Nineteen Months

Dear Conor,

You continue to be the focus of every minute of every day in our lives.  We have tried in the last month to give you as much of us as we could because of all the changes that were coming your way.  Since I last wrote about your progress we have moved out of the house that truly became a home the day we brought you home to stay.  It was a difficult day because that little house was the place where you took your first steps, said your first words, and where we learned to be parents.  We left our driveway for the last time on July 19, 2013 at 8:45am....it was bittersweet because the new owners were already there so there was no last photo of us in front of the house and our last image of the home had their car in the driveway - in a way it already felt like it was long gone.

Goodbye Home

The week prior was incredibly busy for us and, of course, it was a week that you started saying even more new words and I found it challenging to keep up with you.  Ice, bowl, cup, bear, box, okay, pee, elbow, and knee I think were the new words for you in just a few days.  You have such wonderful friends - they came over to play with you on both Monday and Tuesday so that Mommy could focus on packing.  Monday night was your last night in your room because Tuesday morning Mommy drove your crib to Grandpa's house and that night you slept in Uncle Justin's room.  I know this transition time will be a challenge for you but just know that Mommy and Daddy are here for you and we are doing everything we can to help ease the stress and strain on you.

So, before the big move we spent the weekend on the Cape because Auntie Cathlin was getting married!  You attended the rehearsal but we made the decision that you would skip dinner because you were getting tired after the long drive down and we didn't want to start you off the next day with a bad attitude.  SAturday you spent the day with Daddy while Mommy got ready with the girls.  You came to the wedding (and you were pretty good too) before getting dropped off with Auntie Ana for your first babysitting at night.  You have been watched for short periods of time during the day by a few people but this was going to be a lot different and Mommy was nervous!  But Auntie sent Mommy these pictures to show what a good boy you were being!

Eating Dinner for Ana

Playing before bed

Auntie Ana did a great job with you and I am so thankful that we had her because I couldn't imagine having left you for the first time at night with anyone else.  You even went to bed for the first time without any milk and you did great!

This month you have also sprouted lots of new teeth!  You now have 4 bottom fronts, two top fronts, and one chewing tooth on each side both top and bottom coming through. You have been such a champ through all this and I'm hoping that with these new teeth you will start to expand your food interests!

You are now able to blow on hot foods, you picked blueberries for the first time, you identify secondary body parts (chin, neck, chest, elbow, leg), you know which grandparents we are talking to you about and you confirm this by talking about things related to them (boat, bobo, dog), time-outs are effective with you now and you sit for them 99% of the time, you still struggle with teeth brushing but we are working on that.  Lastly, you are able to express choices and wants with words and gestures.

We are constantly surprised by you little man and I can't wait to see what the next month brings (and its time for some new professional pictures!).

xoxo
Mommy

PS.  new words this month are: Pee, ice, rug, Carter, Braden, train, blueberry, rice, bike, stroller, bus, bag, alligator, step, jump, bowl, plate. 

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?

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

First Birthday Letter

Dear Conor,

Just looking back at this blog reaffirms my feeling that this past year has been full of so many firsts, an incredible amount of love, and the growth of a bond between you and I that simply can't be explained in words or measured in any way shape or form.

For nine months and 2 weeks you grew inside me.  I gave you shelter, kept you warm, and kept you safe from the world you were not ready to enter.  Now, 365 days later, I still give you shelter, keep you warm and safe.  I wrap my arms around you when you are hungry, tired, overwhelmed, or in need of reassurance.  My arms provide you the comfort you desire and act as a barrier to the sometimes overstimulating world we live in.  When my arms encircle you I feel your body relax, your tears subside, and your breathing become calm and consistent.  In that moment I feel like the most powerful woman in the world.....it is in these moments I understand a mother's undying desire to always ensure the safety and security of her children no matter how old they are.  As I hold and rock you at night I know that one day my arms will no longer encircle you and you will no longer fit in my lap.  So, on this night - more so than others I will hold you just a bit longer before putting you down to sleep.

In this last year you have taught me more about myself than I ever knew before.  You have shown me that I am strong and I am brave - but most importantly you have taught your mother what it means to love unconditionally and without hesitation.  You are my greatest accomplishment Conor - the thing in life I am most proud of.  For this I will always be grateful. 

