Over a month again??!!!

Okay I'm really not doing a very good job of keeping up this blog lately. Sorry about that:( Anyways, not a whole lot have changed at the Eckstein household. Aiden is almost 23 months (on the 11th of March) and Evan will be 6 months on the 22nd. I can't believe that my babies are almost 2 and 6 months old. I'm not sure where the time goes, but at least we are having fun. Aiden has really gotten into his colors, and letters, and can identify most colors and several letters. He's not so interested in shapes and numbers, but I'm sure that will come. Evan is becoming a little more confident with sitting without support, although still a bit wobbly at times. I've really appreciated the boys' smiles lately especially after a day of work. My job has been quite stressful the last month. I continue to love what I do but the leadership has asked me to make changes that I don't feel comfortable with so I've started looking for another job. I think it will all work out and I can continue to do the job I love just under a new agency. I'll keep you posted. The one good thing that has come out of this is many of the providers I work with have expressed to me what a loss it would be if I left my position. We finally got a camera last weekend and have really enjoyed catching some great moments of the boys. I continue to be amazed as to how much they interact and show their love for one another so early on. I always hoped they'd be best friends but didnt really think it would start so fast...but I'm definatley not complaining. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the last week.

3 Mommies, 3 infants, and 3 toddlers after fun at the park and lunch at the Friendship House. Amazingly lunch out with such a group was a success (nothing broken, and no toddler break downs:) It was such a fun day. I feel so blessed to have met so many great mommy friends. Aiden giving his best buddy, James a big hug while playing at the park.

Aiden pushing Evan in the swings...what a good big brother

All of my boys "What are you looking at?" Uncle Bill will get this:) Doesn't he look like he will be an absent minded professor in 20-30 years?:)

"Mom, why must you take pics of my at bathtime???!!" I have never met a baby with so many facial experssions--he's definately my son

Aiden and daddy having fun with paint...Nathen couldn't resist putting some paint on his cheeks and saying "okay go make some tackles"

It's been awhile

Okay its been over a month since my last post, and a lot has been going on at the Eckstein household. First we had a wonderful Christmas with both my family and Nathen's family. We are lucky to have family live so close by. We also enjoyed Christmas Day just the four of us--it was really special to have this time together, and watch the boys open up their gifts (okay Evan didnt really open anything up, but he was very alert and watching what we were all doing especially big brother). Aiden is now 21 months as of the 11th, and he has gone through quite a few changes. The most significant was choosing to sleep in a toddler bed instead of in our bed. I must say that I'm a bit sad that he's become more independent and no longer want to sleep in our bed, but I also know that as parents our job is to help them become independent no matter how painful. Aiden also sported quite the scar for our Christmas festivities as he had to get 4 stiches after running into a corner of a wall at the library after story time. Fortunately there were several mothers that helped out, and Nathen's mom rode with us to the Dr's office which I'm so thankful for. Aiden was a real trooper he didnt cry at all when the Dr stiched him up. I'm sure it will not be the last time he gets stiches. Last Thursday he got his first haircut, and I was plesantly surprised how still he sat. Oh and today he went potty in his little potty chair. He'd been interested in the toliet for quite some time but we just got him a potty seat this past week and have not really started potty training, but today after we got back from the park he wanted to use it, he sat for a few minutes and then did his sign for all done, and sure enough he was--Nathen and I were so proud of him and I think he enjoyed seeing us get so excited for him. He's really growing up fast, almost too fast. They both are so I try to appreciate every moment with them even the ones in the wee hours of the night. really come into his own. He is pretty much out of his fussy stage, and he does a good job communicating when he is hungry and tired but thats really the only time he becomes fussy--I become pretty cranky too when I'm hungry and tired:) He's a much better sleeper than Aiden usually sleeping 8-10 hours at night. We decided to transition him into a crib (he was sleeping in a cosleeper next to our bed) when Aiden went into his toddler bed. We are only on the 2nd night and last night he slept much better than Aiden and did not wake when Aiden did so that was good. I'm hopeful that they will enjoy sharing a room especially as they get older, I have so many good memories of sharing a room with my sister growing up.

I've included some pics from the last month. Enjoy!

Aiden shows Evan how to do tummy time. Unfortunatley I didn't capture the moment until the toddler's instruction was over:)

Evan enjoying a nap in Daddy's arms at my folk's Christmas celebration.

Aiden plays with the Farm animals and barn that Aunt Sheldi, Uncle John, Cousins Hannah and Susanna got for him. He plays with it daily, and loves making all the animal sounds.

Cousin Hannah helps Aunt Cammie explain to Elizabeth the art of unwrapping Christmas presents. We had so much fun watching all of the kids open gifts, it was pretty crazy but fun with 5 under the age of 4. I'm already looking forward to next year when there will be 6 under the age of 5!!!! Evan enjoys some snuggle time with my Aunt Linda

Look at all my teeth!! He's enjoying some play time w/ Daddy.

