Finding a Balance

As with most parents, it has been a difficult but exciting journey trying to figure out how to balance work, home, baby, hubby, and often last self needs. But after 9+ months I think I have peace with the balancing act. Over the last week I've done a lot of reflecting, not sure why really, maybe the new year, or the pasat week's activities. As you may recall, Nathen got me a spa package for Christmas including a massage, manicure, pedicure, and haircut/style, well I cashed that in on Saturday and spent about 4 hours at the salon, while Nathen got some special daddy time with Aiden. On Tuesday some girl friends from work had planned a girl night out of dinner and a movie, something I have not done since I got married. I debated with myself over and over whether I "should" go or not, after much discussion with Nathen who thought it would be a good opportunity for me (and get him out of taking me to 27 Dresses, a great flick by the way:) I decided to go, and while I pulled into dinner a lightbulb went off..."I have a great life", my son is spending quality time with Grandma and then Daddy (when he gets home from work), and I was able to spend all day with them the previous day and the following day, my coworkers value me as both a professional and a friend, I enjoy my job, and I have a wonderful husband, and adorable baby. While this lightbulb went off a sense of relief came over me that I should not feel guilty about attending the girls night out. Although I did feel somewhat guilty about not feeling guilty...but remembered the facts that Aiden was in good hands and I get to spend quality time with him most days/nights of the week. Along with this balancing act and having a life outside of home is the ongoing concern about raising a child. I've been very caught up on developmental milestones, from when will he walk to why cant he figure out a sippy cup, or wave bye bye. I think as a mom its natural to worry about your child, but recently I've been thinking in the big picture of life does it really matter when he walks, drinks out of a sippy cup, or sleeps through the night...absolutely NOT what matters most is is my child happy, and that is a resounding YES, even perfect strangers have commented on what a well behaved happy baby he is and he has brought joy to so many people. Nathen and I were just talking about how the "newness" of parenthood has not worn off yet, I find myself talking about Aiden just as much or more so than I did when he was only days old. I know I'm rambling a bit, but I just thought it was my duty to all the other moms out there to share this ah-ha moment as I think we as moms are too hard on ourselves. So in closing I leave 2 things with you 1) dont feel guilty about doing things for yourself and 2)dont worry so much, look at your child's smile and your worries will pass quickly. Alright that is my philisophical blog entry for the year, I promise the next blog will have some pics of Aiden:)

Aiden is 9 months old!!!

Aiden is now 9 months old and really on the move. He moves so quickly that it has been quite difficult to take his picture...I've tried but they've all been pretty blurry. Needless to say this post will be short and sweet with no pictures, but I'll try to capture some in the coming weeks. His stats from his appointment confirm what I thought was happening, he's growing!!! He gained 5 lbs since his 6 month appointment putting him at 21 lbs 3 oz coming in at the 50th percentile. And he is now 30 inches long (yes 2.5 feet!!!) which is 90th percentile and his head is catching up with the rest of him at 50th percentile. We are still trying to introduce more textured food to Aiden, but he has a pretty sensitive gag reflex so the Dr reassured us that there is no rush and to just try different food textures every so often. Oh and I think I forgot to mention in previous posts that he now has 2 teeth (front), getting one around Thankgiving and one right before Christmas. And I think he's trying to cut a few more as he's been drooling like crazy, putting everything in his mouth, and needing a bit more snuggle time. Well that is all for now, have a great and relaxing weekend!

A new year....

A new year is apon us and its hard to believe that our little guy will be 1 in just 3 months, where has the time gone??--everyone says that it goes by fast with a children but I have a new appreciation for that statement having our own. Anyways, the past few weeks have been a flurry of activity with celebrating 3 Christmas (one with my folks, Nathen folks, and of course one with just the 3 of us), celebrating the new year all of which spending lots of time with family that we dont see often enough. Aiden really enjoyed opening up gifts, and playing with his new toys (many of them making noise and driving mommy and daddy crazy, but Aiden likes them so thats what matters).

Aiden closed out the new year by perfecting his crawling--he's been getting around on his belly for awhile, and I'm convinced is somewhat of a perfectionist because he did not really start crawling until last week and at that time he was doing laps around the house--I'm not exagerating!!! I was beginning to worry about when he would crawl, and now am glad he is but also thinking I should have appreciated the non-mobile Aiden while I had him!!!

