1 Week Old....Holy "COW"

It is so hard to believe that 1 week ago, we were headed to the hospital to have our baby! I can't decide if the week has gone by quickly or slowly, but I know that it has been the most wonderful week of our lives and we can't even imagine life without our little guy.

We all came home from the hospital on Monday afternoon. C's weight dropped quite a bit from his birth (down to 5 lbs. 14 oz. from 6 lbs. 10.5 oz.) Weight loss is very common, but we supplemented with formula for a few days to get him to bulk up. :) The care we got at the hospital was absolutely fantastic, but we were excited to get home to get a little more uninterrupted sleep. We know that Connor will wake us to eat, for diaper changes, etc., but we can do without all the "vitals checks" and and random medical pop-ins that happen at the hospital every day starting at 6:30 am.Life at home has been great. Brian continues to do more than his fair share of baby care and I absolutely love to watch him hold Connor and be an absolutely wonderful dad. He has given Connor several sink baths since we've been home, and no, not with the Clorox wipes that are on the counter! My mom and dad have been in town preparing meals, cleaning and allowing us to focus on Connor while they take care of lots of the other stuff. My mom had lots of blue bows outside the house, a "C" wreath with sports stuff (for the hospital and now the front door), and a wreath on the mantle. My dad added more lights to a tree in the backyard that is lit up in honor of Connor's arrival.



I'm afraid Mitsy and Toonces felt a little replaced at first, but they are coming around. Last night, Brian and I were in the bedroom with Connor and my mom said M & T stood at the bottom of the stairs looking up because little C was crying. They've chosen to sleep elsewhere, but it has only been a week, so I expect they'll be back in bed with us soon. As long as we are able to keep the kitties out of the baby's bassinet, we'll be in good shape. Yesterday, both of them jumped up on the couch with us, so we were able to snap a quick picture with all 5 of us! Connor had his first doctor's appointment on Tuesday for a weight check and he was back up to 6 lbs. 3 oz. We just got home from another weight check and he is up to 6 lbs. 7 oz. The doctor was pretty amazed at that amount of weight gain in 3 days. Its amazing what happens when mom's "supply" comes in. :) The feedings have been going fine, but I'm afraid that after giving him supplemental formula for the first few days, he got spoiled by the flow of the bottle. So, at this point he gets a little frustrated and prefers to drink his "mommy juice" out of a bottle. Although not ideal, we are working on it and both of us are learning a lot. In the meantime, I will just continue to feel like a complete COW. I am thankful to have such an effective pump and even more thankful that our little guy is gaining the weight that he needs. He is still tiny, but his little cheeks are filling out and somehow the cuteness increases daily.

Starting yesterday, Connor is fighting clogged tear ducts. The clog causes an eye discharge that must look worse than it feels to him. He doesn't seem to mind, but Brian and I just hate it for him! The doctor looked at it this morning and we are just supposed to wipe it with warm water and it will clear up on its own....no infection or anything, but we still think our tiny man is such a trooper!

We were thrilled to have a few more guests at the house this week. Mary came over on Tuesday evening for dinner and Leslie and Cari came over on Wednesday. Our neighbors have been stopping by to give their congratulations and see the little guy. Of course we never get tired of hearing how cute he is and how he is such a good baby. Of course we agree. :)One surprise I wasn't expecting was that all his 0-3 month clothes absolutely swallow him! We got lots of gowns for him to sleep in and just hang out, but the necklines are almost boat-neck or off-the-shoulder. During an afternoon outing earlier in the week, my mom stopped at Baby Depot (Burlington Coat Factory) and picked up a few preemie outfits that actually fit him now. They are actually for weights up to 5 lbs, but he is so long and then that they fit great. It is nice that the little hats fit too....tough when his head is just about the size of Brian's closed fist!

Overall, life is great. Yes, we wake up several times in the middle of the night, but at this point, I really don't mind. I'm trying to savor all of this time while he is just a little munchkin. I know that he will not be like this for very long. I look forward to all of the stages that he will go through, but I want to cherish every moment...and of course photograph most of them. I hope you will enjoy getting to watch him grow and change too.

What a Day! Meet CONNOR!

Well, my two favorite men are taking a much needed nap....what a day!

