FIVE Months!

Dear Colin,

You are 5 months old and time is flying by!  I can't believe that you have been apart of our family for only 5 months because it feels like forever.  You give us smiles from the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep.  You are a social little thing and we just love you to pieces!  Your 5 month photos were taken towards the end of your 5th month because the weather just wouldn't cooperate with us.  But, we did them and you were super fun to photograph because you have really become interested in the stickers!  We didn't get a chance to do a photo in your onesie because (gasp!) it doesn't fit!!! 

SLEEP
I love you to pieces little man but you have become a terrible sleeper!  You still only will nap for about 45 minutes at a time and we are lucky if you will nap twice a day.  Often I try to find a reason to wrap you up on my back so that you will get your second sleep.  You won't even sleep more than 45 minutes to an hour in the car (I'm sure some of that has to do with your brother talking non-stop so that when you stir you are immediately stimulated!).  At night you go to sleep around 7pm and you sleep for about 1.5 hours and then you wake up every 30-45 minutes until you are in bed with me at which time you will then sleep for a few hours.  You are clearly a high needs baby when it comes to sleep.  You need to be very warm, be near a person, and have some pressure on you (arm or blanket).  As you are too little to sleep with anything in your bed this means you are with me at night still.  I have resorted to swaddling you a few times to help you sleep better but we can't go back to that being a regular thing because you are a little too big for the swaddle!  You are also very hard to get back to sleep when you wake up.  Often times I can be found standing over your crib with one hand on your chest and the other tucked next to your cheek until your breathing becomes deep and shallow again.  Other times nothing comforts you and you have to be nursed back to sleep.  You are a challenge little man but we love you!

FOOD
Still 100% from mommy.  You show an intense interest in food and so we will probably start letting you hold chunks of food and also offer you some puree this month.  Technically the recommendation is to hold off until at least 6 months so I will try but your as big as some 8 month old babies in both size and development so we'll see how long we can hold out!  You do have sips of water occasionally and you love that!

CLOTHES
You are growing like a weed!  You are solidly in 6 month clothing and can wear some 6-9 or 6-12 things easily.  I believe you are longer than Conor was at this age so jammies are a bit of a problem as your length and fat little feet make it hard to ensure your toes aren't pushing against the seams of footie jammies and that the elastics at the ankles aren't digging into you.  We have borrowed some jammies from friends as the weather is still quite cold for this time of year and we don't have any warm jammies in your current size.  You love to wear hats and I have them on your often.  The colors pink and navy really compliment your complexion while yellow and some greens tend to wash you out.  Socks are a waste of time because of your fat little feet so more often than not you wear your fleece booties from Zutano.  BEST booties ever made - its almost time to order you a cotton pair for summer!

PERSONALITY
Oh Boy Colin!  You are the happiest baby I have honestly ever met.  You never cry unless you are overtired or hungry (or you have had enough of Conor's play).  You smile from sun up to sun down and your smiles take over your entire body!  You love the sight of Daddy or Conor and light up the moment they come into the room.  You crave touch and laugh and giggle when Conor includes you in his play.  You do not like to be left in a room alone but will tolerate it for short periods of time.  You have started 'talking' and your favorite time to talk is when you are on FaceTime with family or at the dinner table.  You just want to be included in the conversations. 

DEVELOPMENTS
This month you have started sitting unassisted if propped into a sitting position.  You tend to lean forward but can be found sitting straight up at times to look around the room.  Sometimes this action results in your falling over or backwards but most of the time you are able to steady yourself and avoid tipping.  I would not say you are a great sitter and you are never left alone when sitting.  You also have gained some control over your hands and are using them to pick up things.  Your hands are clumsy but you work very hard at getting the items you are after into your mouth.  Speaking of your mouth - you have taken to chewing on your binky whenever you get a chance and you also chew on some of your toys.  Because of that we have kept your teething necklace on 100% of the time now.  It never leaves your neck except for bathtime (if I remember).

 

 

EXPERIENCES/FIRSTS

 

You participated in your first St. Patricks Day AND your first Mommy/Colin road trip!  We went to see Ana and Auntie Cate/Uncle Jarrod at their apartment.  You did so well on this trip considering we were gone for over 8 hours.  You also got to spend some quality time with friends and family which is always hard when your brother is around because he's talkative and mobile and your still a baby! 

 

This month you also developed croup.  This was a horrible experience and one that I certainly don't want to repeat.  We had to give you nebulizer treatments (a first in this house) to help your oxygen saturation and you hated them after a while.  It took a week or so but you came around and started to improve.  Croup is pretty awful (Conor had it too) but in a baby like you it was horrible!  We spent a lot of time outside that week despite the freezing cold temperatures because you both did much better in the cold air.

