Brrrr January Chills

It was a bitterly cold week yet again for a good majority of the week which means I live indoors with Connor and start to get a little cabin fever by the weekend!  At least he is the cutest man to cuddle with indoors on these icy cold days!

Monday - Connor and I played a little dress up and tried letting him ride around the house in the baby Bjorn for a bit before daddy/Maci got home.  Fortunately he liked the ride since this gives me my two hands to get things done and allows for this cuddle bug to get time out of his swing, bed etc.

Cool Dude

 Snoozin

 Cutie Room Gift from Christie with all his Birth Details

 Bjorn Selfie

Tuesday - What an exciting day!  Clint came to pick us up for lunch outside of the house and the jeweler to shorten my wonderful cross necklace gift from Clint/Connor.  Even though it was BITTERLY cold, it was so nice to have a reason to get dressed and leave the house.  Clint and I are planning to have one day a week that we meet for lunch - Yay!

Morning Chillin

 Ready for Lunch

 Maci had Costume Kim Visit

She was a Snowlady! 

Note : Maci is FRONT and CENTER (Go Figure)

Wednesday - Pretty chill day at the house and I was excited to see a Dentist visited Maci's preschool class at school.  Maci will be heading to her first dental screening on Jan 30th and I believe they prepared her for this trip.  In addition, she got a new Ariel toothbrush and toothpaste so fortunately she has been quite excited to brush at least the rest of this week :)

Learning

 Maci Brushing the Dino's Teeth

Thursday - More cuddling on the home front and M got to learn about weather through a rain cloud experiment at school.

Ignoring My Photo Attempts

 Still not excited ;-)

 Science Fun

Friday - TGIF!!!  I love the weekends even on maternity leave because that means I have a full house and adult conversations since Clint is home :)  Mr C and I had a great day!  I was able to get bills paid, take care of some insurance calls, get a good nap, we were all clean and the house was tidied as well!  Around 430p we ordered the pizza just in time for Maci and Clint to come home.  After pizza, Maci and I ran out quick to Walgreen's to get some baby aquaphor (poor Connor is pealing a LOT) and Maci got some princess lip gloss.  I was able to quickly grab some movie theatre candy and get back home to kick off our new Friday night family idea - Pizza and Movie Night!  Maci is getting to an age where she will sit and fully watch/follow a movie.  Of course said movie needs animation and preferably some music but because of this we decided to make this a winter tradition.  So for our inaugural night, we rented Shrek and she thought it was really funny!  Success!

Funny Old Man Face

 Girlfriend Loves Art!

 Told Ya!

 We also had to send some Anniversary Well Wishes to Nanny & Grandpa Mondell!

Maci was quite proud of her drawing!

 Some Fellas didn't make it long after the movie 

Saturday - Yay - gym class day!  I was due to pump and Connor due to eat right at the end of gym.  Since it was bitterly cold and there is nothing but germy kids at gym, we decided to have me stay home with him, finish the pump/feeding and then Clint/Maci picked us up after gym to join everyone for brunch!  Ahh it was so nice to catch up with my ladies, enjoy a mimosa and breakfast that didn't involve cold cereal.  Afterward, we all headed home for the next feeding, cuddling and football playoff prep.  We had a fun night of football and couldn't believe that crazy back and forth Packer/Cardinals game.  Somehow I had a lot of energy and didn't get to bed until 1230a after feeding C and pumping - I knew I would pay for it the next day (Yep)!

The Best of Friends!

Loves her Rocking Chair - Thanks Ruzick's!

Sunday - So Clint and I started a deal this weekend.  Since Connor really only has one "middle of night - AKA 2a" feedings and his last evening feeding around 10p and first morning feeding around 6a, we agreed to have Clint take the night feeding on Fridays and I would do the Saturday night feeding.  On the flip side, whoever has the night feeding gets to sleep in a bit (i.e. 9a) that following morning.  So Saturday morning was interesting as I knew Clint went to warm a bottle but he left the crying baby next to me while he was gone - not the point of said plan :)  Then I had Saturday night.  Since Connor and I didn't head to bed, he didn't really do a night feeding and went straight to the 6a feeding.  When it was time for me to sleep in, Clint kindly went with Maci downstairs but again left said crying child with me :)  After a friendly reminder text, Connor was gone and I was able to sleep until 930a - WAHOO!!!  We are still working on our routine as a family of 4 but we are having a lot of fun figuring it out.  We have spent this ice cold day watching football, meal planning for the week and grocery shopping.  Maci was my shopping partner again this week and she was quite excited to also place her birthday cake order.  However, she didn't understand why we then didn't take a cake home with us.  She also did a great job helping to pick out birthday presents for two upcoming birthday parties all while not whining  or wanting a present herself.  I think she is well aware she has a 3rd birthday coming up next weekend and trusts her amazing parents to come through with a gift or two :)  