Needless to say, when I woke up this morning, I never dreamed I'd be where I am right now...in the hospital, feeling really good with the most beautiful baby in the whole world to call me "mom". I'm not going to go into everything, but within 15 seconds of my ultrasound I knew that today was going to be different. Connor was very obviously breech. This explains the huge lopsidedness on my right size, his smaller movements and all of that good stuff. He was butt down and had both arms and legs up by his face. In addition to his breech position, the doctor told me that my fluid levels were unusually low, so a turning him was not an option at all. Brian was not with me at the doctor's office because we just thought this was a normal ultrasound, especially because they've been telling me for weeks that he was "head down". Anyway, it was a ton of information to process all at once. My low fluid levels and the fact that I was going to have to have a c-section anyway still didn't prepare me for the shock that they wanted the baby to be born TODAY and not just today....in a matter of hours. As soon as it was confirmed that there was an OR available, I called my mom and dad and told them to hit the road to head north. They are still in the car and will be here at the hospital at around 2:15 am. :)

As you can imagine, I was overcome with a ton of emotions. This was not what I was expecting at all. And although they did not say the words "emergency", I just got the idea that this needed to be taken care of sooner than later. Brian of course left the hospital in Cleveland (where he was working) and headed back home immediately. We actually got back to the house at the same time. I packed my stuff (a little frazzled...who knows what I will need that I don't have), we made more phone calls and then got in the car and headed to Akron City Hospital (Summa). Disappointment is not the right word to describe how I felt earlier today because I knew that I was going to have a baby! Who could be "disappointed" about that. But a part of me also was sad about the fact that I never had a contraction or experienced a labor pain at all. In a weird way, I felt like I was sort of cheating. However, I know that I did not "cheat" and today ended up being absolutely wonderful....we have a wonderful, beautiful, healthy baby boy and I can't even describe how much I love this kid already!

It all happened very quickly once we got to the hospital and Connor Patrick Nealon was born at 2:59 pm. He weighed 6 lbs., 10.5 ozs. and is 21 inches long! Brian watched him being born and all the surgical staff said he was wearing his feet as earrings! He is still pulling his feet up to his ears, with his really long legs! (the very last picture is one of my favorites!) And, as it turns out, his breech orientation was really a blessing in disguise. I don't remember what they called it, but it turns out that the umbilical cord was attached to the wrong part of the placenta. Long story short, had my water broken, I could have "bled out" and caused him serious distress. I probably would have then had to have an emergency c-section to get him out in a hurry. So, although I did not experience a "normal" birth experience, I am very thankful for modern technology and I really feel that God was looking out for us both. Oh, and although he is perfect to us, he still managed to have a slight cone-head....I guess that is what happens when his head is stuck under my right ribs for 10+ weeks!

I am feeling really great and still haven't gotten my head wrapped around the fact that I had major surgery today or that I am a MOM! It all just happened so fast. Dr. Ferris said I was in great shape (thank you...thank you :)) and that everything with the surgery went fantastic and he was extremely pleased with the incision, closure, etc. My IV is now out and I've been up and moving around already. The more I move, the faster I'll heal. :) So, although I might not have been able to kick labor in the butt, I plan on really nailing this whole recovery thing!

Brian has been really wonderful and has tried to be in communication with as many people as possible. He gave Connor his first bath, changed his first diaper, etc., etc. I love to watch Brian just holding Connor and smiling at all his little faces...scowls and all. :)

Overall, all I can say is WHAT A DAY! I am so happy, thankful, overwhelmed, and completely head over heels in love. Thank you for all of the supportive messages, prayers and happy thoughts. And praise God for internet at the hospital! Yay for 2008 technology!

Here are some pictures of our journey of the day. I look pretty rough, but I promise I feel good. My goal is to get at least one picture looking like a super model by tomorrow (inspired by Christine Mills....she rocked that categoy!) Love you all.
Last picture without a child!
Allison strapped in and ready to go! Smiling as always.
Tiny Connor showing off his flexibility
One of his first pictures
First family picture
Dad and Connor--Go Browns!
Mom's first time holding Connor
Baby without hat...not to be confused with the 80's band Men Without Hats--"We can dance if we want to....we can dance, we can dance, everything's under control...we can dance, we can dance, doin it from pole to pole"---now that I've got that song in everyone's head, back to the pictures.