 

Grandma and Grandpa also came to visit and they brought Auntie Sarah.  We all went out to lunch.  You had a great time being part of the luncheon and you loved visiting with your family!

 

You also rode in the shopping cart at the grocery store for the first time this month but only for a few minutes because you slump forward too much still ;)

 

I can't wait to see what month #6 brings us - you are growing so fast and changing every day!  We love you!

 

xoxo

Mommy

 

PS.  5 month comparison photo (Conor on top; Colin below)

 

 



Colin is ONE Month!

Dear Colin,

You are now one month old.  Your first four weeks of life simply flew by.  The weather was terrible so we were stuck inside most of the time which made it challenging to keep both you and your brother entertained and together but apart at times!

Your first week of life was challenging to say the least.  Your Grandma Mary was here and your Daddy put us to work trying to get some more tasks in the house complete.  We may have pushed a little too hard the first day home (going to 3 different stores) because Mommy was very tired later that day and was useless the following day.  You and I had to stay on the couch and poor Conor got underfoot and Daddy couldn't get his work done.  So, the rest of that week I was careful to take it a little slower.  Your grandma also had to leave a little sooner than we all expected.  We were so sad to see her go, she was amazing with Conor, loved on you so Mommy could spend some 1:1 time with your big brother, she helped keep the house clean and it was simply so nice to have her here.  I'll admit - when she left Mommy felt very nervous because I wasn't sure if I could do it without her.

The next three weeks are a complete blur - the task each day was really just to manage life.  We got up, ate breakfast, nursed, played with Conor, did lunch, took Conor for his nap ride, nursed some more, played more games/toys with Conor and then survived until dinner, bath bed for your brother and you.  Unfortunately, you are not a fabulous sleeper and you prefer to sleep on someone than alone and on your side instead of on your back.  Everyone swore that you would be my good sleeper but I am beginning to have my doubts!

This month we also discovered that you have acid reflux.  You were put on Zantac first but that constipated you and therefore you were changed to Prevacid.  This medication has worked much better for you and I don't hear you gurgle at night in your sleep.  Your reflux is the kind where you spit up a lot so we have burp cloths around the house everywhere because we never know when you might strike!

Conor continues to love you though he has been testing the waters.  He likes to smother you with hugs and rub his face all over yours.  We have tried to be tolerant of this to ensure that we don't create jealousy and you are handling his "love" very well.  However, he has started thinking its a game to run up to you and hit you (lightly but still hitting) to see what reaction you have.  We are working with him on this and you are never alone in a room with him. 

You continue to look a lot like your brother and the photos prove it!  Here are a few from your first month.

One Month Old! 

Wearing the same outfit Conor wore in his 1 month photo

So sweet!

Brothers

Sleeping on your first full day home

Conor wanted to lay in your crib with you while I cleaned your closet.

First nap in crib - lasted 10 minutes

First bath - 2 weeks old

First smile!

Your first month was a busy one little Colin - Can't wait to see what your second month brings!

xoxo
Mommy

Happy Birthday Colin!

Dear Colin,

You came into this world in your own special way.  At 4:15am on October 31, 2013 you woke me up by creating a hole in the bag of waters.  I honestly thought it was urine leaking so I got up and went to the bathroom.  There, I peed, and then went back to bed only to have more liquid exit my body.  At that point I woke your Dad up by saying "I think my water broke."  He was very calm (actually - overtired as he had only come to bed an hour earlier as he was working so he would be free to trick or treat) and said to me "don't over-react you could be like those ladies that don't go into labor for days after their water breaks" and then he rolled over and went back to bed.  More water came out and so I called your Grandma Mary to let her know what was going on.  Then I woke your Daddy up and told him that I was sure my water broke and why didn't we just start getting things ready.

Your Daddy got up and started to get his things together and I jumped in the shower.  While in the shower my contractions started getting closer together and within minutes I heard your brother waking up (it was about 5am at this point) and so when I got out of the shower he was in my bed playing on the ipad while Daddy was downstairs putting food together for Conor.  The contractions were getting really strong at this point so the midwives were called and I was told to head to the hospital.  While waiting for Daddy to make sure Big Brother's things were packed (we had just unpacked all his snacks the night before in order to replace the things we felt should be eaten or switched up) Big Brother was helping Mommy to stay calm.  He touched my hand and said "Mamma" a few times.  He also kept talking about "baby heartbeat" because we had told him the night before that we would be hearing your heartbeat the next day at the doctor's office - and Conor does not forget things!

Daddy finally got everything loaded into the car and got Hunter settled and we drove up to the hospital.  Daddy took care of Conor while Mommy focused on getting into the hospital and up to the correct floor.  I was admitted immediately (it was once again shift change - both you boys liked to start things at shift change) and we spoke with the midwife who was just getting ready to come off her shift (Jerri).  Unfortunately, we had some bad news for her - the midwife who was coming on was one that we had said we did not want to work with and she checked out a few things and ended up staying with us.  I felt terrible because I didn't want to be a pain but I could not deliver you with that other woman.