We hope everyone had a nice Holiday and enjoyed their time with family as much as we did. Here are a few pictures.

Aiden opens his first Christmas present, a toy skidloader, that Daddy got for him at his company Christmas Party. We celebrated Christmas on the 22nd because Aiden began opening this present!!! Originally we were going to open our gifts on Christmas day, but who can deny a cute 8 month old??:)

Nathen got me a spa package to include a massage, manicure, pedicure, and haircut and style--I cant wait to cash it in. I'm really in need of all of it, what a great gift to get from my hubby!:)

Nathen finally get to view 300! This was a movie that came out while I was pregnant and although I continued to encourage the idea of going we never got around to it. According to Nathen it was worth the wait, he really enjoyed watching it (I think he's viewed it 3 times already), I have not and dont really want to I've heard its pretty violent.

Christmas at my folks house, this was the first time that all the grandchildren had been together. Cousin Elizabeth is 3 months, Cousin Susanna 18 months, Cousin Hannah 34 months, and Aiden at 8 months. We all had so much fun watching all of the cousins play and interact with one another.

Christmas with Nathen's family at our house, this was the first Holiday dinner we have ever hosted, and it went off without a hitch. Aiden really enjoyed playing with his cousin Ian age 5 (Nathen's brother's son). Ian was throwing soft blocks off his head which Aiden found really funny. Everyone including me was in tears from laughing so hard at Aiden's laugh--I'd never heard him laugh so hard, I tried doing the same thing with the blocks but he didnt find it as amuzing as when his cousin did it

Aiden is 8 months old!!!

Okay he's actually 8 months and 1 day, but our electricity was off much of the day yesterday due to the wonderful ice storm. Aiden hasn't had a Dr appointment so I'm not sure what his measurements are but I'm certain he's gained a few pounds!!! He is getting around a lot more than he was just a month ago, he's not crawling (in the traditional way) but he scoots while sitting up, squirms on his tummy, and of course loves walking while holding onto our hands. We made it back from Iowa Sunday evening and I've nicknamed Aiden "Our little Road Tripper". He did great during the 6 hour car ride. He slept most of the way up Friday evening, and then wanted to tell us all about his dreams once we checked into the hotel, he wasnt fussy at all just talking for about 2 hours (until 1:30 am) before falling asleep. Saturday, he enjoyed swimming in the pool, eating out, and doing some Christmas shopping, and finally attending Daddy's Christmas Party where he was a hit!!!

We've had a pretty laid back week with the weather being so cold and icy we have not gotten out of the house much, I'm hoping to take him to the library today. I think he's getting a little cabin fever as am I. One good thing about the weather is that Nathen didnt have to work yesterday or today so we are soaking up some time with him. Nathen turned 30 on Monday so the two days off were a nice Birthday present.

Enjoy the pics

Aiden gets some practice opening Christmas presents by opening Daddy's birthday gift, he didnt need any help at all!!

This picture captures that our Little Guy is on the move and pretty happy about it "Mom why are taking my picture, cant you see I'm trying to eat here?!!!" Aiden continues to love eating, although we had a bit of a scare over the weekend when he choked, but he coughed everything up and wasnt scared by the event, but it sure did scare Mommy and Daddy. I think he liked our reaction or something because ever since then he'll do a fake choking thing and then smile at us after we pick him up (to start patting his back). He's an onery little guy!! "Mom, this is a pretty cool toy!!"Aiden and I purchased a new printer Thursday and Aiden had fun playing with the box.

So much to be Thankful for....

Okay I know this is a bit be-lated, and hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We sure did, we had Thanksgiving with Nathen's folks Wednesday evening and then spent Thanksgiving at my parents along with my sister, brother in law and their two girls. And Saturday evening we ventured out to The Wamego Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony with our friends Travis, Meltem and Talia who is only 2 weeks older than Aiden. Around this time of year I always seem to get a bit sentimental and reflect on all of the blessings we have, and this year is no different. We are so thankful to have a healthy, and very happy baby in Aiden, although he's still not sleeping through the night when he does wake in the middle of the night he is always all smiles (once I pick him up:) and wanting to cuddle. I'm thankful that I have a loving and caring family that provides childcare for Aiden while I'm at work. Speaking of work I'm thankful that I have an employer that has allowed me to reduce my hours so can have more time at home with Aiden. Finally, I'm thankful for a loving and supportive husband, that doesnt always hear that appreciation. Okay I could go on and on but I'm going to stop there before I become a blubbering mess:) Below are a few pics from our Holiday.

