Organizing the Disorganized

Thomas and I trudged to our professional development day with our arts staff from school. No agenda was in place prior to the meeting so we all came somewhat open-minded that it would be organized for us.

Our district tends to operate with the absence of structure. The administration also likes to invent new programs, implement them and change them completely the following year. As an arts staff, we have pleaded for someone to take charge and create a program that we feel excited to be a part of. Now, even with a supervisor in place, we are still left to fend for ourselves. Today brought contentious discussions, vented frustrations and answers meant to appease us for the time being.

Perhaps my expectations are set high. I come from a district in New York where the bar was set high. It was the opposite end of the pendulum with almost too much structure. But it worked. I felt respected as a teacher. My supervisor was second to none and he was our advocate. Here, I feel scrutinized, yet removed. Instead of being allowed to choose our music programs, many of us find our principals or classroom teachers dictating our concerts. No one really cares about the quality of music, as long as the parents enjoy it. Some of us are left so alone that I found half a dozen people on our music staff that I had no idea who they were or what they taught. We have a supervisor but we end up having to advocate for ourselves because she wants to sit back and watch how things work. Several teachers are leaving, many for jobs completely unrelated to teaching. These are hardworking teachers. Instead of leaving this meeting day refreshed and excited for the upcoming year, we left the same way as we came in. Confused. Unhappy. And our relative open-mindedness became close-minded.

Teaching is not what it used to be. Of course, everyone gets burned out on their jobs from time to time. Some music teachers spend considerable time before and after school working. Some teachers cannot devote time when they need to work another job to pay the bills. Some continue on in horrendous situations and keep their chins up high. Others simply give up.

My chin is drooping, it gets pretty close to the floor some days.

Astronaut, Part II

Again, thanks to Jesse for straightening this video out.

Our Little Astronaut

Five, four, three, two, one-lift off to Mars! Ian's favorite game of the week is playing astronaut. He wears the helmet (aka pail) on his head, sits in the spinny chair (not shown here) and sings. He has a 99 cent Target microphone, which he also uses to contact Mission Control (Mommy). I must also wear my "helmet", which is covered in Thomas the Train stickers and give commands to the flight crew. Connor, by the way, is also part of the flight crew and is very busy practicing his space walking.

Now, I do have a video of Ian singing with the helmet on. The video is shot sideways so I am trying to figure out how to fix that so you aren't craning your neck to watch. Stay tuned.

Connor Walks

Connor Entertains

Connor plays Peekaboo

Sticker Shock

I was working on the computer on Monday and the boys were right next to me playing with toys on the windowsill. As I was talking to Tom on instant message, I happened to look over and see Ian playing with Thomas the train sticker sheets. Connor had a few too. No biggie.

So, I went back to what I was doing and looked back a few moments later and Connor was pretty much tattooed with stickers up and down his arm.

Ian took every single sticker off of the sheet and plastered them on Connor, on his arms, his forehead, the back of his shirt and a few landed on the floor. Connor didn't seem to mind until later on when the stickers acted like a bandaid and I had peel them off of his skin. I also ended up scraping stickers off the floor later that evening.

But, they had a really fun time with those stickers!

