Connor's BFF

Yesterday was another fun playdate at Christine's. Up until this point, the babies have been aware of each other, but not really giving it too much thought. Sloan would giggle and try and grab Connor or Carter's toes as they crawled out of her reach. Or Brendan would try and "kiss" Sloan. There would be a smack in the head from Connor to Carter, which Carter would follow up with a claw to Connor's eye. All while Melanie and I are trying to coax them to "BE GENTLE, BE GENTLE boys." But yesterday- Connor and Carter were actually PLAYING together. As in- standing side by side, playing with the same toy, and watching what the other was doing. Almost like they were showing each other what to do. It was really, really cute. Connor and Carter are cut from the same mold (Brendan is a much more calm little guy). They are both extremely high energy (ie. exhausting) and such BOYS. Loud, all over the place, always on the go, curious, dirty, mischievously grinning, non-stop BOYS. They are tiring but so much fun! Look how much taller Carter is than Connor too!


Here's another cute picture of Connor playing on his own. What I liked about this picture was Carter waving at the camera in the back!

Connor trying out this new "walking toy:"

Editor's Note: That is Sloan's bow Faith is wearing in her hair. Connor kept trying to pull it off Sloan's head so it had to be removed.

Tired babies after so much playing. (Although Carter had just a little more energy to spare for the walk home):

I just adore all of Connor's little friends!

8 months!

The handsome little man:

He loves that thumb...

My blue eyed boys:

Today Connor is 8 months old. As usual, I can't believe how fast this little guy is growing up! He continues to crawl all over the place and loves to pull himself up and down all day long. A couple of the bigger developments of this month- he really "found" his voice- and babbles, saying things like DaDa and Baba all day long. He's also (finally) really loving the solid food thing. There's nothing that we've tried that he doesn't like (including all the veggies) and he eats three "meals" a day. I'm now upgrading him to a "good eater" classification. I've moved him down to just two naps a day which is working out really well. They are very predictable and usually both pretty substantial in duration. I'm sure this is a pretty normal baby thing- but he's unbelievably curious. He has to "investigate" and touch everything. I love watching him explore his little world. I know I've said it before, but Connor is just so much fun to be around. He's hardly ever in a bad mood, and loves to give people huge smiles. He's extremely engaging-- definitely a people person!

We've been busy this month- trying to spend as much time outside as we can (mostly later in the days when its cooled down a little). We've been making frequent visits to the playground, a local park, and the pool (whether at the American Club or out on our balcony). We've also been spending tons of time with his baby friends and their Moms which has been super fun for both of us.

In honor of his 8 month birthday, here's 8 things you might not know about Connor:

1. He flexes his right big toe when he eats.
2. He has to sleep with a fan (he comes by that honestly, so do both his parents).
3. He has a thing for Japanese women, in particular- the girls at the front desk of our building and Starbucks baristas.
4. He loves the bath.
5. He prefers not to be in any one place for more than 30 seconds.
6. He's a major thumb sucker.
7. He's loves to be tickled.
8. Nothing makes him happier than to be naked.

I love that smile!

I Pity The Fool

Thanks for the picture Melanie!

Do you have to go to work?

Ballers...

Recently I went with Melanie to this free play group thing sponsored by the ward (neighborhood) that we live in. It was all in Japanese but the songs they sang were Japanese versions of the ones I remember as a child, so we were able to sing along anyway. The boys really enjoyed playing in the balls but once Connor tried to eat them we decided it was time to jet- yuck.

At the pool...

This past weekend we took Connor to the pool at the Tokyo American Club. I think he's really starting to like the water!

Yay Michael Phelps!!

I'll admit it- I have Phelps fever. I'm continuously amazed at the level of Awesomeness that comes out of the state of Maryland.

Thanks to his most recent medal- this afternoon I had the best post-Connor gym workout yet. Talk about motivation- have you seen his stomach?!

I'm pretty much always proud to be an American- but even more so today!

Connor's First Trip to the Beach

Jackie's family has a great condo right on the beach in Rehoboth and we got a chance to spend a few days there while we were home. The beach go-ers consisted of Connor and I, Jackie, and Amy (another friend of Jackie's) and Amy's adorable 2 year old daughter Molly. Molly was really sweet with Connor. She has a baby brother on the way so you could tell she was practicing her big sister skills. The above picture was taken from the balcony.

Taking a baby to the beach is no easy feat. I have a whole new respect for my parents- who took us to the beach all the time as kids. After waiting for the perfect time in between eating and the next nap, I dressed Connor in the full body sun armor that was his bathing suit, slathered any exposed skin in SPF 50, secured his sun hat which he hated (rightly so- it was ugly but provided maximum coverage), packed the right mix of toys, water, towels, chair, umbrella, snacks, etc., I get down to the beach only to find that Connor is terrified of the ocean. It was too cold, too loud, in general- just too scary for the little guy. We attempted to play in the sand but he wouldn't stop trying to eat it. We made a last ditch attempt to show him a good time by taking him for a dip in the rooftop pool but by that time he was certain we were on a mission to kill him so he wanted no part of that either. All was not lost- there was a great playground in the backyard and he and Molly both had tons of fun there.

