Fun with Cousin Erin

As we all know, Liam loves the zoo. He always has fun and recently had an extra special time with Mommy, Aunt Jane and cousin Erin. We enjoyed all the animals from the bats and turtles to the orangutans and lions. Liam and Erin also had fun playing at the zoo playgrounds, riding 'round on the carousel (Liam chose the Gorilla again, I think Erin chose the Lion) and ending our trip with a ride on the zoo train. While on the train, we had an extra special treat and spied the new baby giraffe...what fun!

After our adventures at the zoo, Erin came home with Liam and I for a sleepover. I thought for sure they'd pass out in the car as we enjoyed the zoo ALL day. But, no. They did quite well, however, on the ride home save a couple of moments that took me back to my childhood. It was at this time that I realized that Liam and Erin are exactly the same age apart as my brother and I are...so, I really had to chuckle as Liam tried his hardest to annoy Erin and she tried her hardest to ignore him! After playing outside on the swing set and eating dinner it was time for bath and bed. Since Liam went to sleep first, Erin and I had a chance to play a game of cards. She's really good at Uno!

In the morning we headed to the community center for fun in the pool. Liam loves the little playroom there which worked out great. It gave Erin and I a little girl time/8 year old time before adding Liam to the mix. After a couple of hours it was time to head home for lunch, bath and play. It wasn't long before Aunt Jane arrived to bring Erin home. Both the babes were so beat and ready for some quiet time!

Erin's visit went exceptionally well. I told the two of them that they could be honorary brother and sister. They thought that sounded great and hope to do it again during summer break.

Liam's 1st Dentist Appointment

Liam had his first dentist appointment with Dr. Chris. His first dentist is very serious and a bit quirky but Liam didn't seem to mind. We walked into a very friendly and clean office. Liam enjoyed the books, toys and friendly office staff. Dr. Chris explained all of his cool tools to Liam before getting started. The room was very child friendly with giraffes hanging out for company. Liam had to sit straddling my lap and facing me. He laid back into Dr. Chris' lap and allowed Dr. Chris to look at all of his teeth while the assistant noted everything into the computer. There were no tears until the brushing and cavity paste - yuck, Mommy! Dr. Chris was done in no time, Liam wiped his tears, and said "Tank you, Dr. Chis". Ohhh, too sweet! And, great news: no cavities, very little plaque and great spacing between his teeth. Liam left with a new toy airplane, a sticker and a big smile!!!

Celebrate St. Paddy's at the....ZOO?!

Yes, of course, we had to celebrate St. Paddy's day....our son's name is Liam McConnell. But, this year, Daddy is traveling on St. Patrick's Day (enjoying, I'm sure, a few pints & an Irish band at a local Irish Pub) and Liam's favorite thing to do is visiting the zoo. So, after school, I picked Liam up and drove to Louisville without any word of where we were headed. We were both sporting our green and had lots of fun...starting with Liam's expression when he realized where we were.

Ganny Spencer has been asking us to spend the night so before we left for the zoo I packed an overnight bag...just in case. Well, Liam was sooooo exhausted after walking the zoo grounds but when I mentioned going to visit Ganny, he perked up right away. We were greeted with a big smile and open arms and then, of course, the question. "Are you going to spend the night?" You should of seen Ganny's face when I replied, "Yes". She was so surprised and had a lot of fun chasing Liam about...too much fun, I do believe.

The next day I took Liam and Ganny over to the a nearby playground. I'm not sure who was the bigger kid as they both enjoyed swinging and making new friends!

Well, this year, we really did have a Happy St. Patrick's Day...Erin Go Bragh!!!

Newport Aquarium

We recently had the privilege of enjoying the Newport Aquarium in northern KY. Although Liam loves animals including sea animals, the aquarium doesn't hold his interest quite yet as the zoo does. He sort of took a look at the fish as he walked through the maze of people. We had to focus on him more than the fish at times because he's so independent and fast. It makes you a little nervous with all the people waiting their turns as our little guy can slide right on by them and, well, we can't.

After stopping for a quick look at the lion fish, we finally made it to the larger tanks. I couldn't believe how excited he was about the sharks. He sat in the tunnel and watched, watched, watched! An added surprise was the divers in the tank. One of them found a shark's tooth and held it in his hand against the glass for the children to see. Liam thought that was something else. We stayed in the tunnel for quite a bit before moving to a bubble where he could have what felt like one on one interaction with the sharks. So exhilarating!

I'm so glad he had the opportunity to enjoy the sea animals. I'm sure we will try another aquarium trip next year to see what new adventures he may have with his shark friends.

Toddler Fun!!!

