Merry Christmas... and a Happy New Year!

                 
I cannot believe it is already 2013! This past year has been one of the best and craziest years of my life! We welcomed our wonderful baby boy in 2012 so this past year will go down in the books!

For Christmas this year it was my family's turn to host us. So off to Wisconsin we went... We traveled on a plane earlier this year when Connor was 3 months old so I wasn't too nervous about hopping back on the plane. What I have learned: traveling with a 7 month old is A LOT different than traveling with a 3 month old!!! It wasn't bad... he did very well, but he was just a lot more active this time around!

We made it safely to the frigid weather of Wisconsin and here are a few pics from our holiday!

Bowls full of excitement going on over here!

Yay! Thomas!

 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

The whole fame Sunday morning

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday!! May 2013 bring everyone exciting and new adventures!

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Month by Month... SO FAR!

Since I completely suck at updating Connor's monthly picture as well as his stats on this ole bloggy... I decided to just do a quick update to get everything current. I have all of his stats written in his baby book, and I am pretty sure no one really cares what size diapers he is currently wearing and his head circumference... please correct me if I am wrong... 

Fall Recap

 Wow... hello, long time no see... so as much as I try and say I am going to post more on this blog, and how I am going to keep up and really get into it, for some reason, it just doesn't work out. So... I did a little revamping to my site. Nothing too fancy, just a little bit of a fresh update and I will leave you with some photos are my little baby that seems to be growing a mile a minute!

We took Connor to a small pumpkin patch just for the memories for mommy and daddy. He had no idea what was going on. 

 He also had his first swing experience. He seemed to enjoy it even though he is still a bit too small =) 

It was still like 85 degrees the day we took him to the pumpkin patch so that is why his little toesies are hanging out. Apparently it doesn't cool down in Texas until like December.

For Halloween we didn't do anything crazy. I think Connor is still too young and has many years ahead of him to enjoy this holiday. He did, however, receive plenty of cute halloween outfits from his grandmas so we did play dress up and have a photo shoot...

He had a cute little candy corn hat, but his noggin was a bit too big for that =(

Until next time... thanks for stoppin' by!!

Connor's Birth Story... Part 1...

My little baby Connor is now 4 months+. I think I have finally got a grip on this whole new mom title and everything that goes along with it. I figured before life gets anymore crazy I should type out the day my sweet baby boy came into this world. It is still currently fresh in my brain, and sometimes I replay that day in my head and the days following over and over.

But first here is a little back information...

Me in San Antonio April 7th - 34 weeks prego

My official due date was to be May 18th which landed on a Friday this year. I thought for sure I would go beyond this date, because typically, that is was happens your first time around. I was nervous because my doctor {who assured me from the get go would be the one to deliver my baby} so conveniently told me at my second to last appointment that he had to be out of town that weekend and to rest assure his replacement would be prepared to deliver my baby if I were to go into labor. That is exactly what a very pregnant woman wants to hear... that I have gone through this whole pregnancy with you as my doctor, but there is a chance that you will not be the one delivering my baby... gee THANKS! I didn't really worry about that too much, because in my mind at that point my motto was "it is what it is."

I am blessed to say that I had a very easy pregnancy. I never got really sick in the beginning and didn't have any complications, concerns, weird test results throughout the whole nine months. At the last ultrasound appointment where they took a 3D or 4D whatever it is picture of the little guy which I think was like 34 weeks... he was already measuring to be 6lbs! I was semi relieved because at this point I had began to BLOW up so it made sense. But what made me nervous was if he was 6lbs already and he hasn't even reached the part where he grows the most, how much will he weigh at birth?! At this point... I am thinking that there is no way I will be able to push this baby out on my own!

