Zoo Trip and Preparation for Big Brotherhood!!

We have had quite the busy week this past week. On Wednesday Aiden and I joined our Parents as Teachers group to a field trip to the Topeka Zoo. Aiden's buddy James, and my friend Jenny rode with us, so that may the trip easier for everyone involved. Aiden absolutely loved the zoo and enjoyed spending time with Nana who met us there. We saw many cool animals, but after 2 hours we decided to go to the park for a picnic lunch eventhough we didn't get through everything. Aiden also enjoyed the train ride around the park. He had so much fun and was so excited about the days adventures that he didn't take a nap that day, but you would not have known it by his mood...he was as happy as could be until he crashed that night!!! Below are some (not many, I didn't realize how few pictures I was able to take due to Aiden moving non stop!!) pictures of our fun day at the zoo and time w/ Nana.

The past several weeks we've also been trying to prepare Aiden for his Baby Brother's arrival. My belly is getting quite large, and Baby Brother is quite active so I think Aiden understands that there is a baby in my belly. Every night before he goes to bed he gives my belly a hug, waves good night, and tonight he put his pacifier in my belly button for his Baby Brother----too cute!. Nathen and I think he's going to be a great big brother. As for other preparations we don't have a whole lot to do since we are having another boy, but we have already pulled the boxes of infant clothes out of the storage room, so now I just have to organize the boys' dresser. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was boxing up newborn clothes!!!

Well that is all for now. Enjoy the photos!

The boys take a brief break (about 15 seconds) to check out the monkey on the bench. Aiden gives his buddy James some pointers on how to get the wooden girraff off the fence...they came very close to shaking the poor thing off. I'm telling you 2 15 month old boys have the strength of 2 15 year olds!!! Aiden waits patiently with Nana for some goats to come to him at the petting zoo. Okay its not a zoo pic but I just had to share it... Aiden does pull ups with daddy now every night after his bath.

Aiden is 15 months!!

Aiden is 15 months (and 3 days to be exact!). He had his 15 month appointment this morning and was a real trooper with the two shots he had to get. He cried for a few seconds and then was fine and we went to play group where had a blast. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Aiden is good on shots until Kindergarten so no more for 4 years!!!! Aiden has grown 2 inches in the last 3 months putting him at the 75th percentile (32 inches) and his weight is 24lbs 3oz which is 42nd percentile, as always his little head is at the 25th percentile. Overall his growth seems to have slowed some since this is the first time he's not in the 80-90th percentile for both height and weight. He is a healthy little guy though, he loves lettuce--the other night we went to McDonalds and he preferred the lettuce from my sandwich to the french fries!!! We've been enjoying the mild July weather. We went to the park twice yesterday, and unfortunately forgot the camera both times. But let me tell you Aiden loves the park especially when Daddy goes with us. Daddy can take him on big slides, and help him climb walls--something I dont feel comfortable doing.

Some updates and pictures!!!

Hello all in my last post I mentioned that our nanny, Nichole would be starting, and she's watched Aiden for about 3 weeks now. After clearning up a few things (he only needs 1 nap not 2 for 4-5 hours!!) she is doing very well with Aiden and he seems to really enjoy his time with her. Fortunately she listened to my concern about how much he was sleeping and followed my instructions of keeping him up until after lunch. The first few days she watched him he took a morning and afternoon nap for about 2 hours each so he was up close to midnight those nights...but like I said that is no longer an issue. Aiden is also now running everywhere and becoming much more independent in his play especially outside, he loves exploring our backyard and picking up sticks, leaves, whatever he can get his hands on...Nathen and I have thought about getting him more play equipment but wonder if he'll use it since he seems to have more fun exploring nature. This past weekend we spent some time at Nana and Granddad's and visited with Uncle Bill, Aunt Cammie, Uncle John, and Aunt Sheldi. Aiden had a lot of fun playing with all of his cousins, Hannah, Susanna, and Elizabeth. Check out the pictures below.

I had a Dr's appointment last week and everything went well. Although I'm becoming quite nervous of how big this little boy is going to be as I gained another 10 lbs in the last 2 months, putting my total weight gain at 19 lbs!!! With Aiden I gained 30, and I have about 11 weeks to go so I'm hopeful I'll keep my weight gain within the recommended amount of 30-35 lbs. Yes that is correct I'm in my last trimester, just as I got my energy back from being sick, I felt awesome for about 2-3 weeks and now I'm tired again entering my last trimester....oh well its all worth it in the end.

"Okay take the picture!!" I thought this was a pretty cute grumpy pic of Aiden we don't have too many of those:)

Here's a picture of my sisters and their children. It was quite a challenge to get 3 toddlers, and an infant to look at the camera, but my brother in law John did a great job capturing each moment.

I think Aiden was trying to tell Daddy something pretty funny or something...:) Nana and Granddad loving their grandbabies. Aiden tried corn on the cob for the first time and loved it so much did not want to part without it for the pciture..:)

We all enjoy some good home cookin..compliments of my mom and dad.

One proud Daddy..I just love watching Nathen with Aiden, he is such a good father, and is so proud of his little boy.