Sick Bug

It has finally happened. Connor has gotten sick. To say that this has not been one of the more stressful weeks we have had since his birth would be a lie. Although Connor has dealt with his share of issues (Colic, reflux…), this is the first time he has “come down” with something. It all started last week. On Monday (which happened to be Valentines Day), Kristin took Connor in for his 4 month wellness checkup. It is hard to believe I just wrote that. It really does feel like just a few days ago I was sending out text messages that he had been born. Anywho, the 4 month checkup is accompanied by shots. Connor, being the trooper that he is, took them in stride and went on with his day. Later that night, mommy and daddy were getting ready to go out to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants (Palm American Grille) when we noticed that Connor was looking a little down and had a slight fever. That "down and out" and slight fever has led to 3 more visits to the Doctor with another scheduled for Saturday morning. Connor has a viral cold and an ear infection. Our poor little guy is on so much medicine it is amazing. It kills me to look at him and see his poor little nose running and his cheeks flush and rosy. Despite it all, he is trying his hardest to be a happy baby. Don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of cry fests but when that is not happening he is smiling and playing the best he can. What a 2 weeks it has been. I won't even mention trying to sleep at night...

On a more positive note, Spring Training officially kicks off for the Petersen’s when the Red Sox take on Boston College on Saturday afternoon. I am really excited and Connor has no idea what is about to happen. If I had my way, Connor’s first full sentence would be “Yankees Stink!” (and that's the nice way to say it). I know that won’t happen, but it will be a very familiar phrase in our household, so I won’t be surprised if he learns that young. I have already taken the liberty of laying out all of Connor’s Red Sox clothing and planning ahead for when he should wear it (everyday from now until November when we will celebrate their World Series win together).

I understand now when I hear a parent say there are very few things worse than a sick child. I know he will get better and this is not a serious illness but just looking at him and knowing that he feels bad makes me feel bad. Everyone has really come together to slow down and care for him. Errands can wait, he comes first. I want my little buddy to get better and get back to his happy self. Hopefully this weekend will do the trick.

Doogie Howser

WHAT AN AMAZING 2 DAYS!!! My little Valentine has been advancing and reaching milestones at rapid speed. Yesterday, February 13, we discovered that all of Connor's noshing on things has not been baby curiosity, but actual teething. He's been putting everything in his mouth the past few weeks and the drool has been monumental, but we didn't think it was real teething. Surely it was too early for him, surely we just came through the "C" word, surely he's still overcoming reflux....surely he cut his first tooth. The dent in my finger as I removed it from his mouth was evidence enough, let alone the sharp pain that accompanied it. He has only just turned 4 months, isn't it a little early? His bottom right tooth is proof to me that he's advanced; a genius really. (ha)

Further proof of how amazing he is, he has officially figured out how to roll over. Mind you he does not do well with Tummy Time and always winds up screaming after a few minutes. Yet, yesterday he was Rocky as he rolled from his tummy to his back twice. We were showing Grandma how we did Tummy Time so well earlier, and bam, he was on his back. Our squeals of delight brought Tim running. Daddy missed the first roll...so we sat, Connor tummied, and waited, and waited, and waited. All of a sudden, bam, Connor was on his back, we were squealing and Tim had just looked away. Oh no! Tummy Time had already gone past it's time limit according to Connor's watch but we tried again and Connor was having none of it. Hopefully Tim will get to experience this amazing feat soon. With how excited we are you would think he tight roped the Grand Canyon, but he's a genius really!

Today was his 4 month well-baby check up. Connor weighed in at 15 lbs and 8 oz. That puts him right under the 50th percentile in weight. For his height he measured 26 and 1/2 inches which puts him in the 90th percentile. He is strong and healthy like ox. He was his charming self for Dr. Ayuso and she was so impressed by how he interacted and his interest in his surroundings. She said "he acts like a 6 month old, wow". See. I told you. Genius! :-)

I am one tickled mommy!

