Conor's vocabulary is growing too fast to write down all the words and phrases but I wanted to take a quick snapshot of some of the more interesting ones before we loose the first attempts to the real words.
Mickey Mouse - "bibits"
Minnie Mouse - "minmin"
Baby Colin - "Baby Do-Ro"
Sarah - "yaya"
Grandma - "mummum"
Nolan - "yolie"
Carter - "RoRo"
Braden - "Bray ray"
blueberries - "bwubewies"
Elephant - "Ella"
Diaper - "diapdiap"
Food - "num nums"
Drink - "ahhhh"
Stairs - "steps"
Dinosaur - "bedoopbedoop"
Elmo - "la la"
Car - "beep beep"
ABCs - "AB9s"
Most used phrases:
"me take baftub with Dada" said every night after dinner
"escuse you baby do-ro" said every time Colin burps, poops, spits up
"me wrest in mama's bed" said whenever the idea of a nap is brought up
"mama dada baby do-ro n me" said whenever he wants the family to do something together
"back to me house" he loves his house and often asks to go back to it when we drive away
"baby do-ro touched me" said whenever he makes Colin touch him
"mama/dadda wread dis book a me" said throughout the day when he wants a book read to him
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
A Greater Meaning
Dear Conor and Colin,
Sometimes a picture says a thousand words and those words might be expressive, literal, figurative or meaningless. During your birth Colin, there were many pictures captured but one holds my heart.
This is a picture of your brother cutting your umbilical cord. Once the cut was complete you were an individual; you no longer relied on me for your life. Your blood started pumping of its own accord and your lungs were your only source of oxygen.
Now, many people might have picture of Dad's cutting cords but this picture is different from those. This picture says more than just "welcome to the world". This picture says things that may never have a place being said outloud to anyone. Because of this, I am writing them down for you boys to forever know how special your relationship is & how special you each are to me.
Colin, Conor will always take care of you. He is your protector, your friend, your brother. He will make certain you are always safe, warm, loved, and given the chance to be who you want to be. He will not require you to walk in his shadow but will step aside when needed to give you room to grow and spread your wings. However, he will be quick to put you in your place if you stray in the wrong direction.
Conor, Colin will forever look up to you. He will want to mimic your actions, words, and beliefs - so proceed with caution but not so much caution that you hold back who you are and who you were meant to be. Colin will be your sounding board, your protector, and your scapegoat - just don't get him into too much trouble please.
I am your mom. And this picture says to me how lucky I am to have two loving sons. Two boys who will see each other through the best and worst of time. Who will potentially serve as the others best man at their respective weddings, who will comfort the other when times of sadness and hurt surface, and who will jest and cheer the other on when the time is right. I love you both so very much and this picture captures the moment when one (Mommy & Colin) became two; but when two (Conor & Colin) also became one.....and together we are a team of three.
I love you boys!
xoxo
Mommy
PS. Grandma Mary is also in this picture (that's her red fingernail) and so this picture also captures three generations bringing a new individual into the world.
Sometimes a picture says a thousand words and those words might be expressive, literal, figurative or meaningless. During your birth Colin, there were many pictures captured but one holds my heart.
This is a picture of your brother cutting your umbilical cord. Once the cut was complete you were an individual; you no longer relied on me for your life. Your blood started pumping of its own accord and your lungs were your only source of oxygen.
Now, many people might have picture of Dad's cutting cords but this picture is different from those. This picture says more than just "welcome to the world". This picture says things that may never have a place being said outloud to anyone. Because of this, I am writing them down for you boys to forever know how special your relationship is & how special you each are to me.
Colin, Conor will always take care of you. He is your protector, your friend, your brother. He will make certain you are always safe, warm, loved, and given the chance to be who you want to be. He will not require you to walk in his shadow but will step aside when needed to give you room to grow and spread your wings. However, he will be quick to put you in your place if you stray in the wrong direction.
Conor, Colin will forever look up to you. He will want to mimic your actions, words, and beliefs - so proceed with caution but not so much caution that you hold back who you are and who you were meant to be. Colin will be your sounding board, your protector, and your scapegoat - just don't get him into too much trouble please.