This coming week brings Connor and me a few outings.  We are meeting Anand, a friend from work of mine, for lunch on Wednesday and then we take Maci to her first eye Doctor appointment late Thursday afternoon.  We also have a fun weekend coming up.  Saturday is Maci's 3rd birthday!!!  In addition to gym class/brunch, we also have Harper's birthday party to attend in the late afternoon.  We will have cake with just our immediate family in the evening and whatever Maci wants for dinner :)  On Sunday, we are celebrating her by letting her pick between the following outings : Children's Museum, Zoo or Mall of America to ride rides.  As of right now it seems to go between the Zoo and Riding Rides.  Lately she is leaning to riding rides :) 

We hope you all have a wonderful and WARM week ahead!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Connor's Newborn Photos

As usual I am blown away by Created by Me Photography's work!  Especially since Connor wouldn't sleep for almost the first 30 mins of the session and Maci was in no way wanting to participate that day.  Aleah is truly amazing at what she does and the shots she captures.  Feel free to check them out and if you would like any pictures ordered, let me know.  I have the rights to all the pictures and can print you out a version on the cheap!

Enjoy!

Visit the website at http://www.createdbymephotography.com/ and click the client access link.

The password and access code is KM2016

Finding Our New Routine During Maternity Leave

Mom and Molly were here for their last full day on Monday and Clint was back to work/Maci back to normal school hours.  Even though Clint was back to work on Monday, he made time in his day to come to Mr Connor's 2 week Doctor check up.  It went great and the best news was that he was up to 7lbs 8oz which meant he is not only back to birth weight (what they want by this apt) but he was up another 4oz.  My happiest moment about this is that he shouldn't have to go back to that germy Dr office in the dead of winter until his 2 month apt - Yay!

Mom, Molly and I laid around the rest of the day and finished some laundry so they could pack back clean clothes vs having to deal with it back home.  After having our final meal together, the gals enjoyed the kick off to the new bachelor and while we forced Clint to join us for the show, I can't say he enjoyed the experience :)  Mr Connor gave a small smile when the crazy chick showed up with the big rose on her head! Ha

Tuesday was a sad day!  Maci got all ready for school and said her goodbyes but fortunately she didn't seem to fully understand that they were leaving while she was at school or it could have been UGLY.  Instead she was really excited to show Grandma and Molly her Minnie Mouse outfit.

Around 11a Molly, Mom, Connor and I were off on the drive to the airport.  Of course there were many tears at the drop off lane but that also fortunately forced us to have a quicker goodbye - it was just so nice to have them hanging out with us!  Maci adored her time with both of them and I so appreciated all the help with bottles, diapers etc.  We can't wait to see them again soon!

Connor and I napped after the sad morning

I love having Maci and Clint come home from work right now.  I am usually on the chaise chair in the living room and Maci runs in saying "HI Mommy, Where are you?!"  She is so excited to see me. However, on Tuesday she kept going in the guest bedroom asking where Molly and Grandma were - so heart breaking.  I cried a bit again at bath time and Maci sweetly said "you miss your mommy?  They will come back soon"  Such a sweetie at times!

After Bath for M we had some cutie sibling moments

The rest of the week was fairly uneventful with Connor and I attempting to find our own new routine.  I am so fortunate that right now he really only has 1 middle of the night feeding.  He usually eats around 9 or 10p, wakes between 1-2a and then eats again around 6a which is when Clint/Maci are getting up for school work so while I am tired, it is working.  

