A Wedding for Apple (and Auntie)! 7.13.13

Dear Apple,

You are already following in your big brother's footsteps by attending your first wedding while still in the womb!  Your Auntie C got married on July 13, 2013 and we were lucky enough to be apart of her special day.

The day started off with some spa treatment - hair and makeup for the entire bridal party.

It was really early and clearly we all needed some help getting pretty for the BIG day and all the pictures that would come.  After getting made up it was time to go back to the house and hang out while we waited until it was time to get dressed.  All the bridesmaids got dressed first so we would be ready to help Auntie!

This is me (mommy) at 25 weeks pregnant with you!  And below is Auntie waving goodbye to our house for the last time as a single woman.  When she returned the next day she was married!

Someone's going to the chapel and she's gonna get married!!!  While Auntie is beautiful every day - she looked simply stunning the actual day of her wedding - truly a beautiful bride!

This is Mommy and Katie.  Mommy used to babysit for Katie and Auntie on the weekends.  Katie got married in May.  It was fun to see them all dressed up and "grown up" and also sad because it made Mommy feel a little bit old :)

Mommy and Auntie - sisters through the good, the bad, and the ugly and friends for life!  I am very lucky to have a sister such as Auntie - she and Mommy are not super close in age (we are 6.5 years apart) but as we have grown up the gap in age has seemed smaller and smaller.  Auntie is truly a friend now and not just my baby sister.  She's an amazing auntie and I can't wait for you to meet her!

The newly married couple!  Apple, meet Uncle Jarrod!  He's got lots of brothers so I am sure he will help Mommy figure out what's brotherly "love/play" and what you and your brother should get in trouble for.  He takes great care of Auntie (and she of him).  Mommy especially likes some of the sacrifices he has made to keep himself and Auntie local for the sake of family!  Mommy isn't rushing them but can't wait for the day that we can take a BIG family vacation with them and your cousins!

These were the gold shoes that Mommy wore for the wedding (Mommy's feet have coral nail polish on the toes).  They hurt so badly that as soon as pictures were over I threw them and Grandpa Adam's car and said I never wanted to see them again!

And lastly, a picture of you with Mommy and Daddy.  You were a great wedding guest.  We danced the night away and had so much fun with our family.  Thank you for allowing me to enjoy Auntie's wedding as much as I did!

25 weeks

We wish Auntie and Uncle Jarrod a lifetime of happiness and thank them again for inviting us to be a special part of their day!

xoxo
Mommy

New England Aquarium

Dear Conor,

This summer we have made two trips to the New England Aquarium.  We certainly are getting a lot of use out of the family pass that Grandma and Grandpa Trayner gave you for Christmas (2012).  The first trip was on 7.2.13 with Auntie Cathlin.  You and she had a lot of fun and it was nice that Mommy got a little rest because Auntie loved walking around with you and you loved your time with her!

This was one of the last times that we got to spend with Auntie all by ourselves before she got married.  It was a fun day for all of us.  After the Aquarium you napped in the car while Auntie and I had a picnic of Panera.  Then it was off to the dress shop for fittings!!!  Hard to believe that as I type this now Auntie is married and has a new home!  Thanks for a GREAT day Auntie!

Your second trip to the Aquarium was when we met up with Grandpa and Grandma Trayner (and Danielle) to bring Auntie Sarah back to them on 7.27.13.  Again, it was a great day with family and you had so much fun being with your family that Mom got a lot of rest.  You held everyone's hands but mine and spent time with each person.  We got lunch at Faneuil Hall and then walked around the waterfront before it was time to head back home.

Looking for the BIG turtle

Holding the side of the stroller like Grandpa taught you

Mommy, Conor, Auntie Danielle (& Baby Brother - 26 weeks)

Daddy didn't get to go to the Aquarium so we have to plan another trip or two so that he is able to see the new tank and spend some time in Boston with you!  Maybe next time we can bring Little Gordon and his parents!

xoxo
Mommy

Moving Update

Dear Conor,

You are a champion and while we certainly have had our moments (which I will detail below) you have really tolerated this transition better than I could have hoped for.

In hindsight, having you sleep in 3 different places in 4 days was certainly not ideal - though it was unpreventable given Auntie's wedding and then our need to get you out of the house for the movers.  The first few nights at Grandpa's were terrible!  You required a lot of nursing to get to sleep, you woke up several times a night crying and the first night (Tuesday night) you vomited, the second night (Wednesday night) you pooped through your jammies, and the third night (Thursday) you decided that sleep wasn't necessary and were awake for several hours in the wee hours of the morning.  I know it was just you trying to understand why we were sleeping at Grandpa's house but spending the days at our house and our house was getting so empty!  I was very thankful to have your Auntie here visiting - she really helped to keep you busy and calm while Mommy was trying to get everything ready for the big day.

As the nights went on you started sleeping better and getting more comfortable at Grandpa's house.  You learned what you could touch and what you couldn't.  Mommy learned what needed to be locked up and what could be left alone and what of Grandpa's just had to be moved until we are gone.  We settled back into our regular routine and while you still were struggling to sleep more than 10 hours and you abandoned all naps - things were getting better.

The first weekend we lived in "the country" we went to a little village field day type activity where you got to pet a lot of baby animals - you had a lot of fun with the baby chicks and goats - but you did not love the miniature horses!

Chicks!

Chicks Momma!

