Day 6: 12/20/2011

Dear Conor,

Today was a day filled with firsts. 

We started the morning out early (about 6am) with me taking a shower while you slowly woke up.  Then I fed you and we backed your diaper bag, I grabbed some breakfast (fed you again) and made sure we were both ready and out the door by 9am because our class started at 10am.

We were headed to breast feeding class to ensure that you and I were doing this new job correctly and to talk to other mommies and visit with other babies.  You had a great time at class.  You slept the first 30 minutes but when you woke up you were the star of the show - they could not believe you were just 6 days old and already out and about!  We learned how to weigh you (you weighed 8lbs 6.60z) and safely give you tummy time (which you did really well for about 30 minutes in class). 

Linda, the lactation consultant (who is also a nurse) checked your bottom as I was concerned about your diaper rash and she said that I should take you to the pediatrician TODAY.  This made both me and your Dad a little nervous but we made the appointment right away.

A picture of you resting in class.

And later that day before heading out to the pediatrician

I got home in time to feed you and get something to eat myself before we had to head out to the pediatrician.  You did really well at the doctor's office and the doctor determined that it wasn't a regular diaper rash but that you likely had a yeast and bacterial infection.  So, she gave us a prescription for both.  We attempted to fill the prescription at our local pharmacy (I went to get it and you had your first car ride alone with Dad) but they didn't have it so your Dad decided that we had to have Wal-mart fill it so that we could get started on treating your bottom right away.

We all decided to go as a family to Wal-mart but as we were driving there we got a call from Grandma Janet that GG Irene had fallen at some point and was being taken to the hospital.  We dropped Dad off with Grandma Janet and you and I went to Wal-mart and then to the hospital.  We couldn't do into the hospital but your Dad came out and told us that GG Irene had fallen and that it was a pretty good fall and she was a little confused and disoriented.  They were going to admit her for observations because her blood work also showed that she had suffered a heart attack at some point.  Dad got home pretty late but we were still up feeding so we were able to find out that she was stable and would be re-evaluated that next day.

Overall it was a very busy day and one that ended on a sad note but you were able to handle everything in stride and for that you get the GOOD BABY of the year award!!

xoxo
Mom

Here are your "STATS" according to the pediatrician's office
Head Circum: 37cm - 75%
Height: 20 in - 50%
Weight: 8.5 lbs. - 50%
Clothing Size: Newborn
Diaper Size: Newborn

Day 5: 12/19/2011

Dear Conor,

Today was your Auntie Cathlin's birthday and we celebrated by making your first trip to the Post Office to mail Great Grandma's christmas present to Florida (we also went to the bank).  Other than that I spent the day wrapping presents and you spend the day sleeping (when you weren't eating). 

But, we did have a little photo shoot with you and Hunter to mark your first Christmas together.  I learned that it is very hard to get two little guys to look at the camera on command so I think we are going to have to practice this skill!

Your first holiday photo with Hunter.

We went to bed early on your 5th day because we needed to be well rested for our first day of school the next day!

xoxo
Mom

Your Fourth Day: 12/18/2011

Dear Conor,

Today was one of the busiest days we have had since coming home on Friday.  We got up around 8am and started our day with a feeding and diaper change.  Then it was time to relax a little bit before your Grandma Mary, Aunties, and Grandpa Adam arrived.

When they arrived we celebrated Auntie Sarah's birthday.  It is really on the 20th but since she was here we had a little cake for her and let her open her present.  We got her some nice lotion and bath gel as well as a sweatshirt from Aeropostale.
Then, once everyone had a chance to hold you - it was time to go on a little adventure to the Maine Mall.  This was your first shopping trip AND your first time riding in my truck!  We went to the mall to pick up your Dad's christmas present.  You had already bought him his Christmas gift a while back when you were still in my tummy but I had to wait and wait for his gift to arrive (we got him the Iphone 4S).

While we were at the mall we walked around for a bit and went into Old Navy.  We didn't find a winter hat for you but Grandma Adam found one for himself and I bought some clothes to wear until I fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes.

After shopping we decided we were hungry so we went to Unos!  This was your first trip to a restaurant and you did really well.  You slept while we ordered and ate.  You only woke up when we were waiting for the bill.  But - you woke up very hungry and upset.  I tried to soothe you in the restaurant but you simply were not going to have it and so I ended up taking you to the truck to feed you.  Auntie Danielle came along too so we chatted while you ate.  You were very content to feed in the truck and I am so thankful that you are not super picky about how you eat or where - it will make road trips a lot easier!

After you were done eating it was time to say goodbye to everyone and head home - this was the first time you and I drove alone together.  We had a great time listening to Christmas music (I really think you slept while I sang) and when we got home your Dad was very happy to see us!

We spent the rest of the night relaxing on the couch together as a family before heading to bed.

xoxo
Mom

Day 3: 12/17/2011

Dear Conor,

Today is your third day with us and your first full day at home.  Today we did a lot of resting!  You slept most of the day, getting up every 3-4 hours to eat and have your diaper changed but the rest of the time you spent it sleeping. 

The swelling in your face has started to go down but your eyes are still closed 99% of the time (we assume its because of the swelling and the fact that you are only 3 days old)!

Today you had two firsts.

We went for our first walk today.  We (the four of us) got in your Dad's car and we drove to the middle school at the end of our street.  As this was our first walk it was also the first time we used your SUPER stroller.  It was a little chilly outside and we had to take things slow because I was still sore but we took a nice walk around the school as a family.  Hunter sniffed and did what he does best (which is pee on all the poles and trees) and you did what you do best (which at this point is sleep!) but it was still a great walk!

First Walk

Today was also your first time home alone with Hunter and I.  Grandma Janet and Grandpa Dennis came over again (and stayed for about an hour) and then they left with your Dad so they all could finish their Christmas shopping.  That left us home alone and it was very nice because as soon as they left I fed you and gave Hunter a treat and then we all took a little nap.  The both of you slept longer than I did and I was able to have something to eat and watch a little TV before needing to take Hunter out and wake you up to eat!