I am your mom. And this picture says to me how lucky I am to have two loving sons. Two boys who will see each other through the best and worst of time. Who will potentially serve as the others best man at their respective weddings, who will comfort the other when times of sadness and hurt surface, and who will jest and cheer the other on when the time is right. I love you both so very much and this picture captures the moment when one (Mommy & Colin) became two; but when two (Conor & Colin) also became one.....and together we are a team of three.
 |
| First Glance |
 |
| First Hug |
 |
| Mommy and her Loves! |
I love you boys!
xoxo
Mommy
PS. Grandma Mary is also in this picture (that's her red fingernail) and so this picture also captures three generations bringing a new individual into the world.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Colin is ONE Month!
Dear Colin,
You are now one month old. Your first four weeks of life simply flew by. The weather was terrible so we were stuck inside most of the time which made it challenging to keep both you and your brother entertained and together but apart at times!
Your first week of life was challenging to say the least. Your Grandma Mary was here and your Daddy put us to work trying to get some more tasks in the house complete. We may have pushed a little too hard the first day home (going to 3 different stores) because Mommy was very tired later that day and was useless the following day. You and I had to stay on the couch and poor Conor got underfoot and Daddy couldn't get his work done. So, the rest of that week I was careful to take it a little slower. Your grandma also had to leave a little sooner than we all expected. We were so sad to see her go, she was amazing with Conor, loved on you so Mommy could spend some 1:1 time with your big brother, she helped keep the house clean and it was simply so nice to have her here. I'll admit - when she left Mommy felt very nervous because I wasn't sure if I could do it without her.
The next three weeks are a complete blur - the task each day was really just to manage life. We got up, ate breakfast, nursed, played with Conor, did lunch, took Conor for his nap ride, nursed some more, played more games/toys with Conor and then survived until dinner, bath bed for your brother and you. Unfortunately, you are not a fabulous sleeper and you prefer to sleep on someone than alone and on your side instead of on your back. Everyone swore that you would be my good sleeper but I am beginning to have my doubts!
This month we also discovered that you have acid reflux. You were put on Zantac first but that constipated you and therefore you were changed to Prevacid. This medication has worked much better for you and I don't hear you gurgle at night in your sleep. Your reflux is the kind where you spit up a lot so we have burp cloths around the house everywhere because we never know when you might strike!
Conor continues to love you though he has been testing the waters. He likes to smother you with hugs and rub his face all over yours. We have tried to be tolerant of this to ensure that we don't create jealousy and you are handling his "love" very well. However, he has started thinking its a game to run up to you and hit you (lightly but still hitting) to see what reaction you have. We are working with him on this and you are never alone in a room with him.
You continue to look a lot like your brother and the photos prove it! Here are a few from your first month.
Your first month was a busy one little Colin - Can't wait to see what your second month brings!
xoxo
Mommy
You are now one month old. Your first four weeks of life simply flew by. The weather was terrible so we were stuck inside most of the time which made it challenging to keep both you and your brother entertained and together but apart at times!
Your first week of life was challenging to say the least. Your Grandma Mary was here and your Daddy put us to work trying to get some more tasks in the house complete. We may have pushed a little too hard the first day home (going to 3 different stores) because Mommy was very tired later that day and was useless the following day. You and I had to stay on the couch and poor Conor got underfoot and Daddy couldn't get his work done. So, the rest of that week I was careful to take it a little slower. Your grandma also had to leave a little sooner than we all expected. We were so sad to see her go, she was amazing with Conor, loved on you so Mommy could spend some 1:1 time with your big brother, she helped keep the house clean and it was simply so nice to have her here. I'll admit - when she left Mommy felt very nervous because I wasn't sure if I could do it without her.
The next three weeks are a complete blur - the task each day was really just to manage life. We got up, ate breakfast, nursed, played with Conor, did lunch, took Conor for his nap ride, nursed some more, played more games/toys with Conor and then survived until dinner, bath bed for your brother and you. Unfortunately, you are not a fabulous sleeper and you prefer to sleep on someone than alone and on your side instead of on your back. Everyone swore that you would be my good sleeper but I am beginning to have my doubts!
