Merry Christmas!

Check out these cute pics of our baby shot by a local photographer Jennifer Neely.  Hope everyone has a great weekend with familly and friends!

Baltimore Babies

I went to Baltimore two weeks ago to visit Caitlin and have Christmas with Colin's family.  I hoped to meet Caitlin's twin babies and Mike and Mary's little girl all in a 5 day visit.  We had a wonderful time but no babies made an appearance.  Luckily for Caitlin and Mary all the babies arrived this past week. 

Meet Sweet Jenna Elizabeth and Joshua Thomas born December 21, 2010 (6 lbs 12 oz & 6 lbs 7oz)

Congrats Cait and Greg (and big brother Will)

Welcome Madelyn!

Connor's sweet cousin Madelyn Regina born December 17, 2010

8 lbs, 9 ounces 20 inches

Proud Parents, Mike and Mary

Santa - What a Difference a Year Makes . . . .

You may remember Connor's visit to Santa last year

And now, this year . . . one year later, same location.  We call these

NAUGHTY

and

NICE

Connor loves Santa so much he wants to go back - he mentions it nearly every day.  Hilarious.  He sat in Santa's lap for nearly 5 minutes just talking and chatting.  Too cute.

Amazon mom

Ok, so I caved and bought an iPad. I know! It is awesome! I am not loading pics yet until they are organized but I wanted to let you know as a mom, dad, grandmother, godmother, human you can sign up for free for amazon mom and get free prime membership! I got so much stuff today and it all shipped for free in 2 days ( I.e. I get it Friday). Yes I said FREE! Perfect for Christmas

"See My Picture"

Connor loves drawing with crayons on any paper he can get his little hands on.  He doesn't really draw that much other than lines and circle"ish" shapes without assistance, but he is certainly proud of the pictures he draws.  This morning while I was checking emails and getting ready for a play date Connor started saying "See My Picture" and showed me his "drawing".  Of course I praised the "picture" several times and asked him to draw more.  I heard him starting the "See My Picture" chant again and when I looked up he said, plain.as.day "See My Picture Courtney Moorhouse".  What?? To be sure I wasn't hearing things, I asked him to repeat.  Oh, he said it allright.  And still in shock, (since we don't really say my full name EVER in conversation) I asked "Who Is That?"  Connor's reply, "Um, Mommy, Yea".

Connor showing ya'll his "picture"

Yes, he is drawing with his left hand, but prior to me snapping the photo he was drawing with his right.  Who knows?

Aubie Claus

No, I still haven't decided on which computer I should purchase which is fine, but the blog is suffering due to the fact that I have to be plugged up to the wall in order to do anything that lasts more than 3 minutes (and I know this is shocking - but I find this super annoying!)

Last weekend, Connor and I went with Colin and Aunt Cathy to see Aubie as Santa Claus at a local location for pancakes and sausage (my favorite - j/k).  Connor was looking super cute in a new Auburn shirt from Aunt Cathy, jeans and an orange and blue puffy vest he got from his bff Mary Casen for his birthday.  As Colin pulled into the parking space I head a noise - a noise I heard only twice before - but certainly memorable.  Connor puke.  It actually wasn't nearly as bad as the prior times (especially since he had only eaten yogurt at that point) but it was a mess, nonetheless.  Connor seemed ok after the incident and really wanted to see Aubie as Santa Claus.  So reluctantly I went inside.  It was a fluke and he was fine.  He ate 2 pancakes and his sausage and even scrambled into Aubie's lap all by himself (a far cry from last year at Jolly Santa (dressed in red).  He wasn't wearing his cute clothes but luckily I had some spare ones.  I didn't bother buying a photo (so you get my poorly lit one).

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday!)

P.S. War Eagle!

 

Halloween 2010

Connor and Will (aka Elmo and the Giraffe) - might be my favorite pic from Halloween

Elaine and Connor at the Baltimore zoo.  Check out that face - she is such a sweetie! 

Connor was a virtual celebrity as Elmo.  Seriously, kids were crowding around him everywhere we went.  I wasn't fully prepared for this (since I thought Elmo would be a popular costume - not that Connor would be popular as Elmo but that lots of kids would be dressed as Elmo).  Connor was it - for Elmo, at least - so he was quite the celebrity.  His face at some points looked like "Ya'll know I'm not really Elmo, right?"

Halloween Dance Off

Click here to view this video

It's Really Fall Y'all!

We have been running around for weeks and now we are finally home again.  My computer is still a piece.  I am hoping to get a new one this week.  My battery literally lasted for 6 minutes today.  Wow, why bother.  Anyway, back to what we've been doing. . . .