100 Things About Me-Another List

100 Things About Me

1. I obviously love these lists and questionnaires. I love getting them in emails, I've made up some, I always respond to them. Bring it on.
2. I grew up in the height of the 80's, which is just hard to believe that I am hearing songs from my era on the classic rock station or on Saturday 80's night. Has it been that long?
3. I am an only child. Unless you count my brother with no bones.
4. I have never broken a bone.
5. I was extremely shy throughout most of my life. I still fight with social anxiety, it is really hard, but I am at the most outgoing I have ever been.
6. I love libraries and bookstores. Most of the time is spent in the children's section (with my children) but I love a few hours to wander around by myself. I especially enjoy the comfy chairs, a nice cup of tea and a ton of books I don't intend to buy.
7. I am a very anxious person though it probably doesn't appear that way often.
8. I never have liked country music. Ever.
9. I love watching "our shows" at night once the kids are asleep. Thomas is waiting for me to finish this blog so we can watch Colbert.
10. I love chips and salsa. And Tew and Suz's guacamole.
11. I am petrified of heights, except on an airplane.
12. I am TERRIFIED of spiders.
13. I have never seen a complete Star Trek episode, even though my husband loves that show.
14. I have never had better Mexican food than here in AZ. Mango's is the best!
15. My favorite drink is Sangria, as made by either Hilary or Suz.
16. I have the worst hair in the world. It is fine textured, somewhat wavy/curly, a million cowlicks, it needs to be washed every day, it is just the worst. Even my hairdresser says so! I do like the dark brown color, but the gray hairs are creeping in and standing at attention.
17. I have brown eyes and I am very happy with my brown eyes and my older son's brown eyes too! Nothing wrong with a good chocolate colored pair of eyes! Thank goodness they aren't blue! (I hope you are sensing an inside joke here)
18. I fell in love with Thomas in Lake George, NY. We've been together for 13 years, I think!
19. I don't want a dog. Or a cat. Or any pets. I'll enjoy other people's pets instead.
20. I enjoy cleaning and organizing. Unfortunately, I am outnumbered 3-1 in my house, so it isn't that clean or organized.
21. I am a total homebody – I’m happiest just being at home
22. I wear the same earrings almost everyday. My husband gave me a pair of silver hoops that I love, love, love more than any other piece of jewelry.
23. I don't wear my wedding or engagement ring. Neither does my husband anymore. Lots of comments on that, but it's our choice.
24. I don't really like to cook, but I am trying to branch out.
25. I would rather write an email than talk on the phone.
26. I can’t drive a stick shift. My mom tried to teach me and I drove up on someone's lawn.
27. I would love to see a show taping-I have never seen one. I would love to see Colbert.
28. I used to collect Snoopy everything. I have slowed that WAY down, because there is just no room.
29. I do not like horror movies at all.
30. I love New York Pizza, as everyone knows. That is our traditional welcome home to NY meal when we visit NY.
31. I can eat a lot of food. It is a little freaky and not too great for the figure. (what figure?)
32. I hate camping. I am faced with the fact that we don't have a lot of $$, and camping is a cheap vacation, so it is probably in the future somewhere.
33. I have freckled skin, light olive color. I can tan pretty easily but I am trying to be more cautious. I would love to have my dad's skin tone!
34. I don't like pastel colors.
35. I am very interested in photography and learning more about taking better pictures. Michael has been my photo mentor. My specky new camera has been a trusty sidekick.
36. I feel like my memory is getting worse in the last year or so. I forget a lot of things and need to make a lot of lists.
37. I am very non-confrontational.
38. I don't mind sharing my political views if asked, but I don't advertise it. Or I try not to.
39. I am mathematically challenged since forever. I struggled to barely pass math every year from elementary on. I am pretty sure my son counts better than I do.
40. I do play several musical instruments, but the one I would love to play well is the guitar.
41. I am trying to change careers and become a grant writer/consultant or work in non-profit arts somehow.
42. I love the beach. I don't like swimming in the ocean.
43. I have stopped collecting things that collect dust. The only thing I like to collect now are photos.
44. I would love to visit Europe and also Ecuador again.
45. I can speak, read and write Spanish. I am a little rusty lately (sorry, Dad) but I have gotten a lot of practice in AZ.
46. I almost went to college for Spanish. I have considered doing some coursework in translation, but haven't pursued it.
47. I have a Bachelor's and Masters in Music Education. It is a pretty limiting degree given the teaching field nowadays. Probably should have gone with the Spanish, but I can't change what I chose in the past.
48. When I was in high school, I was a band geek. And Band Treasurer. Refer to #39 and you see why that is ironic.
49. I want to visit all 50 states.
50. I clean my kitchen floor almost every day, sometimes twice. Or three times.
51. I don't have a good eye for interior design/house stuff. Our house is a big mish-mosh of patterns and colors. Someday I would love to have a room full of matching furniture!
52. My best car was my Ford Escort. I loved that car.
53. I currently drive a ghetto-looking Geo Prizm. The mechanic said it runs great for a car with 160,000 miles on it. Although I angle for a newer car, I will be driving this one until the end. I bought it 12 years ago with my first teaching job.
54. I am a big loser on Ebay, so I quit using it.
55. I miss all of my New York friends and family.
56. I do not miss New York or the East Coast that much. Sorry East Coasters. I know we keep saying we might move back. 30 degrees with snow does not entice me to return.
57. I like the West Coast a lot. Phoenix is a clean, organized, happening place. I wish there was some middle ground place that we could live where our family and friends would also be. I know nobody wants to live here in AZ with us. I agonize on giving up all we have worked for in Phoenix, it is a really arts centered city.
58. I hate the Arizona education system. There's the drawback. After growing up and teaching in NY, I think anything is a step down.
59. I am pretty crafty. I like beading, scrapbooking and learning new crafts. But my time and attention is so limited, I find that photography is really my new craft of late.
60. My favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chocolate chip.
61. My favorite topping for ice cream is nothing.
62. I hate eggs.
63. I cannot drink a straight up glass of milk.
64. I won’t eat liver. Ever.
65. I love to read at night before I go to bed.
66. I used to stay up and wait for my mom to go to bed, then run in and camp in her bed for the night. I also liked to go in and talk to her about what I wanted for lunch the next day or ask if I could use the bathroom. Good times, Mom!
67. I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons. Apparently that is a thing of the past, because Saturday morning cartoons are horrible and lame anymore. What happened to Bugs Bunny, Smurfs, Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, SuperFriends? Sniff, sniff.
68. I hate football. I don't even try to understand it anymore.
69. I love baseball and I know more than my husband does about it.
70. I ran the New York Marathon. I cannot imagine running down the block now unless I was chasing one of my kids.
71. I had my wisdom teeth out and I was awake for all of them.
72. I never had braces. My teeth turned out pretty straight.
73. My favorite thing to wear is my yoga pants and a comfy shirt. And my hoodie jackets.
74. I had chicken pox as a kid.
75. I am a little neurotic about my boys and their health.
76. I cannot look at needles going in my arm.
77. I love Target. It is my favorite all-around store.
78. I love my laptop. That and my camera are my favorite toys.
79. I love the smell of lavender soap on my boys. They always smell so sweet after their bath.
80. I would love a bigger house, but we make do with our little one.
81. I would love to make more money as a teacher. It is crazy that you cannot support yourself or your family on a teacher's salary.
82. I love the Backyardigans music.
83. I love my son singing Backyardigans music.
84. I love my two boys.
85. I don't like call waiting.
86. I won a Pizza Hut coloring contest when I was a kid. We got a free pizza.
87. I’m a Leo, which I wasn't quite sure how I fit into the Leo description, but Hilary has enlightened me on all things astrological. Now I get it.
88. I love the Colbert Report. Love it. Better than Daily Show.
89. My favorite shows lately are: Lost, How I Met Your Mother, Backyardigans (seriously cute!), Colbert Report.
90. I love to write. Not just the technical grant writing, but I love that too. I have a bunch of writing but I have been the only reader ever.
91. I love to blog. It's really fun. I also love snagging ideas from other blogs (thanks to Stacy for this one that I noticed on your sidebar!)
92. I hate having the tv on if no one is watching it.
93. I have great fingernails. They grow like a dream. But since I play guitar, I chop them each week.
94. I procrastinate, but I try not to. It's hard!
95. I wish I had money to do more projects in our house. I have quite a wish list.
96. I love listening to talk radio.
97. I love playing board games, especially with Terri.
98. I love my family. They are all good people with big hearts.
99. I love my friends. Doesn't anyone want to live out West?
100. I am sad that this is the end! I love lists!

