Our Little Trooper/Frogger

11 Days Old

Connor had an ultrasound on his hips this morning because of his breech presentation. If you were stuck with your feet up by your ears for weeks and weeks, your hips might be a little out of socket too!

Anyway, although he was up last night right before midnight for about 2 hours, he got a bath this morning, ate, and then slept through his entire ultrasound on both sides! He did pee at the very end soaking the table and got his little outfit wet (note to self: add extra outfits to the diaper bag), but he did great. We should find out on Friday if he needs any sort of treatment for his hips/legs. Apparently, if there is a problem it only involves some cloth straps and velcro since the bones haven't completely formed yet...no surgery or crazy leg braces or anything like that. It is much better to catch it at this stage than later on. I will note that his leg movement on both sides has gotten a ton better in the last 12 days. He kicks his legs out a lot when he sleeps and likes to kick me too! However, he is still our little "frogger".

Love the legs...and the little mullet he's got going on. His skin is just so soft!
(Don't worry we don't think he is suicidal, trying to smother himself in the pillow...we didn't let him stay like this for long!)

Everything else seems to be going well. My parents are planning on leaving in the morning, so that will be the real test...taking care of him on our own! No more handing him off to someone so I can go to the bathroom or get something to eat, etc. Of course we'll figure it out like everyone else, but it has been great having them around since he was born. (big hug)

Yesterday evening he clasped his hands together with his fingers intertwined....cutest thing ever!

Told ya....cutest thing ever!

Danny Votruba stopped by on Sunday afternoon and held the tiny man for a while on the back porch. Danielle, somehow we missed getting your picture, so you just have to come back and visit!

It is probably just gas, but his little smiles are priceless regardless.

I just think this little sleeping video is sweet. I know he won't be this tiny forever.

Yes, we do clothe our child, but it is hot today and after he peed on his outfit at the ultrasound we just let him hang out in a diaper for a while. I took this video during one of his naps. If you listen very closely there is a little commentating going on, but I was whispering so it might be tough to hear. You'll notice that his umbillical cord fell off yesterday. YAY! No one told me that thing was going to stink! We are all glad it is gone and look forward to giving him tub baths soon.

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. :)