Conor's birthday pictures

We had a small, just the four of us birthday celebration for Conor on Wednesday. That little boy could not have been more enamored if he wanted to be. We sang to him that morning (much to his delight) and his daycare teacher made him a paper crown (much to his greater delight). That night, we had a celebratory dinner (homemade corn dogs ... not a hit, need a different recipe), cake, and presents. What more could a 2-year-old boy possibly want?

Originally, I was just going to make a few cupcakes knowing we'd have more birthday dessert the next day for Eric's birthday, but then guilt set in. I imagined Conor looking at family pictures years from now and seeing the elaborate cakes Annika got and then seeing that he got cupcakes and thinking his birthdays weren't quite as important. Couldn't have that happen! So, I decided to make something special, but not huge (still knowing we'd have more birthday sweets the next day). I decided to make a chocolate baseball cake; knowing I already had everything I'd need to make it and because. Conor is a ball fanatic (even tried swiping another kids' soccer ball last weekend at the park) who is addicted to chocolate.

That night after all was said and done, I put him to bed and as I closed his door, I heard him say, "My birthday today. I two!" That boy LOVES his birthday!

Conor's baseball cake

Conor's first glimpse at his cake. I have never seen such anticipation before!

Almost time to blow out the candles!

Playing with the shape sorter from Annika

Happy 2nd Birthday, Conor!

Two years ago today (at 6:13, to be exact), Conor Wells Olson made his grand debut. We are so blessed to have this little man in our family and in our lives.

The amount that he has learned over the past two years is mind boggling! He is (at times) a rough-and-tumble little boy who weighs about the same as his 4-year-old sister, is incredibly tender, loves to read and play with blocks, is proving to be a lover of sports (particularly throwing and kicking balls) and is one of the world's best snugglers. Conor is developing a great sense of humor and already shows a strong appreciation for music. He started walking at 10 months and started running about a second later (hey, that's what happens when you have a busy big sister to keep up with!)

Don't even get me started about his vocabulary; the amount that he can say is astounding... and it isn't only things he hears us say. He's owning language and creating his own phrases, reactions, and statements. (Some common phrases we hear these days: "NO! I do it myself," "No tant-too" (no thank you), "Yo-dote" (yogurt), and "No nigh-nigh" ... just to name a few)

How two years have flown by is beyond me!

Conor when he was newly born

Conor now