Another fun weekend at home

We had another weekend at home, but no matter how free and clear we expect it to be, it always seems busy somehow.

Saturday morning we watched the Michigan game and played with Connor. We tried out his new jumperoo. He didn't really like it, but we have a feeling he'll warm up to it soon enough. See the photos below. On Saturday, he showed Daddy his rolling skills for the first time too.

Later in the day, we took a "fun" outing to Costco. I say "fun" in quotes because Connor wasn't feeling our little outing. He did fine, but towards the end, I had to take him out of his carseat and hold him and push the stroller seperately. Not the easiest thing to do around a mega store, but we made it out with lots of groceries and goodies. Costco is so dangerous.

After Costco, we went to a lovely apartment overlooking the Houston skyline to meet Jeff's boss' son, Samuel. Samuel is 2 months younger than Connor and he's a cutie. Samuel was adopted and his story is absolutely beautiful. He really was a gift from God to his parents. It was a fun party and Connor did pretty well considering he'd been out of the house since 2:30pm and we were at the party until his bedtime.

Sunday morning started off pretty well. The whole family went to the park to take a walk/jog. It was a very warm morning so we had really worked up an appetite, so we decided to try and have breakfast at IHOP. Connor started out very well, but soon after the food arrived, he started getting very fussy. First Jeff took him outside and then we swapped and I took him outside. We both ate our meals, but I certainly wouldn't call the meal a success.

This was sort of the beginning of the end for Connor. The rest of the day Connor was in a terrible mood. He was fussy and squirmy and generally unruly. During one screaming spell, Jeff and I got desperate, because he wouldn't nap, so we took him for a 30 minute drive to finally get him to sleep. It was rough, but he went to sleep that night and Jeff and I exchanged a high five after having made it through a tough day with a little baby. He certainly knows how to push our buttons when he wants to.

We did sort of think he seemed like his tummy was upset and I had started eating dairy again, so as hard as it is, I am back off dairy. No cheese, no milk, no ice cream...no dairy of any kind. Ugh, it's hard, but it's worth it to not have a fussy baby. I guess his little stomach is just not mature enough yet. I've been off dairy since Sunday night and both Monday and Tuesday were good days, so I'm going to keep this up, no matter how difficult it is. Here's to hoping for more happy days.

Connor Saturday morning in his Michigan gear. Yeah for a 4-0 start to the season. He's a lucky charm.

Connor trying out his jumparoo for the first time.

Look at his cute little booty that pokes through.

Jeff noticed that Connor's bald spot was highlighted prominently in the back by his hat.

How funny is that?! No hair right in the middle.

More playing with the jumparoo. He got tired of it pretty quickly, but we think it has potential. Stay tuned.

Connor in his first real Aggie hat.

I guess he likes it. Gig 'Em. Aggies are 3-0. Keep the lucky streak going Connor.

Connor and Samuel check each other out Saturday night.

Jeff's boss Jonathan, his son Samuel, Jeff and Connor.

Connor loves his feet. He grabs them and is trying really hard to get them in his mouth. He can't quite do that yet, but it's really cute to watch him try. He kind of pulls them towards him with his mouth sort of open. You'll get there buddy.

Connor sort of liked being held over our heads.

Wow, I'm so tall.

A sly smile after completing a roll.

Milestone Alert!

It's official, Connor can roll from his back to his tummy and sometimes, but not always, can roll back onto his back from the tummy position. He had been trying really hard to turn over recently, but not until this past Saturday did he really get the swing of it. He doesn't do it on command and he doesn't even do it that often, but at this point, it's clear that he is intending to do it. There is no accident here. Connor can roll over.

I have a ton of pics from this weekend that I still need to post about, but I just had to share this news, since I finally got a video of the big roll. The video isn't the entire roll, (i.e. it doesn't start from the full back position), because I never know if he's just going to his side or if it will be a roll. If I started filming him on his back, the video would have the potential to be 20 minutes of him just rolling to his side and then back on his back. Anyway, so it starts from his side, but you can see the roll action from there.



The photo below is one I took right after his rolling performance. As you can see, he's very proud of himself.

Professional Pictures

As I mentioned last week, last Sunday we got professional pictures taken by my friend Andrea. Because she used digital, we were able to pick up the pictures on Friday. Her only request was that we come over for a visit so that Connor and her son Joaquin, who is 4 months old, could meet.

It was really nice visiting with her and of course seeing the photos. She showed all 254 of them to me in a slideshow and I was floored. They are really beautiful. It just makes such a difference when a professional takes the photos. Not only is their equipment better, but they know how to use the best possible lighting. I was very pleased.

Below, you will see a peak at some of the photos she took. The hardest part is deciding which ones to print and frame. Luckily, that is not a bad problem to have. Oh and if anyone in the Houston area would like her contact info so that she can take pictures for you, please let me know. I'd be HAPPY to recommend her. She was super professional and the photos are great!

Joaquin with friend and photographer Andrea Rodriquez Dulany.

