Pump it up

Liam decided that the bikes needed a little extra air in the tires. But, he quickly discovered that it was a lot more fun to "air up" his ears than the tires. Actually, he really enjoyed airing up my ears. I love that baby laugh and smile. He hasn't been feeling well the past few days. Lots of snot and a cough. Today was much better. It's good to have our happy little boy back.

Angle

Ben took these photos today. I always love to his angle. Things just look different from his vantage point. Interesting, I think.

Swim again

We are back at swim lessons again this week. We took last week off because I was out of town. Ben was ready to go first thing this morning. In fact, he asked about it a lot last week. He has gotten really good with putting his face under the water. He can back stroke when his teacher holds his head or his feet. And, he is very brave on the diving board now. He still prefers to be caught without getting his face too wet, but he walks right out to the end of the board likes it's no big thing. Way to go, Ben.

Blanchard Springs Carverns

Rob took the boys to Blanchard Springs Carverns. Very impressive. They had a great time. Ben was on his best behavior. Liam got a little antsy during the longer stops along the tour but overall they had a great time. The trip was prompted by a Batman movie. Ben is very excited that he has now been to a real bat cave and saw lots of bat poop.

Poppy update

I have been working in Texas since Wednesday night. Last night, I flew to Houston and this morning I headed to the hospital to visit my dad (that's Poppy to the boys). He has now been at MD Anderson for almost a month. That is hard to believe. He is in isolation as he recovers from the chemotherapy which wiped out his immune system. We are hopeful this treatment will put the cancer in remission and he will regain strength and return to his "normal" life, very soon. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with my parents. To keep up with my dad's recovery - you can visit him at this caring bridge site.

Memory lane

Three years ago, Blue Bell Ice Cream was celebrating their 100th Birthday by touring the country. They had a display on a truck featuring the history of Blue Bell and they were giving out (lots of) samples.

My dad is quite possibly Blue Bell's biggest fan. We certainly couldn't miss an opportunity like this. Ben had a great time, too! They even had a bounce house in the shape of a carton of ice cream. Yum Yum.

That was one fine day.

The girls

The boys are spending a lot of quality time with these two sweet hearts. They are sisters and are the best "kid-sitters". They love the boys and are great playmates. We are very fortunate to have them watching the boys during the mornings that I am working. Several times a week, they take the boys to the local indoor play place with a large maze. It is awesome to have sitters that fit in the maze. Liam can do most of the climbing but there are a few places where he gets stuck. Some days, they have an extra special treat and eat lunch at $onic. Fun filled mornings usually mean really good naps.

Backyard fun

In order to add some excitement to the backyard oasis, I put the slide on a bench. It isn't a perfect fit and I would never want to endanger the boys, so I stand next to the slide and make sure it doesn't fall off. Then, the boys climb on the bench and the slide for a fun trip into the pool. It's about an 18inch drop from the slide to the ground. Liam usually flops forward and lands on his face. He gets up, laughs and does it again. Must be fun. Who would've thought?

That's silly

Now here is an phenomenon that I truly do not get. Really. Rubber bands? Ben has asked for some off and on for about two months. It started when he was still in school and one of the boys in his class had some. Of course, that kid has older siblings. We were having a really good day today. Ben had been on his best behavior and I told him that I would take him for a special treat in the afternoon. He was THRILLED with his treat.

Liam got some too but he seems to be a bit like myself and really didn't see the point.

Men in hats

Liam loves hats. He was super good about wearing one all winter. Looks like it is time to get him a new one. This one is a bit tight but he still looks pretty stink'n cute on his daddy's shoulders.

Daddy Love

We love our Daddy! These are two lucky little boys to have such a wonderful Daddy. Happy Father's Day - Daddy! We love you!
Ben and Rob - summer 2007

Liam and Rob - winter 2009

Little Liam O'Connor

Two years ago, June 19th, we became a family of four - Mom and Dad to an amazing and beautiful child. Liam is so full of life. He loves everyday and is ready to go the minute his eyes open in the morning. We cannot imagine our lives without this little human ball of energy. He gives the best hugs and kisses. We are so blessed to call him ours.
Moments after signing official papers, Liam is ours forever.

The Brothers O'Connor relaxing together for the first time.

Beginnings

Etched in my memory forever, this moment in time, where I held my precious baby Liam for the first time. He is not crying. He didn't close his mouth all morning because he was so excited to see us! He must have known we were coming. It was the perfect beginning to a life full of laughter and joy.

Summer fun

We spent the afternoon at the water park - our new favorite hang out. It isn't even in the 100's yet and we just can't be outside unless we are in the water. It's just HOT. It is almost impossible to take pictures at the water park. We are moving constantly and there is a lot of splashing going on. I need to look into getting a water proof camera. I did get this shot of Ben playing with two of our friends that joined us today. The kids love the "lily pads" but the lazy river is still the favorite.