The first thing Jerri did was make sure we were settled and then she checked me.  I was 6-7cm dilated which was far more progress on my own than I had ever made with your brother and I was not in pain so I was very hopeful that maybe I wouldn't need any medications and/or wouldn't need them until the end.  Grandma was on her way and called because she had gotten lost in town and needed help getting back to the hospital.  She finally arrived around 9:30am and was very thankful that she hadn't missed anything!

Before Grandma got there Daddy was focused on caring for Conor but since nothing was really going on with you this was perfectly fine.  But, then Grandma got there and it was her job to focus on Conor so Daddy could focus on you and me!  Around 10:30am I was checked again and had dilated further (7-8) without the need for medications but the pain in my hip was getting a lot worse.  I had been working with a chiropractor  issue in my hip that I first discovered when in labor with your brother.  I had seen the chiropractor after his birth and things improved but as the time came to deliver you the pain reappeared if I walked too far or was on my feet too much.  It was believed that I have a nerve/tendon issue and that is also why the epidurals all fail (more on that in a minute).  So, back to the story. 

As I was continuing to labor the pain was getting so intense that I was unable to feel you descending and when instructed to give little pushes was not able to isolate the muscles needed to complete this task because the pain in my hip was overpowering.  At some point I threw up - just once though - like I did with your brother.  I attempted to push on the area where the pain was but, in the end, I had to request the epidural.  After an hour we realized that it had not worked.  My RIGHT hip was still incredibly painful and I could not focus.  At this point I was 10cm dilated but needed to thin out and therefore needed to push a little to help you drop but still couldn't push.  A new doctor was called in and a booster of some sort was given and my left leg went completely numb and the pain in my right hip was dulled enough that I could focus on the task at hand - getting you out so that we could meet you! 

I was instructed to rest and Daddy went to take Conor for a car ride to give him the chance to nap.  Grandma offered to take you but we didn't think he would sleep for her and Daddy knew the area better and so could get back faster.  He wasn't gone more than 20 minutes when Jerri came back in and said if I felt ready to push I could.  So, Grandma texted Daddy and made him come back.  Poor Conor had only just fallen asleep and so Daddy got him all the way into the elevator before he woke up.  He was handed to Grandma and Daddy came to my bedside and held my hand while we started pushing. 

You were a great partner in this delivery - you let me know when you were ready for the push and when it was time to stop.  Once again, I felt that the actual pushing went very quickly.  There was a moment when you were crowning that I felt like I was too small for your big head and Jerri wanted me to pause but I simply couldn't because I felt like I was tearing in two.  So, two more pushes and your nose was out and then came the rest of you!  (Mommy didn't tear in two - she didn't even tear!).  You didn't cry right away but you were immediately laid on my chest and the nurse rubbed and rubbed you until you let out a big cry. 

You were just perfect and neither Daddy, Grandma or I could get over how much you looked like your brother when he was born.  Despite looking like Conor you clearly are a little boy with your own personality.  You did not want to nurse right away but you wanted to be held.  We waited for the cord to turn white before Daddy was asked to cut the cord.  As with your brother he did not want to and so I asked Grandma if she wanted to.  Once she was given the scissors Conor wanted to help and so he did.  Seeing you there on my chest was just as surreal as it was the first time I laid eyes on your brother.  There was an instant bond and a desire to protect you and not let you go - not even to Daddy.  It was also very special to me to have your brother there.  He was one of the first people to see you and to hold you and I hope that is a bond that the two of you never lose.

Conor cutting the cord

Cutting Colin's Cord (Conor and Grandma Mary)

Baby Colin is his own person.

Colin, you were born at 1:24pm on Halloween Day; my little pumpkin baby.  You weighed 9.25 oz and were 20.5inches long (just as long as Conor but 8oz more).  While you were bigger than your brother you looked so much smaller.  You had a blood sugar imbalance so you were subjected to pricks every few hours so that your blood could be tested.  Finally you got 2 tests that were in the appropriate span of time with the appropriate numbers so you could stop being tested.  This was a little stressful because Daddy wasn't here when I learned what was going on but we (you and I) made sure that we took care of things!

Why was Daddy not there?  Because he took Conor home for dinner and bed while Grandma stayed with us until it was time for her to leave and be with Daddy and Conor.  That left just you and I at the hospital (well, until your first visitors arrived).  Daddy also didn't stay when Conor was born so it wasn't your brother's fault that he left.  I encouraged Daddy to go both times because he's bigger than the couch/bed he would have had to sleep on and I knew you and I would get more sleep without Daddy in the room (which we did!).