This month we also discovered that you have acid reflux. You were put on Zantac first but that constipated you and therefore you were changed to Prevacid. This medication has worked much better for you and I don't hear you gurgle at night in your sleep. Your reflux is the kind where you spit up a lot so we have burp cloths around the house everywhere because we never know when you might strike!
Conor continues to love you though he has been testing the waters. He likes to smother you with hugs and rub his face all over yours. We have tried to be tolerant of this to ensure that we don't create jealousy and you are handling his "love" very well. However, he has started thinking its a game to run up to you and hit you (lightly but still hitting) to see what reaction you have. We are working with him on this and you are never alone in a room with him.
You continue to look a lot like your brother and the photos prove it! Here are a few from your first month.
 |
| One Month Old! |
 |
| Wearing the same outfit Conor wore in his 1 month photo |
 |
| So sweet! |
 |
| Brothers |
 |
| Sleeping on your first full day home |
 |
| Conor wanted to lay in your crib with you while I cleaned your closet. |
 |
| First nap in crib - lasted 10 minutes |
 |
| First bath - 2 weeks old |
 |
| First smile! |
xoxo
Mommy
Saturday, January 4, 2014
TWO
Dear Conor,
Tonight I snuck into your room (as quiet as a mouse for fear of waking you) before I sat down to write this because I wanted to be near you, to freeze you in time. Today was your second birthday and time is slipping by like sand through the hour glass. This year has been a year of discovery, growth, frustration, sadness, and challenge but nothing can change that all in all the year has been a blessing. You continue to amaze me each day with all that you learn, do, say, and feel. Your independence makes me proud (though it might frustrate me at times) and your stubbornness reminds me of my own. Your shyness is endearing and your comedic timing is awesome!
This year you have moved mountains. You no longer stumble but run, you speak in sentences (fragmented as they are) instead of barely understood words. You recognize your friends and ask for them by name when you miss them or are thinking of them. You do the same with family (you call all your grandmas "mummum" and your grandpas "papa" Danielle is "dani" Sarah is "yaya" Nolan is "yoyin") and you are very clear as to whom you are speaking about if we don't get it right the first time. You have favorite things and preferences. While you still have chubby hands, wrists, and ankles you have thinned out and no longer have the body of a rolly polly baby but that of a fast paced moving toddler but you are still beautiful.
You are a loving son. You have started giving great big bear hugs and sweet little kisses. You ask for "ups" when you are feeling sad, tired, or disconnected. You amaze us everyday with your knowledge of the world around you.
This year, on your own, you mastered the letters of the alphabet. You know what each one looks like and you can say them no matter how they are presented to you. You also know your numbers though not as well. You are learning to sing the alphabet by looking at the cards hanging on your playroom wall. You also know your colors and have taken a strong preference to orange ("me wike arrange" you tell us). You have taken swim classes and music classes and you have regular play dates with your friends. You see your Jakan grandparents just about every week, your Papa Tom almost every month and you talk to your Trayner grandparents weekly via FaceTime. Your aunts adore you and call you often and visit when they can. Your godfather cherishes you and showers you with love and, even now, encourages you to be all you can.
Here is a list of your favorites as we perceive them:
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Song: Wheels on the Bus
Favorite Book: Little Blue Truck
Favorite Character: Mickey Mouse & Thomas the Train
Favorite Activity: playing trains
Favorite Person: Baby Colin
Favorite Food: French Toast & Sausage
Favorite Comfort Item: "Ella" your blanket & Mommy
We no longer nurse and it has been wonderful to snuggle with you hold you close without needing to worry about you wanting milk. In fact, you rarely ask anymore at all. You are able to talk about Colin's milk and while I wouldn't say you are jealous you sometimes tell him he's had enough and you try to push him off the breast a little bit. But you are easily reminded that he needs to drink milk and we often go and get you something to do, eat, or drink.
