Do I Really Have A Five Year Old?

I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Connor. I went to the the store to buy a test. Kelly insisted we just buy a generic, since it was cheaper. We went home and it indicated I was pregnant. Could it really be right? It was a generic after all. A short time later I found myself at Walgreens, this time buying a named brand test. Luckily this one had a "bonus" test included. It was a good thing because I still didn't believe it and I had to take the "bonus" test as well! So, about $50 and 5 tests later, I finally convinced myself that they were all accurate. I was really pregnant!

I was especially excited to be pregnant, as you are with your first. Checking and reading in every book, to make sure what I was feeling was normal. I remember taking a birthing class with Kelly and being totally freaked out. Could I really deliver this child? Couldn't he just stay inside? My water broke at midnight and we rushed to the hospital, just like the book says. We were living at Grandpa Roush's condo in Salt Lake, so luckily, we were only a short distance to LDS Hospital. After 12 hours of labor (I don't know why we rushed to get there,) we had our first little baby, Connor Kelly Zierse! After being home for one day, Connor had to back to the hospital because of dehydration. He had some difficulty learning how to nurse. After being in Primary Children's Hospital for 24 hours, and having lots of frustration, we got things figured out. I remember being so exhausted and overwhelmed. Kelly and I were young and didn't know anything about babies. We were so scared and wanted to do everything right. I was glad when we could go home with our new family! Weeks following, you would have never known Connor had any trouble eating!

Something I learned from my mom was to keep a journal for my kids, until they can do it for themselves. My mom kept one for each of us. It was full of things we did and said while we were young. I am glad that I have continued that on with my kids. I can look back and read some of my favorite things about my kids when they were babies.

One of my most favorite memories of Connor was how he used to say daddy. He used to call Kelly, "Daddin." I thought it was so cute and original. I had never heard any other child call their dad that. I remember being so sad when he finally said daddy! I think I might have even tried telling him, "no it's Daddin, not Daddy!"

Another memory was when he was about 8 months old. The back of his head was a little flat so we decided to do "helmet therapy." We got lots of stares and odd questions during that time. Like, "oh, does he have seizures?" Or, "did he just have brain surgery?" Really, who asks someone that when they are standing in line at the grocery store? Wearing a helmet actually came in handy when he started to crawl. How many infants get to wear head protection when they are learning to crawl and walk? It kept him from getting bumps and bruises on his head!

Something else about Connor is that he has always been so happy and friendly. He can make a friend wherever he goes!

Connor has been such a blessing to us. He has brought so much love and laughter to our home! Happy Birthday Con-Man! We love you!!!!



Seeing my new baby for the first time! I was able to get him out after all!



This was Connor the morning after being in Primary Children's. He was 5 days old.



Connor and his helmet!



Our first Thanksgiving with Connor.



Connor's first love with swimming pools!



Our first appartment in Phoenix.



Connor giving his soon to be brother a hug and kiss!



Connor got this crown from nursery. He wore it a lot!



Mommy and her boys!



Connor and Mommy!