One Morning M wanted to show C how to use the Jungle Mat :)

 M making storm clouds during art time for this month's weather theme

 We finally have snow in Minnesota

 Cutie Bootie with his buddy the elephant pacifier 

 Fun Gift from Auntie Christie

 Hey Buddy

 Maci at ~5 months and Connor 2.5 weeks

I see some similarities but mainly the mean mugs they are giving the camera

 More Snow Fun with Preschool Pals!

Friday - We had a visitor on Friday for lunch.  My boss, Lauren, brought me some punch pizza and much needed adult convo.  Connor was a good little dude while she was here and mainly slept which allowed for a peaceful conversation.

I love fiddling with his baby hair

Mohawk

Clint and Maci got home and we did our usual pizza order and Clint headed out to snow plow the driveway.  Once dinner was over we binge watched our new favorite Netflix original "making a murderer"  It is like watching a train wreck and we can't look away.  We have 2 episodes left as of Sunday afternoon and I can't wait for football to end now so I can finish it :)

Saturday - It got bitterly cold here in MN as of Saturday.  Due to this and Connor's young age, we decided to send Clint and Maci to gym class while Connor and I hung at home.  Clint and Maci brought home bagels but it was sad we missed out on brunch yet again this week - we will be back soon.  Maci then rented Tangled and we had an early afternoon family movie time.  Afterward, our neighbors the Settingsgard's came over to meet Connor and dropped off a sweet gift card.  They are due with their son (2nd child) in 2 weeks.  Their first, Nora, is about 6 months younger than Maci and quite the pal on the backyard swingset in the summer :)  We LOVE our neighborhood!

What a Doll?!

A fast friendship is forming with this Elephant 

Maci and I then took on the bitter cold and got the grocery done for the week before settling in for the Bengals game.  I honestly can't even talk about this game yet and it may be a while before I can - this lose hurts, BAD!  We will leave it at that and now that my 2nd favorite team (Vikings) also just blew it - I am starting to think I need to pick a new sport.  UGH

 Attempting to Settle Down 

Sunday - It is COLD here and anyone watching the Vikings game today saw that.  I have fortunately not left the house all day but just being in the unfinished part of the basement makes me want to cry.  Fortunately all errands are done for the weekend and I finished laundry yesterday so no reason to leave the house or go in that part of the basement :)  We just finished watching the sad Vikings loss and now will check out the Packer/Redskins game that neither of us could really care about.  I am looking forward to watching the Golden Globes tonight and seeing what crazy things Ricky Gervais is going to say about so many pompous celebrities.  

While football didn't go my way, I keep reminding myself of what really matters in life!  We are so grateful for all the blessings we have.  Connor is a wonderful baby, Clint and I have settled in as parents/spouses and Maci told me this morning (unprompted) "you are the BEST mom!"  I mean seriously I about melted right there and then encouraged her to tell dad the same!  Life is Good!

Looking forward to a week of cuddles with my 3 week old and avoiding all the cold weather hitting this week!  We hope you all have a great week as well!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Happy 2016 & Molly/Grandma Visiting Adventures!

We had a busy end of 2015 and start to 2016!  We are attempting to get in a good eating/sleeping rhythm with Mr Connor and dealing with Maci not napping at home as well as staying up way too late for her age!  We have enjoyed having Mom & Molly around to help out, especially when Maci's attitude due to missing a nap has pushed a tired mommy a bit too far!

Monday - We had a fairly lazy day and Maci went to school to get some energy out and NAP.  At night we got the entire family, including the visiting family, decked out in Bengals gear for the big Monday night game.  Mr Connor was my good luck charm for keeping us in the game so long given how poorly we played at times.  However, even his charm couldn't get the W for the Bengals.  At least we had a good time hanging out together.

Family Photo

 Enjoying the 1st Half & Wondering What is Going on in Over Time!

Tuesday - Maci headed to school yet again but we get her there by about 10a given our crazy sleep schedule and messed up routine :)  Clint and I took Connor to his weight check in around 2p.  He was up to 7lbs with a need to get to 7lb 4 oz by his 2 week check up which is a little less than a week away.  We know he is eating well so we are hopeful that we keeps up the monster eating habits and we have no doctor needs after the 2 week check until the regular 2 month check.