Aiden pets Sissy at Grandma and Grandpa's--he is definately his daddy's son when it comes to animals. He loves them. Aiden and I are all smiles after Thanksgiving Dinner at my folks

Aiden knows the Thanksgiving Tradition of napping...he enjoys some snuggle time with Nana. Oh yea we also decorated the Christmas tree, Aiden loves the lights Aiden enjoyed playing with his buddy Talia before the Christmas parade. They were so cute together talking and playing with each other.

More "Firsts" For Aiden

Aiden has had many more new first experiences in the last 2 weeks. Starting with his first swimming lesson last week, check out the pictures--he's a fish, it runs in the family--pretty much everyone on my side of the family are swimmers. This weekend Aiden had 2 "firsts" back to back...first he had his first night away from mommy and daddy, and then his first birthday party.

Nathen and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary about a month late on Saturday, and Aiden had some special time with Nana and Granddad. Aiden did very well and Nana and Granddad enjoyed having him overnight...Granddad mentioned several times what a "dandy" Aiden is:) I think it was really special for Granddad since he doesn't get to spend as much time with Aiden as Nana does. Nathen and I missed our little guy, but enjoyed spending time with each other, and I surprised myself by only calling 2 times to check on Aiden.

On Sunday we ventured to KC to help celebrate our friend's Nicky's first birthday. Aiden was the youngest one there, but held his own pretty well, talking and playing with the toddlers that were at the party. Poor guy though he was the only one that could not have any cake:(

Aiden stretches for his beach ball at swim lessons. The teacher said that given his young age that he would probably just splash and not be able to reach too much let alone kick his legs--well like I said he's a fish and he was moving his legs and arms. He even tried to copy me blowing bubbles, but swallowed the water instead:( fortunately this did not scare him at all.

Aiden tries swimming on his back and does not like it as much as being on his tummy, but still made me smile.

Aiden wishes Nicky a "Happy Birthday" while they touch each other's faces.

Aiden soaks up some Granddad time Saturday. He seems to realy be hanging on every word that Granddad is saying:)

It's been awhile....

Boy I do not know where the month of October went but its now over and I've neglected posting as regularly as I'd like--and now I'm being shamed into it by my big sis who is posting more often than me with a 1 month old!!:)

We have been very busy the last few weeks. Aiden had 2 play dates this week, celebrated Halloween, and received his first birthday party invitation. He's growing up so fast!!!

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks.

Aiden enjoys the fall day going down the slide in our back yard last Sunday.

Aiden enjoys eating, and he's pretty talented using a spoon--he does get some food in his mouth:) We introduced veggies a few weeks ago and fruits last week. So far he seems to be a pretty good eater, trying sweet potatoes, green beans, and bananas. Although he still prefers mommy's milk to anything else.

Aiden soaks up some Daddy time the day after we returned from our trip, he really missed Daddy and Daddy missed us quite a bit as well. Arn't they cute in their yellow and navy shirts?:)

Aiden's new favorite thing to do is looking at my parenting magazines (that I have no time to read:) and pull out the pages---I was amazed how well he could rip the pages out, then I make them into a ball and he tosses them. He is entertained for 20-30 minutes just looking at the magazine. Aiden enjoys "talking" and playing with his buddy James. They are so cute together they touch each others faces and Aiden tries to take James socks--he's really into taking off his socks and sucking on them and his toes.

Aiden enjoys playing with his friend Haleigh, who is 2 weeks older, they hadn't seen each other since Aiden was 2 months old. It was really interesting to see how Aiden interacted with her as compared to his interactions with James, he seemed to be much more gentler towards Haleigh.

Aiden tries to get into the Halloween candy while I was in the restroom--I heard a crash and came running out and couldn't help but laugh (after of course I realized he was okay) when I saw all the candy around him and him sucking on a lollipop (fully wrapped of course). He is definately our son, both Nathen and I have a real sweet tooth. I learned that he must have very long arms and I need to put everything at the back of the tables out of his reach:) Aiden poses in his Pooh costume. We took him downtown and to Grandma and Grandpa Eckstein's to trick or treat. Although he couldn't eat the candy, he enjoyed watching everyone in their costumes.

