We recently went for some additional testing (the same tests we had done during Victoria’s pregnancy with Connor) because Victoria is over 35. It is basically just blood work, two separate ultrasounds where they measure the space at the base of the head and then they analyze all the information they gathered.
I know, I know…I should not compare pregnancies, babies, and/or children BUT I am a creature of habit and my profession involves analyzing things, so let’s have a little fun with this. When the kids are older, I think they will appreciate this.
Connor’s heart rate was at 151 beats per minute.
“Baby 2” is 161.
Connor’s ultrasound where they measured the space at the base of the head went off without a hitch. See, the baby has to be in a perfect position for the measurement. Connor did not have a problem and we were in and out of the ultrasound appointment in about 10 minutes.
“Baby 2” took a little longer. “Baby 2” was definitely moving around quite a bit, but would not get positioned so the nurse could take the measurement. After about 20 minutes the nurse told us that would have to give up for the day and come back at a later time. She called “Baby 2” a little rascal. As we left the hospital I told Victoria that “Baby 2” was “stubborn like Mommy”. (Victoria laughed.) (And she just gave me “ugh” as she read this.)
The nurse suggested eating something sweet before the next ultrasound appointment so Victoria went out and bought some dark chocolate covered raisinets. (I am betting they won’t even make it until the next ultrasound because Daddy and Connor will be eating them!!!!)
Are you going to create another blog for “Baby 2”?
Are you going to keep up with this blog?
Are you going to take the same number of pictures with “Baby 2”?
How are you going to keep things fair?
Are you going to swaddle “Baby 2” like you swaddled Connor?
etc…etc…etc…
Well, as I have mentioned in the previous posts…I (and Victoria) are creatures of habit so if it worked for Connor it will work for “Baby 2” (at least we praying it will). I know, I am a little naive, but that is part of the reason you read and enjoy this blog.
What does that mean…
We keep this blog and possibly rename it so in encompasses both children. I will hire a 2nd photographer to take all the pictures of “Baby 2” (luckily I know a husband and wife team, so I think the pictures are covered).
Things will be as fair as possible.
And YES to swaddling. Connor was an excellent sleeper from the beginning and WE are convinced swaddling was part of the reason!
Love you guys and glad I had a few moments to update the blog. (Boy, it will be tough when “Baby 2” comes along.)
Well, you all remember the Chinese calendar from before…It’s a boy????
Well, my gut feeling (and Victoria’s) is that it is a girl. And the Chinese calendar agrees with us. (Remember it was right on for Connor!) The only gotcha with the Chinese calendar is that “conception” (depends on what they define this as) could have fallen when Victoria was 39 or 40 and it could have also fallen in December or January. To when variables. When there are too many variables, I also fall back to my gut feeling.
So, “Amanda Louise Woodruff” might be on her way. Or will we change it????
I can guarantee one thing…if it is a boy…no names will be leaking out early as Daddy gets to choose this time. 😉
This is my new favorite video. It is amazing what Connor learns and remembers. I haven’t worked on the cars since last September…and he still remembers what I did.
Watch as he rolls around trying to get positioned like he was going to crawl under the car to take a look.
Grandpa and Connor had an enjoyable time at Connor’s favorite restaurant last night. (I think it is Connor’s favorite restaurant because all of the cute waitresses love Connor and he shows those blue eyes of his and his smile — uh ladies, let me remind you he gets the smile and eyes from Daddy!)
Back to the story…
Connor enjoyed this little game with Grandpa (the video is a little dark, sorry). Soon after this game, Grandpa had Connor wound up so much that Mimi had to give him a pack of “cartoon themed” nail files that she keeps in her purse to entertain the grandkids when needed. Next thing I see, Connor is filing his nails (because this is what Mommy does to his nails). Then I see him reach from Grandpa’s hand and he starts to file his nails. Grandpa, I thought you were the one tasked with showing Connor how to play football and NOT how to file people’s nails?!?!?!
Here are the two of them enjoying a moment together:
Right around the 11th week, Daddy came down with a stomach bug that I equated to “morning sickness” I was having on Victoria’s behalf. See this article…Donnie’s “morning sickness”
Amazingly, Connor had a similar stomach bug this week (10.5 weeks for Mommy).
Let’s just say so far, as well as during Connor’s pregnancy, the males in the house have had more “morning sickness” than Mommy.
There are many titles males are given in our society…man, son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and one that I value as much as any other is “Big Brother”. It is not something I chose, but is definitely a title and position that I hold with the utmost respect, pleasure, and PRIDE. Something instilled in me by my parents, something I learned, and something I loved (and continue to love). As the “big brother” in my sibling relationship with my brother Danny, we have truly become best friends. We have relied on each other and each of us has taken on the “big brother” role during the appropriate times in our lives.
As Victoria and I look to grow our family, my wish for you, Connor, is to have a relationship with your sibling as close and as comfortable as Daddy has with your Uncle Danny.
So Connor, prepare for taking on a new title in your young life. Be there for your sibling and learn from the love, respect, and admiration that Daddy and Uncle Danny have for one another.
