Time of Change

It's been awhile since my last post and it seems as though a lot has changed. Although I continue to count my blessings. Among the changes include Aiden starting preschool today (I'll get to that in a bit), and finding a new nanny to watch the boys. Nathen continues to work out of state in Missouri, however that job is quickly (thankfully) coming to a close, he'll be done with by September 14th. After that he will either go to Ft. Riley or Oklahoma, please pray that he goes to Ft. Riley..he'd be home every night by 6 (I think).Its been difficult being a single parent during the week but the past 2 months have gone by very quickly probably mostly due to the help that family and friends have given to me...thanks I really appreciate it, as does Nathen. We were blessed to find another Christian girl to care for our boys while I'm at work. She just started this week, and Evan has really warmed up to her quickly, Aiden enjoys her but is kind of going through a mommy phase right now, so was pretty upset yesterday after waking up from nap--but when I got home was as happy as could be. Today was Aiden's first day of preschool, and it did not go as I had expected. I expected to drop him off as we do every week for Sunday school with him running towards the toys, and saying bye bye mommy. The classroom is the same one as he goes to on Sunday morning and one of the teachers is his Sunday school teacher so I was really caught by surprise when he began screaming and crying for me when I dropped him off. As I said I think he's going through a bit of a phase needing me more, poor little guy doesn't get any one on one time with me now that Evan is down to 1 nap. Although he was upset after I left, he had calmed down some once I held him for awhile. And being the concerned(albiet probably annoying parent) that I am I called his teacher 30 minutes after I left and she said he had calmed down and was doing just fine. When I picked him up and asked him if he had fun he said "YES". So I think his response today and yesterday when he woke up from nap was his way of telling me "Mommy I miss you". Okay that brings tears to my eyes, but I really think its true. As I mentioned Evan is down to 1 nap, and Aiden usually always takes longer naps than Evan does, so Evan gets at least 1-2 hours a day of just mommy time, whereas Aiden doesn't get any. Of course Evan is at an age where he can't be left alone when he's awake, but what I can do is incorporate more QUALITY time with Aiden when I'm with both of the boys. Of course not denying Evan the attention he deserves, for example tonight at bedtime I rocked both of them on my lap while reading stories, usually Aiden is in his bed. And while we went on a walk this evening, I let Aiden out of the stroller for awhile and he held my hand while we walked.

Its hard as a mother finding enough QUALITY time with each child, I have no idea how parents do it with many children, but I'm sure they figure it out just as I did this evening. And reflecting back on my childhood being the middle of 3 I never felt like I was getting less attention or QUALITY time with my parents. So that is one major change I'm making is spending more QUALITY time with both my little guys because before I know it I will no longer be cool to them (I'm really not cool anyway, but they don't know that yet:).

Counting my blessings

Okay I know that usually most of posts are about the boys, and this one is too, but this is much more than their cuteness, funny stories, and adorable pictures (I only chose one to post and that will be explained later). Over the last several months it has occured to me just how blessed I am. In the last 2 months there have been several close friends and family loose loved ones--how is this a blessing you may ask. Well one funeral in particular really put things in perspective for me, love, appreciate, and be committed to your spouse, as well as all other folks you are close too--that's the cliff notes version at least. Prior to this funeral I may become frustrated easily by little unimportant things that Nathen may say or do. After this funeral I made a pact with myself to not nag so much (being realistic, saying I would never nag would not make me a wife, right?:) about stuff but instead to enjoy every minute with my loving hubby. Although people close to me have lost love ones, Nathen and I continue to have both our parents alive, healthy, and always ready to enjoy their grandsons. Their are two friends I went to high school with that have lost one of their parents in the past few months (one of which also lost her father in law recently as well). So we are so blessed to have our parents be such an active and important part of our lifes as well as our sons.

Not sure how many people check out MCKmama's blog (http://mycharmingkids.net/), but I recently began checking it out, its a wonderful site about almost everything, but recently "McKmama" youngest son has fallen gravely ill, she is a strong Christian and I've been amazed by her faith and trust that God will see them through this storm. Both my son's are very healthy, and honestly the most recent concern I had was all the bug bites they have gotten this summer--what a silly worry, huh when compared to someone who is watching their 8 month old baby fight for their life.