Speaking of Colin, a wrap up of your second year of life wouldn't be complete without talking about the amazing brother you have become. Some thought you were too little to understand what was going on inside Mommy's tummy but I just knew they were wrong. You had a strong connection to my pregnant stomach the entire time I was pregnant. You kissed it, hugged it, talked to it, read it stories, and were always careful around the big belly. You never exhibited any signs of jealousy and that did not change when Colin was born. You were the first to see him and it was love at first sight. You love him so dearly and while we struggle sometimes with how to safely love Colin I'm amazed at how tender you can be and how protective and proud of him you are. You have loved introducing him to your friends and you never let your friends hold him without you right there. His love for you is also very evident. He smiles for you and tracks your every move with his eyes. He stops crying when you laugh or bring him toys. I pray that the two of you continue to be as close as you are now as you grow.
Conor, Mommy and Daddy both are so thankful to have you in our lives and we are so proud of the little man you have become over the last year. But, no matter how much you grow you will always be our Baby!
Happy Second Birthday Conor Thomas.
xoxo
Mommy
Tonight I snuck into your room (as quiet as a mouse for fear of waking you) before I sat down to write this because I wanted to be near you, to freeze you in time. Today was your second birthday and time is slipping by like sand through the hour glass. This year has been a year of discovery, growth, frustration, sadness, and challenge but nothing can change that all in all the year has been a blessing. You continue to amaze me each day with all that you learn, do, say, and feel. Your independence makes me proud (though it might frustrate me at times) and your stubbornness reminds me of my own. Your shyness is endearing and your comedic timing is awesome!
This year you have moved mountains. You no longer stumble but run, you speak in sentences (fragmented as they are) instead of barely understood words. You recognize your friends and ask for them by name when you miss them or are thinking of them. You do the same with family (you call all your grandmas "mummum" and your grandpas "papa" Danielle is "dani" Sarah is "yaya" Nolan is "yoyin") and you are very clear as to whom you are speaking about if we don't get it right the first time. You have favorite things and preferences. While you still have chubby hands, wrists, and ankles you have thinned out and no longer have the body of a rolly polly baby but that of a fast paced moving toddler but you are still beautiful.
You are a loving son. You have started giving great big bear hugs and sweet little kisses. You ask for "ups" when you are feeling sad, tired, or disconnected. You amaze us everyday with your knowledge of the world around you.
This year, on your own, you mastered the letters of the alphabet. You know what each one looks like and you can say them no matter how they are presented to you. You also know your numbers though not as well. You are learning to sing the alphabet by looking at the cards hanging on your playroom wall. You also know your colors and have taken a strong preference to orange ("me wike arrange" you tell us). You have taken swim classes and music classes and you have regular play dates with your friends. You see your Jakan grandparents just about every week, your Papa Tom almost every month and you talk to your Trayner grandparents weekly via FaceTime. Your aunts adore you and call you often and visit when they can. Your godfather cherishes you and showers you with love and, even now, encourages you to be all you can.
Here is a list of your favorites as we perceive them:
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Song: Wheels on the Bus
Favorite Book: Little Blue Truck
Favorite Character: Mickey Mouse & Thomas the Train
Favorite Activity: playing trains
Favorite Person: Baby Colin
Favorite Food: French Toast & Sausage
Favorite Comfort Item: "Ella" your blanket & Mommy
We no longer nurse and it has been wonderful to snuggle with you hold you close without needing to worry about you wanting milk. In fact, you rarely ask anymore at all. You are able to talk about Colin's milk and while I wouldn't say you are jealous you sometimes tell him he's had enough and you try to push him off the breast a little bit. But you are easily reminded that he needs to drink milk and we often go and get you something to do, eat, or drink.
Speaking of Colin, a wrap up of your second year of life wouldn't be complete without talking about the amazing brother you have become. Some thought you were too little to understand what was going on inside Mommy's tummy but I just knew they were wrong. You had a strong connection to my pregnant stomach the entire time I was pregnant. You kissed it, hugged it, talked to it, read it stories, and were always careful around the big belly. You never exhibited any signs of jealousy and that did not change when Colin was born. You were the first to see him and it was love at first sight. You love him so dearly and while we struggle sometimes with how to safely love Colin I'm amazed at how tender you can be and how protective and proud of him you are. You have loved introducing him to your friends and you never let your friends hold him without you right there. His love for you is also very evident. He smiles for you and tracks your every move with his eyes. He stops crying when you laugh or bring him toys. I pray that the two of you continue to be as close as you are now as you grow.