Anyways... that being said about my easy pregnancy... the last two weeks of being pregnant were a mess! I had gotten orders to be on bed rest from the doctor so I left work and stayed home waiting for the baby. For some reason at this point I was constantly thirsty! (If anyone else experienced this please let me know) And when I say constantly thirsty I mean I pretty much was consuming some sort of liquid 24/7. I would literally fill up jugs of water and chug them down like a frat boy at a kegger. It wasn't just water... it was gatorade, MILK, soda, juice! You name it, I was drinking it. I got bored with water, so my favorites were chocolate milk and gatorade. When I wasn't drinking I was peeing! LOL I don't think I slept longer than 2 hours at a time the last two weeks... it was insane! I was finishing up the spring semester of school with an online final that was timed and I thought I would never finish because I kept having to get up and go to the bathroom! And to top it off... I couldn't walk!

Yes.. people warned me about the sciatic nerve pain. How debilitating and painful it was. I figured a little discomfort, no biggie, I can handle that... I waddle everywhere already! BUT OMG! The pain I had in my left hip/leg was unreal! I couldn't walk! The last few days of my pregnancy I was crawling up the stairs. I made my final grocery run before going into labor and I had to use the cart as a walker. After I loaded the groceries (which consisted of 90% liquids for me to devour by lunchtime) I burst into tears from the pain. At that point I told myself I was sitting put until this huge little nugget decided to come out.

So this is pretty much the weeks/days leading up to the day. I will never forget how much I drank in a matter of 2 weeks! My husband and I still joke about it and he is just amazed at what he witnessed. He knew I was back to normal when he started finding half drunken beverages throughout our house.

This concludes part 1 of my birth story. I didn't anticipate sharing this part, but I think it is vital for the rest of the story. Please stay tuned for part 2... and possibly 3? Not sure.

=)Rachel

Wordless Wednesdays

=) Rachel

Two Months {Baby}

Two Month Stats:

Height: 

Birth: 19 1/2 

2Weeks: 20 3/4

2Months: 24 1/4

Weight:

 Birth: 9lbs 

2Weeks 9.6lbs 

1Month: 11.4 lbs  

(per our home scale, not 100% accurate)

2Months: 14.3

Hair color: 

Light brown/blonde

Eye color: 

still dark blue

Clothing size:

You are too big for your 0-3 month clothes. 3 Month clothes fit just perfect and I started bringing out 3-6 months, but I don't think you are ready for those quite yet.

Sleep:

You have become much more consistent when it comes to your sleeping schedule. After your last feeding which can be anywhere between 11:30 and 12:30 you go to sleep and sleep through the night!! You usually wake up between 6 and 7:30 in the morning. The other day you even slept until 8:15am!! I can't quite get you on a consistent nap schedule, but you do tend to always have an afternoon nap around 3-5pm. 

Eating:

I stopped nursing you at the end of this month. I wanted to make it longer,  but I am proud of myself for making it this far. We made the decision that this was the best thing. You are a good eater and unfortunately I couldn't keep you full!! So you are now eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and then you are able to go the long stretch at night. 

Random Milestones:

This month you have really began to smile and laugh. You smile at everything, but you especially love ceilings! You are still doing really well on your tummy and when we carry you, you are able to hold your head almost completely on your own. I tried putting you in your bumbo chair, but it is not for you quite yet.

Favorite activity:

Granny and Papa from Houston sent us home with a play mat that lights up and plays music and you really enjoy that. You are slowly becoming more interested in your toys. You definetly enjoy listening music. 

Firsts:

First Houston visit

First Trip to Babies R US

First trip to the mall

One Month {baby}

As I start typing this... it is 3:30am and you just got done eating (at least I think you are done - you could wake up any second screaming for more) and you are laying in my arms. I cannot believe it has been a month since you came into this world. You have already changed so much and are growing into a little man b4 my eyes. Our days fly by and I am still not quite sleeping enough so I want to make sure I don't forget a thing! You have changed my life so much in the past month and I cannot imagine my life without you. As much as I cannot wait for you to grow and watch you change, I don't want you to get big. You are the biggest cuddle monster and I could literally spend the entire day holding you and cuddling you. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and love you so much! Happy 1 month birthday Connor!
Love, Mommy & Daddy

One Month Stats:

Height: 

Birth: 19 1/2 

2Weeks: 20 3/4

Weight:

 Birth: 9lbs 

2Weeks 9.6lbs 

1Month: 11.4 lbs  

(per our home scale, not 100% accurate)

Hair color: 

Light brown/blonde

Eye color: 

still dark blue

Clothing size:
Can still fit into Newborn if he wants to look like a member of the Jersey Shore cast, 0-3 months fits perfectly, but he can fit into his 3 month clothes with a little extra room to spare.