It was today that we figured out that you did not like to sleep flat.  I recalled that you slept in the hospital bassinet pretty well and couldn't figure out why you were not comfortable in ours.  Theirs was propped at an angle and so I placed some thin blankets under the pad of our bassinet and wrapped your naked little body in a fleece blanket and laid you in the bassinet under the tree.  I also placed a rolled blanket next to you so that you felt more secure and snuggled.  You were not comfortable at first but you slowly settled into it and spent the rest of the day sleeping in your bassinet.  Your Dad and I consider this our first BIG parenting success! 

Day 3 ended with the four of us going to bed around midnight after I had fed you one last time.  You slept in your bassinet most of the night but still needed some skin-to-skin contact in order to fall asleep after your 3:30am feeding.  I have read that its ok to allow this to happen given how young you are and that I shouldn't let you cry it out just yet (plus I love having you nuzzle under my chin and feel your breath on my chest) so we will continue to do this as you need it.

xoxo
Mom

Conor & Hunter

Dear Conor,

Hi!  This is Hunter.  I am your dog (and may I remind you - the first man of the house).  I used to have my own blog but Erin (your mom) had a hard time keeping up with both and since she had to help me so much we decided that we would share this blog and I would get to write about things too!

My first letter to you is going to be about the day we met.

While you and Erin were in the hospital (I guess you were getting born and she was doing something) I was taken care of by the Grandmas and Josh.  I missed my Erin a whole lot and couldn't wait for her to come home.  Well, my wish was granted because she came home on December 16, 2011 at about 2pm.

Josh came and got me out of the house and I went running for my Erin.  I loved on her a whole lot and she picked me up and gave me a big squeeze.  Then I had to go pee because I had been home for a while and they always make me go to the bathroom when they get home.  Then it was time for us to go inside.  But - they had to go back to the car to get you.  Josh carried you in and Erin carried me in.

Josh put your carseat on the floor (I had already tested it for you several months before) and since I knew it was just a carseat I ignored it.  Finally, Erin decided it was time to get you out so we could meet.  She had Josh take pictures because it was an important day for me.  The day you came home I officially became a big brother and its going to be up to me to teach you all the important things (like how to get extra snacks when you've been good!).

This is the very first time we met.  You aren't even out of your carseat yet!

Just a little sniff to check you out.  You smelled different than Erin and Josh.

And some more sniffing....

 After I sniffed you a bit I wasn't that sure about you because you really didn't smell like you were apart of our family so I just walked away from you (and got a treat!).  You hung out all day with family that came to visit and I got lots of treats so I guess you coming here wasn't so bad - I just don't understand your smell!

Later that night when everyone had left and it was just our family you went upstairs with Erin so she could rest and I stayed downstairs with Josh.  But, eventually we went upstairs too and Josh held you so I could get another good sniff of you.  You smelled a little bit better than you did before but you aren't my Erin and I really wanted to give my kisses to her and not to you at that time.


Second round of sniffing.

 Erin and Josh worried that I wasn't going to like you but I don't want you to think that.  Its just that I am used to being #1 in this house and its going to take me a little bit of time to get used to sharing Erin and Josh with you.  Don't worry - I promise to love you and to protect you from strangers but it might take me a while to want to give you a BIG kiss.

But, I am glad you are here!

xoxo
Hunter

PS. you better not pull my tail in a few years!

Your Second Day: 12/16/2011

Dear Conor,

Your second day was a big day for you!  It started early in the morning (around 1 am) when you were taken to the nursery so that you could have your PKU test done and your blood drawn for the metabolic testing that must be done after you are officially 24 hours old.  Your PKU test came back negative and we will only be contacted if there are concerns with your blood work, but that will take several weeks.

When you were brought back to me we went to sleep for a few hours until you needed to be fed again.  After you were fed you were taken back to the nursery to be examined by the pediatrician again and to have your circumcision done.  While you were being checked the lactation nurse came in and taught me to express a little milk for you to have as a treat during your procedure.  However, when they brought you back they told me that you didn't cry or make a sound during the procedure and so you got the milk as an after treat.  You were my brave little boy right from the start!

Your Dad arrived pretty early in the morning and so he was there for your first diaper change after the circumcision so we learned how to take care of it together.  Then your Grandma Mary and Aunties arrived.  They stayed for a short visit before they had to start on their drive home.

After their visit we waited for the photographer to come and for you to have your first photoshoot.  It did not go very well because she was an hour later than she had said and you were very hungry and fussy.  We didn't get a lot of great pictures but there were some cute ones.  I have gotten in touch with the photographer to see if there is a way to do a reshoot.  If not then I will likely only order one or two of the photos and we will get more pictures done at a later time.

After the photoshoot it was time to pack you into your carseat for the very first time.  The nurse was there to make sure that we were installing you into your seat correctly and she was kind enough to take some pictures for us.  She also helped us pack up everything so we were certain not to forget anything!

Our First Family Photo!

All packed up and ready to go!

You and I were officially discharged at 1pm and leaving the hospital was bittersweet.  I was very glad to be going home (and taking you with me) but the staff had been so kind and had really helped me adjust to taking care of you full time and I knew I was going to miss them!  The nurse who took care of you right after your circumcision escorted us out to the hospital lobby and waited with you and I while your Dad went to get the car.  You were a hit with all the nurses on the floor and the ladies in the lobby were also drawn to you.  They all thought you were adorable and they could not believe how much you looked like a little boy.  You even attracted the security guard who came over to congratulate us.

Finally your Dad pulled up to the door and it was time for us to go home.  I rode in the backseat with you to make certain that you didn't need anything as we drove home.  The ride home was very quiet.  You slept the whole way home and your Dad and I listened to Christmas music.  This was your FIRST car ride!

When we got home it was time to introduce you to Hunter - but that is a post all in itself.

After about a half an hour, your Grandma Janet, Grandpa Dennis and Great Grandma Irene came to visit you.  You have not met GG Irene as she had not come to the hospital so she was very eager to meet you.  She is 88 years old and you are very lucky to have her as many kids don't ever get to meet their Great Grandparents.

You and Great Grandma Irene

Once GG Irene was done holding you then it your Grandma Janet wanted to hold you again.  Since I hadn't gotten any pictures in the hospital I made sure to get some while we were at home.

You and Grandma Janet

The Jakan family stayed for a few hours and then it was time to say goodbye to them and it was just you, me, your Dad, and Hunter - our new family of FOUR!