Your birthday is a holiday and one that kids love.  I made a promise to you before we went to sleep for the night that no matter what your Daddy and I would make the day special for YOU and not just the night we trick-or-treat.

We love you very much little man and your birth has completed our family.  Happy Birthday Colin!

xoxo
Mommy

Your Late!

Dear Baby Colin,

It appears that your brother has influenced you already because you are officially LATE.  I, your mother, am never late to ANYTHING!!  I am chronically at least 5 minutes early and I like it that way.  You were supposed to come on Sunday - its now Tuesday.  I understand in the grand scheme of things this is not that late but to a mom who is carrying a lot of weight on a little frame and chasing a toddler and who has a grandmother on stand-by.......every hour counts!  Please baby Colin for the sake of all of us who are just dying to meet you and cuddle you and hold you and shower you with love....come out!!!

xoxo
Your tired Mom

Brotherly Love

Dear Colin,

Now that you have a name its easier to write these posts to you.  Your brother is highly in love with you and I mean that very sincerely!  Back in August he started really wanting to have you with him at all times.  When we sat on the couch together he would lift my shirt and rub my tummy and talk to "the baby".

28 weeks pregnant; 19 months old

A few weeks later (8.29.13) he refused to take a nap unless you were napping too so we all slept on the couch together while Daddy was out working.

30 weeks; 20 months old

He loves to give you kisses!

And relaxes with you every day - already sharing his books, toys, and ipad time with you!

33 weeks; 20 months

No matter where he is or what he is doing your big brother is looking out for you.  He always wants to make sure you are included in everything!

35 weeks; 21 months

I hope that he continues to love you as much as he does now when you are here and making lots of noise!  So far, here are the things your brother is willing to share with you:
* toys
* Hunter
* books
* juice
* beep beep (his police car)
* trains
* blocks

The only thing he says he won't share is milk (your brother still nurses once in a while).  We of course, are working on teaching him that babies need a lot of milk and that he will have to share.  I'm sure it will all work out! 

xoxo
Mommy

False Alarm

Dear Baby Do-rin (what your big brother calls you),

This past Friday we had a HUGE false alarm!  I honestly thought you were coming.  We had all the signs and symptoms of labor and so Mommy rushed out to the store because there were a few things that I didn't have for you that I really needed.  One, I needed a baby book.  I am so sorry to say that between caring for your brother and this move I haven't been as attentive to your needs as I would like to be.  I don't ever want you to feel like second fiddle simply because you were born second.  So, I went to 4 different stores to find you a baby book! 

Your brother also has developed a love for his old swaddle blankets so I bought you a set of your own.  His are bamboo and remind me of India where yours are muslin and have a cute jungle theme so there should never be any worries that they will get confused. 

Your brother also sleeps very well with a sound machine so I bought you the same one.  Even though you will be in our room for a while having you get used to the white noise will be great.

So, after a monumental shopping trip with contractions every 15 minutes and having to go the bathroom every 5 - I made the decision to call your Grandma Mary up to Maine.  Well - you are a little stinker because while Friday you continued to increase your contractions in both intensity and length by Saturday there were few and now there are none.  We walked and walked all day Saturday in an attempt to get things kick-started again but after a visit to the Chiropractor yesterday I learned you are not even engaged in my pelvis (silly baby - get down there!).  Of course, you might have spend some time down there but since the weekend you have retreated back into my abdomen and have been causing major heartburn and discomfort.  So I am to push on my upper abdomen and wear a little band to keep some pressure there in order to keep you from floating back up and causing me to vomit.

I really want to meet you Colin - you are seemingly every bit as stubborn as the rest of us and now at 39.5 weeks I'm not quite sure you are ready to come out.  No matter when you arrive or how stubborn you are please know we love you (and would love for you to come this weekend so you can trick or treat with us)!  Your brother is so excited to meet you and every day tells you to come play with him.  He loves spending time in your room and talking about all the things in the house that are yours.

Your clothes are washed, your bassinet is ready, your swing is up, your playgym is set up in the playroom - all we need is you!!! 

xoxo
Mom

A Name for our Little Boy

Dear Baby,

Its hard to believe that we are already in our 37th week and that I am considered full term and that means you could come any day and not be at risk for premature delivery issues (though please stay inside just a little longer - we are still trying to get organized in the new home).  Your Daddy and I picked out your name a little while ago but we have been getting use to it before announcing it on our blog.

How did we arrive at your name?  It was a long process.  There were so many names we could have picked but none of them seemed right.  Your Daddy loved the name Garret and its a strong and handsome name but it simply didn't seem right to me.  I loved the name Keegan but it didn't work well with our last name.  So, we made a list of names that we liked and went through them trying out different combinations until we found one that we really truly felt was just right for you - our littlest prince.