35 Quirks

35 Quirks

1. What is your favorite thing to wear? My yoga pants and a black t-shirt and fuzzy socks.

2. Last thing you ate? Leftover pizza and a Diet Pepsi.

3. Nastiest thing you've ever eaten? Liver! Blah, blah, blah!

4. I say Shotgun, you say? whatever floats your boat.

5. How many U.S states have you been to? NY, NJ, NH, VT, DE, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, PA, OH, MI, WI, IL, OK, TX, CO, AZ, CA, NV, KS, WV, CT, IN, KY, MD, MA, MI, NM, RI, TN, UT.

6. How many of the U.S states have you lived in? NY, AZ, briefly in FL

7. What is your favorite romance book? I don't like to read romance books.

8. Favorite type of food? Mexican and PIZZA (NY type)

9. Do you care if your socks are dirty? Yes, but I rarely wear socks here in AZ except at night and in the winter.

10. Have you ever cheated on a test? I think so, but more likely, people used to cheat off of me, especially in Spanish class.

11. Has anyone ever sang or played for you personally? Yes.

12. Do you like Bush? No.

13. Have you ever gone white-water rafting? No.

14. Have you met a real redneck? Yes.

15. How is the weather right now? mid-80s

16. Where was the last place you went besides your house? The park and a birthday party.

17. What are you afraid of? I am deathly afraid of spiders.

18. How many pets do you have? NO PETS (that is my new motto, not that I don't like animals, but NO PETS)

19. What's one thing you've learned? You cannot change the past, you can only do what you can in the present moment.

20. What do you usually order from Starbucks? Lately, I like the Vanilla Latte, but I also love the Mocha Fraps too. I only go every other week, try to make it a treat than a habit.