You spent the rest of the evening sleeping, eating, and messing your diaper (which we changed of course).  It was very nice to enjoy the night as our new family.  Your first night at home you did really well.  You woke up every 3-4 hours to eat (which took you about 20 minutes) and then I would change your diaper and give you just a little bit more to eat to help you fall back asleep.  You did not want to sleep in your bassinet because you had mostly been co-sleeping with me at the hospital as you had been waking every 2 hours so I let you sleep on my chest for a bit to help you get to sleep and then I put you in your bassinet.

You also seemed to not want to be swaddled in the fleece Halo swaddle (though you were very comfortable in the swaddle at the hospital) so we just made sure you were in very warm jammies and I swaddled you but left your arms out and tucked you under a fleece blanket while I was watching TV.  When it was time for bed we put you in a fleece sleep sack.  But, I noticed that your arms would wake you up so I said that the next night we would work on the swaddle!

Resting in Mom' bed while she watched TV

Given how many issues we could have had I believe the transition from hospital to home went very well and that you handled the craziness of Day 2 very well.

xoxo
Mom

Your First 24 Hours

Dear Conor,

Your first 24 hours of life were very busy as you were not only the new kid on the block but also the most popular.  Your Dad and his parents (your Grandma Janet and Grandpa Dennis) came to visit around 10am and they stayed for a few hours.  Your Dad gave you a little Michael Meyers doll and your paternal grandparents gave you a stuffed dog and a Hallmark Christmas Ornament.  They enjoyed spending time with you and you took to them pretty well.  I didn't get any pictures of them on this day because my camera battery had died over the evening so as soon as they left I plugged it in to charge.

After your Grandparents left it was just me, you and your Dad for the first time.  We hung out (with you spending some time in your Dad's arms) until your Grandma Mary came to visit and she brought your Aunts Danielle and Sarah with them.  They had left school and driven up to meet you.  Your Aunt Danielle could not contain her emotions when she came into the hospital room - she started crying the moment she crossed from the foyer into our actual room and she announced it.  She couldn't wait to hold you and so I handed you over.

The first time you met Auntie Danielle

After Auntie Danielle held you it was Auntie Sarah's turn.  Her holding you was very special as you were the first baby she has ever held.  Her emotions got the best of her as well and she started crying!  In these pictures you weren't even a full 24 hours old and you had already made two girls cry - your such a heartbreaker!

Auntie Sarah and You

After your Aunties had their chances to play with you and love on you it was time for you to officially visit with your Grandma Mary.  Of course, she had met you the night before and had held you but it had only been for a few minutes.  She was just as excited to hold you on this day as she was the night before.  She told me several times over and over again that the moment you made her a grandmother was the happiest day for her.

You and Grandma Mary

You also spend more time being held by your Dad.  At one point you wouldn't stop crying so he took a fun picture with you with him pretend crying too.

Everyone left around dinner time and then it was just me and you again.  We had a good night that night.  You slept for 3-4 hours at a time and you also fed really well each time you woke up.  You were taken to the nursery for a few hours to have your vitals checked and to have some testing done as we wanted to leave on Friday.  So your hearing test was done and the metabolic blood screening was also done and your blood forwarded for analysis.  But, before you left for those tests you and I celebrated your one day birthday!

You had a very busy day your first day of life - but you handled it very well!

xoxo
Mom

Happy Birthday Conor Thomas!

Dear Conor,

This is your birth story.  I have been waiting for a chance to write it all down for you so that neither you nor I ever forget how you came to be a part of this family.

On Monday, December 12 around 12pm I went upstairs to take a little nap and started having contractions.  They were coming every hour and they were pretty strong and didn't go away no matter what position I was in (standing, sitting, or laying down).  Because of this I texted both your dad (who was downstairs) and your Grandma Mary to let them know what was going on.  Grandma Mary surprised us by coming straight up that afternoon and she got here around dinner time.  The contractions continued through the night and into the morning, occurring every 15 minutes.

On Tuesday, December 14, your Dad, Grandma Mary, Hunter, and I sat around the living room waiting for things to progress.  But - they never really did.  I checked with the midwives in the morning and they said to hold out at home until the contractions were coming every 7 minutes; but while they got to 10 minutes they never came any closer together and actually started moving back toward the 15 minute mark.  I ended up calling the midwives around dinner time to determine what the next steps would be.  They told me to take it easy for the rest of the night and call if things changed.

Well, things did change - but not till very early in the morning (around 2am).  At that time I woke up with strong contractions in my abdomen and over the next two hours they continued to increase in strength and frequency until around 4am when they were about 4-7 minutes apart (depending on the contraction and if I caught it at its true start).  So, we called the midwives and they said to come on into the hospital!

We got up and started to get ready to leave.  Your Grandma Mary was going to stay with Hunter but I really wanted her to come because I wasn't sure how fast things would go once we were at the hospital so we left Hunter at home and your Grandma Janet came to get him an hour or so later.  He stayed with her for the entire day and slept over that night so we didn't have to worry about him at all! 

We got to the hospital around 7am and I was admitted straight into a room and got to skip triage.

Once at the hospital things did not go very quickly.  I labored in bed for several hours before it was decided that medical intervention would begin (as I had only dilated 2 centimeters on my own from where I was the Friday before).  Pitocin began and the contractions got stronger and closer together - but they were not breaking my water as the contractions were not consistently 3 minutes apart but would vary between 3 and 6 minutes.  The nurse indicated that this meant my body was not quite ready to begin the real process of delivery.

We were beginning to feel that things were going to take longer than we had thought so we sent your Dad out for treats and some magazines for us to read.  He returned with a cute little pink monkey for me to use as a focus item when things got tough.  I can't tell you how much that little monkey truly helped as time went on.  That little monkey is now in your room as a reminder of how sweet your Dad is and how even the littlest thing can make a difference.

Fast forward a few more hours and my body was struggling with the contractions.  I would feel them coming on and if I had been in the bathroom I would need to rush to the bed before it officially started as they hurt more standing up.  At one point I did not make it from the bathroom to the bed and your Dad had to hold me tight to help me get through it before helping me to the bed.  While you Conor will never experience contractions, your future wife will, and I encourage you to support her to handle the pain and/or discomfort any way you can.