While your Mommy has spent the last year learning about herself - you have spent the last year growing!  You entered this world at 8lbs. 10.6 oz and one year later you are weighing in at 20lbs 5oz.  You have grown roughly 8.5 inches.  You spent your first week in newborn sized clothing and you are now wearing mostly 12 months and some 12-18.  You have a size 4.5W foot that is no longer covered in cute little booties but wears Stride Rite shoes.  You were born such a little round ball of pudge but now - you are lean.  There are very few rolls left to be seen - your ankles, wrists, and knees are still undefined but the rest of you looks less and less like a baby and more and more like a toddler by the day. 

Your blue eyes have grayed but your hair remains a ruddy brown.  Many people marvel over the fact that your hair has the same highlights and lowlights that mine does and I love that we share that trait.  Some strangers consider you to have auburn hair as it appears quite red in certain lights - your eyebrows have yet to come in so your true hair color remains to be seen. 

You have your Grandma Mary's nose and at times your Grandma Janet's smile.  You hair texture comes from your Grandpa Dennis but your profile and mannerisms are 100% your Grandpa Tom (you could be his twin).  You are stubborn (like your Daddy) but smart and you are kind.  You are a perfect combination of all the members of your family and they all love you so very much. 

In one year you have learned to hold your head up, to push up on your arm, to sit, to crawl, to stand, to walk and to run.  You have learned to eat with a spoon (though you sometimes miss) and therefore you have gone from just milk to sharing meals with Mommy and Daddy (sometimes).  You drink from a straw and love water.  You are a social butterfly and love eating in restaurants.  You are not a napper and not the best sleeper but I know it won't be like this forever so for now, I cherish the extra time late at night or early in the morning that I get with you (though sometimes even I forget this when I am really tired).

You don't have a special comfort item or a favorite toy but you LOVE books.  You are an avid reader and always want to bring books every where you go.  You love your wagon and most recently your sled.  You observe the world around you so carefully I always wonder what you are thinking and can't wait for the day when your words come easily and fluidly.  When you were born you could barely utter a sound other than a strained cry and now you laugh, yell, and have an ever growing vocabulary (dad, hunter, mamma, read, book, duck, quack, moo, yes, this, up).  You are learning to sign "more" and "milk".  You communicate by pointing and waiting for us to follow you.  You still love baths.

One of the memories I will never forget from this year Conor is when you were learning to walk.  You would hold my fingers so tightly and in the other hand you would hold a tiny leaf, stick, or little treasure - as though it was helping you to keep your balance.  It reminded me so much of the moment in Dumbo when he is learning to fly and he holds tight to a feather.  Now, barely a week later you have taken flight and you have left my fingers and your "feather" behind.  But not matter how far you go you will always be that "Baby of Mine."

Happy FIRST Birthday to my Sweet Baby Boy.......thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy!



12.14.2011 - 11:47pm seconds old.

12.14.2012 - 11:42pm - Happy Birthday Conor!

 

12.15.2011 - 2:15pm (not even 24 hours old)



12.14.2012 - 10:30am  Birthday Boy!

12.14.2012 - 1 year old

Swimming Lessons

Dear Conor,

We are now participating in your second session of Water Babies through Kennebunk Recreation.  This session is held at Quest Fitness every Saturday morning at 9am.  You continue to LOVE the water and the ability to bring you to a pool on a weekly basis is enjoyable for both Daddy and I as well.  Often we both get in the pool with you but on this particular day (October 20) I sat out so that I could take some pictures and videos of all you have learned!

swimming towards Mommy

Participaing in Circle Time

This session you have really started to blossom in class.  You are very vocal when we do singing in a group and you LOVE to splash your hands in the water.  You are trying to blow bubbles but you haven't quite figured it out so you often get a little sip of the water with each try.  You are kicking your feet when you swim now - SO excited about this!  You no longer have to be lifted off the wall as you freely fall forward into the water each time.  You also have adopted a special toy at swimming lessons that you play with each class - its a sea captain.  Daddy or I throw him into the water and you jump in after him!

Showing Mommy the Captain

Swimming after the Captain

Kicking your Feet

I was able to get a little video of you jumping off the wall and swimming - its not the best quality but you are able to see your little legs moving under the water!