A train to a Pumpkin patch with Cathy and Chuck . . .

Connor really enjoyed the trip on the train and all the pumpkins.  We may always have to take a train to get a pumpkin.

After a short week at home, we packed up 6 bags (2 rolling carryon suitcases, 1 carry-on duffle bag, 1 diaper bag, 1 backpack and 1 computer work bag) and headed to Richmond.  Since we were flying US Air, (and I got a great deal on tickets) I didn't want to pay additional money to check bags.  Plus, and more importantly than 50 bucks, our connection in Charlotte was tight (40 minutes) and I was pretty certain our bags wouldn't make the transfer.  I was right.  Our flight from Birmingham was delayed about 30 minutes.  We made up time in the air but the ground crew was super slow in Charlotte so we got off the plane with 10 minutes before our next flight was going to depart.  Colin ran about 2 city blocks through Charlotte airport with all the bags but the backpack.  I waited on the car seat (oh, yeah that is yet another "bag").  Everyone, including the pilot was off the plane and the darn car seat was not in sight.  Finally, it arrived.  I didn't even bother putting Connor in the seat.  I just grabbed the Go Go Kidz handle and ran with Connor in the other arm.  I put him down with about 2 gates to go and we both ran our little legs off.  They held the plane for us (yippee!) (Goodness knows what Colin said to them to accomplish this . . . but who cares - we made it!).  Oh, and no layover - almost like a direct flight except for the stress.

Colin's mom and stepdad picked us up in Richmond and we headed to Ashland, VA (the "Center of the Universe") for Colin's 10 year college reunion at RMC.  I didn't take many pictures (I'll blame it on decompressing from the stressful but successful trip) but we had a wonderful time.  Friday night we put the kids (Kevin and Leslie both graduated from RMC so they came down to Ashland with Daniel) to bed and went to the alumni party.  Colin's mom and stepdad were sweet enough to watch our babies while we were enjoying some time out.  I rented a suite at the Hampton Inn.  I didn't even know they had suites (b/c it was NOT a Hampton Inn & Suites).  I called and asked.  Luckily they did.  So Connor was asleep in the bedroom and we could hang out in the living room.  Kevin and Leslie were across the hall and Pat and Bob were next door.  It couldn't have worked out better!  Saturday we walked to campus (thankfully Kevin and Leslie brought us an umbrella stroller to borrow because I am certain we would have missed the flight if we had had 1 more piece of luggage).  We went to the tailgate and pretended to watch the football game from the tent.  For dinner we went to Ruby Tuesday (if you know me you know I despise RT).  I have gotten food poisoning 3 times (3 different locations - actually 3 different states), a tray full of waters spilled on me and most recently RT tried to kill me by putting so much mustard on my veggie burger that I would have been hospitalized (you know how they put the condiments on the bottom of the burger - well, I didn't know and luckily I don't trust anyone at RT - any location - so I inspected).  So why would I go back?? Twice in one weekend??  Our options were limited and they had tvs so I could watch the Auburn LSU game.  I didn't get sick or wet.  Oh, and Auburn won!!!  Still not changing my mind about RT though.  I just think I got lucky (or maybe I was smart and didn't really eat anything)! 

Connor at the tailgate . . .

Neal at the tailgate the following day for the Ravens game (yes, we drove back bright and early for the Ravens game)  How much can you pack into one weekend?

P.S. Yes, he is wearing a onesie (handmade of course)

Colin headed back to Birmingham after the Ravens game and Connor and I stayed in Baltimore to visit with Caitlin, Will (and Greg).  The first couple of days were low key (and much needed).  Mid-week, we headed to Hagerstown to see Colin's dad and stepmom.  Connor got so much attention from his Mom Mom, Grandad Bob, Pop Pop and Grandma Cathy over the past 10 days - he adored it!  We went shopping at the outlets one day and Connor saw this carousel he just had.to.ride.  For 50cents it seemed like a bargain to me.  Precious

P.S. A "refurbished" of this carousel is for sale at Hammacher Schlemmer for $9K.  Not sure if you have to still pay 50 cents a ride.

We returned back to Baltimore just in time to celebrate Halloween 3 times (Fri, Sat and Sun).  Since it has taken me all 2 hours of naptime to make this post (due to my slowsky computer) you will have to wait for the Halloween pictures.  But . . . they are totally worth the wait.

