Cape Cod Trip

Dear Conor,

The weekend of March 30th we took a road trip to Cape Cod.  We went for a few reasons - (1) to visit our family and (2) so that Dad and I could take a class in preparation for your baptism.

Before leaving you just had to take a bath so that you could be all squeeky clean for your Grandma and Aunties.

The ride to the Cape was long and by the time we got to the Grandma's house you were very ready to be out of your seat.  We even went for a walk in the neighborhood with Grandma's stroller to visit all the neighbors.  You met the Woods and the Lansings - no one else was home.

Saturday your Auntie Cathlin came down to visit you and we took these pictures.

Then your Great Aunt Laurie (she is grandma's older sister) and Great Uncle John came over to visit.  Your great aunt was very excited to hold you and you even slept on her shoulder.....you really made her so happy because she was able to get you to take a little nap when no one else could (there was so much going on you didn't want to miss anything!)

As always, you played with your Auntie Danielle.

 And then Auntie Sarah.

Then we went for a ride in Grandma's car (and the new carseat she bought for you) to go and see Uncle Sean and Aunt Lindsay's new house.  The last time we were there they were working very hard moving in and preparing to decorate but this time so much of that work was done - their home looked great!  You really liked riding in your new carseat.....so much so that I think this is the same one we are going to get for you when you graduate full time to a big boy carseat.

Saturday night we all went out for dinner and, even though it was past your bedtime, we took you out to dinner too.  We went to Sam Diego's in Hyannis (a favorite of your mom's) where I had my first drink since finding out I was pregnant with you.  Your Auntie Ana was 100% correct (and let this be a warning to all new moms) your first drink after you have a baby will hit you much harder than you anticipate.  I was only able to drink 3/4 of my watermelon margaritta before I felt a little ditsy!

Watermelon - YUMMY

You didn't seem impressed that we took you to eat in your jammies.

 Cathlin's friend Katie also came to visit you.  I used to babysit her when she and your Auntie were little girls.  They were always fun to watch and now they are both grown-ups and Katie is getting married.  You will feel as old as your Mom feels when you watch people grow up.

You also got a visit from the Gliddens!  Both Bob and Jen came to visit you on Sunday.  Bob thought you looked much bigger than your age and Jen loved your cheeks!  You are the first baby on the street since Danielle was a baby and therefore everyone is very excited to hold you and love you.

You and Bob Glidden

 We also took pictures with you and Hunter - this might just be the best one yet!

And - even Jarrod got in on the baby loving!  Don't worry - secretly he loves you (he even drew a picture of you in the game 'Draw Something') even though he looks a little funny in this picture - he was talking to your Auntie.

Such a long weekend for someone who was not quite even 4 months old.  Such a long weekend that you fell asleep in your carseat for the majority of the ride home - holding Mommy's hand of course!

You are a pretty good travel baby little man and for that we are certainly thankful as there will be many more car trips in your future.  Thank you for a wonderful weekend on the Cape!

xoxo

Mom



Uncle Sean and Aunt Lindsay Visit

Dear Conor,

On March 27th your Uncle Sean and Aunt Lindsay came to visit. 

Cousin Mae joins in on the action

This was the first time they had been to visit since Christmas and Auntie Lindsay couldn't believe how big you had gotten.  After hanging out in the house for a little bit we all went out to eat at Federal Jack's in Kennebunkport.  This was the first time we had ever taken you out for lunch and you did really well.

There was another baby in the restaurant and she kept turning around in her high chair to see you!

After we finished lunch your Aunt and Uncle headed back to their home and we went for a nice little walk.  We can't wait to see them again and someday go for a walk with your baby cousin too!

xoxo
Mom

2 month check-up

Dear Conor,

It is almost time for your 4 month check-up and I am only just now getting to write about your 2 month check-up.  It seems that time is moving so quickly.....I hate to think that my baby is growing up this fast!

Your two month check-up was on February 17, 2012.  Your Daddy and I both attended this doctor's appointment.  You are really lucky in that both your parents have the ability to arrange their work schedules and attend your appointments together.  Most kids only get one parent that can go.

We very much like your pediatrician.  She listens to our concerns and always seems happy and has good advice.  She loves your little face too. 

This time we went into a room with lots of animals on the walls. You were very interested in the animals as they were very bold against the light yellow walls (the first time we went into see the doctor we were in a room with clouds).

