Our first out of town trip to Austin

Over the weekend, Jeff and I took Connor on his first out of town visit to see his Aunt Erin, Uncle Arthur, and cousins Martin (4), Winnie (2), and Libby (4 months).

A few days in advance Jeff and I made a LONG list of all the things we wanted to bring with us for Connor. Connor had so much stuff, he had his very own duffel bag, filled to the brim. You'd think baby stuff is small, but with first time parents who need to bring stuff for every situation you end up with a lot of stuff. Plus, with the way Connor spits up, I need to bring many outfits and burp cloths and bibs. It all added up to quite a lot of stuff for just a weekend visit. As we were packing up the car, Jeff said, "Remember when we just had stuff for the two of us." Yeah Jeff I do. It was much simpler back then, that's for sure. The funny thing is, my sister has a 4 month old, so she basically has many of the items we'd need, but we still wanted to be prepared. Plus, we'll be driving to Dallas in a few weeks and we wanted to test our packing skills. I will say, our list held up throughout the entire weekend. There is nothing we needed on this outing that we didn't have. That's the good news. We'll save the list for our Dallas trip.

The ride was good. We didn't know when to leave or how Connor would do, but it worked out that we just got on the road whenever we were packed up and decided we'd feed Connor when he woke up. He woke up just a few minutes before he normally eats "dinner" so we stopped to get ourselves some food and fed him then. He slept the rest of the way and then as luck would have it, he did go back to sleep in the pack n play at my sister's house. Feww. I was worried about that transition, but he did just fine.

Friday night the adults had some adult beverages and hung out until about 1:30 in the morning. I have no idea what we were all thinking, knowing we had little kids to tend to early in the morning and in the middle of the night, but we had fun anyway. It was worth it. It's great that me and my sister and Jeff and Arthur get along so well.

Saturday morning was a little tiring, but that's par for the course these days no matter when I go to sleep. We hung out with the kids and then in the afternoon while most of the kids were napping, Erin and I went to Gymboree for a sale they were having, plus it was tax free weekend, so we got even more of a discount. I was a bit jealous of Erin's girl clothes she got to buy, but Connor got some cute duds as well, if I do say so myself. It's just a fact that girl clothes are cuter. It's probably for the best though that I have a boy. It saves me money, because it's so hard to resist buying frilly pink stuff.

Connor unfortunately didn't nap well in his new surroundings, so by the afternoon he was a bit fussy, but we pulled through and he went to bed in his new "home" just like we were still in Sugar Land. I was very thankful for that.

Once the kiddos were in bed, we made a fantastic dinner complete with grilled lobster tail, sinfully delicious au gratin potatoes, and grilled corn on the cob. We were all so stuffed. Afterward we chilled in their non-heated hot tub. It was a perfect end to a great day.

On Sunday, Jeff and I crashed one of Martin's friend's birthday parties at this place called "Extreme Fun." It was basically this big room filled with bounce houses, slides, and a foam pit. As you can imagine, it was a huge hit with kids of all ages. Connor slept for most of it, but then woke up and Jeff slid down a slide with him and bounced him on the side of one of the bounce houses. I don't think he had a clue what was going on (as per usual), but I'm sure he'll love it when he's older.

After the party we headed back home, packed up ALL of our stuff, and got on the road. Again, Connor woke up when it was time for him to normally eat and we pulled over and fed him. Jeff thought it was a funny scene with me nursing Connor as a train was going by on our left and cows were eating in a pasture on our right. Hey, when he's gotta eat, he's gotta eat.

Overall, we had a blast. I feel so lucky to have a sister with kids, especially a baby so close to Connor's age, that I can talk to about raising kids. She is totally understanding and has been through it all. I have a feeling there will be many more weekends like this in our future.

On Saturday, Aunt Erin got to snuggle with Connor.

Libby 4 months and Connor 2 months. Hmm, they look about the same size don't they. Connor may even be a little bigger already. Yikes.

Three cousins playing under a play gym.

A dance party erupted in their living room.

Preparing dinner. Martin is great in the kitchen and Winnie just wants to do everything his older brother Martin does. It's sweet.

The boys loved this marble game and Uncle Jeff was really good at making new formations for the marbles to go down.

Grilled lobster tails. Yum.

On Sunday, we went to Extreme Fun for a 4 year old birthday party. Here Jeff is pretending to push Connor into the foam pit.

Now Erin is considering giving Libby a try. Ok, maybe another year you two.

Winnie thoroughly enjoying his cupcake at the birthday party.

Connor wakes up and Jeff takes him down the slide. He didn't cry but he didn't really smile either. Apparently he's a bit indifferent towards slides these days.

Connor and Daddy at Extreme Fun.



Connor bouncing at Extreme Fun.

All the cousins.

We used the timer to take a group shot.

Jeff was amused by our stop to feed Connor on our way home. Here's to a very fun trip. Thanks Aunt Erin and Uncle Arthur.

Two Month Doctor Appointment

Um, I think I need to do another entire series of "I am proud" after today's experience at the doctor's office. Connor did so well.