Wednesday - No school for Maci today since we had newborn pictures for Connor and decided to also do a few shots with his sister and the full family of 4.  Mom/Molly watched Maci while Clint drove Connor/me to the appointment.  I helped get the initial photos with Connor for the first 1.5 hours and then Maci/Clint showed back up for the remaining 30 mins of pictures.  Unfortunately Maci wasn't in a real picture spirit but I know Aleah can work magic and I can tell Connor had some adorable newborn photos himself.  I will share the link when it is ready in about a week.

Dancing with Grandma

 No More Pictures Please!

Truly - this little guy and his hands ;-)

Thursday - NYE!!!  We did a little shopping at the West End and the girls got our nails done in the late afternoon, including Miss M.  We had all sorts of plans for the big night which included cocktails, taboo and ball drop.  Well, I think the sleep deprivation hit the whole house and we were all snoozing on and off on the couch leading up to the midnight ball drop HA  We ended up having the champagne with orange juice the next morning to celebrate the new year in style!  It was fun watching my mom make an attempt to figure out why everyone was celebrating the new year an hour before we were - HINT it is central time zone :)

My NYE Cuddler!

Friday - HAPPY 2016!!!  Since we all got some rest the night before, we started the day off with a yummy breakfast of eggs, cinnamon rolls and cocktails (mimosas and bloody Mary's).  We watched quite a few bowl games, including Ohio State's beat up of Notre Dame!  After the majority of bowl games ended, Clint and Maci decided to go sledding to burn some energy and my mom and I took a nice brisk walk to get fresh air.  Miss M loved the new sled from Grandma/Grandpa Gilroy and enjoyed going down the hills this year - YAY!

 Best Sledding Hill in the Area is 2 Doors Down!

 Daddy and his girl

Friday Night Cuddles!

Look at that pose on Daddy's Chest :)

 Twins

 Grandma & Bright Eyes!

 Ok - I too think he looks like Clint here!

Saturday - Maci was so excited to get up and get ready because she got to take Grandma and Molly to gym class!!  It was also Aunt Molly's 19th Birthday!  Maci introduced them both in her gym class but the teacher must have thought she said Mommy instead of Molly.  Even though the teacher knew that had to be wrong because she knows me, Molly didn't enjoy having the whole class hear Maci slip with this mistake :)  Daddy waited at home with lil man and started some breakfast for us since we wouldn't do brunch with the crew this week.  After brunch it was time for Mom/Molly and I to head to Mall of America for some birthday shopping for Aunt Molly.  Daddy was nice and kept both kiddos for a few hours.  We got home late afternoon, took care of some things around the house and then headed to Olive Garden for Miss Molly's birthday dinner.  After dinner, Clint was off to our neighbor John's house for some much deserved guy time of beer/gambling.  The ladies were lazy and laid around the house where as daddy must have gotten a second wind and didn't come home until a little after midnight.  So glad daddy got to have some fun after the huge help he has been giving to all of us!

Ball Time at Gym Class

Sunday - We were able to get all the Christmas gear put away before the start of NFL games today.  I always feel like the house looks so bare after it comes down but it also makes the house feel more organized and spacious so that is a good thing.  We then settled in for a sometimes ugly W with the Bengals.  After the game, mom and I headed on some errands for the week including grocery and Costco.  All the while, I kept checking the score of the Broncos game - darn you Chargers!  We got home a little bit ago and are wrapping up laundry, chores etc while watching the Vikings/Green Bay game.  I am getting a little anxious about tonight as I lose my main partner in crime through the evening.  Clint is heading back to work tomorrow after being with us for the last 2 weeks :(  Of course I have a feeding/sleeping plan made which makes me even laugh a bit like I actually believe this 2 week old is going to follow it for me! HA  Clint will miss hanging out with us but he is also ready to get back into his routine.  I too love routine so as anxious as I am, I am looking forward to figuring out our new schedule for the next 10 weeks of my leave.  In addition, I have my mom/Molly's help through tomorrow and into the morning hours of Tuesday.

We hope everyone has a great 1st full week of 2016!  We sure are blessed and talk about it often inside the walls of this house :) XOXO

Lots of Love,
Clint, Kellie, Maci and Connor