Moving Day...

Hey Buddy -

Today has been another good day for you and for mommy and daddy. You got lots of rest and finally, FINALLY, decided to be awake and playful for your uncle Scooter and auntie Beth. You only had one crazy flip out moment, and you moved for the first time. Your mommy and I got some much needed paperwork finished, got some much needed rest, and then had a much needed dinner out. Like I said, it was a good day for us all.

So this morning your mommy came and got me from the sleeping room and I took over a little after 7 so she could go get some more sleep while I sat with you a while. While we were sitting there together you got a little feisty so I decided to read you some of my current book out loud to see if it would calm you down. You either really like the sound of daddy's voice or really can't stand the writing of Dan Brown because Digital Fortress put you to sleep quicker than your giraffe and his play time music. After a little while mommy got up and we had some breakfast together and got our day started.

While mommy went to get a shower you and I turned on the Texas game. Even though you cheered along with me we had to sit and watch as our longhorns got pummeled by those ridiculous sooners in their ugly maroon uniforms. Let me tell you son, that is a bad day for every person from Texas and even though you weren't born in Texas you were conceived there so that counts. Right after mommy got back daddy went to take his shower and your uncle Scooter and auntie Beth stopped by. When I got back from my shower they were trying their best to get you to wake up and play but you were having no part of it. You gave them a couple looks that could have scared off a New York City mugger and they started to give it up.

Shortly after that we were informed that it was time for you to make your first move. It must be in your blood just like it is in your Pappaw's blood and your daddy's blood, because when we started talking about moving you started to perk up. We moved all of mommy and daddy's stuff first (and I have to admit here that I had NO IDEA how much crap we could so quickly accumulate in such a small room) and then we started to get you ready. Then it was go time. We moved down the hall about fifty yards and through two doorways but for you it was like changing zip codes. You were not just awake, you were super excited and ready for some play time. You played with uncle Scooter and auntie Beth for a long time before they finally had to get going.

But shortly after that it was time to get ready to support your other favorite team, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

You were geared up and ready to go. We watched the first half of that game together and you and your mommy had a blast playing together while we watched. I think she enjoyed talking to you about football more than she enjoyed the first half of the game.

Then your Grandma and your Gigi showed up so that mommy and I could go out for our big date. We got kind of cleaned up and put on some real clothes (not the fake ones that don't match and always seem to look wrinkled in the hospital) and kissed you goodbye. You were in good hands though, Grandma sat with you the entire time we were gone and made sure the nurses did a good job when they taped that tube back up to your mouth. I'm sure you don't have any idea why they would have to do something like that right? Right? Didn't think so. Well either way they did a good job and after that you chilled out and were ready for some nap time. 

Your mommy and I went out to a really fancy place with great food and a lot of ambiance... Well that might be a bit of a stretch but compared to the Children's Hospital cafeteria it did at least have some atmosphere. Rusty Bucket is a place that your daddy used to visit all the time when he worked here in Cincinnati before and even though he didn't like it much at the time he had been missing it. So your mommy was kind enough to indulge me and we ate some fried pickles and other great (but not so great for us) food. We weren't gone too long, but it was a nice dinner for the two of us and it kept us a bit grounded into the reality outside of the hospital.

So now we sit together and try to get used to your new room and our little bit of extra space. This room is kind of an upgrade because it is larger and has a rocking chair for mommy and daddy. The only complaint we have is the couch chair we sleep on can't see all your monitors so we have to get up from our night time naps if we hear your monitor beeping. Mommy and daddy in distress.... I know, pretty sad huh? We will make due. 

I hope you get some good rest tonight little man, thank you for another great day. 

I love you Connor.

- Daddy

Friends from everywhere...

Connor -

Mommy did a great job of telling you about your day today so I won't bore you with my version of the same events. Instead, I am going to tell you a little bit about all the wonderful people out there who are thinking about you and praying for you every day. There are lots of them and they are all over the place.

First and foremost I'll tell you about your family. You have met most of your immediate family (even your "uncle" Jamie and your "aunt" Alisa) already, the only ones who haven't made it yet but are coming sometime soon are your uncle Sebastian, aunt Alexa, and grandad Rooster. They are all going to come see you before too long but even though they haven't been here yet they are constantly telling your daddy and Gigi how much they think about you and love you. But outside of them you have lots and lots of extended family who think about you every day. You have aunts and uncles and cousins galore and they are always telling mommy and daddy that you are in their thoughts and prayers. And once you get through this first part of your journey here at Children's we are hoping we can have all those people in here to see you. They all want to come in now but you aren't quite ready, even though you may tell us otherwise sometimes.

