Bubbles

A big 'Thank You' to Grandma Jenny for the bubble bath. 

Connor wasn't too sure about it at first, but then he couldn't stop smiling

The Young & The Restless

No, I'm not blogging about a Soap Opera, although sometimes I feel there is enough drama in my life to make it one!

Recently (I'd have to say the last month and a half) our little one has had trouble sleeping soundly through the night. We were doing very well, all of us getting a full night's sleep without interruption until Connor got a little cold. Since then, Brian and I are up with him at least twice a night. Now, I shouldn't complain, since many families out there are up more than that a night with their infants, but once you get used to something, it's easy to long for it to return.

It's not that Connor is in need of a bottle when he wakes...most of the time he screams out and once we get to his room, he's sound asleep again. Initially, we knew it was because he was stuffed up and had a hard time breathing because of his cold. But after he was better, we thought it was an ear infection--but out wonderful pediatrician said his ears looked perfect.  So, our last thought is that he's teething--but there are no teeth to show for it yet. We are at the point where we will try anything until it works.

So, here we are, early on a Saturday morning, exhausted, frustrated, and just down-right annoyed by the restless nights we are having.

Last night was the worst of them all. Connor woke shortly after I came to bed (yes, I am a Jamie Oliver fan and HAD to stay up to watch the new episode), and it was a quick fix of patting his back to get him settled again. Twenty minutes later, his sheets were soaked, he was screaming and I couldn't find any pj's that would fit him (I'm a little behind clearing out his dresser of things he's grown out of...I've learned my lesson!). Once he was dry and snuggled in a blanket there was still nothing I could do to console him.

Bottle time.

He fell asleep in my lap, and I continued to rock him for a half hour. Back to bed I went.

Thirty minutes later... more screaming!

Teeth coming in? Maybe...

Baby orajel, which he hates and begins gagging and crying.

More rocking and singing

As his sobs turned to deep breaths and his deep breaths turned to rhythmic breathing, I was so worn out and tired that I almost wanted to just sleep upright in the rocking chair.

While the most terrible part of the night was over, it wasn't OVER yet, because I got up with him another three or four times to calm him before he woke at 615 AM, ready to get up. Brian and I were so tired that we laid there, listening to him talk for a while. Finally, I gave in at 640 because he was scratching on the wall between our rooms, REALLY ready to get up.

As I am writing this, he has just fallen asleep upstairs for his morning nap.


I'm hoping it's a long one.

Sweet Tooth

Guess Connor's gonna be more like me than we thought. Brian thought it would be interesting to see what he would do with a little ice cream.

hm...pretty good

More please!

yum-o!

I need MORE!

We have created a monster!

PJ's

Ever tried to snap your screaming, squirming child into pj's? When Connor was littler (read immobile) it wasn't difficult to get him into his pj's at night, but things have changed. He is constantly trying to sit up, roll over, grab at the lotion, or pretty much squirm any which way he can manage. Putting on pj's has become a tremendous chore. It's amazing how long it takes to align 13-15 and successfully connect each (yes, I count them each time).  Why can't I find more jammies with zippers? Why is it that zippers are non-existent until size 2T? 

One Fish, Two Fish

Connor and I have swim lessons every Monday and Wednesday for the next few weeks. He seems to be unsure on Monday, but by Wednesday, he's all about splashing, screaming, and engaging with the other babies. Pretty soon he'll be swimmin' like a little fish!

There are a few wonderful things about baby swim lessons:

1. The pure joy in his whole body when we walk into the pool area

2. The quality time we get to spend together

3. The excitement of seeing him actually learn what to do in the water

4.  And lastly, the exhaustion that follows--

Brian and I were able to eat dinner before he woke from his nap!

our first Easter

Today, the Easter Bunny visited, not once, but three times -- what a lucky kid. We had our family over for brunch, and everyone stayed until about 330 playing card games and lounging around. Connor was lucky to get some new clothes and many new books. Overall, it was a wonderful day.

Basket 2

new shoes

Welcome to our Blog!

So, even with all my doubts and anxiety over adding yet another thing to think and worry about, I broke down and started a blog. Who knows if I'll keep up with posting all the time, since I find it hard to follow through with anything that seems frivolous. But I will put my best foot forward and attempt to keep everyone updated. First things first. Let me update you on the ins and outs of our Little Vern, Connor David: He is 6 and half months old and changes from day to day. My parents were not kidding when they said  kids grow like weeds. A few of his accomplishments to date are

1. sitting up independently--although he topples easily 
2. eating solid foods--he just started putting those little puff cereals in his mouth and eating them without gagging 
3. scooting on the floor--he even gets his knees under his butt
4. sitting up in the bath tub like a big boy
5. sleeping through the night (well, most of the time) 
6. singing along with music
7. drinking out of "real" cups