I dressed you very carefully for this appointment as I knew you were going to be getting shots in your thighs.  I had you wear a onesie and then a gown so we could just pull it up and pull it down without having anything rubbing your tender spots.  Because its winter you had to wear socks - so we put your cool hi-top sneaker socks on!

We also had you practice some tummy time while we waited for the nurse with the shots to arrive.

I didn't take any pictures while you were getting your shots because I was holding you.  You were so very good and only cried at the very end.  But, by the time we got into the lobby and checked out you were no longer crying and after just a minute in the car you were asleep.

When putting you in your carseat I placed a thin blanket over your thighs so that the car seat straps were not putting too much pressure on your thighs.  When we got you home I nursed you and you continued to take a little nap.  We watched you all day to see if you had any signs of a reaction and you did not - you were actually a wonderful child that day and I was so proud of you (so was Daddy!).

Within the hour you were kicking away on your playmat!

We did get your acid reflux medicine at this appointment and so when we return next week it will mark 2 months on the medicine.

I hope that your 4 month appointment goes just as well!

xoxo
Mom

Breast Feeding is NOT easy!

I repeat - breast feeding is NOT easy!

When we found out we were pregnant I began researching the benefits and disadvantages of both breast feeding and formula feeding.  I read countless articles and skimmed what felt like hundreds of websites.  They all said the same thing (even the formula company websites) Breast milk is Best.  So, I decided that I would select a formula to be my back-up and I would give breast feeding my best effort but would take it one day at a time and not be upset with myself if it simply wasn't an option.

Well, I am proud to say that I have made it 3.5 months and things continue to go well despite my being back at work full time.

Breastfeeding is not easy.  It it physically and emotionally demanding.  Conor likes to nurse to sleep which means I have to be home every night to put him to bed (not that I mind too much but it means I am currently the only one who can put him to sleep which means Dad misses out on that time with him).  Conor is still so young that he likes to comfort nurse when he is scared, not feeling well, growing, or overwhelmed by his surroundings (this is all normal behavior for a baby of his age that is breastfed) so that once again leaves things up to me.  He will take a binkie for a little bit of that time so Dad does get to participate in the soothing but in the end Conor wants his mom. 

Also, while Conor is taking a bottle each bottle requires pumping.  I dislike pumping with a passion but I am willing to do it for Conor.  I have managed to replace every bottle that Conor has taken while I have been working despite my unpredictable schedule and the lack of a specific place to pump or allocated break times.  This makes me so proud of myself and I am even more hopeful that I can continue to provide Conor with milk until his first birthday.  If you are out and about and offer a bottle - you have to be prepared to pump either shortly before going out, while you are out (so you might as well just nurse to save the time), or right when you get home so that you don't overflow or - if done too often - damage your supply.  Breastfeeding is not easy.

Remembering to drink enough water and eat the extra 300 calories a day is not always easy!  Having breasts that change sizes throughout the day and therefore need extra support at different times is not easy and can be frustrating.  Breast feeding isn't always easy.

Currently our freezer is full of frozen milk to be used when I am not home and can be used when he turns 6 months old to make baby food.  As so many ladies in my support group (mommy class) have milk supply issues (for a variety of reasons) I am very thankful for the abundant supply that I have and my ability to maintain this supply even with the stress of working, running the business, and keeping up with Conor/Hunter and Josh!

Breastfeeding is not easy but it has been made easier for me by having a large group of women, whom I now call friends, who support my decision and offer great advice.  Access to a lactation consultant on a weekly basis has also made the transition to work much easier and helped to ease the pain of feeding Conor by identifying his tongue-tie and recommending an ENT to snip it.

Breastfeeding is not easy - we have had some stumbles along the way but, for me, it was worth sticking it out.  When I look at my little 14.5lb 3.5 month old baby and I know I provided him the nutrients to grow him that big it makes me proud.

I would never shame a woman for choosing not to breast feed her baby (many people who I call friends have not) I would encourage every woman I know to at least try.  But remember, it's not easy so expect there to be struggles because, according to the lactation consultant, many women give up or fail because they expected it to be easy and were too easily frustrated when it was challenging.

Why did I write this post?  Because everything else I read seemed to send me the message that breastfeeding was natural and easy.  The writing seemed to want to shame women that didn't breastfeed or make them feel guilty and that is not ok.  So - my lady friends out there reading this know this:  breastfeeding is natural and it is rewarding and does create an amazing bond between you and your child but IT IS NOT EASY.  This, of course, does not mean it is the most difficult thing in the world to do but just expect there to be bumps in the road or to have to put a bit more effort into it in the beginning than you expected. 