Now I am going to tell you about all the wonderful people here in Cincinnati. Your mommy was born and raised here in the Queen City and she has lots of family and friends here who care about her a lot and have known for for a long long time. We talked about your family a bit there but there are also a lot of your mommy and daddy's friends who live here and can't stop thinking about you. There are a few of them who check in on us every night to make sure that the three of us (especially you) are doing okay. We can't tell you  just how much those people mean to us but one of these days you will get to meet them too and they can tell you their versions of this story. For now though just remember that you have lots and lots of friends here in Cincinnati who love you and care about you.

Now back in Texas you have a few friends as well. There aren't quite as many people there that your mommy and daddy have had the chance to meet but from what we hear you have hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people who talk about you every week when they talk to God. I know you don't know it yet but that is kind of a big deal little man, its really a miracle in itself to have such an army behind you when you are so new to this world. But then again you are pretty unique right? In Texas you do have your grandad Rooster and another "aunt" and "uncle", Jeff and Iris. These two people were mommy and daddy's best friends in Texas and they helped us get through a lot of tough situations when we were trying to get you and mommy back here. They have also helped us through a lot of happy times, celebrating with us when the good times called for it and including us in their good times. They want to meet you too, and as soon as you are big and strong enough they said they will be on the first flight. The other two people in Texas that have been a big part of mommy and daddy's life the last few years we will call CW and MB for now, but they are also looking out for you and can't wait to say hello to you. And we can't forget the wonderful people your mommy used to work with, they have sent you letters and prayers for a long time, way before mommy and daddy started writing you these letters.

Then, there is your army of family and friends in Kentucky. Now daddy has never quite looked into the details too thoroughly but I am fairly sure that we are related to at least half that state in some way or another so there is a whole other clan of people you have in your corner. I know for a fact that your Mammaw is thinking about you every day, she tells everyone about you and wants your daddy to call her and update her on you as much as possible. Then there are your aunts and uncles and cousins who are constantly checking in on you and making sure you are doing well. They check in on mommy and daddy too because that is what family does, they love you and cherish you even when you aren't there. There are some of your daddy's friends in Kentucky too, including your "uncle" Jeff that took you swimming the other night. I know he has a whole lot of people praying for you right now and I'm sure he is already telling stories to his bible study groups about you and your heroics. So kind of like your mommy and her family here in Cincinnati, those people in Kentucky have always been there for your daddy.

Daddy also found out today that you have another village of people who are looking out for you in Colorado. Those people have been friends of daddy's for a long time and are some of the best people daddy has ever had the privilege of getting to know. They have been there for your daddy when he needed help and are the kind of friends who would do anything for you and your mommy and daddy. They even bought you a little gift when they found out you were coming and maybe soon we can get them a picture of you in that adorable little hat. When we get the chance we are going to take a trip out to see them in Boulder, its one of my favorite places to go for both the beverages and the company to share them with.

And you have lots of friends and family scattered all over the place who are sending your mommy and daddy messages about you on a regular basis and making sure you are still doing well. It takes some people a lifetime to touch as many people as you have already in your thirteen days here on this earth. I know your mommy and I can't say thank you enough to all of those people but we hope that they all (every one of you guys out there reading this and those who aren't but who are thinking of us and our little man) know just how appreciative we are for them and their support. We sure couldn't be doing what we are doing now if it wasn't for them. And one of these days when you are older you can help mommy and daddy try to say thank you to them all. : )

Well that is about it for now little man, its getting late and your little giraffe's music is putting us all to sleep. Sweet dreams son.

I love you Connor.

- Daddy

(and to all of you out there that I may have left out of this post I hope you know that the three of us love and appreciate each and every one of you more than words can allow me to express)

TGIF

Hello there Connor,

Yesterday was such a busy day with all your visitors I was sure you'd sleep "like a baby" last night but apparently you're a night owl.  I'm guessing you inherited that from your grandma and uncle Scooter.  We were able to avoid your usual witching hour fits, as mommy calls them but when mommy got up to make your middle of the night milkshake you were wide awake playing with Gigi.  Luckily you were happy and played a little while longer but then went back to bed without a fuss.  Mommy and daddy were actually able to get a few hours of sleep but I'm not sure about Gigi.