Goats

"Baaa" to the goats

After visiting the animals we went down to the lake for some digging in the dirt and water play.  You had fun splashing in the water once you felt comfortable with the sand under your toes.  You were not so sure of it squishing between your toes!

When we got back to Grandpa's (which we have started calling home now) you played with your toys that Mom had put together for you with Daddy and Auntie while mom rested a little bit with baby Apple. 

Auntie stayed for 2 weeks and we had so much fun with her.  We went to Aquaboggin (a local smaller waterpark) and you and Daddy took her to the pottery place.  Every morning when you woke up the first thing you did was look for "ya ya" or call her name throughout the house. 

Wave Pool with Daddy 7.21.13

Waiting for Daddy and "Ya ya" to be done riding rides

After swim snack

Some of the best times we had with "ya ya" were just hanging out in the yard or the house playing.

Playing with Auntie 7.25.13

These were a special two weeks.  Special because they triggered the start of a new beginning for our little family but also because the time you got to share with Auntie helped to mold the relationship you will have in the future.

As of today (August 5, 2013) you are sleeping better (6:30pm - 7:00am) though you still wake at 5:00am with a little cry; you now roll over and go back to sleep.  You still are nursing to sleep and often need a little extra hug or rocking if you can't fall asleep after 10 minutes in your room, and because you are nursing you often have soggy diapers in the morning.  But, despite all this I still think you have done an EXCELLENT job with this transition and I only hope that the next one is a little easier on you.

Hugs to my sweet baby boy!
xoxo
Mumma

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 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
-------------------

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

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

Boston Bound!

Dear Conor,

On August 13, 2012 you and I took a Mommy/Son trip to my old stomping grounds (and Grandpa Tom's too) to visit Auntie Cathlin!  She lives just a few blocks from where your Mommy lived after college and where Pops lived when he was a little boy.  We left around 10am so that you would nap in the car on the way down.  You woke up just as I was pulling through Davis Square so it was a good solid nap for you.

When we got to Auntie Cathlin's house she was so happy to see you!  We let you play for a little bit on her carpet (she made sure to tell me she had vaccummed for you so that I would feel comfortable with you on her floor!) but then it was time to head into the city because we were going to the Children's Museum.

First we had to walk to the T station so that you could ride the T for the first time!  Mommy used to go to this T stop all the time when she was living in the area so it was very surreal to be back there with you!  Auntie offered to carry you (we did bring your stroller but I felt wearing you would be safer on the T).  She seemed to be very comfortable and you loved it as always!  You even fell asleep on her back!  Auntie is the first person to wear you other than me.

Its a Baby Wearing Auntie!

Your FIRST T ride!

 When we got to the Children's Museum we found our way up to the Infant area which is a special section of the Toddler area.  It had carpet, tons of toys, soft structures, and plenty of sensory objects for you to explore.

trying to make a new friend

Such a handsome boy!

 On the upper level of the baby area (it was up 3 steps which you weren't quite able to master) there was a waterbead type activity.  I put you on it to see how you would like the experienxe and at first you really were unsure about it.

Mom - what is this?

I don't think I like this - I want to get off

Still unsure - crawling on this is tough

trying to climb out

OK - I'l just stay here till you come and get me.

 I can't say that you loved the waterbed but by the time we took you out of it you seemed much more comfortable and you were even rolling around on it a bit.  The next stop was a spinner that was also on the second little tier to the infant area.  Auntie spun you round and round (very slowly) and you loved it!

We were able to get a group picture when a very nice lady volunteered to take our picture (after we asked nicely of course).

Auntie, Conor and Mommy

 After some more spinning we left the Infant area and let you try out some of the exhibits that were a bit more challenging for you.  This wall puzzle required you to move the little pegs along the trails - you seemed to like this and spent a bit of time in front of it.

Then Auntie took you into the water area.  You had so much fun here.  It was a little tall for you and the stool didn't offer you much support and you wanted to put EVERYTHING in your mouth (Mommy doesn't mind you tasting your environment but she draws the line at museum water toys) so we didn't stay here very long.  Both Auntie and I agreed that it would be an area that you need to be a bit older for us to really get to enjoy it with you.

Water is cold and wet!

 After water time we did some reading.....and puzzels in the quiet section of the Toddler area.

And because you are "so Vain" we spent some time in front of the mirror making faces :)

Then it was time for lunch!  We tucked you into your stroller and took a walk down a few blocks to a neat little eatery where we picked up french fries and a sandwich.  Then we walked back to the Museum and ate outside at the cafe tables.  You were such a good boy while we ate and you even had a little bit of milk yourself.

After lunch we went back into the museum and walked through some of the older kid exhibits just to get an idea of what else the museum offered.  We went to Japan and we toured the Black Market and an Indian exhibit.  Then it was time to head back to Auntie's house.

You slept the entire walk back to the T station and during the entire ride so you were very well rested by the time we got to Aunties and you were ready to play!

On your mark - get set - GO!

LOVE

Piggy Back Ride

Your Auntie loves you so much and she planned the most PERFECT day for us all to enjoy....you are very lucky to have her as both your auntie and your Godmom.

And because I am raising you to be a good boy with nice manners - what do you say to Auntie?

Thank you Auntie Cathlin for taking me to the museum - I love you!

xoxo
Mommy

PS.  you slept about 1/2 the ride home but had a tough time the second 1/2 of the trip.  I'm not sure if it was because of your teeth or if it was due to the hour of day we were traveling - next time we will either have to stay later so its closer to bedtime or we will have to leave earlier so its like nap time (or stay overnight!).