Liam is so much fun to be around and has a great sense of humor. We just had to jot down these LIAMisms!!!

We've had the honor of many birthday invitations since the new year began most of which we have attended. He enjoyed Lilly Kate's birthday picture invitation despite our not being able to attend, had so much fun at Erin's Chuck E Cheese party, a limbo of a time at Lily Star's party and Maura's Horsey party was Giddy Up Fun!!! But, Liam's so looking forward to his Zoo Birthday party. He's talking about it all the time now. The other day he held his cup up high to announe Happy Juice Day and told me how his party was next and it was going to be Zoo Animals. He went on to say how his school friend, Nate, was having a Monster party. I asked Liam's teacher and Nate's mom and neither one of them were aware of the party. Liam's imagination at work!

We love listening to Liam sing: Ring around the Rosy, Row your boat, Twinkle little star, Baa Baa black sheep, Sing Hosannah, Hickory Dickory, Old McDonald, Happy and You Know It and Happy Birthday (his favorite!).

Liam loves to play chase/peekaboo/hide & seek. He likes to hide while you count to five and then pops out to say Boo! He loves to hide in the same two places!!

Liam enjoys the Lion King...lately he likes to stand up on the ottoman and holds his arms up high with his hands together. He's pretending to be Rafiki the Wise Baboon holding Simba up for all the animals to see. Also, you may catch him bowing down like the animals or rolling around on the ground like a lion cub.

He loves to open the car door for his Ganny.

He enjoys matching memory games especially Goodnight Moon from Gandma and Papa.

He enjoys his sandbox...thanks, Ms. Julie! He has blue sand that has turned to blue mud as the sandbox lid blows off when it's windy. Liam loves the mud so I put his new yellow rainboots from Gandma & Papa on the other day. Apparently, they're still a bit big. The poor little guy got stuck in the mud and slurp went the boot as he pulled his foot right out of the boot into the blue mud. He didn't seem to mind and went running after the robin in the yard saying, "My get it" (he thought he would get the bird for me). Instead he got a big surprise when the bird flew up on the fence and then back towards his direction. He ran back to Mommy saying "My scared". So much fun!

He loves bugs! He searches for them inside and outside. Please, let me define inside...that is...inside near the front and rear doors. He has seen ladybugs, small beetles, ants and worms and enjoys studying them with his magnifying glasses. He even brought a beetle to the bathtub one night and lathered it up with his yellow body soap paint...poor beetle.

We've been enjoying the sprinkling of warmer days lately. Our backyard and neighborhood has turned into a bird watching haven. So far we've seen robins, mourning doves, wrens, blackbirds, cardinals, hawks and a redwing blackbird. It's very exciting for Liam to see the Mommy Wren come and go from his birdhouse which Gandma and Papa gave to him last year as a housewarming present. The birdhouse sits in our pear tree and can be seen from inside and outside our home. Birdwatching is also a great way to discuss senses. Liam has fun looking and listening for his birdies. He's already able to point out the call of the mourning dove and cardinal. Nature is so fun!

Pajama Party with Aunt Jane

We've been trying to find some extra time to share with our Aunties, Uncles and Cousins since we moved to KY. It's amazing how busy we all get with our day to day lives. Liam goes to school twice a week and the weekend is devoted to our family time. Every time we drive to Louisville, we find it so important to devote that time to my Granny so it seems like the only time we get to share with our KY Family is at family events which is wonderful except it is always hard to really spend quality time with anyone in particular.

So, for Aunt Jane's Birthday, we told her we were going to put a day aside to spend together. She suggested coming to spend the night and going to the Science Center the next day. She just new Liam would love it there...and boy was she right!

Our visit started out great with a wonderful dinner - Liam loved the mac n cheese & watermelon! Liam did a great job with his BBB (bath, books and bed) especially since we weren't at home. Auntie and I sat up all night visiting and catching up with one another. It's really nice to transition from a niece/aunt relationship to just friends!

The next morning, as planned, we got ready to head downtown to the Science Center. Liam had so much fun in and out of the Kid Zone. A middle school was visiting the center so at times Auntie and I were playing zones trying to keep Liam in check...a little guy can slide through a crowd much easier than Mommies and Aunties! He enjoyed everything from driving the Wheels on the Bus, puppets on screen, water tables, reading books, bubbles, scary water creatures, real stuffed animals from and outside of KY and the gift shop. Thank you, Auntie, for my wonderful Animal Counting Book!!!

Another wonderful visit! What a great way to continue building relationships with those we love!!!

From Mimi to Ganny...Overnight!