There came a point when your Dad could tell that things were getting stronger and the pain was getting harder to cope with and he asked me how I was doing.  I told him that I thought I was ok but he insisted on the medication and I am glad that he did because minutes later the pain became so intense that I started crying due to the pain I was feeling in both my abdomen and my left hip.  The anesthesiologist finally arrived and after what seemed like forever (and it was probably closer to 5-7 minutes) he administered the first epidural.  I think it was shortly after the medication was administered that my water was broken by the midwife.

That's right - I said the first because about 2 hours later I needed to have another one done because the pain in my hip was continuing so strongly that I was unable to use any of the coping mechanisms and I started crying again.  So, another anesthesiologist was called and this time he not only redid the first epidural but also administered an intrafecal (a fast acting but short term shot of pain medication).  I could feel it taking effect pretty fast and the pain was gone and I found myself sleepy.  Labor is so intensive that it is exhausting and I had been battling the pain for so long that I literally fell asleep within minutes of the doctor finishing up.  Your dad says I slept like a log for about an hour or so - until I started making faces in my sleep.

I can't recall making faces but I do recall asking him why I could feel the pain in my hip again.  Your dad paged the nurse and both the nurse and the midwife 'came running' according to him.  He told them what was happening and the midwife checked me and said I was fully effaced and dilated and we were going to deliver you right them and there.  There wasn't even time to think about it because the next thing I knew we were pushing you out.  I pushed for about 15 minutes before you came into the world.

First Pictures

Your dad stood next to me on the right and Grandma Mary held my left leg for me until that moment you arrived.  Once you arrived you were placed immediately on my chest.  You were a little slimy but incredibly warm and you nuzzled under my chin right away and I could feel you breathing.  You didn't do a lot of crying but you were clearly healthy and you were mine.  Your Grandma Mary cut your cord and they wrapped you up nice and snug.

You were born at 11:41pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 weighing 8 pounds 10.6 ounces with a length of 20.5 inches and in that minute you changed our lives forever!

They always say that you fall in love with your baby the moment they place them on your chest.  I can't say that its love you feel at that exact moment - its more a feeling of awe.  You are simply amazed that this little person came from your body and is now there on your chest, breathing his first breaths.  You are in shock that the little hands and feet you are touching and checking for completeness were the same feet and hands that made parts of your stomach move just days before.  Once all these feelings pass you then begin to feel that unconditional love that so many talk about.

Conor, once your Dad and Grandma Mary left for the night and the nurses and hospital staff closed the door and you and I were alone for the first time, that is when I truly fell in love with you.  I made a promise to you right then and there - that no matter what turns our lives take I will always be the very best mom to you that I possibly can but most importantly, I will always love you!

Happy Birthday Conor!

xoxo
Mom

6 days overdue.......

Oh Conor

Friday we had a doctor's appointment to access this situation.  I had my membranes swept (seperating my uterus from the membranes that hold everything in place).  It was not the most pleasant experience I have ever had but we did learn that I was 1.5cm dilated (not much seeing I have to get to 10).  We also did a non-stress test and learned that you were responding to uterus movements well (I didn't feel most of the movements but that's ok).  Later that day I had a few BH contractions but nothing regular. 

Saturday and Sunday my mucus plug started falling out and I'm pretty sure by Sunday morning it was 100% gone.  But - still no contractions.  I'm starting to feel like you might never want to come out.

We have an ultrasound tomorrow (when I will officially be 41 weeks) to review your safety (make sure you have enough fluid around you and that your placenta is still working well and attached).  Then on Friday (41 weeks and 3 days) they said they would schedule an induction for the following week (so sooner than the 19th which would be 41 weeks and 6 days).  Though I need to talk to them and see if they would consider doing it Friday for a variety of reasons).

I would really rather not have to 'kick' you out so let's get this show on the road! :)

xoxo
Mom

40 weeks and 2 days.......OVERDUE

Dear Conor,

While I am certain it is very much cozier and warm in my stomach than out here in the world (especially with the possibility of snow tonight and tomorrow), I would greatly appreciate you making your arrival in the next day or so.  We are struggling to sleep at night because if we lay down we get heartburn, if we lay on our left side then our hip hurts, if we lay on our back then our back hurts, and laying on the right seems to let us sleep for about 40 minutes at a time.  You are going to have one very tired Mom (and you are going to be one very tired baby) if the two of us don't get some sleep!  We tried napping yesterday afternoon but it must have been at your playtime because you were moving around so much that I couldn't really sleep but it did help to rest a little bit.

Your Grandma Mary said that she was coming up today to visit so perhaps we will get out and about and that will encourage you to do some shifting and moving on out :)

Even if you don't come today - I still love you (but Santa is watching - and he only brings gifts to good little boys!)!

xoxo
Mom

PS.  The duvet for your big bed came yesterday and a few other things were purchased so I will likely to a final nursery update later today or tomorrow!

39 weeks 6 days and READY

Dear Conor,

Tomorrow is your due date.  You have been such a good boy, already listening to your mom.  You let me finish my court cases, you let Grandpa Adam graduate, your dad got his "To-Do" list done (as did I) and we are so thankful that you are already minding our words.  But, now I'm hear to tell you that its ok for you to come out and meet us. 

At our doctor's appointment this past Friday (December 2) we talked about that fact that you were head down but you were not locked into the birth canal.  I have felt you move quite a bit and it's time for you to make your way to that spot - as much as I want to keep you safe and warm inside my belly - its time for you greet the world.

Why?  Because if this is going to be your first Christmas I really really want you to be able to participate in the jollyness of the season.  We want to take you to see Santa Claus, watch Christmas movies with you, we want to take you on a tour of all the decorated houses, and we want to have some time with you before the crazy days of Christmas Eve and Christmas actually get here.

So Conor, please listen to your mommy again and start making your way out!

xoxo
Mom

First Christmas

Dear Conor,

This past week I have been hard at work getting our family ready for Christmas.  As this will be your first Christmas you needed a stocking!

Many years ago I made a set of stockings for Grandma Mary.  A few years later I made a set for Grandma Janet.  But, I had never made a stocking set for our home.  With your impending arrival I decided to do just that (I have no idea what I was thinking - your mom is sometimes a little nutty!).  I started with your stocking and I just LOVE the way it turned out!