I knew I wanted another Irish name to compliment your big brother's and so we arrived at Colin for your first name.  Your name has many origins but the Gaelic once means: "cub" or "young pup".  This goes nicely with your brother's name which means "lover of hounds".  Hopefully this means that you two will get along very nicely!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_(given_name)

Your middle name is Patrick.  This is Mommy's most favorite boys name in the entire world but neither I nor Daddy like the nickname Pat and didn't want you to ever be teased by someone who thought it would be funny to call you Patty.  This name is very special to Mommy and I hope that you wear it well as it means "nobleman." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_(given_name)

So, Colin Patrick J.... - we have given you a name - a name we believe is strong and will serve you well throughout your life.  But for right now, we have taken to calling you Baby Colin and your brother calls you Baby Doro.....he'll get there someday.

Hugs and Kisses and lots of anticipation,

Mommy

Week 31 & a New House

Dear Baby,

Notice the name change?  Since we found out you were a boy I've been having a hard time calling you Apple and since big brother calls you "baby" about 1000 times a day I think I'll stick with that.

Do you have a name you ask?  Yes, you have a name but Mommy is not ready to announce it on the blog (or to most people for that matter) and therefore "Baby" you will be.

So, we are at 31 weeks, 9 weeks to go.  You are so incredibly active I don't know what to say.  You move and shake and punch and kick for what seems like 85% of any given 24 hours.  You have just started to give Mommy heartburn about once a day and you are still sitting pretty low.  Our doctors appointments have increased to every 2-3 weeks and I booked all of our final appointments with the last one being on October 31st but of course, you will be arriving on schedule therefore this appointment will not be needed - correct?!?

Mommy has gained 21 pounds this pregnancy which is now right on track.  Your heart rate continues to be strong and while you still are able to do full flips in my uterus you spend a lot of time head down (this is a good thing).  My pregnancy app. says that you are about 3.3 pounds right now and the midwife said you are likely to be just as big as your brother was give or take a pound (he was 8lbs 10.6 oz) so you still have a little growing to do.

So I have some big news baby - as of today you are no longer homeless!  Mommy and Daddy signed all the paperwork for your home.  Since you are going to be living in hand-me-downs the least we could do was get you a new house right?!?  Just kidding (on the hand-me-downs) - Mommy has bought you a few brand new things just for you because you are special and deserve it. 

We love you and can't wait to see you!

And I was doing well

There was a point where I was getting caught up on this blog and now another whole month has gone by. 

Since the last time I wrote so many things have happened that it would be a shame to forget them all - thank goodness for iphones and FB or no one would have any idea what was going on in our lives right now.  Baby #2 is growing beautifully and we are hoping he will wait just a little bit longer before making his debut because we are trying to settle into our new home as quickly as possible.  Conor's room is as done as it needs to be and the nursery, guest room (where my mom will stay), and our bedroom are between 50-85% there.  Bathrooms are functional and the living areas are as done as they need to be (minus the clutter as we use them for staging areas).  Conor has settled into the new house and calls it "me house" and has met many of the neighborhood children and developed a friendship with the 5 year old boy who lives next door.

Josh and I are both scrambling to get caught up on our jobs, finish the house, and spend special moments with Conor these last few days where he is our one and only.

My mom has spend a weekend and really helped to get the move-in ball rolling, friends have been amazing - coming to spend time with Conor each week so that I could get house projects done, and Josh's parents have helped with both playing with Conor and helping us lug things around the garage since my days of heavy lifting are over.  We are truly thankful for the help!

Once we are more settled I promise a house tour :)

Hanging Low!

Dear Apple,

Since there are 80 days or so until your arrival your mom would like to request that you move up a little bit.  I swear baby boy, you are hanging so low that some nights I don't think I can stand up after rocking your BIG brother to sleep!  Your position also means that Mom's back has been hurting and sitting in Grandpa's comfy reclining couch has become a problem - well, sitting in general is a problem!  So, be a good boy and mind your Mommy!

I can tell how busy you are growing and making a name for yourself already.  My stomach is in a constant state of movement and this afternoon while Conor was laying on my tummy you up and kicked him!  He was shocked and wasn't sure what to do (he ended up pushing you back and laying his head back down - I hope this isn't foreshadowing of what's in store!).

Besides trying to bust out early and kick your brother, you are growing.  We had a check-in the last week of July and weight we have gained (finally)!!!  Combined we weigh a healthy 148 pounds which I am happy to report is smack in the MIDDLE of the range of where we should be.  Blood pressure is good (despite all the stress of July) and swelling is minimal!  My belly button has already popped out but there's nothing I can do about that.

What's in a name?  Well, Daddy and I are almost sure we know what your name will be but until we are 100% sure we aren't sharing with anyone!  You seem to respond to the final contenders and Conor still wants to name you Elmo (sometimes he says E for Ernie - but don't worry we won't entertain those names).