Proud Grandparents in recovery room with Mom and ConnorNew Grandparents arrived at 3:30am to meet Connor for the first time--troopers!
Proud Dad and his little guy
Allison ordering room service--believe it was Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and gravy--I guess she felt Thankful :)
Dad changing Connor's first diaper (seasoned pro from having brothers 10 years younger)
Connor sleeping tight with a PERFECT position to receive a hand-off from his QB running through the left side of the offensive line. COVER THAT BALL CONNOR!!!
Dad and Connor after his feeding
Rough Day--Dad hanging on to the edge of the bed and giving the middle up to his 6 lb 10 oz baby!

Connor in the pike position--keep that flexibility and we'll see him in the 2024 Olympics!
New Family!

Aunt Jill and Connor with proud Grams watching
Uncle Skeety and his future golfing buddy.
Uncle Chris and his first nephew

Cari and Connor--looks like a pro!

Uncle Hags and Aunt Ann :)
C & Uncle Aaron--great timing on his trip up to Ohio from Philadelphia!
GREAT Auntie Sharon--another visit that was timed perfectly--she and Tracy (next picture) got to swing down to Akron to see us on their way home from Avon Lake to visit Grandma.

Cousin Tracy holding the little guy.

baby

baby is breech

going to hospital

having him this afternoon....

feeling lots of emotions all at once....

real baby pictures to come!

Blog — Private

No, the kid is not here yet.

I just decided I would take advantage of free time pre-baby and get all the e-mail addresses together and "invitations" sent out. Thanks for understanding.

I'm excited about my ultrasound in a couple of hours, I just hope everything is okay....

My Favorite Things — RANDOM

I'm sure many of you have just been bursting at the seams to find out what other "things" I enjoy so much. Well, I couldn't get my rattled brain organized enough to put things into categories, so this is just a bunch of randomness! So, the wait is over.....in no particular order, I love the following:

SHARPIES My inlaws think the fact that I have one at all times (it is on my keychain) is quite humorous, but you have no idea how frequently I use it! I love Sharpies of all kind, but I am a huge sucker for the big multipacks with all the different colors. The only ones I haven't tried out (but am anxious to) are the ones with the click-down thing....what is that called?! I really don't think my love for the brand has anything to do with the potent odor that is emitted, but I can't really explain why they make me so happy. When I worked at RLPG "in-house" in Maryland I noticed that most of the other designers also used the extra-fine-tip Sharpies as normal pens! So, I'm not the only one...perhaps it is an unspoken industry standard?! Well, as of 2 days ago I picked up Sharpie's latest addition to the collection, the "Sharpie Pen". Someone must have sent them a memo about our design department using them that way, and they created something just for us! I am VERY pleased with the product and love that it doesn't bleed through the paper! So, the next time you see one of those Sharpie keychains near the check out, if you don't already have one, pick it up....you'd be surprised at all it's many uses! (wow, long explanation...sorry)

EBATES I actually just got a check for $45.37 yesterday! For those of you that are not familiar, this is an online rebate site, that basically just gives you free money! I still am not exactly sure how they make their money, but I know they pass most of it back to ME! All you do is go to www.ebates.com before you shop online. Check to see if the store you are looking to shop at participates in Ebates. There is a long list of stores with a percentage listed next to each store (categorized for your convenience or you can just do a "search" for the store you are looking for). This percentage is the amount of "Cash Back" that is deposited into your Ebates account based on the order amount (before shipping). All you do is click on the link for the store from the Ebates site and it redirects you directly to the normal site....but it gives you a "tracking ticket" first so it keeps up with your orders. After a few days (up to 30), voila, the % of cash back appears in the account! Every 3 months Ebates issues you a check, or you can donate the money to the charity of your choice! See...SO EASY, FREE MONEY! I joined Ebates (for free) when we lived in Germany and I've "made" $347.36 for shopping that I would have done anyway. In addition, the company gives "Tell-A-Friend" credits for passing on this valuable information. No, that is not why I am including it as part of my "Favorite Things" post, but if you are interested, please use my yahoo e-mail address (let mek now if you don't know it) and we'll both get an extra $10! (it is usually $5 but there is a promotion going on) Again, that is NOT why I'm telling you about this, I just think it is a great thing and with the economy at its current state, who could say no to free money?! Let me know if you have any questions about it. (Some of my favorite stores that participate: Target 4%, Snapfish 10%, Shutterfly 8%, JCPenney 4%, Joann.com 5%, PetcareRx 12%, Victoria's Secret 2%, etc., etc. and a lot of the stores offer those valuable discount/free shipping coupon codes!)