I picked a whimsical Santa Claus material for the body and then some fun polka dots (I just love polka dots) and Ho Ho fabric for the details.  I also found great embellishments that really bring the stocking to life.  I made it bigger than the ones I made for your Grandmothers because I just know you will always be a very good little boy and therefore Santa will have many things to stuff into your stocking.  I will never forget being 38 weeks pregnant and trying to sew - it was truly a sight to be seen.  I have also finished your Dad's stocking and will hopefully finish mine tonight.  I can't wait to see them all hanging together!

But, I am getting ahead of myself.  Here are the pictures of YOUR first stocking for your FIRST CHRISTMAS!

What fun trim!  I just love that it looks like the fur on Santa's hat!

Polka Dots and rick rac - you can't go wrong

A close up of the Santa fabric

I can't wait to see what Santa puts in your stocking for your First Christmas!

xoxo
Mom

Nursery Update - Week 39

Dear Conor,

Your nursery really looks amazing - I can't wait for you to see it.  Last night your Dad and I hung the curtain rod (it was difficult to find a curtain rod for your room given your window size and so many seemed very feminine) and your navy blue sailcloth curtains.  I decided to get the light block curtains so that I could darken your room when and if we ever needed to.  I am glad that I made this decision because the curtains hang beautifully with the heavier backing.

Curtains from Pottery Barn Kids

Well, what do you think of them?  I haven't decided if we will get curtain hooks to allow the curtains to be pulled back or if we will leave them hanging like this - only time will tell.

I also took advantage of black Friday deals and ordered your duvet cover.  It should be arriving shortly.  We saved $17 because shipping was free!  I made up the big bed in your room last night with the dust ruffle (navy), the sheets (light blue), and the winter blanket (tan) as well as the uncovered duvet and the quilt.  It looks so inviting - I want to sleep there!

Detail of Kasey Quilt - there is also a chocolate brown stripe that you do not see here.

Doesn't the bed look so soft and comfy??  I just need the duvet cover to arrive and to pick up two more pillows.  Your Dad thinks it needs a headboard and while I agree with him I know it will be hard to find something to fit with the ceiling being so low.  So, we will take our time :)

I also took some more pictures of the nursery portion of your room to remember what it looked like.

Your crib & whale toy basket

Your changing table and diaper bag

Detail on your quilt - Jackson from PBK

I love how everything in your room ties together so beautifully!  Your Dad and I are very proud of all the hard work that went into your room. 

We also ordered your monitor this week and we have decided to mount it above your crib on a shelf so now I have to locate shelving for each side of the window (both your Dad and I like symmetry).  But first I am waiting for the monitor to arrive so that I know what type of shelving would work best.

Your due date is only six days away so we are in the final moments of preparation - I can't wait to meet you little man!

xoxo
Mom

It's a Wrap!

Dear Conor,

Your dog Hunter is crazy!!!  He just loves all of your things.  When your carseat is on the floor he enjoys jumping into it and will settle down and nap in it (we are very careful to keep him out of it on more occassions - we don't want him jumping onto you!).  His new favorite place in the house is the blue bed for him in your room.  When I get out of the shower or am brushing my teeth if he is not right at my feet he is curled up in that bed in your room.

Hunter has always loved to be held (which is a funny thing because when we adopted him we were told he was not a lap dog).  So when your MOBY wrap arrived I thought I would get some practice using it and instead of a doll I figured I would try it with Hunter because he can wiggle and move just like a baby.  Well, once he was in it he didn't want to get out.  He loved being so close to me and it was very comfortable to walk around the house with him in it.  Since taking the above picture we have practiced two more times and I am confident that I like this wrap very much (THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE JILL!!!) and that if you love it as much as Hunter does then we will have a very good time shopping in places your carriage just can't go!

One week from tomorrow kiddo and you should be just about ready to be here if you aren't already - and I can't wait!

xoxo
Mom

TWO WEEKS

Dear Conor,

I can't believe that time is flying by this fast!  Today marks two weeks until your official due date.  I simply can't believe that we are already at this point.  It seems like yesterday that we were announcing to your grandmother's that you were going to be making your arrival near Christmas when in reality it was 9 months ago! 

I have to say that I never thought we would be ready for your arrival but we are.  Our bags are packed and by the door, car seats are installed, and your room is ready. 

We can't wait to meet you!

xoxo
Mom

Doctor's Visit & Pregnancy Symptoms

Dear Conor,

This post is more for your future wife than for you to let her know that certain things are normal during a pregnancy that arent always talked about.

One of those things is heartburn (which we have already talked about quite a bit - and by the way I am still suffering from) and another is constipation; severe constipation.  I truly hope that you don't inherit my bowels which have always been irregular but since entering my third trimester the irregularity has increased.  Yesterday I worked a very full day and when I got home I had the need to go to the restroom.  Well, try as I may I could not void and that inability created an intense pain in my lower abdomen.  The pain was incredibly strong and required me to contact my doctor's office.

So, what is the remedy for something like this?  The remedy is to take a stool softner once or twice a day which helps to keep you regular moving forward but you also need to have an enema.  This can either be done at home or you can go to the hospital.  As embarrassing as it is to talk about this - it is something that I wasn't prepared for and because constipation can be deadly (if not treated) I am documenting it to remember for myself and future friends/family who become pregnant.

I chose not to go to the hospital and your dad went to the pharmacy.  I won't say the rest of the night went easily but the relief that I needed did come and today at my doctor's appointment we were able to concentrate on how you were doing and not how I was feeling!

You are measuring on track (37.5 weeks) and I weigh in at 159.8 pounds.  This means I have gained a total of 32.8 pounds and in the last two weeks have gained 1.8 pounds.  As the goal has been 2 pounds a week you and I are doing really well.  The midwife Ellie said that you are still facing down with your back to my left side and your legs to my right with your butt in my ribs.  She remarked that you are "just the right size baby for my body" which is a good thing I would say.  We will not have an appointment next week due to the holiday so our next appointment is on December 2, 2011 at 10am. 

I can't believe that our appointment on December 2nd could be our final appointment because you could be here before that next Friday!