As for me, I had a great time. We took lots of walks on the boardwalk, did lots of reading, and after the kids went to bed, we hung out and sipped wine on the balcony. One night we drove over to Bethany Beach to have dinner at Shannon's restaurant. Christie and her family were also down that week so we all ate together and got to catch up. Lots of fun was had- and thanks to Jackie's folks for letting us stay at their place!

First terrifying dip in the ocean:

Ahh, much better just to sit over here and enjoy the view.

Hey ladies, party's over here.

Waiter- round of Enfamil for the babes over there.

You got a problem?

Happier times at the playground (first ride in a swing!)

Connor pushes his first truck accross the floor, with sound effects and all!


Connor and Molly (she held his hand and he was thrilled!)

I heart Maryland.

There is probably no greater Maryland past time than drinking beer and eating crabs on the water. I was lucky enough to get to do just this with some of my favorite guys: my Dad, little bro Derek and Connor. I cracked and ate at a rapid pace, thinking that Connor might not sit still long enough for me to get through even one. Clearly he knew how important the occasion was to me- I was able to get through at least 7 before he started to fuss!

I believe Derek called these his "Crab-eatin' shades"

USA Recap Part 1: Maryland

The United States was as Awesome as ever. While Connor and I were there for almost six weeks- it still feels like it was a whirlwind! A brief recap- the last weekend of June we flew from Tokyo to San Fransisco and drove up to Sonoma for my cousin Hanna's wedding. On Sunday of that weekend Andrew returned to Tokyo and Connor and I flew with my Mom and Grandma Alice back to Maryland, which was my "home base" for the next 5 weeks. My Mom and her BF Dianna had transformed the basement into Chateau Eich- the living room was turned into a bedroom (pull out couch) for me and the laundry room was converted into a beautiful nursery for Connor! Somehow I managed not to capture any pictures of this room but believe me- it was just beautiful. They hung curtains on all 4 walls and the ceiling to hide any wood and wiring (so it looked very much like a cloud!) and added a pack n play crib/changing table, a rocking chair, a cute baby rug, bedside table and lamp, and a fan for the much needed white noise. Connor was super comfortable in there and slept like a dream. Most days my Mom would watch Connor for me for an hour or so after she got home from work so that I could run to the gym or some other errand-- it was wonderful. Then Gerry would make dinner for all of us- I know- I was totally spoiled. It was heaven. My little bro (currently living in Denver) was in town for a wedding while I was home so Connor got to meet his Uncle Derek for the first time. I think he was a fan. We also got to see my Dad several times while we were home which was great. There were LOTS of day or weekend trips- crabs with my Dad and bro, to NJ and Philly for a Goodman family reunion, 3 days at Rehoboth beach with Jackie, the outlets with Jessica, lunch with Christie, to see Kim and her new baby Caleb on the eastern shore of Maryland, -- just to name a few. Pictures and future posts to come on most of those events. Needless to say, we were on the go a lot. Then on July 17th Andrew joined us in Annapolis. Andrew feared that after being away from Connor for so long (almost a month!)- he wouldn't recognize him, or worse- wouldn't care. But that couldn't have been farther from the truth- as Connor stood at the window watching Andrew get out of his car and walk up the sidewalk he was literally SHAKING with excitement. I've never seen Connor so happy/excited before and it literally brought tears to my eyes! Side note- we've decided that Andrew will never be away from us for so long! Our reunion was short lived- the very next day Andrew drove me to BWI to catch a train up to NY for Annie's bachelorette party in Long Island. Andrew and my Mom held down the fort with Connor until I returned on Sunday night. Monday Andrew and I took Connor to to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (have the portions always been that ridiculously over-sized?) and then to the Baltimore Aquarium (we love aquariums). We swung by Larisa and Ryan's house on the way home (Larisa just visited us here in Tokyo in June) to see her new house (not so new anymore I guess) and meet her beautiful bulldog Lola. There was a time when I would have given my right arm for a bulldog so this was really exciting for me. Larisa gave Connor a stuffed bulldog as a gift so I guess this will have to suffice. On Tuesday Andrew made a last minute trip up to NYC for work so Jackie came down from Bethesda to hang out for the afternoon. She was nice enough to watch Connor for me so I could get some much needed dental work done (the idea of having a cavity filled over here is too scary for me). And finally, on Wed- the night before we departed for Andrew's parents' house in Michigan, we got a visit from the Emalas (Ashley and Jason) who were home from London for a wedding. They literally swung by on their way from the airport to Jason's parents' house. We shared a bottle of wine and caught up quickly before they had to be on their way again. We definitely look forward to the time when we live in the same country as those guys again! I think that covers our trip to Maryland- there will be another post on our adventures in Michigan!

Congratulations Jackie and Alan!