Conor, Mommy and Daddy both are so thankful to have you in our lives and we are so proud of the little man you have become over the last year. But, no matter how much you grow you will always be our Baby!
Happy Second Birthday Conor Thomas.
xoxo
Mommy
 |
| First Birthday |
 |
| Second Birthday |
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Happy Birthday Colin!
Dear Colin,
You came into this world in your own special way. At 4:15am on October 31, 2013 you woke me up by creating a hole in the bag of waters. I honestly thought it was urine leaking so I got up and went to the bathroom. There, I peed, and then went back to bed only to have more liquid exit my body. At that point I woke your Dad up by saying "I think my water broke." He was very calm (actually - overtired as he had only come to bed an hour earlier as he was working so he would be free to trick or treat) and said to me "don't over-react you could be like those ladies that don't go into labor for days after their water breaks" and then he rolled over and went back to bed. More water came out and so I called your Grandma Mary to let her know what was going on. Then I woke your Daddy up and told him that I was sure my water broke and why didn't we just start getting things ready.
Your Daddy got up and started to get his things together and I jumped in the shower. While in the shower my contractions started getting closer together and within minutes I heard your brother waking up (it was about 5am at this point) and so when I got out of the shower he was in my bed playing on the ipad while Daddy was downstairs putting food together for Conor. The contractions were getting really strong at this point so the midwives were called and I was told to head to the hospital. While waiting for Daddy to make sure Big Brother's things were packed (we had just unpacked all his snacks the night before in order to replace the things we felt should be eaten or switched up) Big Brother was helping Mommy to stay calm. He touched my hand and said "Mamma" a few times. He also kept talking about "baby heartbeat" because we had told him the night before that we would be hearing your heartbeat the next day at the doctor's office - and Conor does not forget things!
Daddy finally got everything loaded into the car and got Hunter settled and we drove up to the hospital. Daddy took care of Conor while Mommy focused on getting into the hospital and up to the correct floor. I was admitted immediately (it was once again shift change - both you boys liked to start things at shift change) and we spoke with the midwife who was just getting ready to come off her shift (Jerri). Unfortunately, we had some bad news for her - the midwife who was coming on was one that we had said we did not want to work with and she checked out a few things and ended up staying with us. I felt terrible because I didn't want to be a pain but I could not deliver you with that other woman.
The first thing Jerri did was make sure we were settled and then she checked me. I was 6-7cm dilated which was far more progress on my own than I had ever made with your brother and I was not in pain so I was very hopeful that maybe I wouldn't need any medications and/or wouldn't need them until the end. Grandma was on her way and called because she had gotten lost in town and needed help getting back to the hospital. She finally arrived around 9:30am and was very thankful that she hadn't missed anything!
Before Grandma got there Daddy was focused on caring for Conor but since nothing was really going on with you this was perfectly fine. But, then Grandma got there and it was her job to focus on Conor so Daddy could focus on you and me! Around 10:30am I was checked again and had dilated further (7-8) without the need for medications but the pain in my hip was getting a lot worse. I had been working with a chiropractor issue in my hip that I first discovered when in labor with your brother. I had seen the chiropractor after his birth and things improved but as the time came to deliver you the pain reappeared if I walked too far or was on my feet too much. It was believed that I have a nerve/tendon issue and that is also why the epidurals all fail (more on that in a minute). So, back to the story.
As I was continuing to labor the pain was getting so intense that I was unable to feel you descending and when instructed to give little pushes was not able to isolate the muscles needed to complete this task because the pain in my hip was overpowering. At some point I threw up - just once though - like I did with your brother. I attempted to push on the area where the pain was but, in the end, I had to request the epidural. After an hour we realized that it had not worked. My RIGHT hip was still incredibly painful and I could not focus. At this point I was 10cm dilated but needed to thin out and therefore needed to push a little to help you drop but still couldn't push. A new doctor was called in and a booster of some sort was given and my left leg went completely numb and the pain in my right hip was dulled enough that I could focus on the task at hand - getting you out so that we could meet you!