We are feeling very ready for your arrival - car seats are installed, clothes are washed, room is set up, bathroom supplies are organized, and all of your 'gear' is assembled and awaiting your debut! 

xoxo
Mom

To Do List Update

Dear Conor,

We have been very very busy this week preparing for your arrival (some might call it nesting).  Your dad is still working on the bathroom shelves and they are coming along beautifully!  It is my hope that they are finished tomorrow as I would really like to finish your closet and I can't with all the bathroom stuff in there :)!

In preparaton for the shelves being done I picked up the last of your things from Grandpa Tom's house which included your bathtub and some bath supplies.  It's a good feeling to know that all of your things are here in the house should you decide to arrive early (but remember - we talked about this, you can't come before November 30th and we would really like you not to arrive before December 3rd just to ensure you are as healthy as can be!).

This week you received several things in the mail.  Grandma Mary sent us a book from Shutterfly that memoralized the shower that was held for you at her house.  My camera battery is currently being charged but once it's done I will be certain to take some pictures and post them for you.  A friend of mine sent you a monogrammed travel diaper wipes case - she made it in colors to match the diaper bag.  And Great Nannie sent me a beautiful Mother's poem (so this is really my gift but I received it only because of you so we can share it).  Oh, and Auntie Ana sent up her breast pump so we are all set in that department as well.

So, how are you doing?  You seem to be doing well.  You are active in morning and at night but you have started to grow more active during the day as well.  We are experiencing little contractions but nothing that indicates you are coming any time soon.  You haven't dropped and 'locked' yet and I know this because the heartburn is still pretty intense at night and I can often feel you practicing your kicks and they are still pretty high up on my right side.  But, you do practice dropping because at times I can feel you very low in my pelvis.  I think I might prefer that you not lock in until closer to the big day because it can be very uncomfortable for me when you are down LOW.  We have a doctor's appointment this Friday to check on you and see how you are doing so I will know more then.

As Dad and I have been decorating for Christmas I took that time to add some of your ultrasound pictures to the dinningroom wall.  I can't wait to add real pictures of you but for now the ultrasound pictures will have to do!  Your P&P has been moved to the dinning room to accomodate the Christmas Tree and it fit in there pretty nicely which was a huge concern of ours.  Your swing remains in the living room next to the tree and I think you will enjoy looking at all the pretty lights as you swing each day (assuming you like your swing).

We also added a little Christmas tree to your room.  I bought it last year as I really wanted a little blue tree for our room (and my little pink one was going to go in your room when it was going to be just a guest room) but I can't very well give you a pink tree so I have traded with you.  The tree is set up and it adds a little bit of holiday cheer to your room too.  I still have to purchase curtains for you room but I am going to be doing that today and the duvet that I want is on backorder but it should arrive in the next two weeks.  At that point - your room will be complete.  Hunter's new bed was even washed and is now set up in your room so he has a place to go when we are spending time in your room.

Well, I think that's it for updates other than the promised pictures which I will try to post later tonight.

xoxo
Mom

PS.  Auntie Cathlin told us that her friend Jen reads this blog too so we want to say "HI" to Jen and her husband Keith!!!  We hope they like your blog :)

Week 36 & Grandma Mary's visit

Dear Conor,

This week marks our 36th week together and I couldn't be more excited because it means that you are only 4 weeks from making your debut. 

In preparation of your arrival I attended a Breast Feeding class on Monday night.  I learned quite a bit about the benefits of breast milk and it reaffirmed my commitment to provide you with breast milk as long as I possibly can.  I have been doing a lot of research regarding breast pumps and bottles and your Aunt Ana is going to let me borrow her pump for a few weeks until we determine whether or not breast feeding is best for you. 

You have been doing a lot of moving this week - its mostly in the morning and late at night. Your movements are a lot stronger which makes me think that you are getting stronger!  At our last doctor's appointment they said your heartbeat was very strong and that you were head down.  This was confirmed by an ultrasound.  Grandma Mary came to this doctor's appointment and was very excited to see you moving on the little screen.  You look so much more like a person than you did several weeks ago and you have grown so much!  Our next appointment is next Friday and then there will be weekly appointments to ensure that things don't change in the last few weeks.

We are still working at home to get ready for your arrival.  My hospital bag is packed and waiting by the door.  We have strung the Christmas lights outside and hung the wreaths and put up the tree here in the house.  The bathroom shelves are almost done being stained and poly-ed and the linen closet has been cleaned out and reorganized.  We have a few things left to do but we are getting there and every step we take brings us one step closer to your arrival!

Now - if only I could get work to slow down a bit so that I could wrap all those duties up :)

xoxo
Mom

Week 35: Thank-You Cards; Bin Labels & To-Do Lists

Dear Conor,

We are now in our 35th week and your dad and I are both trying to get a lot of things done.  We cleaned the basement yesterday and organized the shelves.  We have a pile of things to get rid of, to donate, and to try to sell.  BIG dump run this weekend!  But, after all that work the basement is clean and organized and that means a lot to your dad.

I also started filling in your baby book.  I have some more pages to complete before your arrival such as baby shower information and our letters to you......I promise you that I will keep up and complete your book.  Your baby book was a gift from Auntie Ana at your gender reveal party and I am in LOVE with it because it is simple yet allows me to record all the information that you will want to have and will have fun looking at when you are older.

I also completed all your Thank-You cards for gifts.  This has been done for quite a while but we received some gifts from people who couldn't make the shower and I got those thank-yous done as well.  Since I did that I can now post a picture of your Thank-You cards.  I was going to make them myself but I was worried I wouldn't have the time (and I sent out almost 50 cards) so I am glad that I had them printed up for you.  They were purchased from a site called Esty which is a place where people can sell handmade or handcrafted goods and services. 

I can't get this picture to rotate but you can get the general idea.

I also have ben busy making the labels for your canvas bins in your closet that hold your clothes and assorted items.  I completed them today and will laminate them tomorrow after baby class.  I think they came out great - and will be really helpful in this first year.

These are the labels for the bins - I can't get this picture to rotate either.

And these are for the plastic bins that are holding socks and smaller items.

I am also going to complete two Christmas gifts this weekend and then we are going to start decorating our home for Christmas!  We are hosting a party on November 19th so that we can celebrate with all our friends and we are going to string lights this weekend before it gets any colder outside.  We figure, if the stores can do it - so can we!

xoxo
Mom

Nursery Before & After

Dear Conor,

The meat and bones of your nursery is finally complete.  We are still waiting on some smaller items to be purchased but the painting and cleaning and organizing is all done.  Therefore I thought it would be a great time to do a Before and After post.