We arrived at 8:30 and saw the nurse right away but then had to wait for the doctor for nearly 45 minutes. Ugh. During that time Connor was a sweetheart. He was down to his diaper and wrapped in a blanket just cooing and chilling on the examining table. He is also now 100% as far as pooping while at the doctor's office. It's pretty funny. I have to change his diaper every time we go.

The nurse weighed and measured him and he is still doing great. My weight guess for this appointment was 13 pounds. Well, Mommy is pretty good at this guessing thing, because Connor was 12 pounds 15 ounces. Probably by this afternoon he'll be a full 13 pounds. That puts him at 75% for weight. They measured his length at what Jeff thought was less than last time, so we're not sure if that's very accurate but it was 75% too. His head size is 50%. As always, I'm happy he's gaining weight despite the fact that he spits up soooo much.

Speaking of that, we did ask the doctor if we should have his spit up checked out and she said she'd like to start with us being really careful about how we handle him after he's eaten and focus on body positioning before he gets medication. Those medications for reflux can have side effects so she'd like to wait and see for now, especially since he's gaining weight appropriately and doesn't seem bothered when he does spit up. So for now, beware when you hold Connor. He can be a spit up geyser when he wants to be.

She asked questions about his development like if he is smiling and cooing and lifting his head during tummy time. Of course we were able to say yes to all of those questions. She again confirmed that he's doing great and she said he's a very cute little boy. Music to Mommy's ears. She explained the 4 vaccines and 1 oral vaccine he'd be getting and then it was time for the nurse to come in and administer the shots.

We had to wait about 5 minutes for the nurse and while we were waiting Connor fell asleep. Both Jeff and I knew he was in for a rude awakening, but it was sweet that he was so blissfully unaware.

The nurse came in with her tray full of shots, and with Jeff and I armed with the pacifier, went to town on his chubby little thighs. It was amazing though. He cried when they went in, but moments later he was quiet just sucking away on the pacifier. After the shots, she had to give him an oral vaccine (rotovirus) and he swallowed all of that, despite the fact that I believe it tastes pretty gross. He got his cool patriotic bandaids and was done.

Within moments he was calm as a cucumber. Jeff and I were shocked. We both took photos of him with our camera phones because we just couldn't believe how composed he was already. It was a beautiful thing. Mommy is sooo proud of her big brave boy.

Just moments after getting 4 shots and an oral vaccine Connor actually gave Daddy a smile. We couldn't believe it. I was beaming!

After some food and about an hour after we got home Connor is still in good spirits.

Check out his cool American flag bandaids.

Happy 2 Month Birthday

Connor turned 2 months today! I have to say that I was less sad about it than I thought. I figured I'd be bummed that my little man was growing up, but instead I was sort of proud of him.

I am proud of how much he has matured.
I am proud that he can hold up his head so well.
I am proud when he lets me snuggle with him or when he falls asleep in my arms.
I am proud that whenever anyone sees him they say how alert he is.
I am proud of his fluffy hair, because everyone comments on how cool it is. And for the record, no, I do not put styling product in it. It just drys that way.
I am proud that he is smiling more. No matter how tired or frustrated I become, one of those big gummy grins and a coo, and my heart is melted.
I am proud that he has started to fall asleep on his own, with just some gentle coaxing from us. We lay him to bed awake and he falls asleep on his own.
I am proud that he can sleep from 8pm until 4am without a feeding.
I am proud that he is becoming much more predictable during the day, but don't get me wrong, he still challenges me with his unpredictability just as often. As a friend of mine once said, "Just when we think we know our little ones and bank on how they'll behave, they do just the opposite to sort of say, 'Sorry Mommy, you're not getting away that easy. I'm a mystery." So true, so true.
I am proud that he is becoming more flexible. Case in point, him starting to like the swing. He used to hate the swing and now he takes naps in it, which is life changing for Mommy.
I am proud of how handsome he is.
I am proud of his chubby cheeks that are just so touchable and soft.
I am proud that he likes bath time. I never thought he would, based on his typically fussy temperament and our initial experience with bath time, but it's amazing how much he quiets down in the bath. It's awesome and it's a fun Mommy and Daddy experience.
I am proud of his ability to bat at the toys on his bouncer.
I am proud of his vocal abilities. I swear we talk to each other sometimes. I am certain he knows what he's saying, but I'm just as certain, that I have no idea what that might be.
I am proud when Daddy is holding Connor and they are having a special moment together. It might make me a bit misty even.
I am proud when Daddy is holding Connor and I walk up from behind and sort of surprise Connor with my prescence and he gives me a smile as if to say, "Oh my gosh, I know you and guess what, I love you." It's amazing.
I am proud of those precious moments when he holds the pacifier all by himself. Those moments are less often than I would like, but that's something we can work on next month.
I am proud when he starts fussing and works it out on his own. It's such a cool moment when I hear him crying and then when I come to his rescue, he has already worked it out. Again, that doesn't always happen and most times he needs Mommy and pacifier intervention, but when he does work it out, it's great. I'm hoping it's a sign of things to come.
I am proud that more often than not, he does not cry when I change his diaper.
I AM PROUD OF MY TWO MONTH OLD BABY BOY.