Glucose and Iron testing was today and while I am sure that both you and I are good to go I always get worried when tests are taken (call it the perfectionist in me but I always want to get a good report!) so we shall see in a few days.  We have an appointment in two weeks to check in (31 weeks - YIKES) and then it will be visits every 2-3 weeks until you make your arrival.  I can't believe how fast time is flying!

Hope you are cozy and comfy (but not too comfy - you need to move up a bit remember?)!

xoxo
Mom

Apple Update

Wow!

Apple you are growing and growing and I have to admit that I haven't been as diligent at writing up your progress as I was with your big brother (curse of being the second child I guess - but you are not loved any less)!! 

Currently we are at 26 weeks and we had a check-in with the midwives this week after a long 6 week break from them.  Why the break you ask?  Because we were very busy the month of July.  You and I had a few trials and then we had to attend a Bachelorette Party, Nolan's first birthday and finally, Auntie Cathlin's Wedding!

Your first and (likely only) Bachelorette Party 6.15.13 - 20 weeks 

Aunties!

You weren't a big focus at Auntie's single night celebration but by the time her wedding came around a month later you wanted the world to know you were here!  You are a BIG time mover and shaker and together we shook up the dance floor and had a wonderful time celebrating the newly married couple!

Wedding Day Bump - 24/25 weeks

Auntie's going to the chapel and she's gonna get married!

Mommy, Auntie, and Sweet Apple

Auntie and the new Uncle!

our first picture with Apple!

You are growing quite well.  All tests are coming back with great results and while I am on the lower end of the weight spectrum right now I am certain that you will catch up to your brother in those last few weeks.  Your heartbeat is quite strong and your Auntie Sarah got to hear it this week as she is up visiting and went to your appointment with me.

Your brother is in love with you and often wants to touch you and talk to you through my belly button.  He likes to blow raspberries on my stomach and I can only imagine what you are thinking when you hear that noise.  He talks about you a lot and thinks there is a baby in everyone's tummy which is really cute. 

Giving you kisses - 23 weeks

Loving you - 25 weeks

Right now we have moved out of our home in E.W. and are staying at grandpa's house while we wait to see if we can move into our new home in K.  I hope that we are able to move soon so that we can slowly get things ready for your arrival - we have one more appointment in August and then after that we move to every 2 weeks because your arrival will be in less than 100 days now!!  YIKES!!!!!

Besides moving around a lot (which Conor didn't do) you are so different from him in almost every way.  You constantly put pressure on my skin with your body and your moving (sometimes I swear your foot or knee is going to pop right out) but I have far less heartburn than I did with your brother.  You are sitting much lower than he ever did and I find it harder to get up from sitting down because of how you like to settle right into my pelvic area when I have been sitting too long.  You are active the most in the evening hours (which worries me that you are going to be as difficult a sleeper as Conor) and so I have had trouble sleeping at night because all your moving around causes heartburn at about 2am every morning.

Keep growing strong in there little man because we can't wait to meet you (and pick a name for you)!

xoxo
Mommy

PS.  Conor wants to name you Elmo or Ernie or Grover - how do you feel about those names?

Week 22 and Words

Dear Conor and Apple,

Conor you are growing and growing and growing!  Daddy and I talked and its time to get another set of pictures done because you have changed so much.  You now have seven teeth and there are three more popping through and one more showing its ugly little white mountain head!  Your vocabulary continues to grow and grow!  You now say PLEASE, Muffin, more, book, read, rice, truck, knee, bubble, Sarah and boat.

You have also developed a HUGE attachment to mom's old cabbage patch kid Clinton.  He has sat on your shelf since the day you came home from the hospital.  In the last two weeks you have taken notice of him and made requests to hold him and kiss him and that progressed to sleeping with him.  Now you are inseparable and he comes downstairs with you in the morning and goes back upstairs with you at night.  He sits with us when we nurse for bed and you seek him out several times a day.

Sleep has been coming much easier.  You now have a set bedtime that Daddy and I work hard to have you stick to.  At 5:45 we start getting ready for bed with jammies, tooth brushing, and stories.  I take you upstairs no later than 6:15, we nurse for less than 10 minutes and then I put you in your crib and you play with Clinton for a few minutes until you go to sleep.  Often times I have peeked in on you and you are sleeping with your head on Clinton or the two of you are in the same position. 

The last few days you have also started napping in your crib which is a HUGE first!  We started by having you nap on the bed in my office and then transitioned you to the crib.  Its now been 4 days of crib naps and you have slept at least an hour each time. 

Now - you have been growing so much its like you are getting ready to be a BIG brother!  And.....two weeks ago we found out that you are going to have a little BROTHER!!!!  Yup, that's right!  Mommy gets to be Mommy to TWO little boys!  Mommy and Daddy are very excited and we can't wait to see how the two of you are different and how you are alike.