But, it does get easier with time and I am proud to say I think Conor and I have reached that point where it is easy and natural and entirely rewarding!

A Weekend at the Wentworth

Dear Conor,

The second half of your first February vacation was to be spent with your Auntie Danielle.  She arrived Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Saturday.  She was going to be your Nanny while Daddy and I worked but Daddy had other plans for us all.  He said that he was tired of feeling stuck at the house because we were so used to being on the go and that he needed a little break from the day to day.  So, we packed up our things and headed to Portsmouth New Hampshire for a little rest and relaxation.

While at the hotel we did so much!  The first night we had dinner in a fancy restaurant where we had to get all dressed up. Daddy wore his nice suit pants and a tie while Mommy wore some nice gray pants and a black shirt.  Auntie Danielle also looked very nice in khakis and a button down shirt.  As good as we all looked - we forgot to take a picture!  You wore the outfit that you came home from the hospital in.  After dinner I made some time and took you into the lobby to take a few quick photos of you at your first luxury hotel.

Shall we call you Mr. Conor?!?

While at the hotel you went swimming in a pool for the first time. We went on Friday and on Saturday. Friday night you weren't so sure what to think. The pool as a little darker as it was night and I think you may have been tired. But, on Saturday morning you had a great time. There were lots of kids around and one other baby in the pool. It was much brighter as the sun was shinning and I think that might have helped make you feel more comfortable as well.

Friday night swimming

Family Photo in the pool

After swimming you were very happy to lay in bed with Auntie

Saturday morning swimming with Daddy

Saturday morning - after swimming- snuggles with Auntie.

You were very well behaved at the hotel and it was not that hard to travel with you.  We set up a changing area on the desk and we brought your Rock n' Play for you to sleep in.  You did not cry that much (which was a huge change from just a few days ago) and we believe that it was simply good timing and that your medicine had started to work!

When we got home you spent a little bit more time smiling and loving on your Auntie before she had to leave.

I LOVE YOUR SMILE!

One last picture with Auntie!

We were very sad to see Auntie Danielle leave and are so thankful that she was able to join us on our mini vacation.  Because she was there your Daddy and I were able to relax a bit more, get a bit to eat together (without you) and have an extra set of hands to help with you and Hunter.  Thank you Danielle for coming along!

xoxo
Mom

PS.  Your dad was awesome and surprised your Auntie and I with massages on Friday morning - they were awesome! 

Hosting a PlayDate

Dear Conor,
On Thursday, February 23, 2012 you hosted your first playdate.  You had many friends RSVP but everyone kept coming down with colds and they didn't want to get you sick.  Because of this, only one friend ended up coming and that was Carter.  Carter is a few months older than you and was showing off his new skill of sitting while he was over.

You watching Carter sit unasissted

Carter watching you play

Both of you trying to reach for the same toy

Good Friends

Even Hunter joined in on the fun!

After Carter left you took a little nap while I packed because that afternoon we were all headed for an adventure!

xoxo
Mom

A Visit with Auntie Cathlin

Because I am so far behind in blogging the next few posts are very much out of order!

During February vacation we had planned to have family visit with us to help take care of Conor so that Josh and I could get caught up on regular work since Conor gave us little time to get it done since he doesn't nap.  Cathlin was the first to volunteer to come and she arrived on Tuesday, February 22, 2012 to love on her nephew.

However, Conor - you had different plans.  You were terrible for your poor Auntie Cathlin!  Although she is smiling in these photos you certainly were not.  You were miserable.  We now know that your behavior was due to acid reflux and that the medicine had not fully started to work yet.  We felt terrible that Auntie Cathlin didn't get to spend any 'nice' time with you so we hope she will come back to visit soon!

Trying to help Conor stop crying.

A rare moment of quiet

Still crying! 

Auntie Cathlin was so patient with you and she tried so hard to help you feel better.  She rocked you, bounced you, held you tight, pumped your legs, and did anything and everything she could think of to make you feel good. 

Auntie Cathlin left the next afternoon and by that time you were in a slightly better mood and judging by the picture below you were feeling your island roots (just kidding - you don't have any)!

I am so thankful you have such a patient and loving Auntie!  Thank you again for coming Cathlin and we would love to have you again anytime!

xoxo
Mom