I was instructed to rest and Daddy went to take Conor for a car ride to give him the chance to nap. Grandma offered to take you but we didn't think he would sleep for her and Daddy knew the area better and so could get back faster. He wasn't gone more than 20 minutes when Jerri came back in and said if I felt ready to push I could. So, Grandma texted Daddy and made him come back. Poor Conor had only just fallen asleep and so Daddy got him all the way into the elevator before he woke up. He was handed to Grandma and Daddy came to my bedside and held my hand while we started pushing.
You were a great partner in this delivery - you let me know when you were ready for the push and when it was time to stop. Once again, I felt that the actual pushing went very quickly. There was a moment when you were crowning that I felt like I was too small for your big head and Jerri wanted me to pause but I simply couldn't because I felt like I was tearing in two. So, two more pushes and your nose was out and then came the rest of you! (Mommy didn't tear in two - she didn't even tear!). You didn't cry right away but you were immediately laid on my chest and the nurse rubbed and rubbed you until you let out a big cry.
You were just perfect and neither Daddy, Grandma or I could get over how much you looked like your brother when he was born. Despite looking like Conor you clearly are a little boy with your own personality. You did not want to nurse right away but you wanted to be held. We waited for the cord to turn white before Daddy was asked to cut the cord. As with your brother he did not want to and so I asked Grandma if she wanted to. Once she was given the scissors Conor wanted to help and so he did. Seeing you there on my chest was just as surreal as it was the first time I laid eyes on your brother. There was an instant bond and a desire to protect you and not let you go - not even to Daddy. It was also very special to me to have your brother there. He was one of the first people to see you and to hold you and I hope that is a bond that the two of you never lose.
Colin, you were born at 1:24pm on Halloween Day; my little pumpkin baby. You weighed 9.25 oz and were 20.5inches long (just as long as Conor but 8oz more). While you were bigger than your brother you looked so much smaller. You had a blood sugar imbalance so you were subjected to pricks every few hours so that your blood could be tested. Finally you got 2 tests that were in the appropriate span of time with the appropriate numbers so you could stop being tested. This was a little stressful because Daddy wasn't here when I learned what was going on but we (you and I) made sure that we took care of things!
Why was Daddy not there? Because he took Conor home for dinner and bed while Grandma stayed with us until it was time for her to leave and be with Daddy and Conor. That left just you and I at the hospital (well, until your first visitors arrived). Daddy also didn't stay when Conor was born so it wasn't your brother's fault that he left. I encouraged Daddy to go both times because he's bigger than the couch/bed he would have had to sleep on and I knew you and I would get more sleep without Daddy in the room (which we did!).
Your birthday is a holiday and one that kids love. I made a promise to you before we went to sleep for the night that no matter what your Daddy and I would make the day special for YOU and not just the night we trick-or-treat.
We love you very much little man and your birth has completed our family. Happy Birthday Colin!
xoxo
Mommy
You came into this world in your own special way. At 4:15am on October 31, 2013 you woke me up by creating a hole in the bag of waters. I honestly thought it was urine leaking so I got up and went to the bathroom. There, I peed, and then went back to bed only to have more liquid exit my body. At that point I woke your Dad up by saying "I think my water broke." He was very calm (actually - overtired as he had only come to bed an hour earlier as he was working so he would be free to trick or treat) and said to me "don't over-react you could be like those ladies that don't go into labor for days after their water breaks" and then he rolled over and went back to bed. More water came out and so I called your Grandma Mary to let her know what was going on. Then I woke your Daddy up and told him that I was sure my water broke and why didn't we just start getting things ready.
Your Daddy got up and started to get his things together and I jumped in the shower. While in the shower my contractions started getting closer together and within minutes I heard your brother waking up (it was about 5am at this point) and so when I got out of the shower he was in my bed playing on the ipad while Daddy was downstairs putting food together for Conor. The contractions were getting really strong at this point so the midwives were called and I was told to head to the hospital. While waiting for Daddy to make sure Big Brother's things were packed (we had just unpacked all his snacks the night before in order to replace the things we felt should be eaten or switched up) Big Brother was helping Mommy to stay calm. He touched my hand and said "Mamma" a few times. He also kept talking about "baby heartbeat" because we had told him the night before that we would be hearing your heartbeat the next day at the doctor's office - and Conor does not forget things!