21. Have you ever fired a gun? No, don't want to either.

22. Favorite TV show? Lost and Colbert Report

23. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb? No.

24. If you had a daughter, what would you name her? Maria, Marisol, Marixa or something M that is Spanish sounding. But, that will not be happening as my other motto is "WE'RE DONE."

25. Do you find yourself loved? Yes, I feel very, very loved.

26. Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to? Yes, who hasn't? The best memory was when I stole Barbie shoes at Kmart, hid them in my hand and my mom found out and made me give them to the security guard. I also stole my friend's Blueberry Muffin doll and claimed it as my own. Later when my friend told my mom that she lost her Blueberry Muffin doll, my mom put two and two together.

27. Butter, plain, or salted popcorn? I could eat plain popcorn, but why? Love the butter AND the salt.

28. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yes, but I don't think it's all that great. Not a fan.

29. Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently? No.

30. What's something that really bugs you? People who don't know how to listen to someone else without interrupting or changing the subject.

31. Do you like Michael Jackson? You know, I loved the Thriller album and I think he is a talented performer, BUT I think this guy needs some serious help.

32. Favorite baseball team? NY Mets and AZ Diamondbacks

33. Have you ever milked a cow? No

34. Last time you went bowling? Hmm, I think it was with Michael and Terri sometime long ago on a rainy day in CA.

35. Have you ever cut your own hair? Oh yes, the bangs. I have a school picture with some really crooked bangs. I am sure there are some adult ones too. The good thing is that I leave the hair cutting to Vance. I do not want to be on his gossip list for who gives themselves bad haircuts.

Mission to Mars

Thomas has been working on this swingset for over a week. He meticulously organized the hardware and the wood, labeling everything, which impressed me.
In between school, gigs and other jobs, he has managed to work a little bit almost everyday, adding sections at a time. And yeah, it's not finished yet, but it will get there.

I lobbied for this swingset, knowing the kids would love having something to play on. But I never imagined how much fun it would be to see this work in progress. Thomas has Ian getting his tools out, helping count out washers or nails and the result is Ian enjoying the work too. Thomas then climbs in the fort with Ian and they put on their space suits and blast off on a mission to Mars. They go out at night and sit and watch the stars. The swingset has created a father-son bond and for that alone, it is well worth the money, time and effort that goes into this project.

Now, that is not to say that Ian helps every time. Thomas has worked until 10pm a few nights, using his headlamp and even sacrificing a bit of video game time. And there has been some choice words now and then and tricky sections, but it is really fun to see him dig in and keep chipping away a little each day.

I really loved this picture of Connor and Thomas. Connor looks a bit forlorn as he was recovering from double ear infection/cold/pneumonia, but he still wanted to be outside with the rest of us. He is enjoying crawling through the bottom of the fort and holding on to the sides.

Here's the real point. My husband is a really great father. I've said it before and I'll probably say a ton more over the years. He works all the time, three jobs plus whatever gigs come along. He makes time for the boys, whether it's a quick trip to the park, having them help with the swingset or taking them out to look at the stars each night. He helps me in the morning getting them dressed or getting breakfast; he helps at night with baths, pajamas, and reading books. And maybe all those things seem easy, but they aren't. It takes patience, sacrifice and a lot more patience. But he adds a lot of imagination, spirit and occasional trips to Mars.

Angels

Angels, angels
They didn't want to be
But suddenly they're free

Angels, angels
I hear them in the trees
And I wish that one was me.

I see clouds roll overhead
Know it's me that moves instead
Round and round and round
Clouds are faces I can see
I can see they're seeing me
I can tell 'cause we know each other well
We know each other well

Angels, how high have you been
Since you've left this world I'm in
And what do you see about me?
Will my time go very far?
Does love reach up where you are?
Then take it along
I pay you for your song
Can I go, can I go along?

Angels, angels
They didn't want to be
But suddenly they're free.

Angels, angels
I hear them in the trees
And I wish that one was me.
-N.Wilson

How can we ever know what happens in the next moment of our lives? How one day we live with our loved ones and the next day, they become angels. We never know.

My heart goes out to all the angels from Virginia Tech and their families.