APPLE/MAC I like to think that my graphic design profession helped aid me in being "cool" before the rest of the world caught on with the iPod craze. We all remember (if you are around my age) sitting in a computer lab in elementary school and learning the most basic functions on the oldest computers known to man....with tiny screens. Well, those were the first Macs I remember. I was reintroduced in college when a Mac laptop was a requirement for all graphic design majors. I personally think that that requirement alone made GD the most expensive major at the school. You could pay a lot of "lab fees" with $2000! Anyway, the combination of my own personal laptop and all of the Macs in the lab really got me hooked. I'll never go back! Since my first Mac laptop in college, I've now got a 20" iMac and a white PowerBook. I use both on a regular basis and love the features! I'm even brand loyal enough to get the AirPort Extreme wireless base station to use as our router (works GREAT, and is super easy). Needless to say, I am a fan. For all the designing I do, Macs can't be beat. I'm not going to go so far as to put an Apple sticker on the back of my car, but don't knock the people that do...at least they are passionate about something! (and of course I have an iPod too...not the latest and greatest, but it works... :))

UGA Wherever I've lived, whenever I see this symbol on a car, a t-shirt or a hat, it makes me smile. Let me just say from the beginning that I haven't always been a fan. Being born in TX, then living in MO, then to GA I didn't know which team I was "supposed" to cheer for. My parents weren't die-hard fans of anywhere and I really didn't care. When we moved to Georgia when I was in the 3rd grade, I just thought UGA was a "party school" and I wanted to go somewhere more "prestigious".....I wanted to go to UT(exas). Well, although I still support the Longhorns (I'm sure partially in part to the fact that I knew how to "Hook 'Em" with my fingers before I knew how to make a "peace" sign.....thank you Nanny & Hal) I now bleed RED & BLACK. Perhaps it was because the school gained a lot of accolades and got a much better reputation over the years and perhaps it was because I knew I could go there for "free" with the Hope Scholarship (thank you Georgia Lottery!), but by the time I was a senior in high school, UGA was the only place I applied. Considering that it has become more and more difficult to get accepted....I'm just lucky I got in...didn't have much of a backup plan....) At orientation, they teach all the incoming students how to bark. I felt like a complete idiot, but I've never been so proud to act like a fool....I'm a Bulldog. I realize that I've graduated now, but I will always be a fan. I tear up at the beginning of football games (that damn trumpet gets me every time), and get overly excited during the games. I love that students (okay, primarily "Greek" students) dress up for the games....in our Saturday finest of course.....regardless if it makes sense to wear a skirt, heels and pearls to a football game. I love all the tradition and that I got to be a part of it for 4 wonderful years. However, I think my favorite part about being a bulldog is the common bond and reminder it is of all the wonderful friends I made in college. I understand that I live in Buckeye country now and I am certainly a supporter of "the" state school here. I will certainly cheer for the Buckeyes.....as long as they aren't playing Georgia. I recognize and respect that Ohio State has outstanding traditions and is a fine institution, but you can still look for the UGA flag to be flying outside our house on big game days. Countdown to first game: 9 days! I doubt I'll get to see it up here...better have a baby in my arms anyway! Click here to view the schedule.

NEUTROGENA MOISTURESHINE SOOTHING LIPSHEERS I promise that the fact that Brian works for J&J and Neutrogena is a J&J company has nothing to do with this inclusion in my favorite things list. However, I will not lie....I got to try this one out for cheap because it was available in the "e-store" that Brian has access too through the company. Now I wish I'd ordered more! This little tube is the perfect combination of sheer color, balm, moisture and even has SPF 20 to protect from burn! It feels great on the lips and now it is always what I reach for when I'm not going for a "made-up" look but want to look a bit more polished. Overall, 2 thumbs up!

I'll add more later. These explanations have gotten lengthy.....sorry.