Okay I think that brings everyone up to speed on the last few weeks. I'll try to post more often so the next one wont be so lengthy.

Our Trip to the Coast!!!

Well Aiden and I survived our trip to the west coast to meet Baby Elizabeth and visit my sister and brother in law. All my anxieties about flying with Aiden were really unfounded, and looking back a bit ridiculous to have--he absolutely loved flying. It was really helpful that we had an empty seat next to us on both flights, which allowed Aiden to play and nap (although he didn't sleep much, there was too much excitement!!!). Aiden enjoyed flirting with all the pretty flight attendants and showing off for the other passengers. Everyone around me commented on what a good baby he is--I must admit I was a pretty proud mommy--I could almost feel myself beaming with pride. Once we arrived to San Fransisco we were greeted by my dad, mom, and sister Cammie, who all helped me with our luggage (I packed WAY TOO MUCH!!). Aiden enjoyed watching and talking to Baby Elizabeth, and amazingly seemed to know to be gentle with her--usually when he's touching my face he'll grab and scratch, but when touching Elizabeth's face he just touched very softly. Aiden also enjoyed getting to see his Nana who he's missed the last 3 weeks. The last few days we have tried to get Aiden back on Kansas time--the last few nights he has not fallen asleep until 9 or 10, and yesterday he didn't wake up for the day until 11. Last night he went down a little earlier so hopefully we are getting closer to getting him back on Kansas time. Below are a few pictures of our trip. Stay tuned for an update on our swim lessons!!! Our first lesson is tomorrow--I cant wait!

Aiden has some fun with Granddad at Aunt Cammie, Uncle Bill, and Cousin Elizabeth's home.

Aiden introduces himself to Baby Elizabeth with Nana and Granddad's help

Aiden and I enjoying ourselves at the Golden Gate Bridge--there were several pictures with me and Aiden with Aunt Cammie and Granddad but unfortunatley this is the only one that Aiden is smiling in--silly digital cameras--seem to be somewhat delayed:(

Aiden is a half year old!!!

Amazingly Aiden is already 6 months old. I still can not believe how fast the time has gone. He is so much fun. He had his 6 month Dr appointment yesterday and he weighs 16lbs 6 oz (25th percentile), and is 27.75 inches long (90th percentile). I guess he's going to be tall and slender like his daddy. He of course got shots yesterday as well, and he was such a big boy about it, he only cried for a few seconds. Okay this is short I know but I want to get back to playing with my little guy.

Aiden has a new cousin!!!

Aiden has a new cousin, Elizabeth Katherine born to my big sis Cammie and her husband Bill. Elizabeth arrived 3 weeks early September 28th and weighed 7 lbs 11 oz! My mom was able to make it out to San Fransisco hospital minutes (20 to be exact) before the delivery. Aiden and I are flying out this Saturday to meet Elizabeth. We are so excited, Nathen unfortunately could not get off work so I'll be flying alone with a 6 month old!!!! Everyone I've talked to who has flown with infants have said the same thing "he'll be fine if you just feed him" sounds easy enough but we'll see. I'll definately make a post after our return with an update and of course pictures!:)

Aiden seems to be giving into baby peer pressure here of late. It's actually pretty funny, a few weeks ago we visited our friends Meltem, Travis and Taila (who is 2 weeks older than Aiden), and Taila was sucking her thumb, the next day Aiden started to suck his thumb he never did so before, and just today our neighbors Jenny and James (3 weeks younger than Aiden) stopped by and James was sucking on his lower lip, and before the end of their visit Aiden started to do the same thing!! Today Aiden and James seemed to be enjoying their conversations with each other. Babies truely are amazing---Jenny and I couldn't help but wonder if the two could understand each other using their own secret language!!

We took Aiden to church for the first time to watch my dad's baptism, and Aiden did wonderful. He just looked around and smiled at people the entire time, he didnt cry once!

Aiden enjoys some cuddle time with Granddad after church. Aiden showed Granddad how special he is by touching his face, this is something that Aiden does to those he loves and cares for (or at least thats what it seems) he touches my face when nursing and Daddy's face after he comes home from work.

"How about them 'Cats?" Well they got beat by KU this weekend--I didnt rub it in too bad though. Aiden is still all smiles in his K-State duds--he sported his KU duds today and received several compliments on them at the library and coffeeshop but of course I forgot to take pictures:(