Doggie Day Spa

Hamilton at dad's. He loves his toys.
And keeping dad company in his office. He's a very big boy (Hamilton I mean)...probably about 11o pounds.

I'm only going to do a quick update tonight because I'm exhausted. I stayed up with Colby last night to let Tracey get a good night's sleep. We do what we can to help eachother out and she was really needing a good night's sleep. Then today was a very full day with client appointments and I just got home around 9pm.

Thank you for all your e-mails and comments. I guess this blog still has a future.

Things have been a little quieter around here as Hamilton has gone over my dad's for a couple days. He loves it over there because there's a big yard for him to run around in and he gets a lot of attention. That certainly hasn't been the case around here as of late.

A couple people have asked lately what Colby's middle name is. It's Nichols, after Tracey's maiden name.

He's doing very well...nothing too new to report. He actually had one stint last night when he slept for 4 hours.....oooooooooooooooooooooo....is it a new trend? GOD I hope so!!!

Lights Out!

(Colby taking a bottle while I light the room with a flash light)

(Very early morning snow. I set the shutter to stay open and the ISO to 1600. It was still pretty dark out but the camera was able to catch this shot. The red glow you see isn't the sunrise, but rather lights from the center of town.)
(Me keeping my boy warm this morning)
(LOL...socks on his little hands to keep them warm)

I started writing this early this morning...but as you'll read, the power went out. The second time it didn't come back on until close to noon. Then this evening I was having trouble staying connected to the internet. I'm finally posting this at 11:00pm

Well, this morning started off to a bit of a different start. Tracey watched Colby through the night as I have a busy couple days ahead of me. I woke up around 5am with work on my mind and decided to get up and let her come to bed and get a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep. I figured I'd hang with Colby and get some work done. I love working early in the morning....my mind is clear, everything's quiet. We're having a snow storm and I saw on the news that all the schools have cancelled and we're expected to get maybe 8 inches or so.
So I was all set up on the couch, laptop running, coffee in hand, Colby asleep in his cosleeper by the side of the couch. Then, just before 6am.....the power goes out. Here in New England, that happens from time to time. Depending on where you live, it can happen regularly in the winter. On the lake in Maine, it's a regular occurrence. Here in CT....not so often. But it happens.

Usually it's only out for maybe an hour or two. So I dug out a flashlight and a couple Yankee Candles and got them going. Luckily some of the work I needed to get done was not dependent on the internet so I continued to plug away.
But after about 45 minutes or so, I could feel the house starting to get cold. We don't have a wood burning fireplace. A couple years ago we bought a ventless fireplace that burns cans of fuel. Similar to what you see ...................CRAP.....the power JUST went out again!

Ow well, I'll keep typing and copy this into a Word Document when I'm done until the power comes back on.

As I was saying.....our fireplace burns cans of fuel that are just like what you see on a buffet under the pans of food....but larger. They throw off some good heat but with Colby's lung issues, I'm afraid that any fumes may bother him. So I didn't light them. But when you weigh only 7 pounds, keeping warm can be an issue. We don't have mittens for his little hands as they're still so small, so I got a pair of his socks and put them over his hands. I grabbed one of his hats and put that on him. Then, I reclined the couch, lifted my Tshirt, put him on my belly/chest and covered us with blankets. It took a couple minutes but he warmed up nicely.

A little after 6am he got hungry so I fed him by flashlight and candle light.
It's amazing how much noise there must be and you just don't realize it when the power is on. Because as I sat here in the relative dark, I noticed just how quiet it was. All I could hear was the couple clocks we have that are battery powered ticking away and Colby breathing. I guess when the power is on you can also hear the refrigerator, the satellite TV receiver makes a humming sound and I don't know what else must make noise. Anyway, just something I noticed.

Around 7:30 I saw the electric company's truck going up our road and I knew it wouldn't be long until power came back. Around 8:30 it finally came back on. And now as you see from my note above....it's out again.
Although I'm a full service Financial Advisor, I focus on Connecticut Public School Teacher's and their spouses as they have a unique situation. They don't contribute to Social Security and they have their own pension system. I had three appointments today, one with a teacher in her school, one with a Board of Ed regarding new IRS guidelines about their plan and one tonight with a couple at their home. Given that schools are closed, the first two appointments are scrapped. I'd imagine that by this evening the roads will be fine and thus I'll keep my evening appointment.