Also I feel blessed that I'm a Christian, and found a church both Nathen and I feel comfortable with. I can say that I've always been a Christian but until recently its been a more important part of my identity. I know God is working in my life for this change, and I must say I thank my mom for that, I know she prays daily for me. As for prayer, you always hear people say "I'll pray for you" but thats where it may stop,an empty offer (I'm guilty of doing that). However, in the last few weeks I make it a priority to follow through on those prayer requests/offers.

Yes, I'm truely blessed, my biggest concern is finding a new nanny. Which is somewhat stressful but thankfully I have friends and family that have offered to help out with the boys until we find someone.

So tonight along with saying my prayers for Stellan (MCKmama's son), friends/family who have lost loved ones, friend's sister undergoing surgery for unborn twins, and locating a new nanny(sounds really minor and is relatively speaking) I will be thanking God for all the blessings He has bestowed on me, healthy children, loving and loyal husband, loving parents and in-laws, wonderful sisters and brothers (in laws technically, but practically brothers), loveable and adorable neices, jobs that Nathen and I both feel fulfilled at, and close friends to name just a few.

Okay back to the picture, I picked this one because I think it serves as a nice metaphore of the relationship we are to have with our Lord (no I'm not saying Aiden is Jesus or anything) we need to just sit back and let Him pull us along and enjoy the ride all with all the bumps along the way.

Until next time God Bless!

Evan is 9 months old!!!

I cant believe it but our little guy is 9 months old already. He had his 9 month Dr appointment a few weeks ago and we found out all his measurements and that he had an ear infection:( I had no idea the little guy must have a high tolerance to pain or something because he was not fussy at all. As for his measurements he is almost 31 inches long (98%), almost 22 lbs (73%), and HC is 46 (74%)...So our little guy is a big fellow. I knew he had gained quite a few pounds since we started him on solids a few months back, but had no idea he had gained 5 lbs in 3 months!!! The doctor was not concerned though and said he was right on track developmentally. As far as Aiden goes he's definately a 2 year old, very independent, enjoys saying MINE and NO. But continues to be the sweetest little boy ever. He started this thing in the car a few weeks ago when Evan starts to fuss, he will just start laughing which makes Evan stop fussing and start laughing. Hearing both them laugh can turn any bad day into a wonderful one! We enrolled Aiden into preschool at our church starting this fall. I'm both excited and saddened by this. Excited because Aiden will get to go to the church we all love one day during the week to spend time with children his age, learn more about the Bible, and have fun. But also its sad to think of our little guy getting old enough to go to formal school setting. We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July! Take care, Sarah:)

Evan is 8 months!!

Evan is now 8 months as of Friday (22nd). He has 4 teeth, loves eating, and recently began to enjoy bathtime with big brother (check out the pics of that below:) He is really growing like a weed some of his clothes are 12-18 month size!!! Everyone seems to think he's going to be bigger than Big Brother Aiden in the next few years or so...thats okay my little sis has always been taller than me and it didnt bother me so I'm sure Aiden wont mind either. He conitinues to be a good nurser, and is pretty talented...being able to nurse and not bite.

Aiden is now 25 months and saying new words everyday. He is really into repeating EVERYTHING!!!! So we've had to curb our language a bit, of course I rarely use bad language but in moments of frustration I've had to get creative so I wont slip up w/ a naughty word that Aiden will likely repeat. His newest language game is we'll ask him questions like who's cute, and he almost always answers "Bubba" aka Evan. So sweet.

We went to the Topeka Zoo yesterday with Nana and both boys seemed to enjoy it. Nana and I were impressed that Aiden would really look at each exhibit, always looking for a family of animals..he became quite concerned if there was only 1 animal..asking "Momma? Daddy" and with the snakes there was only 2 and he had a hard time leaving b/c there was no baby..the only way we got him to leave is I said maybe Mommy has a baby in her tummy like I did when Evan was in mine...I know snakes lay eggs but it got him moving.

Nathen and I continue to feel so blessed that our boys are so easy going and happy little children. Of course they are human and have their fussy moments but most of the time they are laughing, smiling and having a good ol time, usually together.