Ann's Birthday

Last Friday night, we went out to celebrate Ann's birthday. We went out to dinner and then to a bar called 69 Taps in Akron. A lot of Matt & Ann's other teacher friends came too and we had a good time. Don't worry, all the bars in Ohio are smoke free now, so no harm to me or the baby. One girl did light up, but Brian was quick to tell her to take it outside (always the protector). :)

Anyway, I thought I'd post a cute picture of the birthday girl with Matt, one of Matt & Brian (and their oh-so-genuine smiles), and then a classic Brian....he tends to pick people up.....pregnant people don't "fold" well. He was also shocked by my weight. I guess I should take it as a compliment that he thought I'd only gained 15 lbs.....wrong.....try 29. :)

Baby Bump Progression — 39 WEEKS

Well, this is the last one in the "bump" series. That bump better turn into a baby OUTSIDE the womb in the next few weeks or I am in serious trouble!

I went to the doctor this morning and my dilation is the same as the past 2 weeks and I am 75% effaced. Once again, the baby is measuring small...35-36 cm this morning, so I am going to have another ultrasound on Friday morning. So, I'm excited that we'll get to peek in on the little guy one more time before he arrives....it's been 19 weeks since I've seen his little face! (Not to mention, if for some reason the ultrasound tech. got the sex wrong at 20 weeks, we'll have a few days to turn "his" room into "hers"....) The doctor didn't sound too alarmed about his size so I am not overly concerned. He mentioned once again that the kid is very "low" but I can't feel any change and if he is so low, then why is he still hanging out under my ribs half the time?!

So, my next regular appointment is on Tuesday...my due date. Although I am very ready to not be pregnant any more, I also do not want to be induced if at all possible. Doc told me that he wouldn't even bring it up until I was 1 week overdue...that is September 2. So, we shall see.

In the meantime, hopefully he will "bake" until at least Thursday so my dad has a chance to get back to Georgia from a business trip. It will be less complicated if my mom and dad could just drive up together. :) After that....bring it on.

Let me also note that I am probably very stupidly not anxious or nervous at all. There is plenty of reason to be (although I know I can't do anything about it) but I think now that I'm not expecting the kid for another week, I don't even really think about going into labor. I just hope that if something does happen before then that it doesn't catch me completely off guard and scare the crap out of me!

Ok, that is all the baby news. I'll post a few of the ultrasound pics after the appointment on Friday.

My Favorite Things — FOOD

"Raindrops on roses....." Well, not so much raindrops on roses but I do love whiskars on kittens! As I mentioned in my last post I thought I would share some of my FAVORITE THINGS! I'm not sure how I am going to categorize everything, but I can tell already that this will be added to over the next couple of days as things occur to me....so look for edits. Besides, this is a good excuse to add pictures of items that don't include me, the baby or anything to do with the kitties. :) Just keep in mind, as I mentioned previously....it doesn't take much to make me happy. But don't expect this to be anything like Oprah's list...I'm way too cheap for that!

I will start with FOOD. (Hey, I'm pregnant....that is to be expected, right.)

ARTICHOKES....steamed in lightly salted water (sometimes with a little lemon), these were a treat growing up that I still love just as much to this day. (I remember having a tough time scraping all the goodness off the leaves when I was a snaggle-toothed little kid.) Now, I am almost willing to venture all the way to Trader Joes (over 30 min. away) just to get a 4 pack of the globes for $2.99. They are little, but that way Brian and I get 2 each. Oh, and that reminds me....for those of you that have never tried a steamed artichoke....the "heart" is the best part, but watch out for the choke! (When Brian had his first artichoke ever I didn't realize he had eaten as much as he had until I saw him struggling with the little hairs or the "choke" before he got to the heart....oops...)

LEAN GOURMET frozen dinners. I like these for several reasons, but I'm not going to lie...the fact that they are typically $1 is a big factor. The calorie count is low and although I'm sure they have more salt than I need, etc., it makes a great lunch or a snack that is speedy and more healthy than a bag of chips! I try not to call these "dinner" for Brian very often, but it has happened before and they are good enough that he doesn't complain. The only ones I really don't like are those that try to be Chinese food....everything else, especially the lasagna is good stuff!