Evan sporting his cute smile while hanging out in his bumbo chair.

Evan and Nana exchange some smiles while playing with Evan's Leap Frog toy that he got from Nana and Granddad for Christams.

Aiden enjoying some play time with Nana.

Aiden is 20 months

Aiden is 20 months as of the 11th. He has become much more independent which has its benifits and downfalls. Yesterday he really wanted express his independence while at the coffee shop screaming when I would not let him climb into the window with the Christmas Tree. I was a bit (okay a lot) embarrased by the scene my little usually easy going guy was making; but reflecting back on it he was just trying to gain a little independence--at least thats what I'm telling myself--it sounds much better than saying he was being defiant!!! A more positive story about his independence is that he'll play very well by himself while I'm nursing Evan. And this morning when he woke up he got out of bed by himself and attempted to open the door before I even knew he was awake. He continues to be a great big brother, and 99% of the time a very happy, well behaved little guy, the 1% of the time reminds us that he's a normal toddler who has tantrums, screams, ect.

It's been awhile....

Wow its been over a month since my last post. We've had two Holidays (Halloween, and Thanksgiving) and are gearing up for Christmas. I'll try not to make this too long and bring you up to speed on Evan and Aiden. First, Evan had his 2 month appt a few weeks ago and he is gaining and growing well. He weighs 12 lbs 3 oz and is 23 inches long--the nurse didn't give the percentile---i think it was something to do w/ being a 3:30 appt on the WEds before Thanksgiving!!! He did gain 3 lbs in 1 month and grew 2 inches in length in 2 months. Anyways, he is right on track developmentally. And recently he's started sleeping through the night, sleeping 6-7 hours at a time, which to me is through the night; of course I am thankful and appreciative for. It's helped that we have a cosleeper right up to our bed so when he does wake I don't even have to get up out of bed to feed him. His personality really blossomed over Thanksgiving weekend, he started smiling a lot more, cooing, gooing, and yesterday he even made a spit bubble. His fussiness has also seemed to gone down quite a bit--its nice to hear him make other noises besides crying!!

Aiden is almost 20 months old now!!! It kind of makes me sad that he will be 2 in just 4 short months. The time has gone by so fast, and I know it will just continue so we are appreciative of every moment. He's talking and using his signs a lot, and has really adjusted well to Evan. He's a huge helper, often helping without being asked--he always seems to get me the burp rag for Evan before I even realize I need it. He's also started to notify us when he's poopy by saying "stinky" and loves to flush the toliet. I've read that these are signs that he may be ready for potty training, so Nathen and I are preparing for that!! Several months ago we found a church that we all enjoy, and yesterday Aiden went to the nursery without crying, usually he'll cry for a few minutes when we leave, but yesterday he just waved bye bye making it much easier to enjoy the service.

Here are some pics from the last few months. We hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and if I dont make a post in the next few weeks we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Evan with Great Grandma when he was a few weeks old (I just realized we had pics on our camera last week)

Evan gives Daddy a big grin over Thanksgiving weekend.

It is possible to hold a toddler, and newborn w/o anyone getting hurt!!!However, its close to impossible to have everyone looking at the camera smiling...we tried though:)

Aiden helps Daddy decorate the tree. He actually has done very well since it's been up--I wasn't too sure how long Christmas decor would stay up with a toddler, but so far it looks like we'll make it to the big day!

Quick Update

Okay so I'm not near as good at updating everyone on the Happenings as I was before being a mommy to a newborn and a toddler, but thought I'd update you on Evan and Aiden's Dr's appointment. They both had their well visit appointments today; Evan's 1 month (yes Evan is almost 1 mo old already!!) and Aiden's 18 month. I was a bit nervous about the appointment, not because I worried that they wern't healthy but just the task of taking a toddler and newborn to the Dr's office on my own. I could of had my mom or Nathen's mom go with me I'm sure if I asked; but I figured I needed to do it on my own just to see how it goes; I may not always have the luxury of having family close by. Anyways, it went very well; Aiden was a big helper and listened to the Dr and my instructions very well. And Evan did good as well, just needing to nurse a few times because he's hungry...newborns are never hungry before you leave the house!!! Anyways, as expected both Evan and Aiden are healthy and devloping well. Aiden is at the 89th percentile for height (34 inches), 35th percentile for weight (25 lbs 12.75 oz--I thought he gained more than 12 oz in the last 3 months, but he must just feel heavier compared to Evan), and 20th percentile for head (46.5 cm). Evan is at the 43rd percentile for height (21.25 inches), 14th percentile for weight (8 lbs 9.75 oz), and 15th percentile for head (36 cm). Evan's weight gain is a little slower than Aiden's was, he gained 3 lbs each month for the first 4 months, but the Dr said Evan's weight gain was good so I'm not worried about it. Unfortunately I don't have any new pics, Nathen and I are in the process of shopping for a new digital camera. Hopefully we'll make a purchase soon so we can get some pics of our cute little guys, and of course share them with everyone. Until next time, take care!!