Connor and Joaquin checking each other out. "Who is this boy sitting in my chair?", says Joaquin.

Ok, he's cool. Let's be friends.

Here is just a brief sampling of photos from our photo session.

Busy week

So far we've had a pretty busy week. Monday night, Connor and I met Daddy at a charity golf tournament. We got to attend the dinner portion of the event. It's an unfortunate situation, because the wife of one of Jeff's college friends was diagnosed with two types of cancer. It's really sad, and it makes you think, because she is a young, healthy women. This tournament raised thousands for her treatment. Our thoughts are with you Misty and your family.

Connor got to visit with a lot of people who he hadn't met yet, which was really nice. We were kind of pushing into his bedtime, but the little boy did pretty well adjusting and only had a few crying fits. For the most part he did great. Everyone got to see how much he spits up, that's for sure.

Then yesterday, Connor and I surprised Aunty Kendall and attended her birthday lunch at a restaurant in town. I think we surprised her, because she seemed totally shocked to see us. Again, Connor did great and the restaurant they picked was perfect because it was casual and loud, so even if Connor fussed a bit, no one really noticed.

After lunch we stopped by Daddy's office to say a quick hi. Connor was asleep but at least Jeff got to see him midday which is a treat. Then, we took a chance and went over to Pottery Barn Kids and got a shower gift for Jeff's boss' new son. Connor and Samuel are just 2 months apart.

Although Connor's naps were a bit off, he did really well. I'm starting to wonder if the reflux medication is beginning to work, because I would say he has had more good days than bad since beginning the medication almost two weeks ago. I'm keeping an eye on it, but we shall see. So far so good.

Today, we were planning to have a girls dinner, but we rescheduled for next week, so today is just me and Connor all day. It will be nice to get a few things done at the house. Ta ta for now.

Chilling with Daddy at the golf tournament dinner.

Connor is showing his support by wearing green which is the awareness color for kidney cancer.

Connor says, "Mom, stop taking me all over town. Won't you just give "peace" and quiet a chance?"

Ok buddy, we'll stay home today. Peace out!

Fun weekend

This weekend was pretty full, but for the first time in about 3 weeks, it did not include any traveling, so that's a good thing.

Friday evening, about 2 hours before Connor's bedtime, my parents (Grandma and Grandpa Roach) drove in from College Station. They were flying to New York early Saturday morning and lucky for us, spending the night with us saved them time to get to the airport so we got to see them. Of course the big draw was Connor, but they got to see me and Jeff too.

They got a little time with Connor and got to observe our evening, bedtime routine. They commented how the blog does not do justice to his cheeks. Ha! They were also impressed by how big he is. I see him every day, but when you haven't seen him in a while, you certainly notice how much he is growing.

After bed, we had a fabulous meal and great conversation. It's nice that they live close by.

Saturday, Connor and I were on our own as Daddy was golfing. Since it was a nice day, instead of doing our walk around the neighborhood, we drove to a local park and walked there. Connor fell asleep about half way into it, so I think that's a good sign.

After our walk and a little nap, we hung out and played in the living room with the Michigan game on in the background. Again, Connor was a good luck charm as Michigan won its 3rd game. Later we ran to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Pottery Barn. Very exciting stuff, let me tell you. Saturday evening, Jeff and I were both exhausted, but we stayed up for a while watching some more College Football and then called it a day.

Sunday was pretty eventful too. Connor enjoyed being outside and watching Daddy mow the yard. I think he liked the buzz of the lawn mower. He still likes those types of noises.

After we all got cleaned up, we welcomed my friend Andrea over, who just so happens to be a professional photographer. It was really cool, because she hung out for nearly two hours taking mostly candid photos of Jeff and I interacting with Connor and lots of close ups of Connor just being himself. We did take a series of posed family shots, but I think some of the natural ones are going to look great too. Since the photos are all digital, we should get to see them as early as this week. I can't wait.

After the photo shoot, Connor took a nice nap and I ran off to the grocery store. Jeff cooked a yummy meal and then it was finally our chance to relax. Ahh, some peace and quiet.

It was a fun weekend and this week seems like it's going to be a busy one, so I'll be sure to update our blogging family.

Saturday morning, Connor, Maizey, and I took a walk at a local Sugar Land park.

Connor being a patient boy at Bed, Bath and Beyond Saturday afternoon. He is usually really good on our outings.

Saturday night, Jeff fed Connor by bottle. It was cute because he wrapped his little hand around the bottle. You'll be holding bottles and cups on your own soon enough little guy.

For Connor's final nap of the day on Sunday, Jeff got him to fall asleep outside on a towel.

Connor is looking very relaxed as he naps in the backyard.

No way...3 months old

Connor turned 3 months old today. Can you believe it? I know I can't.