Daddy finally got everything loaded into the car and got Hunter settled and we drove up to the hospital. Daddy took care of Conor while Mommy focused on getting into the hospital and up to the correct floor. I was admitted immediately (it was once again shift change - both you boys liked to start things at shift change) and we spoke with the midwife who was just getting ready to come off her shift (Jerri). Unfortunately, we had some bad news for her - the midwife who was coming on was one that we had said we did not want to work with and she checked out a few things and ended up staying with us. I felt terrible because I didn't want to be a pain but I could not deliver you with that other woman.
The first thing Jerri did was make sure we were settled and then she checked me. I was 6-7cm dilated which was far more progress on my own than I had ever made with your brother and I was not in pain so I was very hopeful that maybe I wouldn't need any medications and/or wouldn't need them until the end. Grandma was on her way and called because she had gotten lost in town and needed help getting back to the hospital. She finally arrived around 9:30am and was very thankful that she hadn't missed anything!
Before Grandma got there Daddy was focused on caring for Conor but since nothing was really going on with you this was perfectly fine. But, then Grandma got there and it was her job to focus on Conor so Daddy could focus on you and me! Around 10:30am I was checked again and had dilated further (7-8) without the need for medications but the pain in my hip was getting a lot worse. I had been working with a chiropractor issue in my hip that I first discovered when in labor with your brother. I had seen the chiropractor after his birth and things improved but as the time came to deliver you the pain reappeared if I walked too far or was on my feet too much. It was believed that I have a nerve/tendon issue and that is also why the epidurals all fail (more on that in a minute). So, back to the story.
As I was continuing to labor the pain was getting so intense that I was unable to feel you descending and when instructed to give little pushes was not able to isolate the muscles needed to complete this task because the pain in my hip was overpowering. At some point I threw up - just once though - like I did with your brother. I attempted to push on the area where the pain was but, in the end, I had to request the epidural. After an hour we realized that it had not worked. My RIGHT hip was still incredibly painful and I could not focus. At this point I was 10cm dilated but needed to thin out and therefore needed to push a little to help you drop but still couldn't push. A new doctor was called in and a booster of some sort was given and my left leg went completely numb and the pain in my right hip was dulled enough that I could focus on the task at hand - getting you out so that we could meet you!
I was instructed to rest and Daddy went to take Conor for a car ride to give him the chance to nap. Grandma offered to take you but we didn't think he would sleep for her and Daddy knew the area better and so could get back faster. He wasn't gone more than 20 minutes when Jerri came back in and said if I felt ready to push I could. So, Grandma texted Daddy and made him come back. Poor Conor had only just fallen asleep and so Daddy got him all the way into the elevator before he woke up. He was handed to Grandma and Daddy came to my bedside and held my hand while we started pushing.
You were a great partner in this delivery - you let me know when you were ready for the push and when it was time to stop. Once again, I felt that the actual pushing went very quickly. There was a moment when you were crowning that I felt like I was too small for your big head and Jerri wanted me to pause but I simply couldn't because I felt like I was tearing in two. So, two more pushes and your nose was out and then came the rest of you! (Mommy didn't tear in two - she didn't even tear!). You didn't cry right away but you were immediately laid on my chest and the nurse rubbed and rubbed you until you let out a big cry.
You were just perfect and neither Daddy, Grandma or I could get over how much you looked like your brother when he was born. Despite looking like Conor you clearly are a little boy with your own personality. You did not want to nurse right away but you wanted to be held. We waited for the cord to turn white before Daddy was asked to cut the cord. As with your brother he did not want to and so I asked Grandma if she wanted to. Once she was given the scissors Conor wanted to help and so he did. Seeing you there on my chest was just as surreal as it was the first time I laid eyes on your brother. There was an instant bond and a desire to protect you and not let you go - not even to Daddy. It was also very special to me to have your brother there. He was one of the first people to see you and to hold you and I hope that is a bond that the two of you never lose.
 |
| Conor cutting the cord |
 |
| Cutting Colin's Cord (Conor and Grandma Mary) |
 |
| Baby Colin is his own person. |
Colin, you were born at 1:24pm on Halloween Day; my little pumpkin baby. You weighed 9.25 oz and were 20.5inches long (just as long as Conor but 8oz more). While you were bigger than your brother you looked so much smaller. You had a blood sugar imbalance so you were subjected to pricks every few hours so that your blood could be tested. Finally you got 2 tests that were in the appropriate span of time with the appropriate numbers so you could stop being tested. This was a little stressful because Daddy wasn't here when I learned what was going on but we (you and I) made sure that we took care of things!