Baby Evan has Arrived!!!

Evan arrived and is now a week old--its much harder to be timely with posts with a newborn and a toddler:). He was born Monday September 22 @ 9:02 pm weighing 7 lbs 5 oz, and 21 inches long. I was so thankful that he arrived 13 days early, I was beginning to be very uncomfortable--no wonder he was a lb heavier and a few inches longer than Aiden!!!! My labor and delivery story is pretty short, I had a Dr's appt at 2:30 and was having consistent contractions(but not real painful), my Dr stripped my membranes saying that in 50% of cases it brings on labor within 24-48 hours. After getting home my contractions got a bit stronger and I called Nathen saying it was the real thing. We got to the hospital at 5:30pm and was admitted at 7:30pm when they broke my water. Got into the hottub around 8:30, was again carried out by Nathen around 9 pm, and pushed for 2 minutes before Evan made his appearance. I'm so thankful that God blessed me with 2 quick labors and I was able to go with my plan of no medication and/or epidurals. Evan's first 24 hours were quite normal, but around 5 Tuesday his breathing became quite rapid and the hospital needed to observe him and administer antibiotics for possible infections. He also had quite a bit of fluid in his lungs--which they contributed to his quick delivery and him swallowing alot of fluid when I pushed him out. Evan had to stay in the nursery from Tuesday to Thursday which was really hard for me as his mommy because I wanted him in my room with me at all times; but fortuanately we could go and hold and sit with him anytime we wanted to. The diagnosis was TTN--which I can't remember what it stands for but basically its when infants have difficulty with the transition from the womb to outside the womb. Since his breathing was so rapid I was unable to nurse him until Thursday late morning, but fortuantely he remembered what to do as I nursed him Monday evening and part of Tuesday. We had his 1 week appointment this morning, and he continues to weigh 6 lbs 14 oz, what he weighed at discharge. I was a bit concerned about him not being up to his birth weight but the Dr reassured us that he was a healthy and he would be up to birth weight in a week or so. We are adjusting to having two little ones and I'm sure it will take us time but we are enjoying every minute of it. Aiden has adjusted relatively well I think for being 17 months. He gives Evan gentle touches, and appears quite concerned when Evan is upset (usually at diaper changes). Well here are a few pictures from the past week.

Evan with Nana and enjoying a gentle touch by Big Brother Aiden on our first night home from the hospital.

Evan with mommy enjoying the great outdoors.

Evan with Daddy in the hospital.

Aiden checks out his new baby brother. We were not going to have him come up immediately after delivery but since he was still awake (my mother in law was watching him) we decided to have them come up, it was very special to have both sets of parents and Aiden there with us.

Aunt Sheldi holds Evan as I catch her off guard with the camera.

Aiden is 17 months old!!

Aiden turned 17 months old Thursday. He didn't have a Dr's appointment so I don't have any updates regarding his height and weight. But he really seems to be growing into a little boy and no longer a baby everyday. In the last few weeks we've tried using Baby Signs with him more, and he has really caught on. I started when he was really young 3-5 months and kind of got out of the habit, but decided to try it again to reduce tantrums and frustration on both of our parts. So far he knows please, thank you, more, milk, eat, all done and he's even started combining to sign sentences such as more milk, and more please. The next one on our list is help. Along with signing he's also really into making animal noises, and he knows many body parts to include nose, eyes, ears, mouth, arm, feet, toes, and head. It's amazing to Nathen and I how smart our little boy is becoming. I don't mean to sound like one of those bragging mommies but we are just so proud of him and figured most of you reading would like to join us in this excitement as we continue to see our little boy grow up.

There are a few new activities Aiden enjoys as well such as helping me wash dishes, he becomes quite upset when I drain the water. He also has become quite the artist, enjoying finger paint and markers. He continues to enjoy taking walks, playing at the park, and reading his books. We were excited to find some Daddy books last week. Nathen enjoys reading those to him. Here are some pictures from a visit to the park last weekend.

Aiden climbed a rock wall at the park while Daddy spotted him. It looks as though he's saying "Dad let go, I can do it myself" Nathen did let go despite my nervousness, and he was right Aiden knew what to do, and of course Nathen was right there in case he let go.

Aiden enjoys a ride down the slide with Daddy.