Thank you all for your e-mails and comments with suggestions about what to include on the blog. I will certainly entertain some of those ideas!

Rootin' Tootin'

(And more of Colby's Fan Club! Here we see Holden and Norah looking as intellectual as every as they play a game of chess! Knowing Holden a bit, I think he really takes it seriously even at his young age. Norah is happy no matter what she's up to as long as she's getting her picture taken! You guys are lookin' good!)(Colby getting some belly time)

(Colby is very expressive and when he's unhappy, his face shows it!)

(ahhh, must have just been some gas)
(Chubby lil' boy!)

Colby is doing very well today. He had a cranky spell during the night last night, but apart from that, he's doing great. I think his belly continues to be the problem. He'll get red in the face and start pushing. Nothing will happen. Next thing you know he's crying. Then, his eyes will get big and "toooooot!"....all better. I'll tell ya, he farts more than anyone I've every know. Poor guy. It's a different perspective because Tracey and I are the type not to fart in front of people. I have friends who think it's funny and they'll rip one and start laughing. I don't know why but I think it's nasty...I mean...it comes from your butt!!! Anyway.... But with Colby it's just something natural and it's funny it's funny to watch the faces he makes.

Hmmm, what a subject to write about!!

I am finding it harder to find a topic to write about now that we're home. While we were in the NICU, every day had something new. Now that we're home...it's the same ol' thing most days. Just feeding him, changing him, trying to get some sleep. I guess developmentally there's stuff going on. But I just don't want this blog to become "Today I got up...we had coffee...we fed Colby...he slept....he pooped....then we went to bed." LOL So like Mike Rowe says at the end of every Dirty Jobs show...send me your ideas!! LOL Seriously...if there are any things you all want to hear about, shoot me an e-mail.

So...developementally...Colby seems to be doing well. It's hard with him being my first as I don't have much to compare him to. But the doctors and nurses that have seen him say he's pretty much on track. He's a little over one month old developmentally now. And what do one month old's do...not much... eat, sleep and poop. He is bringing his hands together in front of him and just figuring out he's got fingers I guess. He is starting to grab on to things. When I put him up near my shoulder either to walk around a bit or to burp him. He'll turn his head to try to look up at me and I'll feel his little hands grabbing my shirt, my neck, my ear sometimes. Pretty much anything he can reach. The Birth to Three said we should put him on his belly and try to get him to lift his head. It's kind of funny because he doesn't know what to do. His legs lift up, his arms go all over and sometimes if he gets mad enough, he'll lift his head. But I guess he just needs to figure out how to move his body and all.

Baby's R U called to let us know his dresser is in. Tracey is out with Evan tonight and she's going to see if she can pick it up. Then his room will be complete. It's kind of funny because you are all excited to get the babies room together...get it ready before he/she comes home. Then it turns out they don't even stay in there in the beginning!!! haha Ow well...life lessons.

Some faces from Colby's Fan Club!!!

Before we begin, the following pictures are in no particular order.

Secondly, if any of the kids are reading this, know that your little faces are now posted on the Internet where TONS of people are watching. So don't be surprised if you start to get movie offers, cereal commercial requests or calls from Nickelodeon! haha

Lastly, I tried my best to include a little info on everyone. I hope I got my facts straight. If I missed anyone or of any of you haven't yet sent pictures, just let me know and I'll add them on!!!

So I introduce to you..................................................

COLBY'S FAN CLUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Let's start things off with this little sweety, Maleia! She's got to be one of the most photographed cuties I've ever seen. And boy is she photogenic!! As with many of Colby's friends, Maleia came a little early and spent some time in the NICU. But the love and support that her parents, Jaime and Jordon, showered her with helped her move right along and today she's doing wonderfully! You guys have been such wonderful parents. Maleia is a lucky little girl to have you guys as parents. Keep the pictures of your little girl coming!!!

Say hello Heather and Eric's family....Savanna and her little sister Addison. Savanna is her mom's "mini-mi" and sidekick. Since Addy arrived in early November, Savanna has been a wonderful big sister watching after her and letting her mom know if the baby needs something. I don't know if you can tell in this picture, but Savanna is all smiles in front of the camera! Just adorable!