Cute Connor with a puppy.

Serious Connor.

Sweet Connor.

Oh and I didn't even get to tell you that we visited Jeff's office today. It was a smashing success. He wowed everyone with his cuteness, plus, as per usual, they all loved his hair.

Connor got to have lunch in Daddy's office.

Take your son to work day.

Look at him mesmerizing the ladies in Jeff's office.

Sweet Gabe is a natural. Look out Gabe, babies are contagious. You and your wife might be next.

Wish us luck tomorrow at his two month doctor's appointment. He'll be getting a bunch of shots and Mommy's nervous. Stay strong Connor and stay strong Mommy.

Weekend Part 2

Well, Connor is asleep in his swing (yes, he still likes it, thank goodness), so I have the chance to send an update on our Sunday activities during our busy weekend. A picture speaks a thousand words so see my captions for all the details.

Over the weekend, Connor continued to like his swing and took multiple good naps in it. I cannot express how wonderful this is for me. He sleeps longer and it's hands free. Momma is very happy about Connor liking the swing.

It's so hot out and we can't do much outside, but on Sunday morning we decided to try Connor in the little baby pool I bought. Here he is prepped and "ready" to go.

Dad prepares the pool.

Connor's first moment in the pool.

It was a bit cold so he wasn't too happy at first.

So we decided to take the pool out of the shade so the water would warm up. One person held Connor and the other person cast a shadow over Connor so he wouldn't get a sunburn.

As you can see, this really helped. He liked it and sort of lounged in the water.

Sweet blue eyed boy.

Daddy supporting Connor in the pool.

I do think all the naps in the swing have helped Connor's temperament. Here he is smiling away for Daddy. As you can see, the burp cloth can never be too far away. He is a serious spitter-upper.

We tried Connor in the bumbo seat for the first time. He's not quite strong enough to hold himself up, but he didn't seem to mind. Look at that smirk. What a cutie.

Sitting up like a big boy. I like his one little elbow resting on the side. What a big boy.

We also hung Connor's block letters over his crib.

As you can see, Connor really likes them. Mommy does too.

On Sunday late afternoon, we had some people over to have dinner and to watch the PGA championship. (What an upset Tiger) Here Eliud and Andrea hold Connor. Andrea is 36 weeks pregnant with a boy, so Connor will have a little buddy very shortly.

Jeff, Jennifer and Don Papio, Andrea and Eliud Faz, and of course Connor enjoy some tasty appetizers and some "exciting" golf.

Well that's it for our fun filled weekend. Stay tuned for an exciting week as Connor turns two months old tomorrow and then Thursday is his big two month doctor's appointment where he'll get perhaps 6 immunization shots. Mommy is already a little nervous.

Weekend Part 1

Wow, well this weekend was so full, that I needed to break it up into two parts. I'll start with Friday and Saturday first. Friday, Connor turned 8 weeks old. Honestly, 8 weeks wasn't that climactic but it certainly makes me realize that in just a few more days (this coming Wednesday) Connor will be two months old and that sounds like something big. I'll spare you my thoughts on him being two months old until next Wednesday, but let me just say that I can't believe it. Have two months really gone by? Is my little boy growing up? Can I make time stop and keep snuggling my itty bitty baby? Ok, so I shared some of my thoughts. Sorry.

As you can see from the pictures, he's still a cutie and getting more alert every day. Plus he's getting stronger and is able to hold his head up more.


So Friday evening, our friends the Papio's stopped by. The exciting Connor related fact about Friday is that although we did rock him and hold him so that he became drowsy, we laid him down in bed with his eyes open to see if he'd put himself to sleep. Well wouldn't you know it...he did it. I mean he was clearly tired and he is definitely starting to know it's bedtime, but we still weren't sure. It was a great success.

On Saturday, we took our first set of professional photos with Connor. We went to JC Penny's. I was a little skeptical, because I mean, not to be a snob, but it is JC Penny's. We had heard from other people that they did a good job and we had a coupon, so we gave it a try. It was actually pretty great. The photographer was really nice and I think we got some cute photos. We took some with me, Jeff, and Connor and then some of just Connor. All my skepticism went out the window. Connor looked cute and actually behaved pretty well until the very end. But that's OK. We still managed to get some good shots. I would definitely go back to them.

We got home and then about an hour later, our friends Hope and Eddie came over to visit Connor and to just hang out. They stayed until it was time to put him to bed, so all in all, it was a very full day.

Our friend Eddie with Connor.

Our friend Hope with Connor.

Stay tuned for our full Sunday. It was a doozy. Until then, enjoy some more photos from Saturday.

Connor all stretched out on the changing table. I think he's showing off his muscles too.

We put Connor on the couch in sort of the groove between two cushions. He wasn't sure what to think of it at first. He looked kind of funny.

But then he started to like it.

"Yeah, this isn't so bad, although I'm starting to fall over a little bit guys."

"Ok, I really don't like this falling over thing."

"Ah, my pacifier."

Just a smiley guy.