Prior to your room becoming yours it was our home office.  It was the first room that we renovated when we moved in as I would need a place to study and law school was starting in a few weeks.  We selected the moose theme because I thought it was cute and I was excited to be in Maine.  Here is what it looked like when it was our office:

Once I opened my own practice we moved the office to the main floor of the house and moved the guestroom up to the "Moose Room".  I hadn't gotten around to decorating it as a guest room because we were toying with the idea of painting it so it stayed as a Moose room for several months.

Then, we learned that you were coming and we just knew that the renovations we had talked about would be perfect for a baby's room - so I started painting and the work began.  Here is the room now....almost 100% ready for your arrival!

I just love how your room has turned out and I can't wait for those finishing touches to arrive.  Your room is by far my favorite room in the house.  It makes me so happy that we were able to provide you with such a nice space to come home too.  Having such a beautiful room also makes those sleepless nights that I am certain we will share seem not so terrible (of course, I might not say that when I'm running on a few days with no sleep!).

I hope you like your room as much as we do!

xoxo
Mom

Week 34 - Tired and Trials?

Dear Conor,

Week 34 has not started out so great.  Mom had a trial scheduled for Tuesday and it was going to go all day long.  So I got up early, packed a very good lunch and some snacks for us as well as some water.  But, the trial was still long and it was difficult to sit in the VERY uncomfortable court chairs for several hours at a time.  You didn't like it either - you started moving around a lot towards the end of the day.  I think you were trying to tell me that you were uncomfortable because I know that I was. 

When we got home we were exhausted and then I began to feel sick.  Your Dad and I ended up going to the store for gingerale and oyster crackers because I was worried about eating anything else.  I ended up falling asleep shortly after we got back and while I felt better this morning it still wasn't great.

I also had my first good cry today.  I was so frustrated with doctor's offices and the bills they send out - they just never make any sense and the pressure to have everything organized, paid, and in order became too overwhelming for me this morning and I just started crying and couldn't stop.  I was so embarrassed to have had this reaction to something so insignificant in the grand scheme of life but your Dad was great and made me feel much better - we are going to wrestle with some of these bills together.

I am still feeling worn down and I have a stuffy nose so I think I am also coming down with a cold which could be contributing to my feeling a little under the weather.  You however continue to move around and it's clear that you are feeling quite well.

We have birthing class tomorrow night and we will be learning about post delivery care of mom and baby - YIKES!  Hopefully we remember everything we learn!

Hopefully the second half of week 34 will be better!

xoxo
Mom

Little Moments

Dear Conor,

My hope for you is that someday you will find someone you love enough to marry and that the two of you will be fortunate enough to be a dad.  When the time comes, if it comes, I hope that your Dad helps you to take care of your spouse in the same ways that he has taken care of me as you grow inside.  This weekend we were supposed to work on the house and get a ton of different things accomplished.  We worked very hard on Saturday - perhaps too hard because nothing seemed to be coming along easily and at the end of the day I felt entirely defeated.

Your Dad recognized this and decided that it was time for us to spend some time focusing on enjoying this process and our time together.  He came to me and told me to pack a bag and that we would be spending the night in a nearby hotel that had a heated swimming pool and a great buffet breakfast.  We got up Sunday morning and I did one task (putting a first coat of pain on the shelf supports in the bathroom) and then it was time to go.

We took a nice ride up to Freeport and walked around the different shops just enjoying the time outside and the fresh air.  We got steamed hot dogs from the street vendor and even got a little bit of Christmas shopping done.  Then we drove to the hotel.  It was such a nice feeling to not spend the day thinking of the lists of things that needed to be done at home.  We ordered take-out from a local restaurant and watched some brainless TV.  We also read a little of our workbook and went swimming.

The swimming was so nice and it felt great to float around in the pool. I loved it so much that I think I am going to sign up for a weekly swim class.  This morning we got up, went for a swim and got a great breakfast.

Spending that 1:1 time with your Dad without the nagging needs of the home was great and reminded us that we need to take time to enjoy little moments throughout the week/day with each other no matter how busy we are individually.  You are arriving in 6 weeks and from this point forward I am pledging to take time each day for just your Dad and I.  And, when your time comes - I will remind you to do the same.

xoxo
Mom

Week 33

Dear Conor,

Thursday's birthing class was very informative but also made the idea of birthing you a little scary.  Your Dad had to leave about 20 minutes early because Hunter had been home for 4 hours alone and that is about his time limit.  When he left we were watching a movie and it was just getting to the actual birth viewing.  The teacher came up to me after class and wanted to make sure that he was ok.  The look on her face when I explained why he had to leave was priceless - and then she shared a picture of her grandpuppy that lives in Sweden.

Friday we had a doctor's appointment.  This was our first biweekly appointment.  We talked about carseats, prelabor contractions and a few other things we had discussed in our class just the night before.  After talking (and coming to the conclusion that I needed to wear wrist guards at night to help with my hand issues) we began measurements.  You are measuring spot on for 33 weeks and your heartbeat was a strong 145.  You are head down (and have been for several weeks) and curled in a "C" shape with your little feet touching my right side.  Your butt is up by my ribs and the midwife thinks you have a boney butt (this made me laugh because that is a trait that runs in my family).

Today I worked on so many projects but nothing is wanting to come together very quickly.  Tomorrow I have a little bit of painting in your room left and then I have to wash the floor and it will be done.  The shelves have gone up in the bathroom and I am working on staining those tomorrow as well and painting the supports.  Staining takes time because you have to do each side and the edges and then poly so I will be working on those all week.  I am going to try to convince your Grandma Mary to come up in the the next two weeks and help me paint the bathroom (and maybe the hallway or my bedroom) and make sure that there is nothing I am overlooking in our preparations for your arrival.

The bedding for your room arrived and we are not in love with it so I am sending it back and ordering the original bedding that I liked.  If I can return it on Monday then I should have your new stuff in by early next week and that element of your room will also be complete - then it will just be curtains and decor!

