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

Summer in March

Dear Conor,

This week the State of Maine (and most of New England) has been setting records for highest recorded temperatures.  Yesterday (3/22/12) Portland Maine was around 80 degrees for most of the day - the previous highest recorded temperature was 60 degrees!

Because of this beautiful weather we have been doing a lot of outside activities. On Tuesday we went to playgroup at Mercy in the morning where you and your friends played inside while the sun was at its peak.

Lots of Mommies and Babies at Mercy

Your friend C trying to teach you to roll over

You are never without your favorite accessory lately - drool soaked shirts!

Your girlfriend A....she's an older woman :)

After playing inside we went down to the East End Playground and had a picnic lunch and for a nice long walk along the trail.  One of the reasons I love our Mommy Group is because I am learning all the nice places to take you and Hunter for a walk!  This walk was very much like the Cape Cod Rail Trail that your Dad and I took our bikes on a few years ago.

Picnic Lunch

Some of your older friends swinging -you were too little still

When we got home we played in the yard with Daddy and Hunter until the sun made all of us too hot!  Being too hot and having the sun in your eyes made you cry so it was clearly the right time to pack it all up and call it a day!

Me and my boys

Take me inside Mom!

While I console you - Hunter poses for one more picture

On Thursday (which was yesterday) your Daddy and I decided that we couldn't spend these beautiful days working (because who knows how nice the summer will be) so we headed to the beach.  We were not the only ones that had this idea as Pine Point was very crowded.

But, we enjoyed your first true beach day anyways.  We set up the tent that your Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Sean got you for Christmas to keep you out of the intense sun and applied the sunblock to all your exposed parts (thank you to your aunt and uncle for the summer survival Christmas gift!).  After a little rest in your tent we took you down to the water to put your toes in the sand for the FIRST TIME!

Safe from harmful sun's rays inside the tent!  Mom hoping you'll take a little nap.

Family Beach photo 3.22.12

Sandy Toes for the first time

With Mom by the water

And with Dad!

Silly Daddy!  Pretending he was going to drop you in the water!

 When we got home from the beach you were very cranky and did not want to take a nap.  So, we decided that if you weren't going to nap at home we would go to another beach (this time Mother's Beach) to take Hunter for a walk and you would maybe nap in the car.

You didn't nap on the way to the beach nor while we were at the beach.  We didn't use your stroller but your new carrier that came in this week.  It's called the Beco Gemini and while you currently face in - when you have more neck control you will be able to face out and then when your even older you can ride backpack style or on my hip.  This carrier was well worth the wait and the cost!  Daddy thought we looked cute walking so he snapped this picture.

When our walk was over it was time to head home and get ready for bed.  I gave you a bath (which you loved) and then it was time for bed.  You were so tired that it didn't take too long to get you to sleep - about 35 minutes (it usually takes about an hour with two feedings to knock you out!).

You looked so relaxed in your sleep that I had to snap a picture and send it to your Aunties and grandparents.  You can thank Great Nannie and Dar for the adorable Chip n' Dale onesie!

I hope you enjoyed your first beach day as much as we enjoyed spending it with you. 

xoxo
Mom