Beautiful Boy

How can even begin to write the words?  This blog is about being a grandmother but this entry is about being a Godmother.  Jacob Hoagland Raines, Kate's oldest son was killed in an ATV accident August 20th.  He was a sweet gentle boy who grew to be a kind gentle man.  Our family has been together all week and now we all head to the Gulf Coast for Mary's son Phillip's wedding.  Family sorrow and family joy all in one week.  I hope Connor will come to know the incredible strength of his Aunt Kate.  We love you Jacob.

One Hour Thirty Six Minutes!

Today was the first test for how Connor will handle being cared for by grandparents who still have to work!  One hour and 36 minutes is how long the conference call lasted today and this is exactly how we made it through the whole thing!  They never even knew there was a baby in the room!  I think that squishy belly was just tooo comfortable.

And despite all my efforts, this was the best picture I could capture of his smile.  Who knew taking a smiling baby's picture could be so hard.

Sunday Stroll

Fred swore Connor was going to wake up because of the clapping in church...sounds like a good excuse to stroll around outside doesn't it?

Saturday Smiles

Emily and I have spent a few days shopping this week but I haven't taken any pictures!  Connor was great, charming everyone we meet - and they ALL comment on the hair!


Fred & I played with Connor this morning while Emily & Michael went to a parents session for Connor's baptism and I know these pictures really don't show any smiles but really Connor is a smiley boy!  The problem is that those big smiles are for a face he recognizes but when you stick a camera between the two of you the smile goes away.  Maybe I can capture it soon...for now this is the best I can do.

Better than a cup of coffee!

What's better than a cup of coffee in the morning? - why a quick stop on Kenton Drive of course!

Just a few minutes to watch Connor check out his new buddies - he wanted to grab them so badly but just could not seem to get having his arm move and keep his head up at the same time.

I wish I could tell you this face meant - "Oh please don't go Snappy!"  but I really think it was "I am ready for my morning nap!"

Chuckling in Church

I know it is bad to look at your phone during church but I couldn't resist and then started laughing!  Emily, Michael and Connor had been to early Mass followed by a quick Costco stop where they picked up his Halloween costume - too funny - get ready for the chicken dance!

What??! No pic?!

What is the world coming to when I spend several hours at a baby shower with connor and I did not take one picture!?  And he was dressed in the cutest blue feltman bubble suit - definitely the best dressed baby there.  And everyone LOVED his hair.  Oh well...here is one from the past...my how he has grown.

And the best part of the shower?  Somone came up at the end and said they misunderstood at the beginning of the party when I was carrying Connor around - they thought I was Connor's mother!  Maybe it was not that I looked young but that my belly looked like someone who had just given birth.  :(  Actually, Emily's is much flatter than mine these days!

Baby Whisperer

You know Fred is completely hooked when he has a free afternoon and he just wants to hang out with the baby.  He played the role of baby whisperer  - talking, rocking and putting the "ConMan" to sleep while Emily got to clean her house, her clothes, her refrigerator and who knows what else.  I think next time she needs to find something more FUN to do.

Friday night dinner at our house followed ... really Emily, Michael, Elizabeth and Dustin were all there but somehow all the pictures seem to be of Connor.  And yes, the hair gets wilder by the day.

Countdown to SoCal

We can't help but be excited for the Olsens but SAD for ourselves!  The countdown is on with less than three weeks until they leave for SoCal.  Today Emily, Connor and I got to spend some time with Kirsten without the kiddos.  As usual, Kirsten had the knack with Connor...

But Rian showed she did too!

Then it was off for a little geocache, some frozen yogurt and a little shopping!

Back to my house for where Connor took a bath in the kitchen sink, slept on Papa's shoulder and woke up when we insisted he give up the baby and go eat his dinner!

One thing I learned today....it is a whole lot harder to take pictures when there are lots of kids running around.  I guess this is why only first borns get baby books, right?

Diaper Daddy

We were so excited to have Connor back in OR!  Their driver just happened to bring them to our house - thanks Papa.  Everyone settled in for some snuggles.

When diaper changing time approached, Emily told Fred that she had never seen him change a diaper and that he is not allowed to babysit until he proved that he could do it.  So, first he had to figure out how to get Connor out of his outfit....

Connor looked a little confused!

 SUCCESS!!

Sleepy boy finally headed home for his own bed - we are glad you are home!

Snappy's Nappys

Oh what to do when Connor is gone for the weekend?  Make diapers for the growing boy!  Yes, Snappy is the official diaper maker.  You know Portland has that "green" thing going on and since disposables stay on the planet FOREVER, Emily and Michael decided they wanted to give cloth a try. 

But believe me, these are not old school cloth diapers.  Check out the few that I made on Saturday - completely waterproof PUL outside..soft microfleece lining for wicking away moisture and the inside of the diaper is microfiber for super absorbency!  And mine look just as good as those Baby Bumz and Bum Genius ones that sell for $20 a piece!