War Eagle Piggies

After the Piggy story, I couldn't resist taking this picture of Connor after the Auburn/ Arkansas game.  Even if he refused to look at the camera

Look how excited he is - shaking that shaker!

Netbook v. iPAD

One reason the blog has suffered this month is that my laptop is a piece.  It is so awful and I just can't stand it anymore.  So, I am going to get a netbook or an iPad.  Suggestions?  Comments?  I only use the computer for email, internet, and photos.  I am worried I will miss the keyboard with an iPad but I am hearing that my fears are unfounded.  Would love some comments.  I want to buy one as soon as we get back from Baltimore.  Thanks (in advance). . .

War Eagle from NOLA

So, Colin and I went to New Orleans (NOLA) 2 weeks ago for his firm's retreat.  We had such a good time - I didn't take 1 picture.  Seriously, not 1.  Luckily, someone did.  Between meetings and meals we had a great time walking the streets of NOLA.  I attended a cooking class (which was the opposite of what I expected it to be - but still very cool).  Initially, I was surprised that the instructor was already cooking when we arrived (and, no, we were not late).  She made each dish entirely differently than the recipe suggested (which caused great confusion amongst our class).  It was still very cool and informative (even if part of the fun was at the instructor's expense).  On Saturday the Auburn fans defected from the planned dinner at the Aquarium and went to some hole in the wall bar across the street from the alumni bar at the end of the earth (Tulane).  The one picture from NOLA after an AU victory over Kentucky.  The bar was so excited to have our business they took down the LSU balloons and swapped out Orange and Blue ones!  (I should mention that NO ONE - not one person - was in the bar when our group arrived).  Also notice the randoms on the right . . . why do people enjoy getting in other people's pictures?? 

This Veggie Piggy (Part 2)

You may remember Connor's Piggys from several months ago.  Well, this little piggy (Connor) is sooo funny.  While we were trying to get Connor comfortable and Mary Casen's house, we were watching the Alabama/ Florida game (the game was so depressing I can't write about it).  The hilarious GEICO commercial came on about the piggy crying weeeee, weeeee weeeee.  If you haven't seen it, you need to keep the television on until you do.  Connor adores the commercial. 

Chrissy: "Connor, what kind of animal is that?"
Connor: "Pig" (said in his super deep voice)

Chrissy: "That's right.  What does a pig say?"
Connor: "Weeee, Weeeee, Weeeeee.  All the way home!"

No Oink, Oink in our house.

Peek-a-Boo

I see you . . .

Connor had a very fun weekend at home.  We have been on the road the past month and decided to stay at home this weekend.  Good Decision. Colin actually had a ton of work to get done (at work) and we needed the rest.  Colin and I went out for dinner on Friday night (courtesy of my parents and brother) babysitting/ taking Connor to eat chips, salsa, cheese dip and then on Saturday we planned (in advance) to go to Chrissy and Josh's house for dinner and drinks.  We assumed that the babies would go to sleep and we could hang out - we were WRONG.  Connor has spent numerous nights in hotels, grandparent's houses, etc, but he would NOT go to bed at Mary Casen's house.  I was seriously shocked!!!  And disappointed.  Our night out ended at 8:00 p.m. (early) when my bribes of picnic at the park were unsuccessful.  Connor was chanting "Connor, home" for awhile when I finally relented and we headed home.  He went to bed, as usual, easily.  Guess, next party is at our house.  Kids, gotta. love. em.  Chrissy quote "Our Kids are Awesome!" which is true, just didn't think so at the time. . . the Ravens won (so did Auburn) - good football weekend too.  Although our Florida Gators didn't show up against Alabama . . . Colin and I are headed to NOLA this weekend for his work retreat.  We are sooooo looking forward to this.  Now, I just need to decide on a wardrobe.

Meet Red

Gibbons Red is his more formal name . . . and Connor's newest toy.

check out the hair flying in the "breeze" !

Thanks to Pop Pop and Grandma Cathy for a fun visit.

Rewind . . . on Saturday morning the 3 of us flew up to Baltimore for a quick visit.  We met Colin's mom and the airport, borrowed her car and headed to Fairfax to visit Kevin, Leslie and Daniel for Daniel's 1st Birthday party.  Travelling went so smoothly that we actually made it to the party early (this is certainly a first).  We stayed and played with Daniel until dinner. 

I know Colin doesn't look thrilled in this picture but, as he knows I choose the one that is best of the kids (or me!)

The Birthday Boy!

