Day 8: 12/22/2011

Dear Conor,

Today was another busy day for our family.  We had to get up and get squared away (all of us) and be out the door pretty early because your Dad needed to take some pictures for work before we dropped Hunter off at the groomers.  We were very successful in getting everyone out of the house by 8:30am (a miracle if you ask me).  You did your part by waking up at 6:30am in eating without needing to have too many diaper changes!

Then we went to Portland but because Hunter's appointment wasn't until 10am we were a little early.  So we went to Back Cove and did some walking.  This was a surreal moment for us all because the last time we were there you were still in my belly and we were walking because I was a week overdue - and now we were there with you a week after you were born!  The walk went well, we did about 1/4 mile before Hunter wanted to turn around (the ground was very cold and there were some slick spots that we don't think he liked very much).

Next it was off to the groomer to drop off Hunty.  He didn't want to say goodbye to us - but we know he is in good hands with Michelle and the other ladies of Planet Dog.  After dropping off Hunter we went to Whole Foods to get some breakfast (your first trip to your Dad's favorite grocery store) and then it was off to the mall.

We went to the mall so that we could get your picture with Santa!  We did not have to wait too long in line for your picture and Santa was very excited to see you.  Santa was shocked to see how little you were and said that you beat his record because the youngest visitor he had ever had was 11 days and you were only 7 days old!

We were very excited to be able to get your picture done with Santa (though a little sad that Hunter couldn't be in the picture - but we will get that one done next year!) as we got enough pictures to be able to give both your Grandmothers and Grandpa Tom a picture for Christmas as well as have one for us too!

After we did your Santa picture you needed to eat so we fed you in the car while Dad ate the rest of his breakfast.  Then we went to go and get Hunter!

Hunter was almost done when we arrived at Planet Dog and he was very happy to see all of us and Michelle was very happy to see you!  We paid for Hunter's grooming and bought him a few treats and then it was time for us to head home.

The rest of the day was spend hanging out at home and trying to relax a little bit.  Then you spent some time alone with Dad while I went to the store in order to get frames for the pictures with Santa.  Your first time alone with your Dad went very well (you slept the whole time he said).  When I got home we took your daily picture:

You might wonder why you look naked - well we had just done a diaper change and you had fallen asleep again so I just wrapped you up in your blanket and let you sleep a bit before we dressed you back up and got you ready for bed.

Day 8 was a good day Conor and tomorrow your Auntie Cathlin arrives and we are very eager for her to meet you!

xoxo
Mom

Day 7: 12/21/2011

Dear Conor,

Today you are one week old and its the first day that we had NOTHING to do and had no visitors!  You and I spent the day at home just relaxing and bonding.  We slept, did some laundry, played, read a book, watched a movie, and wrapped some presents.  Your Dad was gone a big part of the day as he needed to be with Great Grandma Irene.  We missed him a lot and when he came home he was very tired but he spent some time with you playing after he showered.

Because it was just the two of us we also spent some time taking pictures in front of the tree.  You were very happy to entertain my silly picture taking (probably because I had just bribed you with yummy mommy milk!).  Hunter didn't want to be in the pictures but he sat next to me while I took your photo.  Here are a few of my favorites!

You have had a very busy first week little Conor and I hope that things calm down a little bit so that we can relax and enjoy this time together before I have to go back to work.

xoxo
Mom

Day 6: 12/20/2011

Dear Conor,

Today was a day filled with firsts. 

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

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

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

A picture of you resting in class.

And later that day before heading out to the pediatrician

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

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

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

xoxo
Mom

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

Day 5: 12/19/2011

Dear Conor,

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

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

Your first holiday photo with Hunter.

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

xoxo
Mom

Your Fourth Day: 12/18/2011

Dear Conor,

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxo
Mom

Day 3: 12/17/2011

Dear Conor,

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

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

Today you had two firsts.

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

First Walk

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

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

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

xoxo
Mom

Conor & Hunter

Dear Conor,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And some more sniffing....

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

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


Second round of sniffing.

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

But, I am glad you are here!

xoxo
Hunter

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