Jackie and Alan got engaged this past Saturday night down in Orlando, FL. Woohoo!! They really do make a fantastic couple. This picture was taken the night of the proposal. Connor has already begun practicing ring bearer moves, in case he gets drafted.

A beautiful day in Tokyo...

It may be super hot outside- but today is one of those beautiful Tokyo days. This morning I could see Mt. Fuji from my kitchen (only possible on really clear days) and it was the first time I saw it without any snow. I snapped the above picture from my balcony this afternoon. The view from out there will never get old to me!

Pictures from Yesterday

Pictures from yesterday morning:
Headed for trouble I'm sure.

Under arrest for taking too short of a nap.

The Good Will donation pile, although I think we'll keep the boy.

Beep beep- coming through!

Editor's note: We do not make a habit of buying toy BMWs for Connor, this was a gift from one of his very generous co-workers!

In the afternoon Connor had his friends over for a pool party out on the balcony. He was so excited to kick back with the guys. I know, I know- the life this little one leads. Enjoy it while it lasts!

6 and 7 Month Birthdays- a little late!

Connor on his 6 month birthday:


And on his 7 month birthday:

I've missed posts for Connor's 6 and 7 month birthdays- so here's a quick (or not so quick) update!

We had his 6 month check up this afternoon (a month late due to being back in the states). Here's his official stats:

Weight: 18lbs, 7oz (50th percentile)- I was surprised, I thought he would have been heavier than that, guess those chubby cheeks are deceiving.
Height: 27 inches (48th percentile)
Head Circumfrence: I forgot to write it down, but its in the 80th percentile, obviously due to his larger than average brain :)

These last two months have been action packed for Connor. During the month of July I swore he did something new every single day. This drove Andrew a little crazy- since this was while Connor and I were in the USA and Andrew was still in Tokyo. Therefore Andrew could only see Connor's new tricks during our daily video chats over the computer (gotta love technology though)! At 6 months, Connor was already crawling quite comfortably up on all fours but if there was a "need for speed" for example, a tower of stacking cups needing to be knocked down, etc. - he would drop back down to his "military crawl" (on his tummy) and away he would go. He was already holding his own bottle, and still prefers to feed himself this way. At 7 months, Connor now only crawls up on his hands and knees. He's also pulling himself up onto furniture AND getting himself back down again! It's amazing to me to watch him figure this stuff out! He goes up and down, up and down, up and down ALL day long. He also likes to crawl under and through things, and has even gone up some stairs. He gives high fives and kisses (if he feels like it) and likes to clap. His favorite games are peekaboo, "someones gonna get you!" and of course- knocking down stacking cups or anything else that sits or stands upright (unfortunately this does include wine bottles set out for recycling and other babies). My favorite new development is that he giggles all the time and SHRIEKS in delight. There's nothing better than his little laugh to make Andrew and I smile! We'll find something that really gets him going and then we'll do it over and over and over again- we can't get enough. His favorite songs are "Wheels on the bus," "You are my Sunshine" and "Down by the Bay." I know not everyone cares about these little details but I'm better at updating this blog than his baby book so these are things I can look back on :) His favorite stuffed animal is the dog that lives in his crib who we've named "Puppy" (I'm obviously not the creative type). We've started on solids and unfortunately he doesn't care much for rice cereal or oatmeal- but doesn't mind any fruits and some vegetables (I'm really pushing the vegetables now- I WILL win this battle eventually). I wouldn't classify him as a "good eater" but we're working on it. He still doesn't have any teeth though his doc says they're "on deck." He continues to sleep thorough the night and as of his 7 month birthday was still napping 3 times per day. Although he may look like quite the tough guy- we have also realized there are several things that scare the daylights out of him- the ocean, cats, the vacuum, and a noise I make when I clear my throat to name a few. Otherwise, he continues to be an incredibly happy baby- we joke that he's a little Ambassador to Japan, as he can make even the most serious Japanese businessman smile. We are such lucky parents!

On Top of the World

We're back in Tokyo again. Another looooooooong but relatively uneventful flight to Japan behind us. We were lucky enough to fly business class, and to secure a bulkhead row. So even though Connor didn't have his own seat, we set up a make shift play area for him to crawl around in during the flight (except during times of turbulence). I suppose if you have to fly with an infant this is one way to do it! Andrew and I took turns sitting on the floor with him (and got several really awful looks from the Japanese businessmen around us but oh well). We also managed to sneak on his car seat, which he snoozed in on the floor a few times.

We arrived here in Tokyo on Saturday night, its now Thursday and last night was the first uninterrupted night's sleep for all of us. I can't wait for the day when we no longer have to play this jet lag game with Connor- it gets harder and harder the older he gets! That said- he was once again a real trooper during all the flights and travel we made him endure- we really couldn't ask for him to have been any better than he was! Here are some more pics:






Overall, we're glad to be back. It's hot and steamy as heck here- but we're happy to be back in our own place and into our own routine again. We do so much schlepping around when we come home for visits which although its very fun- its pretty darn exhausting too. I've got lots of pictures to post so stay tuned!