 We packed up again and drove to Hagerstown to stay with Colin's dad for the night.  We arrived just after the Auburn game started (which we had DVR'd), gave Connor a bath, read books and then off to bed.  Colin and I ate delicious Taco Bell and enjoyed some red wine to get us through the slightly stressful Auburn win over South Carolina (maybe it was the wine and a/c but this game was a little easier to watch than last week vs. Clemson).  Connor woke up to the green light on Sunday morning and after breakfast he was introduced to his new horse - which he promptly named "Red" (like any good Auburn fan, right?) and we formally pronounced his name "Gibbons Red" in honor of Cardinal Gibbons School where the Moorhouse men attended and sadly recently closed.  While Connor was busy with Red, Colin and I left for Baltimore to see the Ravens play.  2 hours later, we were tailgating in the rain - something Colin promised he would NEVER make me do again - at least it wasn't freezing like the last time it rained at a tailgate.  Despite the rain, it was surprisingly enjoyable and the rain stopped and the sun appeared just in time for the game. 

 Whew!  After the game, we quickly checked into our hotel, set up Connor's gear and then headed to meet Connor, Pop Pop, Grandma Cathy, Mike, Mary and Karen and Scott for dinner at Chammps.  It was delicious - but a little long - the kitchen allegedly lost our order twice.  After installing the car seat once again in our vehicle, we headed back to the hotel and crashed for the night.  Connor slept pretty well considering the a/c in the room would cut on and off every 3 minutes - a little annoying but I was too tired to try and fix it.  He slept through the green light - unheard of!  Yippee! and again today once we got back to Birmingham at naptime!  Proud mama!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

It is 90+ outside!  Starbucks is serving up Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  The pool has been closed since Labor Day (and it has been an average of 90 each day in September)!  I did partake of pumpkin spice goodness in the privacy of my car, blasting the a/c - but honestly, I think the pool should remain open until the temp drops below 80 and Starbucks should hold off on the holiday spice drinks until we can enjoy them!

Did I Miss It?

Colin reminded me this past week that Connor was 25 months old.  Did I make a post, like usual?  Nope.  Here's why: I am so excited to count by years, rather than months.  Connor is talking up a storm.  Nearly all of his conversations are 3 or 4 (sometimes 5) word sentences/ commands.  He is fairly bossy - surprised?  He loves music, dancing to music, carrying his ipod with speaker like Silver Streak (I really need to get a picture of this), and playing music (piano, drums, guitar).  Jumping is what he does when he is excited . . . and he jumps, and jumps, and jumps.  Connor also started taking naps by himself - I know - AWESOME!  It took about 18 months but he did it.  We are so proud of him - and he is proud of himself too!  The trick (besides buying a nice queen size "naptress" (mattress for naps)) was this clock my friend Heather told me about.  It is wonderful.  You program it to turn on a yellow night light for bedtime and a wake-up time when the light will turn green.  So, Connor knows that if he wakes up and the light is still yellow - he needs to go back to sleep, or play quietly until it turns green.  It took about 3 tries to get it - but he got it. 

Speaking of Heather - Heather and Matt welcomed baby Ella Marie last week.  She is such a beautiful baby.  My cousin Matt and his wife Rachel also welcomed baby Charlotte Elizabeth - I haven't seen her in person since they live out of state, but the pictures are so sweet and darling.  Congrats to the new parents!

I have been slacking on the blog a bit - mainly because I have been working on the napping and travelling.  We were at the beach last weekend and the lake/ Auburn game this weekend.  Next we head up to Baltimore to visit baby Daniel for his 1st birthday (guess he isn't such a baby anymore)!  I haven't been to a BIG Auburn game in quite awhile.  Our Auburn Tigers took on the Clemson Tigers - Auburn looked awful - other than a few plays.  The game went to a slow nail-biting overtime.  Clemson missed a Field Goal (barely) and Auburn stole a "W".  It was 1000 degrees all day and night - seriously, I haven't been that hot in forever.  Luckily we won because it made the nearly 4 hour game worth sweating through.  It is going to be a long season if Auburn doesn't come up with some new plays or defense - LONG.

We went to the game (my Mom was so sweet to keep Connor) with our friends Kelly and Will and my Dad and brother.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend at the lake:

Kelly, Trey, Alexy & Will

Trey

Connor and Me

Connor and Alexy (he LOVES her)

Now for some beach pics . . .

Connor and his Daddy

I Love this beach - gotta go back soon.

Quick Pix

For the start of football season and to celebrate Labor Day we headed to the lake.  Colin and Connor bought me a new lens for my big camera.  I am certainly still a work in progress but here are a few cute shots of Connor from this weekend.