Next up....Nick and Shannon!!!! I used to help Nick's mom when she was VERY pregnant as she sat right next to me in the office. Nick..there were days when you mom...well...didn't feel very well so I'd help her make her way out of work at the end of the day...we'd walk 50 feet, she'd have to sit down, walk another 50 feet, she'd get all white in the face. Ow yes...good times for all! And look at you guys now!!! Shannon a young woman and Nick what a handsome young man!

Welcome Cole and Camden.....If there were every two brothers that look like they stick together and watch each other's back....it's these two!!! I'm sure mom has stories that both support and contradict this thought. I think I see a mischievous look in their eye too. hehe

Say hello to beautiful little Marley. She was born just a day before Colby's due date and sadly, also has an angel twin watching over her. Looks like she got all dressed up for the holiday and was enjoying the photo op! What a cutie!!

Matt, Lorna, Tyler and little Addison. They are NICU experts as well having had little Tyler at 1 1/2 pounds and unfortunately experienced the passing of his twin brother Hayden. By keeping strong and working as a family, after 98 days in the NICU, they were able to bring Tyler home....and look at him now !! What a big boy!!!!

From up in chilly Vermont....here's my cousin Stephanie's son Miles!!! He knows how to throw a party and for his big second birthday, he did it up right. It looks like he was quite excited as he surrounded himself with friends and good people. He enjoyed some sugar filled cake and washed it down with a cool, refreshing Polar lime seltzer. ahhhh yes...the good life!!!

Children's fashion is something to be marvelled. Here we find Logan and Brynn showing off their latest fashion creations and lookin as stylin as ever!!! Logan's ski goggles complement Brynns pink high heals marvelously!! Absolutely beautiful girls!!!! They're looking forward to their new brother or sister who's coming in a couple months!

Now here's little Hannah. She's the daughter of my cousin Randy and his wife Mary. And she's looking as cute as ever. Randy, a police officer, was injured while on duty. He ended up breaking his arm pretty badly while Hannah was just a baby. As I've said before, we've had the challenge of the NICU, but everyone has their own challenges that come their way. Randy and Mary did wonderfully having a little baby at home with an injured daddy. Randy is now back on duty, Hannah is growing up so quickly and Mary probably has Randy doing chores around the house until he's 50 because of when his arm was busted and Mary had to step in for him. haha

And the Hyatt girls!!!! Megan 8, Lauren 5 and Katelyn rounding off the bunch at 1 year of age!!! What a beautiful family!!! Hmm, let's do the math...mom plus three girls = 4 females in the house.....and poor dad is the only guy. Dan, looks like you may have your work cut out for you!

From all the way out in Ohio, welcome Larry, Jenny, Emily and Lauren!! Yet another family with NICU experience. Lauren was born 1 lb 14 ounces at 30 weeks gestation. She's turning 4 years old in March! Although a bit smaller than her friends, her spirit and personality show that size doesn't matter and that it's all in how you approach the world.

Tracey is a licensed massage therapist. She got pregnant in the last year of her schooling. While studying she became friends with a wonderful woman, Tina. Come to find out, Tina got pregnant too so the two of them kept in touch after they graduated to keep tabs on each other's pregnancies. Here is Tina and Ken's little bundle of joy, Kason, who apparently loves striking a pose while lounging around in bed. Ahhhh, that's the life!!!

Although I like many baby names, the above baby's name I must say has a special place within me. This is Kendra's little Avery. She was born on November 20th when all of the sudden Kendra needed an emergency C-section. Kendra and her husband kept strong and made it though their unexpected turn in events and look at Avery now...happy and healthy. Kendra, thank you again for reaching out to us.

It's funny how sometimes friends from the past track you down again. Laura has been a friend of the family for years. My dad has kept in touch with her and her family. Rick, as you can see if the photo, is in Iraq. Yet with all that they have going on, they have cared enough to keep tabs on little Colby and that means a lot. Thank you so much for your support and for the photo! Very best wishes to you and Rick and once everyone is back stateside and in CT, we'll need to get together, let the dogs play and catch up a bit!