Happy Swimming little man!

xoxo
Mommy

Happy 8 Months!

Dear Conor,

As I sit here and write this post you are days away from being 9 months old.  I have fallen behind a little on the blog because we have simply been having too much fun this summer (and Mommy has had to work a lot) to keep up but I'm going to get caught up and then stay caught up because I want to remember each and every thing you do!

The morning of your 8 month birthday you had an appointment with Miss Erika.  You love visiting her and I think this picture says what you think of chiropractors and their work!

love the smile - you are so relaxed

checking your spine and hips

making cranial adjustments

 Miss Erika is very happy with how your head is progressing and your next visit was scheduled a month out (remember - we started going weekly, then moved to biweekly).  I can see improvement in your skull and so now we have to work on your neck, jaw, and leg.  Your neck and jaw are tight because the muscle in one side of your face was likely over worked due to your tongue tie and therefore your smile and jaw alighnment are crooked a bit.  So we will continue to see Miss Erika for a little bit longer.  Her daughter N (your friend) was awake this time so she got to watch you get worked on and then you guys got to play a bit.

When we got back from seeing Ms. Erika it was nap time and when I went up to get you when you were done napping you were STANDING IN YOUR CRIB!!!  This was the first time you had done this and when I saw it I was so thankful that Daddy and I had lowered your crib all the way to the bottom just a few weeks earlier!

first time standing in crib 8.14.12

Of course, I also had to take your monthly birthday photos - they are getting harder and harder to do because you don't like to sit still so Daddy and I have to do it together.

My happy baby

on the go!

Trying to catch a picture before you take off again

There's a keeper!

And it didn't last long!

At 8 months old you are crawling fairly well - you tend to use your left leg to propel you and your right leg is the 'catch up' leg meaning it kinda just skoots into place after your legs has done all the work.  Your left leg does more a crab type crawl then a traditional crawl on your knee but this doesn't phase you and you move right along.  You tend to go a couple of paces and then you have to stop.

You are wearing 9 month clothes in almost everything and we don't own a single pair of socks that fit you but since its summer that doesn't matter at all!

You are loving swimming lessons and experiencing the outside.  You have spent time in both the sand and grass and you don't seem phased by moving around in either material.

You take at least one decent nap a day (about an hour) but you still don't require a lot of sleep.  You go to bed between 7 and 9 and get up once around 3:30am and are back to sleep until 6:30am.  You typically fall asleep pretty quickly after a snack at 3:30 but some mornings you have wanted to play and Mommy has to let you crawl around on te big bed until you are sleepy enough to go back to sleep in your crib.  We still co-sleep a few nights a week when we feel like it but for the most part you are sleeping in your crib in your own room.

You have started to become nervous around other people - you tend to only want to be with me when I am around.  We know this is just a phase that all babies go through so I am cherishing your longing for me as much as I can because I know that in time, it too will change.

You have started ehibiting a fear of animals that aren't Hunter - specifically Grandma Janet's dogs.  You scream when they come to the door and you pull your legs up into a tucked position.  I used to be afraid of dogs so I know how scary it can feel to have them coming at you when you are afraid so we are accepting this fear and ensuring that you feel safe and secure whenever we visit.  Perhaps one day your feelings about them will change but for now all we can do is continue to show you that we can keep you safe.

You didn't go to the doctor this month so I don't have exact measurements for you but you are close to 20 pounds (I'm guessing just shy of 20) - I can't wait to see how much you have grown at your next appointment.  But your hair is coming in fast and its very thin and wispy and has tints of red and brown depending on whether you are in the sun or not.....so only time will tell!

So, that's about all there is Conor....8 months down and only 4 more until your first birthday.....I love cheering you on with each new skill learned but time is slipping away day by day and my baby is becoming more and more like a little boy.

You make us all so happy little man ..... thank you for letting me by your Mommy!

xoxo
Mommy

PS.  My how you have grown!

6 Month Check Up

Dear Conor,

On July 9th we went to the doctor's office for your 6 month check-up.  You were scheduled to receive 3 shots and to have your 'stats' taken.  Our doctor had just gotten back, that day in fact, from maternity leave so you saw Dr. Brooks instead.  She is very nice and we have actually seen her once before when you went in for an emergency visit.