CRYSTAL LIGHT or any generic version of the same concept. I think I started drinking this stuff by the gallon when we lived in Maryland. I can only handle so much water before I get completely sick of it and this is a great way of adding flavor without too many calories. I'm sure if I drank too much of the stuff the aspartame would probably kill me, but I can almost always guarantee that there is a big pitcher of it in our fridge at all times. Hey, it beats drinking something carbonated. Oh, and although I like the "On-to-Go" packets and the bottled Crystal Light, I've been drinking mine a little more diluted for so many years now that full strength is really too strong for me. Also, I just tried out the Giant Eagle version of Crystal Light in a flavor called "Green Tea with Honey and Lemon" and it is awesome...will get more the next time I'm at the store!

TAKE5. This is my favorite candy bar....hands down. How can anyone resist the combination of pretzel, chocolate, peanut butter, etc.? Brian loves them too and whenever we catch them on sale it is a dangerous time because we tend to stock up. The only sad thing is that for some reason they are becoming more and more difficult to find in stores. Halloween is typically an excellent time to stock up on the snack-sized variety, but it is only Halloween once a year....what are we supposed to do in the meantime?! I still love gummy bears and Skittles too, but my lovely little jaw condition prevents me from eating anything too chewy, so chocolate it is!

CHICK-FIL-A Of all the foods I missed the most while we lived in Germany, chicken biscuits and chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A were at the tippy-top of the list. I am typically a girl that likes all kinds of stuff on burgers or sandwiches...give me the works. However, with these items, I am a purist. I don't even need any honey on the chicken biscuit...as long as it is warm and fresh. I do add Chick-fil-A's "polynesian sauce" or their brand new "Chick-fil-A sauce" to the chicken sandwich, but that combination with the 2 dill pickles found on the sandwich is all I need. I appreciate McDonald's attempt at a "southern style" chicken biscuit and sandwich, and I admit that they aren't bad, but the key is the sauce....which McD's just doesn't have. Besides, who can top Chick-fil-A's waffle fries and even their awesome diet lemonade and an "Ice Dream"?! The only thing Chick-fil-A needs is a value menu...that and a location closer to my house! (I LOVED living within walking distance of Chick-fil-A when we lived in Williamsburg!!!)

SKINNY PANCAKES with PEANUT BUTTER and SUGAR-FREE SYRUP. I can at least attempt to makes these less horrible for me by using sugar-free syrup, right? :) I realize that this is an odd combination to most people, but you should try it...it's good. Although it was very long ago, I think I learned this trick from my friend, Tobie Bittle when I lived in Missouri as a little kid. The key is to make the pancakes more like thick crepes and to use peanut butter instead of regular butter...and then the syrup is key.....otherwise you'll look like a cat with peanut butter stuck on her tongue. I don't treat myself to these very often because Brian and I like different kinds of pancakes, but just thinking about it now.....sounds good to me.

BISCUITS and CHOCOLATE "GRAVY". This is much less disgusting than it sounds....in fact, it is awesome. Think chocolate sauce instead of gravy.....it reminds me of a homemade chocolate frosted donut with a little salt from the biscuit. This is a treat I always get to have when I visit my Granny out in west Texas. My dad grew up eating this concoction and although unique, it is fantastic. Again, not something I eat all the time (or I would weigh 200 lbs.) but I really do love it....probably partially for its uniqueness and partially because of the nostalgic association. I don't have a picture of the actual meal, but it is important to use Grands biscuits and Hershey's cocoa powder......and if you are a little kid....the biscuits have to be torn up before the "gravy" is added on top. I just started eating them in "halves" a few years ago. :)

G2. I can't believe I forgot about this yesterday! I know it is a beverage and not a "food", but neither is Crystal Light...so shoot me. :) I absolutely LOVE orange Gatorade, despite the fact that it was developed to help fuel athletes at the University of Florida. However, until discovering G2 this summer I hadn't had regular Gatorade in forever because the sugar content is so high and I'm sorry to say that if I'm going to work out hard enough to burn off all of those carbohydrates, I'd much rather get them via pasta than in a beverage. However, G2 is a low calorie version! It tastes fantastic. Right now there are only 3 flavors (to my knowledge): Orange, Grape, and Fruit Punch. Lemon-lime is my second favorite flavor so I hope that that one is in the works.

Ok, that is enough food for now......I'm making myself hungry. Oh, and these are in no particular order....just as they came to me. :)