My parents were in town last night for a quick stopover before they flew out of town early Saturday morning and we were reminiscing about what I was doing three months ago at that time. Although Connor's birthday was technically on Friday the 19th, most of the real action of my labor and delivery was on Thursday the 18th. That's the day I was induced. Connor barely made it on the 19th as he was born at 12:22 AM. We rehashed the memories and even though I was reminded of the severe pain, it did not change the fact that it was all worth it. Nothing good comes easy. He made me work for his arrival, but that made it all the more fulfilling and gratifying. I wouldn't change a thing about my experience.

In three months much has changed. Connor can now put pressure on his little legs. He is also so much more sturdy when you hold him as he can really support his head. He also is able to sit up without flopping over when you prop him up on the couch or in the bumbo seat.

He loves to suck on his hands and just recently he found his feet, which he stares at all the time. He hasn't tried to suck on them yet, like I've seen many babies do, but he is fascinated by them.

He has also begun sleeping in his big boy crib at night and what's even more impressive, he is actually taking naps in his crib too.

He "talks" a lot and it seems like every day we are introduced to a new noise. He's got this cute little scream even.

He is still a big boy and almost entirely made up of cheeks. He has even started wearing some clothes marked 6 months. Wow. I'm not ready for that.

He has also started to gaze at the pages of the books we read to him at night. It's just cool that he is starting to put two and two together. He is still not that interested in toys. Our faces tend to be the most interesting thing to him right now, although he is grabbing at toys more lately.

I officially have to watch his TV intake because a few weeks ago it was clear that if I had the TV on in his eyesight he would watch it. Connor doesn't like anything longer than 5 minutes, yet he gets into a baby trance when he watches TV. It's terrible. Now when he's awake we mostly listen to music. No couch potato baby for us.

He still has hair, although his bald spot in the back is getting bigger every day. He also still has beautiful blue eyes. I know they still have plenty of time to change colors, but for now I am appreciating them and staring at them as often as I can. Not to brag as a Mom, but we do get strangers telling us how cute he is very often when we're out and about. In my head I'm thinking, "Yes, I know I made a darn cute kid."

His personality is definitely starting to develop. Connor is a serious boy. When we get in groups he rarely smiles. Instead, he takes in the scene and just observes everyone. He's not necessarily sad or upset, just serious, maybe even a bit shy. Clearly he doesn't get that from me...ha! Our doctor has consistently told us how alert he is and I think he uses that skill to analyze his surroundings. I usually see the most smiles when it's just me and Connor at home. As long as I still get to see a couple smiles a day, I'm happy.

It still amazes me that he's been here for 3 months. I really can't imagine my life without him. As I said before, my labor and delivery process was challenging and Connor really made me work for him, and that much hasn't really changed. Connor makes me work for his affections every day, but like his birth, I wouldn't change him or our life together for anything. Taking care of this bundle of chubbles every day is my new job and for that I am very grateful. As he gets older, he won't let me snuggle with him as often, so I am going to take advantage of that while I can.

Happy 3 month birthday buddy. Mommy and Daddy love you very much. Thank you for joining our family.

Grandma Roach sees Connor for just a couple of hours Friday night. He's a lot bigger then when she spent a lot of time with us for the first 3 weeks of his life.

Even Connor is a little stunned that he's 3 months old.

There we go. He's pretty happy about it.

Jolly Michigan fan. He's a lucky charm, because Michigan is 3-0 for the first time since 2006.

This is a sight we see very often with Connor staring at his feet. "What are those things? Do they belong to me? How cool."

Connor will occasionally grab at a toy, but usually he just looks at them.

He holds his head up very well during tummy time but still no rolling over. Don't worry, take your time. I'm in no rush for a mobile baby.

Connor likes what we refer to as "flying baby." We can usually get a few smiles out if it.

Chillin' with Mateo

Yesterday, Connor and I spent most of the day settling back in at home, but we did manage to squeeze in a visit to see 3 week old Mateo and his Mommy, Andrea. At 3 weeks, Mateo is 8 pounds 4 ounces so even now he is smaller than Connor ever was, so I just can't get over how tiny he seems. He's very precious and Andrea and Mateo seem to be figuring each other out just fine. He seems to enjoy waking up for long stretches in the middle of the night, which doesn't make Andrea happy, but he'll soon grow out of that. As the "experienced" Mom, that's certainly easier said than done.

Andrea and 3 week old Mateo.

Connor and Mateo hanging out. Don't elbow Mateo Connor.

Little Mateo isn't quite ready to sit up yet. He's so much smaller than Connor, but soon enough they'll be playing together since they are only 2 months apart.

Sleepy Mateo.

As for Connor's sleeping, it's too early to call, but so far so good as far as him sleeping in his crib during naps. We discovered this amazing trick in Amarillo (see yesterday's post) and I have continued to have him sleep swaddled in his crib ever since. Today was the best yet, because as he was getting a bit fussy and he had been up for almost 2 hours, I swaddled him and sure enough his eyes started to get heavy and within minutes of laying him in his crib he fell asleep. The best part was that he slept for 2 full hours. It was awesome and I know the little man needs that sleep so it feels so good to find something that works for him and me. We'll see if this is just a passing fad, but I'll take it for now.

Getting good naps makes me happy.