor got his first taste of easter egg hunting...and he's hooked, especially if it leads to money or candy! We'll go back to PA next in June for his cousin Nicole's wedding. Another cousin (he has 31 1st cousins), is getting married in June as well, here in the Outer Banks. The time in PA was relaxing and enjoyable and we look forward to our next visit!
Mandy came back to NC with us before going on to her conference in Atlanta. The highlight was a trip to the mall for photos of the kids. I wanted some shots of Mannix and a few shots of them together. I worried that we'd be in for a disaster when the only appointment was in the afternoon, and Connor did not get a nap. However, it went much worse than I could have imagined. Connor burst into tears when it was time to smile and did not want off my lap (and I definitely did NOT want to be in any pictures!) Then when we offered him a drink, he did not want to let go of his new thermos. Mandy got him to stop crying with a game of hide the toy boats, but he would not stay still for a second or smile. Then he and Mannix took turns crying for the rest of the time at the mall, only quieting down for dinner at Chick-Fil-A. In case you lost count, thats three ruined photos:)
As the weather is getting warmer, we have gotten even busier with cookouts, egg hunts, and yard work. With our new house (and rental house), there is more yard work than we can keep up with, but we love every second of it! Connor would spend all day outside if we let him! We look forward to all the fun that spring brings!
Playing together on the play mat...Big brother and Little brother