Liam and I drove out to Louisville a couple Wednesdays ago to pick up my Granny for an overnight visit. Liam has called her Mimi for some time now but I suppose with the family's influence of calling her Granny he has made the change. She went to bed as Mimi and woke up as Ganny.

It was a great visit. She was very excited about coming to spend some time with each of us and wanted to treat us to dinner. Well, we all know she loves Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral...I chose Cracker Barrel. Liam was very well behaved and quite the gentlemen. When I suggested opening the car door for her, he wanted to oblige over and over. Then he took her hand walking past the fireplace explaining it was very hot and not to get too close. After dinner, Mimi insisted he find a little something in the shop and, of course, he was very thorough in choosing the right toy (an M & M dispenser with a foam fan that spins when he pushes the button). I told Mimi there was no need for us to point out that there was actually candy inside.

Mimi had the enjoyment of reading Liam his goodnight stories and tucking him into bed. She and I enjoyed playing cards...Rummy is her game and she got me good!

The next morning was a school day so we had a chance to play some more cards before it was time to pick Liam up...I had my turn as the Rummy Queen. Then, off to get our boy. Liam was so happy to see his Ganny and wanted to show off for her. She enjoyed seeing his school, classroom and meeting Liam's teacher, Ms. Kelley.

When we arrived home, Liam wanted to play before settling in for lunch and rest time. He introduced Elefun to Ganny and handed her a butterfly net. What fun we all had...but watch out!!!...Ganny is very competitive and likes to win at Elefun as much as Rummy!

We're looking forward to our next visit with Ganny...until then...we love you very much!!!

Two Lovies from Liam...Lucky Mema!

Liam went through the family the other day expressing his love. I love Mommy, I love Daddy, I love Papa, I love Mema, I love Gandma, I love Ganny, I love Aunt Jane, I love Mema. We all truly feel loved by Liam but this go round....Mema takes the cake with two lovies from Liam.

I guess it's a good thing we were able to make the wonderful visit to Chattanooga, TN to visit Mema and so many other family members...What a great way to start a new month!!!

We found out Billy's nephew, Lee & his family were heading to TN from OH to visit with Billy's sister, Theresa & the family. So when we found out that Mema and Billy's sister Christine & her family were all going to make the drive up from Atlanta it was a no-brainer that we, too, would make the drive down. For a short visit, it was a really nice time! Everyone tried to squeeze in as much time with one another as possible...especially with all the little ones (eight children from 8 months to 10 years) running around. It was great to meet our nephew Logan for the first time - he'll celebrate his first birthday in June. Also, Billy got to meet his niece, Lacy, for the first time - she'll celebrate her second birthday in July. Liam had so much fun playing with his cousins and Aunt Theresa's puppy dog...what a sport...Liam chased the dog under, over and around the house.

Liam was so excited to see Mema when she opened the car door. "Mema", he called out, sending kisses and looking for a hug. How nice to have some time together as it had been since last July that we saw Mema. I know it made her feel good to wrap her arms around her little guy!!!

And once again, Thank You to Theresa, Jim, Baili & Chase for opening your home to all of our family. And for organizing a great get together for dinner downtown. Hope to see you all again much sooner than later!!! Love to All !!!

Cousin Lilly Kate

We had a wonderful visit last month from our cousins, Samantha and Lilly Kate. It made it extra special as my folks were still in town and were able to have some time enjoying Liam and Lilly Kate playing together, too. They really had a good time with the car racetrack. Lilly Kate really seemed to enjoy feeding the cars into the track booster and watching them go round and round. Later, Liam wanted to play with his play dough so it was exciting to see what masterpieces they each created with molds, buttons, sea shells, beads, etc.

It was so nice to spend some time with both of them especially since they live out of state. It is wonderful to visit family but I also know how overwhelming it can feel to want to see everyone and feel so spread thin. It's especially difficult with little ones who are out of their routine and really need to keep their nap schedule in order to function. So, thank you very much for including us this last visit. We truly recognize your effort and are soooo glad you were able to make the extra drive out to our side of the world.

Also, Liam thanks you for the Sesame stickers...they're always a hit. But most especially, thank you for the the sweet and thoughtful ornaments you made together. They're great!!! Liam really enjoyed opening the package and I know we'll have lots of fun decorating our "Easter Tree". We already put the froggy on the tree as his "green" makes him quite versatile for St. Paddy's, Spring and Zoo Parties, too!

Until next visit....Love to All !!!

Liam's Well Visit - 3 Years

Liam had his well visit yesterday to mark his third year....Wow!!! We can't believe he is going to be three years old next month...just amazing!