Sleep:

You are still all over the place when it comes to sleeping. I can't quite get you to be consistent. One thing I can say is that whenever you are in my arms you fall asleep very quickly. You had one night last week where you slept the entire night. Sad thing is, I did not. You do not like to be swaddled anymore, so I always worry you are never warm enough, but you are. You have started to stay awake for most of the day with only two real big naps. And slowly you are sleeping for longer stretches at night. 

Eating:

You are an eating machine! My plan was to EBF and my first goal was to make it 8 weeks. Well, you lost 10% birth weight at about 4 days after you were born, so I was instructed to supplement formula after each feeding. After getting your weight back up and meeting with a LC I went back to EBF. At your 2 week check up your weight was up to 9.6lbs! Yay! But after or during your 3 week growth spurt, you just were not getting satisfied with my BM alone. We would spend hours on feedings and you would eat every 2 hours and just not get full. So now I am supplementing again. I am OK with that b/c the majority of your food is BM with a little formula to top you off. I want you to be full and happy and if that means you need to eat formula too, that is what we will do! So, for now you are BF and FF. Not sure what the future will bring. 

Random Milestones:

You are a very strong baby. You love to grip and hold on to whatever you can get a hold of (mostly my hair!!) You are able to hold your head up for a short period of time when we do tummy time. If I would let you, I am sure you would try and hold your bottle on your own. You also LOVE to look at the world around you. I catch you being mesmerized by whatever is catching your eye. You LOVE ceiling fans and the painting that is hanging in our living room. You are able to recognize mine and dad's voices. Whenever your dad comes home your head perks up and tries to find where he is. (you did that in my stomach too... you would always move to where his voice was and kick) I catch you smiling (even though I know they are not true smiles yet, I love them just the same) Grandma swears she hears you laugh... but I don't believe it. You stretch your vocal cords at every chance you get... I have a feeling you are going to be a talker! Of course everything you do, I think is amazing! =)

Favorite activity:

You love to be in your swing! I wish we had a swing in every room so I didn't have to move it around so much. It is the only way I can get a shower in without you going nuts!   You also LOVE music. Grandma plays the baby Einstein play list on Pandora, and that seems to get you to calm down. Your dad bought a horse that is black and white and vibrates when you pull on it, and that just fascinates you so much - which is good because it took him like an hour to pick it out! =) 

Firsts:

First doctors appointment

First real shot =(

First outing with mom

First crying breakdown in public (fun times!)

First bath

First blow out diaper (a story your dad and I will NEVER forget)

I still cannot believe you have been in our lives for one month! I am grateful for every second we spend together. I am trying to capture every second of our time together because the next thing you know - you will be off to college!

HAPPY ONE MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!

=) Rachel 

Stoppin' By to Say 'Hi'

The Last almost 4 weeks has been a crazy and wonderful journey! Needless to say my little guy has consumed 100% of my time - but since he is so adorable I cannot resist showing him off... so we just decided to come and say HI!!! 

Talk to ya'll soon!

=)Rachel (&Connor)

He's Here!!

Connor Joseph Donahue was born May 15th 2012 @ 4:36 p.m. Weighing in at 9lbs. and 19 1/2 inches long!!!

1 CM.!!~!!

Good Morning!

It is currently approx. 4:45 am and I am wide awake! =( not cool!!! But since I have exhausted all of my other forms of useless activities to occupy my time, I thought I would do something useful and BLOG! I know I went M.I.A. again... but as of today I am officially 37 WEEKS PREGGO!!! yay! The last month has been nothing but getting everything ready to go for this little guy... and yet I seem like I have nothing ready.