Below are some pictures from the last few weeks.

Aiden's 2, Tulip Festival, and much more

Okay it hasn't been that long but it seems as though a lot has happened since my last post so thought I better bring folks up to speed. Well if you were one of the few that didnt make it to Aiden's 2nd birthday party.. he turned 2 April 11th and had a great time at his party. He enjoyed all of his buddies, cousins, grandparents, and oh yea mom and dad:) He got many goodies, a play push lawn mower w/ bubbles, wagon, and cars to name just a few. Thanks for everyone that came over to celebrate his birthday.

Aiden with his buddies Owen and James on his birthday

Aiden enjoying his cousins, and opening presents.Aiden's special birthday cake which one of Nana's friends made.

Evan is now eating solids and really seems to enjoy them. I waited a bit longer to introduce solids to him than I did with Aiden but he seems to follow big brother in his love for food--hopefully we'll be blessed with 2 non-picky eaters. Evan continues to be our good little sleeper, sometimes sleeping 8-10 hours--its very weird waking up when the alarm goes off and realizing I just got a full 6-8 hours of sleep. He wakes up sometimes around midnight, but usually goes right back to sleep once we bring him to bed with us.

The boys helping daddy with the yard work:) Hanging out by the pond my crazy haired little guy!

We went to the Tulip Festival here in town, and had a great time. I didn't realize how many kid friendly activities it had, we'll definately make it a yearly tradition to check it out, especially since its just 2 blocks away. Anways, some of the activities we (well really Aiden) enjoyed was a petting zoo, live music, and a horse ride.

Aiden continues to really be into his letters, and tonight when we had spaghetti he began making letters out of his noodles..he made an o, p, and s--Nathen and I were amazed he's such a smart little guy. We continue to try to potty train him, but I think we may have lost our window of opportunity...he doesnt seem as interested in it as he was 6 months ago:(

Some Updates

There have been quite a few changes in the boys lately. They both had their check ups yesterday (Evan's 6 month and Aiden's 2 year). Evan weighs 17 lbs (47th percentile) and is 28 inches long (90th percentile).Aiden weighs 28 lbs (54th percentile) and is 36 inches long (97th percentile). So yes both are tall and thin just like their daddy. They both had to get shots and did quite well. Although Evan became quite upset once we got home from our busy day I think it was a combination of the shots, a bit overstimilated from everything we did, and getting his 2nd tooth. Needless to say after about an hour of rocking, pacing, feeding, he calmed down to a restful slumber. Yes Evan has 2 teeth already...pretty saddening for me, he's really growing up fast. And yesterday he became interested in Aiden's sippy cup!!

Aiden has gone through quite a few changes as well. He continues to be quite interested in potty training and has gone potty on his potty chair a couple of times this week. He has also become quite onery, testing the limits--I'm telling myself he's becoming more confident which is great developemental milestone, although the testing of a toddler can become quite frustrating for mommy and daddy!!! Aiden's language is really coming along and it seems he has a new word every day. His favorite today is Banana. He is also very interested in his alphabet, he knows 16 of the 26 letters so far.

As for Nathen and I not a whole lot to report... Nathen is busily working on finishing the basement so we'll have a nice play room for the boys (not to mention a nice living room for ourselves--its become the boys' play room:). He continues to work in Leavenworth Cty building a bridge, and enjoys the high pay scale and 40 hour work week. Its nice to have him home everynight by 6 instead of 7 or 8. As for me, I've been approached to do some private contracting for behavioral health consultation services. Its pretty exciting as well as scary to think about practicing independently but I'm trusting that the Lord would not have had this opportunity presented to me unless it was meant to me. As some of you know the last few months at my current job has been pretty stressful, I wont go into detail but basically its been evident that I'm not appreciated and have been asked to do things that go against what I'm suppose to do as written in the grant that I'm funded through.

Here are a few pics of the boys over the last few weeks

I can't remember what was so funny!

Evan enjoying the swing at the park

Aiden "helping" daddy with the basement. Evan and I went to a Relay for Life meeting Wednesday evening and when we got back Aiden was covered w/ drywall compound. Who knew what the 2 could get into in an hour!

Evan sporting his KU gear yesterday too bad they lost:(

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!