He had a great visit with his new doctor, Dr. Riebel. Liam felt very comfortable with her as did Mommy. He's always a good patient allowing the doctor to check him thoroughly from his eyes and nose to his little toes.

Dr. Riebel suggested starting him on a daily vitamin that was not a gummy style vitamin which she says only supplies half the nutritional need and isn't good for the teeth. She also suggested switching to skim or 1 % milk. Liam's always liked milk and never seemed to mind skim on past occasions...I don't anticipate the switch being an issue. Since Liam's been struggling with allergies over the past year, she also suggested trying Children's Claritin (she likes Claritin as it's non-drowsy and a chewable tablet). She agrees with us in using vapor rub and a vaporizer as needed. We struggle with the concept of giving him medicine every day vs. the pain and uncomfortablies...we've decided to try it and see how it works for him. She is happy to hear we already scheduled Liam's first dentist appointment and recommended we schedule an eye appointment over the next year with an opthamologist not an optometrist. She agreed that Liam's minor texture aversions, transition issues and attention needs still fall within his age of development. She said that he was very fortunate to have both his parents in the same household which in itself is a positive thing for his growth and development.

Liam is a very typical three year old. He is a very happy, active, affectionate and enjoyable little guy. He is 34 pounds and 37 1/4 inches which places him in the 75th percentile for both weight and height. His speech has blossomed over the past couple months and he has entered the why/how stage which includes anything from pictures in books to vehicle exhaust pipes! His speech reception is just as excellent which means Mommy and Daddy try very hard to be careful of what we say - he hears all!

His cognitive skills have always been spot on and continue to blossom. He loves playing thinking games like "I'm thinking of an animal that has...". He's very good at the game and has started taking a turn describing an animal for us to guess.

It is so tender to watch your small child express concern for others - adults and children alike. Liam is very quick to comfort a friend experiencing an ouchy. He will caress their back or pat their head saying "My sorry", "You otay?", "My kiss it" or "Uh, uh, uh, Be careful". He is very outgoing and is always first to say hello and initiate play. He has recently started introducing himself to others patting his chest and calling himself "Yiam". He enjoys using his manners and will shake other's hands saying "It's nice to meet you".

Liam has always had strong fine and gross motor skills and enjoys making wonderful masterpieces but only when in the mood. It's been tricky finding the right moments to take advantage of his creative side. Luckily he also enjoys puzzles and push buttons which continue to work those little fingers. He is so active and loves to play outside - summer or winter. He runs, jumps and climbs whenever possible. We've been trying to encourage him to ride his tricycle which is not his favorite thing to do. He needs improvement on his pedaling/steering skills which will get better as his interest in riding increases.

Liam is not big on playing dress up but he does enjoy role playing. He has a great imagination and will go from being a boy to a lion to a mommy or daddy in a flash. He enjoys playing daddy with his babies whose names have recently changed from Ollie and Baby to Baby and Brother. Gandma found a great shopping cart at Sally's Boutique so his babies spend a lot of time riding in his new cart. Liam really enjoys small spaces and likes to hide inside and under most anything from blankets, boxes, closets, etc.

Liam goes to pre-school for about four hours two days a week. He likes school and has started talking more about his teachers, friends and activities when he comes home each day. His teacher, Ms. Kelley, is currently working with his class of six on ABC's and 123's. They have been focusing on one or two letters each day from their alphabet and number train. He also gets to enjoy music and chapel once a week as well as a visit from the local librarian once a month. This month, his class celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with a "Wear your PJs to school day" and will have fun with "Beach Week" next week which is the week before spring break. By Fridays, Liam is one tired little fellow.

It is so exhilarating to see Liam achieve each new milestone with every developmental stage. We trial and error most everything to help him achieve whatever it is that he is learning. Since he struggles with transitions, we have found in addition to talking about the upcoming change (leaving the house, getting ready to eat at the table, going upstairs for bath/bed, coming in from outside, etc.) setting a timer assists him in adjusting his focus accordingly. When needed, he responds well to time out and losing privileges. Disciplining is never fun for Mommy, Daddy or Liam but is as necessary as the love we provide...it's much easier to show love, I admit.

We thank God each day for our son. Liam is such a blessing to our lives and we appreciate him and his gift of life. He is such an important member of our family teaching us as much as we teach him. We value him so and pray that we continue to be models of love to him showing him the importance of family and faith. An older gentleman was sitting next to Billy at mass last weekend. He leaned over to tell Billy how he thought Liam had been raised well. It's amazing how good a comment like that can make you feel...even if he was bias from the kisses Liam was blowing!

Liam, we love you so much and look forward to all of your three year old adventures!!!