I am officially out of commission as far as work goes... we are now down to a one income family - which leads itself to a whole other set of issues and anxiety. But I know we will be just fine!

My mom, brother and I visited San Antonio back over Easter weekend... I don't think I have ever been so swollen in my life! I will share some pics of that event with y'all.

So... getting back to the title of this bloggie... which I am sure caught your attention because of its riveting creativity! I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday (I am now down to the weekly doc appointments) and I found out that I am officially 1 Centimeter dilated! I don't know about you guys... but for me that feels like an accomplishment! The prior week there was no glimpse of any sort of progression, and a week later... ta da! 1 CM. I know that I can very well just stay this way up until I am full term, but as of right now I will take what I can get!

I just wanted to touch base with you guys and let you know I am still breathing... I will leave you with a little to-do list of things I should probably get done in the next 24 to 48 hours!

- Pack Baby Bag

- Pack Hospital Bag

- Install Car Seat 

- Wash ALL of baby's clothes and blankets

- Take as many naps as I can before baby arrives!

=) Rachel

1st Trimester.... or 3rd?!

So as I approach 34 weeks (hooray!) I am starting to feel like I have a case of Deja Vu!!! Waking up each morning takes a little more effort and it seems that I have a bad case of nausea each sunrise!!! hmmmm extra tired and nausea? This can't be... a repeat of the 1st trimester... yes, unfortunately IT IS!!! My 2nd trimester was a breeze!!! The worst part was when I caught a nasty head cold that knocked me on my booty for a couple of days... but this... this is much worse! I went to the doctor today and begged him to tell me that I have a high chance of going into labor next week!!!... YEAH RIGHT! I have no sign of contractions and my cervix hasn't budged AT ALL! It looks like I am in it for the long haul! I know I want my baby to cook for as long as he can... but you couldn't pay me to get up every morning and go to work! (oh wait, i guess i already do get paid to wake up and go to work)  I am so exhausted. 

We did however get to take one last peek at our little munchkin on the ultrasound... so far he is in the 73rd percentile weighing in at a major 6lbs!!!! This little man is not messing around! I am guessing by the time I give birth that he will be at least 8 lbs. I am shocked because this is my first baby and me and my husband were just around 7lbs at birth. I didn't think he would be that big. They gave us 3d ultrasound pics but our little guy didn't feel like cooperating (hmmm stubborn like his dad much) all the pics ended with parts of his cute little face covered by his arm. He did not want to come out and play. So I have another appointment in 2 weeks and then begins the once a weekers! I am so anxious for this little guy to come... we've read the books, took the classes and got his room almost 100% complete!

Have a good night!!

=)

Week.... 31!

OK.... So I am completely aware that the last time I did a Weekly update was from Week 28. But, I am not going to lie, I fell behind and instead of catching up, I am just going to start back up where I am right now. To be honest, I can't even remember the specifics from the previous weeks... they all seem to blend in together, so when I am answering the questions for week 31 I may incorporate things from Weeks 29 & 30 that I remember. =)

How far along? 31 Weeks 6 days
Maternity Clothes? Still mixing and matching maternity and non maternity... it is getting much warmer so I did pick up a few more warm weather maternity pieces so I am more comfortable
Stretch marks? None to report
Best moment of this week: Our Crib came this week, my in laws are visiting this weekend, so we will put it together then.
Miss Anything? Not really... I am able to sleep anywhere anytime for the most part and other than that I keep slowly and slowly getting bigger nothing has really changed
Movement: Yes... and now that he is getting bigger there will be times I look down at my tummy and it looks like there is a sea creature causing my stomach to make ripples and waves
Food Cravings: I have been craving sweets now more than usual... but nothing CrAzY
Anything making you queasy or sick: No... I still get a little nauseated in the morning if I wake up hungry.
Have you started to show yet: Um... Yes. And apparently I have gotten "REALLY BIG" ugh I love people's comments (NOT!!)
Gender: Boy... although in a few weeks I will have another ultrasound, so I will make them confirm that.
Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? It is still in which I am very surprised/pleased about. It definitely has almost leveled out, but it is not protruding like through shirts or anything!! But definite alien type qualities.
Wedding rings on or off? Still on. But if I get really hot I have to soak my finger under ice water to get it off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy... but now that delivery is creeping up I am very anxious and nervous
Looking Forward to: Getting the nursery 100% done. We have our last set of visitors this weekend, so we will remove the bed and start organizing and setting up the baby room! It will give me a little piece of mind.