A pregnancy issue this last week has been heartburn that can't be easily cooled and occurs more than twice a day.  I am currently eating a few Tums a day and taking Pepcid at bedtime along with my prenatal vitamin.  It is my hope that once you drop I will have a little relief.  I think you will drop in the next few weeks because you tend to "bobble" down low towards the evening hours and then you float back up by the next morning.  I have also had a lot of swelling in my feet.  This is normal and is not currently a concern for the midwives but I have been told I need to put my feet up at the end of the day.  This is very hard for me but I am going to give it my best try because I don't want my feet to hurt.  I also have an odd symptom in which my finger joints hurt when I try to bend them.  They hurt more in the morning than any other time of the day but the pain is present during the entire day.  I am now going to be wearing wrist splints at night to prevent my from sleeping with my wrists in awkward positions which might help alleviate some of the pain in my hands and is that doesn't work then it might be time to see a physical therapist or another type of doctor to get some relief.  I am also looking into some prenatal aqua-aerobics classes as there is some belief that swimming or being in water can help with both the swelling in my feet and the pain in my hands.

So, that's the update for this week - next week I am going to start packing hospital bags......I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to just fly by and we don't want to be caught off guard!

xoxo
Mom

Birthing Class #2 - Labor and Delivery

Dear Conor,

Tonight will be our second birthing class and the outline states that we will be learing all about labor and delivery.  I am nervous.  I am enjoying having you growing in my belly because you move a lot more now and I can sense the little person you are becoming - the idea of expelling you from my body scares me a great deal.  I am nervous about the idea of bringing you into this world both literally and figuratively.  I worry that I don't yet have the skills to be a Mom - let alone a Mom to a little boy.  I worry that I won't be able to mold you into a strong and smart, yet kind and empathetic man.  I worry that the world has so many troubles you will get lost in them because I won't be able to teach you right from wrong or you will misunderstand my teachings - or choose to ignore them completely.  I also worry about my physical ability to bring you into this world.  Will I be able to handle the pain?  Will I be strong enough to push you out when the time comes?  Will I be able to nurish you and give you the best start?

I don't want you to think your Mom is a worrywart because I am not.  These worries are not unnatural and are held by every parent prior to the delivery of their son/daughter and, when you and your spouse are going through this very difficult transition, I hope seeing my worries here in black and white will remind you that it's ok to have fears and worries.

But, I am excited about this class because I have never witnesses a labor or delivery and all the stories I have heard have been so different - it will be nice to hear from a professional what we might expect on the day you decide to arrive.  Your Dad is looking forward to this class - he has said so a few times this week.  I think the only one not looking forward to this class is Hunter because it means he will be left home alone tonight for a few hours - but its a small price he will have to pay now if he wants you to come home in a few weeks (and I know he does - we all do!).

xoxo
Mom

More Nursery Sneak Peaks

Dear Conor,

The nursery is about 99% complete and I couldn't be happier with the results.  The crib went together rather easily and the bedding is just what I had hoped it would be.  It provides a lot of soothing light blues with punches of red and dark blues to stimulate your eyes.  The furniture is beautiful.  I can honestly say that you have the nicest furniture (and the nicest room) in the house.

I wasn't going to give any more sneak peaks till it was 100% done but all that's left is to finish installing outlet covers (I have to buy them first) and to finish trimming out the blue paint.  That will likely be finished this week - I  had to wait for the white paint to really "cure" to ensure no bleeding between the paints and to ensure that any tape won't peel the white paint off.  I also have to decorate the walls but I am going to wait on those until the guestroom side is done.

So, without futher ado - here is your nursery:

The changing table - I love the mix of green and blue basket liners!

Your crib as viewed from the guest bed.  The whale basket was the first thing we bought for you.

A close up of your bedding.

The entire view as seen from the guestbed - the stroller bassinet is next to your crib.

Your dad and I have put a lot of thought and work into this room; I truly can't believe that only a few months ago the room was forest green and had a moose/bear border; and we really hope that it suits your needs for several years to come.

We have now turned our focus to the guest bed and ordered the bedding for that this past weekend.  I'm not going to sneak peak that right now because we don't have it here yet but hopefully it will arrive by this weekend and we can dress the bed.  After that it will be time to pick out curtains and a night stand.....and decorate the walls but that will come in time of course :)

As of today there are only SEVEN weeks left till your arrival - and we can't wait to meet you!

xoxo
Mom

Nursery Progress

Dear Conor,

These last few days I have been so busy working on your room.  I can only do so much at a time because (1) I have to let paint dry and (2) my body (with you growing in it) can't handle as much physical labor as it used to be able to do.

Last night I finally finished painting your woodwork.  As I said before - your room is the first room where we have transformed the woodwork from stained to painted white.  It was a long and hard process but I love the final look.

After painting I started washing the floors.  Because we had to paint your ceilings - paint splatters were on the floor so the only way to wash it was by hand with a hot sponge and scour the areas where the splatters were.  So that is what I did (well, I'm almost done - I have to finish today or tomorrow).  First I scoured the floor with the hot water, then I used the wet swiffer to get all the little dots up and give the floor a quick cleaning.  Once that dried I used our regular wood floor cleaner to finish it all off.  I got two large sections of the room done.  All that is left is the closet and the area where your crib will go. 

Because so much  progress was made we moved somethings back into your room in order to give us more room in other places of the house.  The queen sized frame and box-springs went back into your room (the mattress will likely go in this weekend once I purchase things for the legs of the frame and finish a few touch-ups on the blue wall that I have yet to do) as did your changing table.  Your changing table has had a few homes in our house since we brought it home from the store but it finally came to rest where it was always intended to be - your room.

Because I couldn't resisit (and they have been sitting in the back of my truck for a week) I got out some of the baskets we bought for the table and filled them with the diapers from Auntie Lindsay's diaper cake.  It was so sad to take the cake apart but we will need the diapers and there is no where for me to keep it set up until you arrive.  Then I got out the changing pad and its cover and we connected that as well.  There are still two larger baskets for the bottom shelf and I need to figure out if I am going to get an organizer for the top but right now I think it looks pretty good (stil not sure I am keeping the changing pad cover in that color - I will have to wait till everything is put together to make that decision).

Here's a sneak peak!

That's all the sneak peaks you get - I'm not going to post pictures again until the room is 100% done!

xoxo
Mom