The above beautiful little guy is Aidan, my cousin Laura's son. Aidan is looking forward to modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch one day and hopes this warm pose in a chilly scene will launch his career! It looks like Aidan already has a little best friend, his teddy bear. Colby is anxious to meet Aidan at the family events and I've told him not to be jealous of Aidans thick hair. haha You see, Colby's hair is....well....sparse right now. You're stlyin' Aidan...keep up the good work!

A handyman in the making. Here's Alanna's handsome little helper, Mason. He's getting ready for the arrival of an new baby brother or sister in a couple months! And do you know what? Mason is getting to be such a big boy that he's starting to use the potty!!! Come one everyone, let's root Mason on!!! Keep up the good work Alanna! Just two more months to go!

Hats off to Cynthia and Brian for raising these little cuties! From left to right, Brady, Alaina and Aaron. Yup...Brady and Aaron are twins!!! I'm sitting here with only one eye open from just one night being up to feed a singleton. Hats off to you guys for making it through the nights with twins! And by the looks of things, you've got difference of opinion withing the family...the girls liking the Red Sox and the boys rooting for the Yankees. That should make for some interesting times down the road. Keep up the good work! The family is adorable!!!

My best friend growing up was another Scott. His sister, Natalie and her husband, Will, now live out in TX and have these two beautiful children, Sophie and Griffin. Adorable little guys! Hmmm, if I recall correctly, their mommy and uncle knew how to have some fun in their teenage years and at times drove their mom nuts...so guess what Nat....What goes around comes around. haha...fun times ahead! haha

Mi Familia!!! Back in 1993-4 between High School and college, I spent a year in Chile, South America as an exchange student. I lived with just a wonderful Chilean family and had three brothers while I was down there. As families do, they've grown and now have children of their own. Above are pictures of mis sobrinos. Que lindos! I look forward to the day when Colby can meet his cousins and the uncles and grandparents can tell stories of when "El gringo" come to Chile! Mama, papa, Francisco, Rodrigo y Felipe, les echo de menos y ojala que nos veremos pronto!And let's round off this blog entry with a simply beautiful photo (if I do say so myself hehe) of the Johnson Family!!!! We see Chris and Liz and their daughters Chloe and Caitlin posing for their Xmas picture. What a good looking family! They live just around the block from us. Colby is looking forward hanging out with Caitlin....however I'll remember not to wear a new shirt when I hold her this time. haha

Is today picture day?

Was today the day I'm supposed to post everyone's pictures?

Morning Coffee

(picture taken while Tracey and I went to Stockbridge. I've posted it before, but I like the picture.)

There are few things in life I look forward to like my morning coffee! So here I am, reclined on the couch, Colby laying half asleep on my chest, coffee on the end table, computer on my lap.....what a good start to the day! The only thing missing is Tracey. She came in around 6 this morning saying she's burnt and needs some sleep before I start my day.

That's all I had to say....just enjoying the start of the day.

Smiling Elvis is cruisin' with Hamilton!

(Colby is beginning to laugh at things. Not very often but either if you make a funny noise, kiss his forehead or tickle his cheeks.)
(Our little Elvis)

(I'm not sure what this face is all about. Yesterday was a very warm day for Connecticut in January (about 60 degrees). So Tracey plopped Colby in his stroller for the first time and brought him out for his first cruise in front of the house.)(And yes...the ever-present Hamilton was there for Colby's maiden voyage. He's a good boy...just like his brother.)

Another good day is under our belt. Colby is doing well. I can see him progressing with his head control, motor skills and coordination. I stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home today and got him a little mat that he lays on with some toys that hang down for him to play with. We already have another one (Thank you Celeste!), but it's a little bit for him now. Like so many other things...he'll grow into it.

Tracey and I are getting used to our new schedule with him being home. This week was my first week really working. The prior weeks were a bit off because he had just gotten home and with the holidays, I didn't have that many appointments. We're both a bit tired (boy is that a common theme in this blog!). But that's to be expected.

I've been enjoying getting uninterrupted night's sleep as Tracey has been taking care of Colby at night. BUT...tonight is my last night. I have Colby-Care tomorrow and Friday night. Short in comparison to Tracey's last 4 days.....I know. But I do like my sleep. haha. She does so much better than I when she hasn't had sleep. She's a little snippy, as am I. But she can still talk and function. When I get really run down, don't ask me to talk or interact much or you'll be sorry. LOL