I go back to the doctor later today. Usually I am spending more time in the waiting room than with my actual doctor. Nothing exciting to report. Everything is normal and perfect and nothing to be concerned about. I know that I should be completely grateful for this, but for some reason I just feel like if I am going to the doctor every other week now, shouldn't it be for a good reason. I have definitely become a pro and peeing in a cup that is for sure!! =)

I have like 5 posts that have been started... but not quite finished - so my goal for this weekend/early next week is to get some of those posted. I have received my first Blumm box and my second one is on its way...so I want to share all of my goodies with y'all and as well as the nursery progression. I have been taking pics so hopefully I can show you where we started and how far we have come!!! Sheesh! So much to do!!

58 More Days!!
But more importantly: 40 more Work days!!

 

=)Rachel

Random Belly Pic!

This picture is actually the one I talked about in the post below... I found it on my cell phone. It was originally taken back on January 29th. So my belly has grown quite a bit. Please don't mind the very serious look of concentration on my face! =) and you can take a peek at the stroller and car seat that we picked out as they create a wonderful back drop for this pic! LOL. I never said I was a photographer!!!

Hope you enjoy!!!

=) Rachel

Week 28!!!

How far along? 28 Weeks 6 days

Maternity Clothes? Yea I still mix and match maternity and non maternity

Stretch marks? Not that I can see.... 

Best moment of this week: Probably my parents visiting and getting the room painted... it looks AMAZING! I am very happy with it.

Miss Anything? Just my energy still... as I get farther along it seems to slowly diminish

Movement: YES YES YES... he has created a home on the right side of my tummy and plays jungle gym with my ribbies! Yikes

Food Cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Oh yea! I found a pic of me from late January and the change in belly size is Crrraaazzzzy!

Gender: Bouncing baby boy

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In!!!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on. Gets a little tight after a long day.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy... but I will admit that I have my moments where I break down a little

Looking Forward to: This little nugget to make an appearance into the world...although i still have a long ways to

I promise I will spice up my posts! I was doing sooo well!! But I have pics that I want to post and it takes me forever to edit them and I have done some serious slacking... I am slowly trying to get all my weeks updated and posted!! 

=)Rachel

Week 27

How far along? 27 Weeks 6 days
Maternity Clothes? Yea - I finally invested in a belly band... not sure why it took me so long, but it definitely helps with the dress pants I have to wear to work.
Stretch marks? Nope - but I keep reading that a lot of people get them when they are actually having the baby, so I am not out of the woods yet.
Best moment of this week: Getting ready for my parents to visit.
Miss Anything? Just having a lot of nonstop energy... or at least drinking my sugar free red bulls that imitate that nonstop energy
Movement: Yes... as he is getting bigger and the available space for him is getting smaller I can feel him not just kick... but actually like move around, it's really cool. I wish I could see what he was actually doing in there.
Food Cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Have you started to show yet: Sheesh... I hope so, otherwise I have acquired some weird disease causing my stomach to expand
Gender: Still a Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In!!!
Wedding rings on or off? Still on. Gets a little tight after a long day.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy... but full of anxiety
Looking Forward to: my parents visiting and finally turning our plain spare bedroom into a nursery!

=)Rachel

M.I.A.

Yikes! so the last week has been crazy! My parents came into town on Wednesday so all of my time has been devoted to hanging out with them and catching up - I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving!!