Today has been pretty calm and you have been sleepy but that's understandable after your busy day of socializing yesterday.  We didn't get any big news from your doctors today except that they need to do a little more investigation as to why you seem to keep getting a fever.  All of their tests show no infection so maybe you're just hot stuff :)

You did hit a few milestones today.  Since you have tolerated your milkshakes so well and they keep increasing their size you don't have to get that TPN stuff in your IV anymore.  Just milk for you now little man, that's exciting.  And it seems that milk does a body good because you've gained some weight.  Today you weighed in a little over six pounds which is pretty awesome for all you've been through.  We have to keep packing on the pounds so you're as big and strong as possible before they work on your heart.  That's a good excuse for Mommy to eat some extra snacks like the Graters ice cream I had tonight.  The doctors also felt your labs have been stable enough that they don't need to do them every day just twice a week.  Thank goodness because they've been stealing a lot of blood from you buddy.

You did wake up for a while this afternoon and have some fun play time with Grandma and Gigi.  That's right your grandma was back again today and Gigi was right by your side too.  It seems the spoiling by your grandmas has already begun.  It also seems that your little temper is growing.  Anytime the slightest thing ticks you off you get mad and in a hurry.  I understand you're sick of the tubes and lines but a wet diaper is not the end of the world buster.  We may have to look into some anger management strategies because I can't imagine sending your heart rate through the roof is a good thing, nor is it helping with the gray hair mommy and daddy are getting.

As for tonight you've taken a series of cat naps but are hopefully settled in for a while now.  You are listening to your giraffe make safari noises which you seem to be very interested in today after Grandpa's play session  with it yesterday.  You will have to thank Aunt Kathy, Uncle Paul and their entire crew for your giraffe someday.  We named your giraffe Megan after your favorite nurse (which says a lot since you've had so many great ones).  I know you love Megan because she gave you your first bath, served your first milkshake and broke the rules so mommy and daddy could hold you the other day.  Mommy and daddy love Megan for a lot of reasons but most importantly because she was your nurse when you arrived here at Children's and had your little "episode."  Daddy says that she truly saved your life and we can never thank her enough for that.  She hasn't gotten to be your nurse much more since then because she's usually in charge of meeting the new babies and taking care of them when they first get here but she makes sure to stop in and see you every time she works.  She loves to play with your hair and she always gives mommy hugs.  She is another angel God has sent for us.

 Daddy and I are just relaxing and thanking God for another great day with our little miracle (that's you buddy).  Oh, and TGIF means "Thank Goodness It's Friday" and thank goodness we made it though another week. Sleep well sweet boy.

I love you Connor,
Mommy

Witching hour...

Buster -

Yep, starting that way again little man, and you deserve it. Your Gigi has been telling people stories about your daddy when he was just a little bigger than you are now and apparently I was quite good at throwing fits and getting all worked up. And apparently karma is not just a funny word to throw around when trying to make a point in a conversation. That said, I suppose I can tell you that you have been quite the trouble maker with your fits of blinding rage the last few days. Something, and what that something is we have NO IDEA, gets you worked up in the evenings and when that happens the gloves come off and you settle in for twelve rounds with your tubes and blankets.

Mommy says you have a few "witching hours', around the eight o'clock and then again around the eleven o'clock hour. We haven't quite figured out what it is about that time of night but whatever happens you see red and then you turn red. Last night was quite the example. It started around eleven but we did calm you down (with a little help from some Tylenol) and you stayed that way until probably two in the morning. At that point there was no amount of sedative or singing that would keep you from flipping your lid and sending the nurses and doctors running. Your poor little heart rate went straight from calm and sleepy to post two hundred meter butterfly stroke. You set off every alarm you had and managed to scare your mommy and daddy to death yet again. However, we made it through the night despite the fact that we decided sleeping was not only a waste of effort but also part of what was making you so mad. Thank you Mr. Folgers for allowing me a way to function today.

Now you are starting a little bit of this fussing thing now, and mommy and Gigi are attempting to hum you back to sleep. Lets try to keep this one short and sweet sonny....

