Dear Conor,

I didn’t forget your birthday, it’s just we celebrated early so the 27th went by without a blog post. I know I know, bad mommy, but what can I say – I’ve been busy…and yes it’s you who are the cause of my ‘busyness’ (is that a word?)

So about this last year. Conor, Conor, Conor, you’re killing me babe. There aren’t enough hours in the day to rest up to ensure I’m alert and capable enough to keep you out of trouble. No really, you’re always one step ahead of me. I’ve always thought you were a little immature for your age, Mary on the other hand thinks you’re a calculating genius, and know exactly what you’re doing; I’m beginning to think there’s some truth in that.

Without going though old entries, let me see if I can recap quickly.

The exasperating stuff

1. We had to nail the dresser to the wall when we caught you using the drawers as steps.
2. All knobs and handles were removed as you learned how to unscrew them and thought they they were candy balls. IT didn’t matter how tightly we turned the screws, you always managed to get them off. Your dad never wants to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver again.
3. We had to change the locks on both back and front door to key entry/exit only, since you’ve tried to escape on several occasions, and locked your dad out twice.
4. We’ve learned to approach you quietly from behind when you’re holding something you’re not suppose to. Any rush to grab the object makes for a quick release on your part, and I’ve lost a crystal candle holder and a really nice photo frame.
5. You understand but refuse to acknowledge the words “stop”, “come here” “don’t touch” but expect me to stand at attention when you utter those same words.
6. Your aunts, uncles and cousins turn a pale shade of grey if I mention the word babysitter. They usually show up in packs of 3. I’m sure by now you know the meaning of the word “reinforcements”.
7. Then there was potty training. Argh! I never thought you’d get it, but other than STILL not wanting to poop, you’ve mastered the urinating thing.

The things which make me smile:

1. Your smiles and your giggles – you really do light up the room
2. Manners – Oh my Lord child, even I’m surprised at how well you’ve mastered the please, and thank yous without any prompting from me most of the time.
3. I’ve never met a child who’s excitement overwhelms everyone when receiving a gift. You don’t just rip the gift open, you study it, coo with delight and thank the person who’s given you the gift before ever looking inside.
4. You are so loving and affectionate it’s really hard to stay upset with you for long. You’d melt the heart of the devil himself.
5. You can count to 20, say your ABC’s spell your name and draw a really cool dinosaur (although I’d prefer you’d do the latter on the paper and not on the wall)
6. You figure things out with amazing speed, and unlike your brother don’t mind me showing you how to do things when you run into difficulty.
7. Little bear is your favorite TV show, and you’ve managed to memorize the entire ‘little bear’ movie – actions and words.
8. You love to sing and dance. It’s so much fun teaching you a song for the first time. The expression on your face as you’re trying to remember the words is priceless.

What else can I say? I don’t know the meaning of the words peace and quiet, but how empty my life would be without you. I’m your mom, and it’s my job to teach you, but honeslty, I’m learning from you everyday. You’re excitement at each new thing you learn, has taught me to stop, take a deep breath and take everything in.

I love you sweetheart, Happy birthday! Here’s to another year filled with new experiences.