Connor's Birthday Weekend: A Final Glimpse

Suzie, Michael and Ian went to the "red" park on Saturday morning to burn off some energy. They had a really fun time together. Suzie was introduced to the Thomas-created and patented game of kick the soccer ball down the slide. (for J&T-"I invented this game. I made this game what it is." "Not fun anymore?" Name the episode.)

Once again, we have to thank Michael, Terri and Suzie for everything.....making the trek to see us, helping with the party details, hanging with the boys and adding to the memory bank. We love you all.

And with this respectfully submitted post, I am off to get some rest and probably dream about bees.

Easter Sunday: Papago Park

Michael suggested we take Suzie to see the desert. We chose Papago Park, with all its desert glory and paved pathways. Ian did some serious tricycling while we admired the scrub, cacti and the buttes. We also admired the sign saying "There are bee hives in the buttes. Be careful." Hmm. Except the beehives were not just in the buttes. They were in the trees along the path. Since the sign said "in the buttes" and not "in the trees along the path", Thomas encouraged us to move on and buck up. Meanwhile, Suzie and I basically scoped out every single tree for possible bee situations.

Ian was getting tired and hungry as we neared the picnic area. Thomas wanted to sit for a snack and Suzie and I both hesitated. He offered to check out the picnic area, which had another huge sign announcing bees "in the area". We finally started to head back, not before posing for some photos.

So, the conversation turned to spiders, scorpions and other bee related tales, which in turn, heightens our paranoia about bees attacking us. We discuss how we have no idea if the boys are allergic to bees. How some bees will only attack a single person in a crowd of many. Thomas points out that other hikers are walking unfazed by bees. This does nothing to instill calm peace of mind. Thomas is disappointed that his favorite spot to take the boys biking is bee-infested. We consider calling the city of Phoenix parks to see what they will do about it. We make it back to the car unscathed.

So, welcome Suzie, to Phoenix.



One of the big hives in the trees covered in layers of bees. Nice.

Easter Sunday: The Afternoon

Here are some fun action shots of Thomas "Bend It Like Beckham" Murphy. He's pretty good with that Diego soccer ball.

Nice shot from the wrong side of the net.

In other news, Ian and Connor got some fun Easter gifts, including a super duper bubble wand. Ian did some serious bubble chasing.

Connor was not as interested in the bubbles. He focused on trying to eat the Diego soccer ball.


We followed up with leftover hamburgers for lunch and then all five of us took solid two hour naps for the rest of the afternoon. I think all the birthday festivities wore us all out today. For those wondering about the swingset, it is still in the box.

Connor's Birthday, Part 6: The Carseat Ceremony

I imagine one of the most exciting moments in a young infant's life is facing the same direction as everyone else in the car. To actually see something besides the back of a seat. And as a parent, I am thrilled to be able to look up in the rearview mirror and see both of my children while I drive. I don't have to ask Ian if Connor is awake or asleep, I can see for myself.

Connor enjoyed the attention he got from sitting forward.


As a complete aside, you can see Connor's top teeth now. He actually has five teeth now!

So, while we showed Aunt Suz the Phoenix sights, Connor got to see them a little better too. Happy forward facing from this day on!

Connor's Birthday, Part 5: The Murphys 4

I pick really inopportune times for family photos. Such as fifteen minutes before party guests arrive and when my boys are the least cooperative. There is Connor, either crying or chewing on his finger. Ian rolling around on our laps, deliberately being silly. Thomas saying, "do we have to do this now?" Michael, our photographer, saying "you need to be a little closer." Terri behind Michael jumping around and trying to get the kids to look in the vicinity of the camera. And here's what we ended up with. I put in a bunch of shots, just so you can see what Michael was working with.

P/S-Big thanks to Fun Aunt Terri for getting the boys new birthday outfits. Not identical, because the real birthday boy needs to stand out a bit. Thank you!

P/P/S-This post is really for my dad and Karen, who have been wondering why a) I am not in front of the camera and b) when we were going to be in a picture altogether. Now you have a bunch to choose from! Good luck!

Connor's Birthday, Part 4: Family Poses

Okay, I forgot one classic birthday cake photo. This one really captures the artist at work.

We love Aunt Ginny and we are so glad that she is close by to join us for all the big events. Connor sat on her lap while Ian and Trevor opened all of his presents.