We started the visit with your measurements.  I put all your measurement stickers in the back of your baby book so that we can compare as you grow.  This visit your head circumference went back to the track that it had been on when you were born which told us (and your doctor) that your work with Dr. Erika was a success and well worth it!  Your weight has slowed down considerably.  Instead of gaining about a pound a week or every two weeks you are not gaining a pound a month based on this month's weigh check vs. your 4month check.  And even though you have grown a lot taller - you are still pretty compact.  But, there are no worries - you have plenty of time to grow :)

You wore your owl diapers to the doctor's office and she said that your skin looked great as did your ears and eyes!  We visited in the sports room.


Waiting on the Doctor.

After you visited with Dr. Brooks we were told to get you dressed and ready for your shots.  Mommy always plans ahead and I had you wear a romper and Baby Legs so that you could be fully dressed but the nurse could have access to your legs for those horrible shots.  You were scheduled to get 3 and because another child there was having a difficult time with her shots we had to wait a while for the nurse to come in.  We kept you entertained by reading and you decided to busy yourself with ripping up the paper liner on the bench!

You did pretty well with your shots - though you moved your leg very fast and the needle grazed your skin on the last shot causing you to bleed.  The nurse was very upset but we weren't too worried about it.  Next time Mommy will just have to hold your leg a little tighter.  You recovered with a little nursing and some love before getting in the car.  You continued to do well at home.  Shots do not seem to phase you too much though this time you were a little extra fussy the following day but I can't say it was 100% due to shots because you didn't take your naps.....

Our next appointment is in October - I wonder what room we will visit in!

xoxo
Mommy

SEVEN MONTHS & Doctor Check-up

Dear Conor,

I truly can't believe it - seven months!  You are now closer to being ONE than being a newborn!  Mommy has some great ideas for your first birthday and since the days are now flying by I better get started on the planning!

While physically you haven't grown that much in the last month developmentally you have blossomed.  You have become so much more mobile.  You use your arms to reach for things to grab and then you pull yourself towards those items.  When you can't reach something you use your toes to push off the floor or any object behind you to give you some momentum.  You are also pulling yourself up onto your hands and knees and rocking back and forth.  You also now LOVE to stand and walk!  Taking you to see Erika the Chiropractor has really made a difference in your gait and stability.  You are walking much straighter now and you are using both legs equally.  While you right step is still shorter than your left we are very happy with your progress.

You love to observe things.  You take them into your hands and you turn them around and around or you drop them and pick them back up.  You explore your toys in this manner - sometimes shaking them so much that we watch you bop yourself in the head!

You are very aware of your surroundings.  You look for us when we come down the stairs if you hear the creaking of the steps.  You cry/whine when someone you want to play with leaves the room, you turn to the voice of both Daddy and I when you hear us somewhere in the house call your name.  You are such a smart little boy already!

We took you for your 6 month check-up (which was really at 7 months) and here are your stats:  weight 18obs 14oz (58%); height 26 inches (20%); head 45cm (72%). You were such a good boy at the doctor's office until the final shot.  Once it was in your leg you gave a swift kick and the needle tracked down your thigh.  The nurse felt terrible because she wounded you.  I felt terrible because I hadn't held you tightly enough and Daddy felt bad because the nurse felt bad.  We all laughed and said next time we were going to put you in a straight jacket but on your legs!

While we waited for the doctor you had a great time ripping up the paper on the exam table!

Of course, as soon as we got home I had to check and see how your stats compared to your old ones - here they are (in order):

As you can see, your weight gain has slowed down and instead of gaining 2lbs a month you are gained 2 pounds in almost 3 months.  Your head circumference is back up which is a good thing because it means you will not be evaluated for further treatment on your flat spot (more on that later).  You are still a little shorty but you have plenty of time to grow so no one is worried since you are still growing.  They would only be worried if you had stopped!

I don't know what else to say Conor except you are wonderful in every way!

Happy 7 month birthday!

xoxo
Mom

PS.  Look how you have grown!  As each month passes its getting harder and harder to remember you as the little red faced baby in the first picture!

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 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