So, now its time to pick a name for your little brother...and its going to be a lot harder this time around because it wasn't even easy to come up with your name :)!

Mommy is feeling pretty good but your little brother is very active and doesn't let Mommy get a lot of rest during the day or at night.  But, we are half way there and summer is going to be gone before we know it and then it will be almost time to meet your brother :)

Stink Face

Mommy and Little Brother at 22 weeks

Mommy and her boys

You have also started identifying body parts and you love to do so on Mommy and Daddy.  So far you know eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, chin, knees, feet, toes, hands, fingers, bum, penis, belly, belly button, chest, head and hair!  Here you are pointing out Daddy's chin!

Daddy and Conor

We love you little man!

xoxo
Mommy

Week 18, a graduation, and words

Dear Apple,

You are so different from your big brother.  You don't love sweets (whereas he craved them); you move on a regular and consistent basis (he never did); and you need to be fed too much (Conor didn't care when I ate).  If your in womb behavior is any indication of your behavior on the outside you are going to be nothing like Conor!

This week Auntie D graduated high school.  We had intended to drive down there Friday night after I got out of work but your brother got sick and we ended up having to stay home.  We missed seeing her walk across the stage but thankfully Auntie C took a video so we got to watch that.  The good news is that I was able to arrange our schedule so that we will head down for her party this coming weekend instead.

Mommy and Daddy are slowly starting to think about your arrival.  We aren't quite 1/2 way there yet but we have started thinking about what life will be like with you in tow and we are both excited!

xoxo
Mommy
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Dear Conor,

You are growing up.  Your vocabulary is improving by the day and this week you have amazed me with some new words.  "fresh" "yes" "please" "grass" "tree" these are added to your already big list of words: mamma, dadda, hunter, no, beep, read, beans, more, ball, bee, baby, auntie, elmo, hi, weeeee, bird, up, duck, dog, bubble, ernie, nemo and sarah.  You also tend to call grandmas and grandpas all "bampas".

It is so much fun to watch you communicate!  You make a few animal sounds and you also communicate with sign language for "more" and "milk". 

You also love touching my belly, giving it kisses, and blowing raspberries on it.  I am sure your little sibling appreciates the noises you make for them!  I know that is make Daddy and I laugh every time and also think you are super sweet.  You are a caring little man and I can't wait to see how you do when the baby is really here!

xoxo
Mommy

Week 17

Dear Apple,

Week 17 came and went without anything remarkable occuring.  You did your thing and I did mine.  However, your big brother started paying more attention to you this week.  A favorite activity of his is to blow raspberries on my tummy and point to it and say baby.  I think he's trying to give you love!

I'm starting to show more now and your arrival is becoming more real as I try to guess how early or late you might be.  I already received notice of a Court date in December and realized that by the time I attend that hearing you wil have been here for at least a month.....CRAZY!!!!!

Love you,

xoxo
Mom

Emotions Running on Overload

Oh Boy!

They say when you are pregnant you can become emotional at the drop of a hat or that you are more emotional than when you are not.  Well, pregnant or not - this week I have been very emotional.  This is a very busy summer for our family with so many BIG events that its hard not to want to simply freeze time.

Last night I listened to Conor breath as I rocked him to sleep - one chubby arm behnd me and the other ending with his little chubby hand resting on my chest.  As I watched his face relax into rest I saw how much he has truly become my little man and it made me so sad to realize that our nights of rocking until either he or I were ready to be done are slowly coming to and end.  Pretty soon there will be another little being craving my attention and so I am savoring these precious moments.  Josh is an amazing father and we truly share Conor-care but nighttime has always been a Conor/Mommy thing (this might have to do with the fact that I breastfeed and Conor still nurses before bed).  I find myself looking forward to those quiet minutes together as he drifts off to sleep in the dark room.  Last night I held you a little longer Con-man because I just couldn't let you go......

This weekend we will be driving to celebrate Danielle's graduation.  I was fifteen when she was born and 1/2 way through my freshman year of high school.  I can't fathom that the time has come for her to walk across the stage and in a few short months take those first steps into her dorm - her first "first" apartment if you will.  I feel a sense of pride over the amazing young woman she has become but I also feel as though time has flown by and am sad that she will spend the next few years growing apart from us before entering adulthood and coming back full circle to return to her family as she builds her own.  Thank goodness I am not the one bringing her to college as I'm not sure I could keep back the tears!

And then there is Cathlin - my first baby sister.  The one that I was so excited to have, the one that I probably tried to protect too much when she was little but who I also pushed away at times when I just wanted my own space and wanted her to stop copying me!  In forty-four days she will be a wife.