1 Year Ago my life Changed

Have you ever experienced something so monumental that you just knew your life was never going to be the same? One year ago Tim and I walked into my doctor's office and they gave us the best news of our lives! Was it really finally happening? Were we really going to become parents? Being able to experience our memories (go ahead, click it) of that day all over again brings it right back! The excitement and anticipation, the raw emotion, the fear, the joy; it seems like it was yesterday. I know it wasn't for I am able to look down and see my precious little boy asleep in my lap right now. We have come so far, and we have been so blessed. I am greatly aware of the treasure we were given.

Yesterday was also Connor's 4 Month Birthday! HE IS FOUR MONTHS OLD! I don't know why but it seems like so much more of a milestone than any other before. I can honestly say that it still feels like I just had him. My body is still healing, we are still dealing with many of his same problems, and he is still sleeping (kind of) in his bassinet right next to me. Yet, I feel like he's older, he's changed so much, and the "C" word is gone! He's no longer a "newborn" but an infant. He doesn't just lay there like a blob, but he's trying to sit up on his own, and he loves to interact with those around him. He loves his walker, and it's amazing to think he first experienced being upright like that on Christmas day. He took to it immediately. I think his belly needs it! As for his reflux it's starting to change from the silent form to the projectile kind. The episodes of choking are diminishing and now he is able to clear it from his throat, though it ends up all over us. I no longer change my clothes after spit up #1, nor #2. I view it as badges of honor, like the girl scouts, except I didn't get a pretty sash to store them on! His belly also affects his bowel movements and he's constipated almost all of the time. We're lucky if every third day he passes something. On those days he's miserable, and we're miserable. Kerosyrup, prune juice, warm compresses, you name it, we've tried it. Poor little guy. Never was I so excited to see poop! I think we scare him with the hoops and hollers (and sometimes gags) that he gets for a dirty diaper!

The Super Bowl was on Sunday and this little boy loves football like his daddy! I think the colors on the screen are just perfect for his little eyes. Of course we got him decked out in his favorite team, who cares if they weren't playing! We make them Dol-fans early down here! I can already see into our future of daddy/Connor games in the backyard where Connor scores most of the touchdowns but daddy has the most fun.

Connor is 4 months old! Here is what I still know...The Lord is unfailing in his promises, and Tim and I are truly blessed!

Time Flies

We had to schedule his 4 Month Well-Baby Check-up this week and it really made me sad. One week from today Connor will be 4 months old. I am so taken by surprise by how quickly it has gone. I take in his growth everyday, and I am in awe of each new developmental mileston. He loves to stand in his walker, he thinks his hands are the tastiest thing on the planet, and his giggles are the most joyful sounds to have ever reached my ears. Who needs sleep when you have so much to be awake for?

We've recently booked our big family vacation for this coming summer and we are thrilled to be going back to Alaska. I think it's going to be fabulous, and yes, it will be a new experience with Connor, but we will manage. How cool would it be if he took his first steps on this great vacation? We've booked a cruise, and then will stay on in Alaska and explore Denali National Park and Anchorage. This is a special trip to celebrate the graduations of Casey and Tim, therefore it was their decision to go to this location. To say they are excited is an understatement.

We took some pictures of our little Connor-boy over to my old talent agency. I'm not sure if it will lead to anything, but if he happens to book something I think it would be fun. I was blessed to be able to save what I made growing up and not have to work while I was in school, and I think that's a nice option to give Connor. I in no way intend to become a crazy stage-mom, and I have no desire to be featured on Toddlers and Tiaras, so I will stay grounded by staying accountable to those around me. Keep me focused people!

One of the topics of conversation we come across the most is who Connor looks like. Our stock answer is that he looks like himself. He is a perfect mix of both of us. Each person we meet has their own opinion and it varies each time with who they think he favors. I included two pictures below of Connor and I at about the same age. I see similarities and I also see how he looks like his Daddy. What a lucky boy to be himself!