We were so lucky and thankful that while my parents were here they PAINTED THE BABIES ROOM!! I have before pictures of the walls/baby room so I will show the before and after!! Things are starting to slowly come together. We picked up a few more "essentials" for the little bundle.

Also... I received my first Bluum box in the mail last Wednesday, once I actually get a chance to really look at it, I will share it with all of you!

Hope everyone is having a great start to their week!

=) Rachel

Week 26!

I was so determined to get a picture up with this week's update... but sadly I did not!! My hubby promised to help me take a pic this weekend so I can add with next weeks!! So I am keeping my fingers crossed that actually happens!!

How far along? 26 Weeks 6 days
Maternity Clothes? Trying to wear my leggings as much as I can... and YES - I do wear my leggings as pants... I cover up my booty of course... but get over it!
Stretch marks? Not that I can find
Best moment of this week: When my husband was able to not just feel the little guy kick, but feel him actually moving around in my tummy.
Miss Anything? Not really...
Movement: Yes, Yes, YES! He is an active little guy, I am afraid I will have my hands full in a few months
Food Cravings: Not a single one =( I have recently started getting acid reflux, so I have been keeping an eye on what I am eating to see what causes it.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really... except for whatever is causing my terrible acid reflux... the nausea I was experiencing last week really hasn't bothered me this week, must have been a fluke thing.
Have you started to show yet: Yup.. I am still getting people that are now just realizing I am pregnant... um duh! Then I am getting the people that think they have known me my whole life and start talking to me about being preggers... ugh
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? It is still officially in!!! But it is definitely leveling out!!!
Wedding rings on or off? Still on. Gets a little tight after a long day.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy... people at my work seem to think otherwise, but really I just don't want to be at work! (but who really does)
Looking Forward to: Him actually being here! I don't know if I can wait another 3 months!!! It feels like FOREVER!

I go to the doctor again next Friday and I will be taking the dreaded Glucose test... I have a morning appointment so I hope that works in my favor. I keep reading where people who you wouldn't think would fail have... so I just hope I pass... I really don't want to have to take the 3 hour test!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend... I will be spending the majority of it painting and clearning to get ready for my parents' visit. If we get a nice chunk of the room painted I will post pics for you to see.. You will also be able to see what color we chose!!!

=)Rachel



Happy Valentine's Day!

So I know yesterday was actually Valentine's day... but instead of blogging, I thought it might be nice to enjoy our last "alone" Valentine's day with my hubby! We exchanged our small gifts (nothing crazy) and he made me his specialty! Chicken Kiev...

Sorry the picture isn't the greatest... But it was definitely YUMMY!!! He slaved in the kitchen and even offered to clean up!! He is the best!!

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day or Anti Valentine's Day whichever you prefer!!

=)Rachel

Sitting is Overrated!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday! I know I am excited for the weekend... I am hoping to accomplish a few things for the baby, however this work day cannot be over soon enough!!

Today marks the first day of week 26! In two weeks I will begin my third trimester (I think!?)... but I am pretty sure the symptoms of the third trimester have snuck up on me a little earlier... For some reason, today I just cannot sit still. I cannot seem to get comfortable in my work chair and find myself tossing and turning to find a comfy position. I feel the urge to get up and walk around like every 5 MINUTES!!! It is driving me insane! Baby D must have had a growth spurt over night because I just feel so uncomfortable!! He is also VERY VERY active today! One minute he is up by ribs treating them like punching bags, the next he is in my lower pelvis kicking me! This is not helping at all when it comes to getting comfortable!

I had mentioned in my weekly update that I have been feeling slight nausea in the morning... and this morning was no better. When I went to brush my teeth I am pretty sure I gaged like 5 times. NOT COOL.

I have been blessed thus far to have had a smooth pregnancy with no real complaints... I think I might have spoke too soon. =) I am hoping these last three months fly by as fast as the first three months!

Thank goodness for Pinterest... it always know the right things to say...

 I might treat myself to a yummy cupcake this weekend!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

=)Rachel