Cool Uncle Mike has a way of keeping the young charges entertained. He played soccer with the kids, gave Ian and Trevor some helpful hints during the egg hunt and kept Connor company during dinner.
Super Aunt Sooooz. She provided us with a delicious array of food (most notably guacamole and sangria) and kept us all entertained with her stories and good humor. We felt so happy and honored that she could attend Connor's birthday.

Connor's Birthday, Part 3: One Crazy Dad

Thomas got some mileage out of the party hats this year. There were a few extra and they didn't go to waste. I am really not sure who he looks like, some bizarre cross of a Star Wars character and a second rate opera singer.

Who is this crazy guy?

Connor's Birthday, Part 2: The Easter Egg Hunt

Most of Connor's party guests were a bit older and not as content to sit and eat for an hour or more. Since Easter was the following day, I decided an Easter egg hunt would be really fun for the kids. It actually became an ice breaker for them and got them to play together later on.



Unbelievably, the kids were willing to pose for a photograph following the egg hunt.

The best part was eating the chocolate candies hidden inside the eggs. You might be wondering about Connor.... he was busy being adored by the adults. That trumped looking for eggs.

Connor's Birthday, Part 1: The Cake

Connor ushered in his first birthday with a gathering of family and friends. Uncle Michael, Aunt Terri and Aunt Suz all made the trip into Phoenix and helped with the party planning and preparations. Aunt Ginny, Cindy, Trevor, Annika and our next door neighbors all came over to celebrate with him. Connor spent a good portion of his time in the booster chair, eating cheese and crackers, hamburger, pasta and fruit. Here he is impatiently waiting for his ice cream cake.
Connor made short order of his cake. More to come on this topic.

We also celebrated "Big Brother Day" for Ian. He was also very interested in the ice cream cake.

I know you love the before and after shots. Connor was fingerpainting with the melted remains of ice cream.




There are some better shots of the handprint on Connor's forehead from other folks, but if you look carefully, you'll see it. Needless to say, he had to be changed out of his specky birthday outfit, which Aunt Terri chose for him. Oxyclean to the rescue!

Retrospect

It's funny how a year goes by in the blink of an eye. Here we are on April 6, 2006, the last few moments of being just a family of three. Anxious to end the waiting and meet our new little boy. We didn't know his name or what he looked like. We didn't know what was to come.

After weeks and weeks of uncomfortable sleep, I finally scheduled a time to go in and get the baby show on the road. Thomas got settled on a cot and I was hooked up to all kinds of fun IV's. At 4am, they administered Pitocin. I was not really having any contractions and by 6am, I was getting a little nervous that nothing was happening. However at 7am, I felt like I bought a ticket on a rollercoaster ride. The contractions went from tame to furious in what seemed like seconds. I remember fighting to maintain control and focus. I remember Thomas asking the epidural lady a bunch of questions, which she leisurely answered. I remember wanting to strangle someone but I was not even able to speak. It felt like I could not come up for air. And then at 8:08am, we became a family of four.

He looked like a miniature Yoda, a scrunchy little face and skin mottled and reddish. The nurse announced his weight at 9lbs, 4oz and I am fairly certain my eyeballs popped out of my head. Another bruiser, this time with a mohawk.

Thomas lobbied for the name Connor and (I'm sorry, Connor!) I really wasn't a fan of the name. I had a Connor in every single class at school. But, I didn't have any names to counter with and I was too tired to argue. And now, he is just a Connor. Baby C. Little C. Chunky Monk. Cuteness. Sweetness. Babyness. Baby Connor. Connor J.

His appearance has really dramatically changed over the year. For many weeks, he had deep red skin with a big shock of black hair on top of his head. Gradually, he faded into his translucent Irish skin and his hair took on shades of brown, blond and red and the dark hair disappeared. The mohawk is still there although it does comb down. His eyes are a brownish-green, but they never turned chocolate like Ian's.

He is a light sleeper, he is fearless and he is funny. He says hi and waves. He gives high fives. He laughs with a scratchy Porky Pig inflection. He wants fairness in his life, in other words, if Ian has something, Connor should have it too. He is starting to thin out a bit and lose the baby chunk. He is playing with cars and looking at books. He covers his eyes and plays peekaboo.
He is becoming a little boy. I remember when Terri finally had to tell me that Ian wasn't a baby any longer. I wanted to cry. And I see the end of babyhood in sight. It's coming, like a train thundering down the track.

So tomorrow, our little C turns one. I love the parents who says, "Before you know it, he'll be 20." Don't tell me that yet. We still have some time, as long as we stay conscious about it.