That's one fat lip

Poor baby hit his lip on the bleachers while waiting for Ben to finish swim lessons. He doesn't even want to be there and then he gets hurt trying to occupy his time. Not fair.

Picture this

In the mist of our crazy schedule, we managed to spend some time at a park with my favorite photographer of LaLa Photography. So very very pleased with the results! For your viewing pleasure, click here.

I managed to get the boys to step outside today without a swimsuit on. It lasted about 14 minutes. It's only 93 degrees. What are we going to do when it is over 100?

Take a closer look at those feet. They are each wearing two sets of shoes. I love this about kids. They do the silliest things. They were so tickled with themselves and loved that I was taking a picture of their "great idea". Which reminds me that Ben often says, "that's a great idea, huh, mom", in response to something he has said or done. Cracks me up every time.

Flying high

More of the same at our house. It's hot hot hot and the boys don't want to be outside unless it involves water. The pools in the back yard are the perfect size. Jumping off the bench makes it even more fun.


I love it when I can get them to smile for me. I made that happen by telling them that they had "bubble bottoms" because their suits were full of air. They thought that was so funny and each wanted their picture taken with their bubble bottom. Whatever it takes, I guess.

It's hot outside

Rob bought the boys swimming pools for the backyard today while I was at work. As soon as I got home, we put on suits and headed out back. It's hot but the water was a tiny bit chilly and perfect for splashing mom! Ben loved getting me all wet. Liam loved the slide I put in the "croc" pool. He must have gone down that thing 20 times. I think it will be even more fun tomorrow in full sun.

Early riser

Liam has taken to getting up between 5am and 5:30am for the past week. There is actually very little difference between the two - it's just WAY TOO early. We have tried a number of approaches to get him to stay in bed longer. Telling him to go back to sleep is the most obvious. In which case, he screams, at the top of his lungs and wakes up Ben (who is then up for the day also). I have tried rocking him in his room, in which case, he screams at the top of his lungs and wakes up Ben (who is then up for the day also) or he will relax and be rocked but if he falls asleep, he wakes the second I stop and begins screaming at the top of his lungs...

I do not offer him a beverage in his room because he is a creature of habit and if I try that approach, he will want milk at 3am the following day. I also do not dare step foot with him in our bedroom because he will decide that sleeping in our room could also start at 3am the following day. And, he does not sleep in our room.

My favorite sleep book advises that if you have determined that this is the time he is going to wake up, go in his room, flip the light on and say "good morning" and act like it's a natural time to get up. The idea is that he won't like that approach either and will opt to not call out for you in the future.

Here he is at 5am - happy as a lark.



Side note: He has been taking naps - approx. 1 to 1 1/2 hours and goes to bed about 8pm. In my humble mama opinion, that's not too much sleep for a 2 year old.

Water park

We are loving our water park season passes. Today was our third time to enjoy the lazy river, wave pool, kid oasis, and super kid slide. Here is Liam walking the lazy river.

Just before I took this picture of Ben, three teenage girls walked by and said, "oh, he is so cute. I want my picture taken with him". Ben was grinning from ear to ear.

June 9, 2009

Summer fun.

Huge box

The boys have had a ton of fun playing in and on this box I brought home from work. The have used it as a fort, a slide, a trampoline, and a house. I love that cardboard can keep them happy for hours.

Got milk?

I was returning from Houston today and got home after the boys went to bed. I found this photo from a few weeks ago. The boys are enjoying a tall glass of milk on the curb across from our house. Looking cute - as always.

Update

I was able to spend the day with my dad. Click here for an update. Sorry no pictures of the boys today.

Memory lane

I thought my days were full when I just had this one precious face smiling back at me. I had no idea the fun that was in store for our family when we added a little brother to the mix. This photo was taken on this date, two years ago. We had just bought our plane tickets and were packing our bags to go to Vietnam. Liam was barely five months old and we couldn't wait to get our hands on his little body. In the meantime, Ben had just started sleeping in a big boy bed, learned to ride a bike, and was talking up a storm. Sweet memories.

Well deserved break

It has been a long week of juggling many responsibilities. I decided we all deserved a break and headed to the water park. Thanks to Aunt E, who is here all the way from Washington State, to lend a hand - I have this one photo of me and the boys. We got this cool new, two sided cup so two can drink at once.

Super heros, fears and me, too

My kids love costumes and I am so glad. They get so much joy out of being super heros! And, their pretty stink'n cute, too!

I caught Ben in mid-air today. He really couldn't be happier with his little self. Ms. Carrie, his teacher, is wonderful. Each time he gets to the end of the board he says to her, "don't let my face go under". And, she reassures him that she won't. He jumps and gets the biggest grin on his face as he "swim" to the side. Oh, to conquering fears. I am so proud.

I feel so bad for Liam. He wants to swim so badly. Each morning this week he has hung out in the very humid swim arena (which is fabulous but very hot) and asked "my turn?, my turn?" over and over. Here he is trying to get his shirt off so he can go jump off the diving board, too. Soon, baby, soon.