Aiden loves running down this hill to the tennis courts, and is so cautious that he doesn't want to do it alone so I get my excersise too climbing up and down the hill:)

Aiden loves running around the Old Dutch Mill in the park and hiding in this doorway. Here lately he seems to enjoy climbing hills, chasing squirrels, and climbing up to the dutch mill more than any of the equipment at the park.

Some updates and pictures

This month (well I guess last month now) has been so busy that I've neglected to post very many pictures of Aiden so thought I'd do that now. Aiden's interest seem to have really changed in the last few weeks. He loves taking me on walks...I'm not kidding he practically pulls me along the sidewalk with him. Yesterday evening we ended up at Grandma and Grandpa Ecksteins'. We started out just going around the block, but he wanted to walk down Main street and smell all the flowers. Eventhough I was pretty worn out it was a great time for him, and me as well---I'm so thankful that Nathen's parents live in town because it would have been a long walk home (by that time Aiden was tired and wanted to be carried). Anyways, if we are not outside walking the streets of Wamego Aiden has developed quite the puzzle putting together skill in the last few days, and continues to love being read to.

As for pregnancy updates nothing really to update I'm still dilated to 2 cm and 50% effaced, and still trying to be taking it easy. I went to the Dr again this past Friday because of some lower back pain and mild contractions, and was agained informed that my uterus was "irritable" and the baby was healthy and happy! I wanted to tell the Dr each time that my uterus was not the only thing irritable...this is has been a much more uncomfortable pregnancy than Aiden's was, but I know its all worth it. I continue to be a bit nervous about how big this baby will be since I've already gained 30 lbs, and we can see such distinct movements. But Nathen thinks he'll be less than 7 lbs, he told me last night that I still look so small---what a wonderful husband! I'm going to try to remember that conversation in these last weeks as I feel like a blimp.

Well that is all for now here are a few pictures from last month.

Aiden got to meet his Aunt Sara (Nathen's sister) and Uncle Chad who live in Virginia the first weekend of August.

Aiden contemplates kicking the soccer ball. He's still perfecting this skill, he can do it but has not shown anyone else besides me and Daddy. I really think he's a perfectionist, he seems to not want to display his talents until he feels they are perfect and he's very confident with it. I guess there are worse traits that a toddler could have.

We take a break from soccer. Aiden climbs into our lawn chairs and seems to think he's just a little adult:)

Aiden has just started in the last few weeks or so doing this half crawl walking thing (one leg he'll walk w/ the other he'll crawl w/)when he plays with toys. Here it looks like he's telling someone why he's doing it.

34 weeks along and some updates

We are now 34 weeks along in our pregnancy and I'm looking forward to my weekly visits with the OB starting next week. I was actually at the Dr's office twice this week, once for my normal check up and once for some lab work on Friday. On Thursday night I was having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen, not contractions or cramps just constant pain that kept me up most of the night. So Friday I thought I better go in and make sure everything was okay with our little guy as I had not felt him move as much as normal (usually he's doing gymnastics in my belly). Well the lab tests showed that I had a "raging bladder infection" that was the nurse's diagnosis. They hooked me up to the fetal monitor and she said the baby was happy but my uterus was "irritable"---I was thankful that our little man was okay and somewhat relieved that there was actually something going on with my body and I wasn't just being a baby about normal pregnancy pains! My Doctor was available and went ahead and checked my uterus as the infection had caused me to contract quite a bit, and I'm dilated to 2 cm and 50% effaced. I'm excited that this pregnancy is nearing the end, but would like to make it another couple of weeks to ensure he's fully developed, and healthy. Not to mention we still need to make a few preparations for his arrival. As for non pregnancy related news. Aiden continues to be very active, and saying more words. He's become quite onery at naptime and bedtime--its usually a wrestling match to get him to lay still, but most of the time once he's asleep he'll sleep for 8-10 hours. Nathen got a new work truck and a 7.5% increase in pay in the last few weeks. We were plesantly surprised with the increase, and it comes at a perfect time as we prepare for another little guy. Until next time, take care!

Aiden is 16 months old and Talking up a storm

Aiden is 16 months today. He of course does not have a Drs appt but he is definately growing especially in height. Everyone has commented on how tall he is getting, he's definately going to be tall like Nathen. His vocabulary has also had quite the growth spurt in the last few weeks. He still babbles a lot, but now also has several recognizable words to include our favs mommy and daddy of course:) Others include hi, bye-bye, outside, up, and today when he grabbed his water cup it sounded like he said "my water". I'm sure there are more words but I can't think of any others right now. He has also gotten a few more teeth and are working on others, as he's been chewing on everything he can get his little hands on and needing his pacifier more than normal. He's also becoming much more independent in his play especially when we go to the park, he will often run off and try to join others in their play as I follow behind. He continues to enjoy water play and we will hopefully get a few more trips to the swimming pool before it closes for the season. Thats all for now