Despite the ruckus I have to admit something, today was probably your best day since you left mommy's belly. You were quiet all morning and sleeping a big chunk of the day. You were quiet and sleeping until some of your guests showed up and you decided to put on a show for everyone. Now I have to quickly tell you that you didn't wake up for your Uncle Scooter and Auntie Beth and you may have to make that up to them soon because they have been coming at all hours of the day to see you in hopes of catching a glimpse of your beautiful blue eyes. But then your Grandpa showed up and he played with you for a long time, making sure you did your daily calisthenics and stretched every possible way you could. You two had a blast and I'm pretty sure you wore him out with your toys and smiles.

Then daddy broke one of the hospital rules a little bit and let your mommy's sister Alisa come see you (she is your birthday buddy, and she said she plans to make sure you and her have a party every year to commemorate that). She wasn't allowed to hang out for too long but we did get to play with her a little bit before she had to take off.  But you weren't alone for long before the second set of rule breakers were here for a quick visit. This time it was your mommy's other brother, the one that comes to Christmas and birthdays every year and has known your mommy and Uncle Scooter since they were tiny little ones. His name is Uncle Jamie and he brought his better half Kristine as well. They stopped in and brought you a very special present that plays music and has your name engraved on it. Tomorrow when I get a chance I'll make sure you see it.

They didn't stay long either and that was okay because you were pretty worn out after that. With all the time you spent with Grandpa and then your other Aunt and Uncle it was about two hours of play time and that is the most you have been awake since... well... since every I guess. You have been sleeping since and thanks to mommy and Gigi's music you made it through the first of your witching hours with almost no alarms or beeps at all. Good work mommy and Gigi, daddy needed that as much as little Connor did.

So sleep well tonight son, I hope you have sweet dreams of wonderful times with your relatives. And as your Mammaw always says to your daddy and uncle Sebastian... "I'll see you ta morneeeng".

I love you Connor.

- Daddy

Welcome back...

Connor -

Well its been what you might call a quiet day today. Not only did you not have any crazy tests or pictures but mommy and daddy only had one or two meetings with the doctors today. They are all really happy with you and how you are doing these days. Your numbers are good, you are looking better again, and you are quite the wiggler when mommy and the nurses let you out of your burrito.

As mommy said earlier, I got to go out for the first time in two weeks. It was tough to walk out of the room and even more difficult to get in the car and leave the parking garage. Mommy told me it would be weird to go outside and feel the fresh air and see the world outside going along just like it always did. She was right. Even though we have been in some kind of time warp these last few weeks the rest of the world outside has been going on just like it always has. Apparently they didn't get the memo about you little man, they just don't know the world now revolves around you. Don't worry, they'll figure it out one of these days.

So while I was out and about I got a haircut and took a real shower for the first time in what has seemed like forever. I also go to go the the gym for the first time in two weeks. Lets just say that daddy isn't quite as strong as he was when you got here, but he is going to try to keep up as best he can. There were a few other things I had to deal with while I was out, there are some people who are trying to keep your daddy down but don't you worry, that isn't happening. Then I stopped by Grandma and Grandpa's house and talked to Grandpa for a while. And you know who else was there and can't wait to see you? Ollie and Lexi were awfully excited and were sniffing everything that I had that had come in contact with you. I'm pretty sure if they could talk they would have told me that it was time they got to meet you too!!!

Then it was back to the hospital to see mommy and my little hero. We got to hang out and play for a little while but then it was off again for daddy, this time to the airport. While I was driving there mommy sent me a message about you causing a ruckus and got everyone all worked up. I was worried at first but then she told me that your heart rate monitor had gone crazy because you were making a mess in your diaper and all over your bed. Apparently you were pretty upset about it. But mommy and your awesome nurse Sue got you all cleaned up and you were right as rain. Looking a bit conspicuous though....

And guess who was waiting at the airport and dancing around because she was so happy to get to see you.... that's right, it was Gigi. She has been dying to see her little buddy and didn't even want to eat dinner before she got back to your crib and got to hold your hand. Your Gigi sure does love you buddy. She is going to be spending some time here with you these next few weeks so get ready for plenty of play time.

But for now its bed time. Mommy and I are watching a rerun of Friends and cuddling on the little couch in your room and you are passed the bleep out (finally). So sleep well beautiful boy, sweet dreams.

I love you Connor.

- Daddy