Why was Daddy not there? Because he took Conor home for dinner and bed while Grandma stayed with us until it was time for her to leave and be with Daddy and Conor. That left just you and I at the hospital (well, until your first visitors arrived). Daddy also didn't stay when Conor was born so it wasn't your brother's fault that he left. I encouraged Daddy to go both times because he's bigger than the couch/bed he would have had to sleep on and I knew you and I would get more sleep without Daddy in the room (which we did!).
Your birthday is a holiday and one that kids love. I made a promise to you before we went to sleep for the night that no matter what your Daddy and I would make the day special for YOU and not just the night we trick-or-treat.
We love you very much little man and your birth has completed our family. Happy Birthday Colin!
xoxo
Mommy
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Your Late!
Dear Baby Colin,
It appears that your brother has influenced you already because you are officially LATE. I, your mother, am never late to ANYTHING!! I am chronically at least 5 minutes early and I like it that way. You were supposed to come on Sunday - its now Tuesday. I understand in the grand scheme of things this is not that late but to a mom who is carrying a lot of weight on a little frame and chasing a toddler and who has a grandmother on stand-by.......every hour counts! Please baby Colin for the sake of all of us who are just dying to meet you and cuddle you and hold you and shower you with love....come out!!!
xoxo
Your tired Mom
It appears that your brother has influenced you already because you are officially LATE. I, your mother, am never late to ANYTHING!! I am chronically at least 5 minutes early and I like it that way. You were supposed to come on Sunday - its now Tuesday. I understand in the grand scheme of things this is not that late but to a mom who is carrying a lot of weight on a little frame and chasing a toddler and who has a grandmother on stand-by.......every hour counts! Please baby Colin for the sake of all of us who are just dying to meet you and cuddle you and hold you and shower you with love....come out!!!
xoxo
Your tired Mom
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Adventures at Grandpa Tom's
Dear Conor,
During the time we lived at Grandpa Tom's you developed so much. Your vocabulary took off and your interests because clearer. You loved being outside in his yard either running in the grass (chase chase is what you liked to say) or picking up all the rocks in the drive way and putting them into different things (cups, bowls, your bike, your police car). Sometimes it was a wrestling match to get you inside because you loved being in the yard. So, when we had nothing to do - we spent as much time outside as we possible could.
Sometimes Daddy even gave you a special treat and let you practice your driving skills - Helmets for Safety!
Pooltime was a favorite activity - Grandpa had a lot of great spaces to put your pool depending on how hot it was outside.
But nothing beats just running in the grass!
A few days after these pictures were taken we moved into our new house - this was the last time we played in Grandpa's yard!
We are so very thankful that Grandpa let us stay at his house while we waited for our house to be ready to live in! We had a great summer there and having all that space allowed you to grow and develop and have a lot of fun!
xoxo
Mommy
During the time we lived at Grandpa Tom's you developed so much. Your vocabulary took off and your interests because clearer. You loved being outside in his yard either running in the grass (chase chase is what you liked to say) or picking up all the rocks in the drive way and putting them into different things (cups, bowls, your bike, your police car). Sometimes it was a wrestling match to get you inside because you loved being in the yard. So, when we had nothing to do - we spent as much time outside as we possible could.
 |
| August 9, 2013 - rock collecting |
 |
| August 9, 2013 - rock collecting |
 |
| August 9, 2013 - rock collecting |
 |
| August 13, 2013 |
 |
| 08/29/3013 |
But nothing beats just running in the grass!
 |
| 09/08/2013 |
A few days after these pictures were taken we moved into our new house - this was the last time we played in Grandpa's yard!
 |
| Conor and Hunter - 09/08/2013 |
xoxo
Mommy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)