 Phew - just thinking about all these moments that have yet to come but will soon be memories brings tears to my eyes!  I don't know how my parents are holding it together this summer but life is built on memories and I am thankful that this summer there will be so many beautiful ones!

xoxo
Erin

Oh Conor

Dear Conor,

You have spent the last few months growing both psychologically and physically.  You have 5 new teeth (3 of which have come through in just the last 2 weeks) and you are almost out of the last of your 12 months clothes.  You have begun sleeping through the night more often than not and you are slowly weening from nursing as you build up your appetite for solid foods (though you are still picky).

While you aren't growing inches you are learning so many new skills.  You can almost run and your vocabulary is amazing.  You are able to climb almost anything (much to my dismay) and you have gotten very strong and can hold onto something with a death grip at times!

The other night we played in the yard and took some pictures.....you are growing too fast little boy!

Looking like a teenager

and complaining like one too

But never too old to snuggle with Mommy - my favorite thing to do with you!

Smiles for Daddy!!!  We love you!

You have become such your own little person and you seem to understand concepts far beyond your years.  When you wanted to sit on my stomach I said that you had to be careful of the baby.  Since that day you love to hug my belly and kiss the baby and blow raspberries on my stomach.  You talk about babies all the time and you love being able to hug our friends' new babies.  You are such a special little boy and you are going to make an amazing big brother!  But just remember - you will ALWAYS be my baby boy!

xoxo
Mommy

Apple Update - Week 16

Little Apple,

You are now the size of an avocado and things are really starting to turn around for us!  Mommy is 100% certain she is gaining the necessary weight (yahoo) because I am able to eat every few hours and our visits to the bathroom have all but stopped.  I'm still not able to eat the best foods for us but if you are anything like your big brother I know in about a week or two it will be all fruit and veggies for us for a while.

We did some testing to check on your health and everything came back GREAT.  Your Daddy and I were so thankful.  We were also very thankful to our friend Sarah who kept your big brother for us while we did the testing because it took a few hours and he would have gotten so bored at the doctors office for that long.

The good thing about the testing was that we got to see you!

Just one more round of blood work next week and I will feel good in knowing that you are as healthy as we can determine at this stage and we can focus on getting some healthy food choices in.

Two of your future playmates were both this past week.  Lachlan and Evelyn.  They are the younger siblings to Conor's friends (Neve and Adelle).  I am so happy that you and he will both have friends to play with at playdates now!

This past week the last of your immediate family found out about you and Mommy started telling people at her work because her schedule for October is starting to be made.  I can't believe that it has come time to start sharing the news already but time moves fast around here.

In two weeks we find out your sex and then the real bonding and fun can begin!

Love you little Apple!
xoxox
Mommy

There's an Apple in the Oven?

Dear Readers,

So I have 100% given up on catching up because let's face it - life just happens and I've simply become much too busy to live on my computer!  However, I do feel its important to document our lives (because that's just who I am) and so I'm doing my best to start fresh this month and get back into the swing of things.

I also have more reasons to write now with my baby sister (one of them) getting married this summer and .... our new addition set to arrive this fall!

You heard it here first folks - our family will be expanding by one (yes, we have already checked and rechecked - there's only one in there) and we couldn't be more shocked or more thrilled. 

When Conor was not here yet but "cooking" shall we say we referred to him as an avocado.  I'm not sure why (and it had nothing to do with MY love of Mexican food since I dislike avocado and Josh came up with it).  This time around we have been joking calling this one "John Jacob Jingleheimer" but if you ever want to get a post from me I can't be typing that name over and over and over again so I am making an executive decision.  Because I am fifteen weeks as I write this post and my pregnancy phone app says JJJ is the size of an apple - he/she will officially be known as "Apple" on this blog until the sex is determined and a name selected.

PHEW!

So, Apple.  Let's talk.  You have not been very kind.  First trimester was a terrible horrible thing that I am trying very hard to forget.  I was nauseous almost every day and the bathroom and I were good friends several times a week.  I ended up having to call in a prescription for an anti-nausea medication just to function on work days and sometimes that wasn't enough.  I ended up not gaining any weight in the first trimester but I am certain we can make that up.

I can't say its 100% all your fault though because I am also still nursing your Big Brother and in the beginning he was a big nurser.  In fact, one night I had to break his latch and toss him into his crib and run down the stairs to the bathroom.  I barely made it in time and your poor Dad had to run upstairs and console your very upset brother.  I felt like such a terrible mom but sometimes you simply have to take care of yourself first!  Now, your brother is nursing a lot less and I'm trying to eat more often throughout the day so between those two things and the fact that we are in the second trimester means I've been feeling a LOT better!

We've seen you already (we went last week) and you are a cute little thing.  You were very active on the screen and because of that it took a little extra time to get the necessary measurements but you did settle down and they were obtained.  Results are in and by all accounts you are very healthy.  Our next appointment is in two weeks and the hope is that Mom will have gained at least 3 pounds.

Well, that's all for now!

xoxox
Mom