Aiden visits daddy at work!!!

Nathen has been working long hours in Emporia so has had to stay down there the last few weeks coming home on only the weekends. Aiden and I were missing him, and Nathen was missing us tremendously. So the last 2 weeks we've gone down and stayed with him. I know at this stage of Aiden's life its important to be consistent and have a set routine but I thought its more important to see his daddy. However, we've basically kept the same routine just in a different setting, and as a result Aiden has really done well adjusting to the new environment on the days we are in Emporia. We are going to try to continue to stay one night a week with Nathen even after I go back to work (which is on Monday). Okay sorry, back to Aiden visiting daddy at work.... We visited Nathen Thursday after most everyone left (I guess there are several contractors on the site, and Nathen's crew is always the last to leave). Nathen is such a caring, loving daddy that he didnt want Aiden too close to the equipment, but in a few years I'm sure they will both enjoy pictures on the big machinery. Aiden has learned a new trick since my last post, he can make spit bubbles!!!! Both Nathen and I are certain he is teething, he's been drooling, feeling his gums, and a bit fussy. The Dr said that it was unlikely that he'd be teething already stating that most babies start getting teeth between 6-8 months. But Nathen's mom said that he got teeth at 3 months, and my niece had her first tooth at 2.5 months. So needless to say I purchased some teething rings, and baby oral gel (but on the package says its for children 4 months and older, so I'll be calling the Dr's office Monday to see if I need to wait 5 weeks to give it to him, or if we can use it now). Eventhough Aiden is in pain from teething, he is still pretty darn happy. I was just reading in my book this week how babies around 11 weeks can be swayed out of a bad mood, and sure enough its true, just this evening, he was beginning to fuss, and Nathen began acting very goofy and had Aiden laughing and all smiles within seconds (I'm not exchagerating!!)--not to mention that I was laughing as well! Well as I mentioned earlier I return to work on Monday. I'm ready and now that Aiden will be in good hands with my mom and Nathen's mom. I'm so fortunate to not have to return full time, I'll be working 3 days a week for 20 hours through July then 30 hours. Although I'm excited about returning, it will be very difficult to be away from Aiden 8-9 hours.

Aiden is 2+ months old!!!

Aiden is 2 months and 1 week old today (I know I'm a week late, but didnt want to make a post until after his Dr's appt. today:). Those with children know that at 2 months is when they begin to get their immunization shots, so this trip to the Dr's office was a bit more anxiety provoking for me, as I worried how Aiden (okay and me) would handle the shots. I did surprisingly well, I was prepared to shed some tears when my buddle of joy screamed from the prics of the needle, but I stayed strong and comforted my little guy. He did really well, of course he cried and was somewhat fussy today from the soreness of the shots and being tired, but he wasnt near as fussy as what I had anticipated him to be after getting 4 shots in his little leg. He just needed more snuggle time with mommy which of course I didn't mind giving him at all. Before the nurse gave him the shots he gave her a big smile, which was just adorable, but I don't think he's too fond of her now:) He wieghs 12 lbs 2 oz, and is 23.5 inches long and is in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. I've read that babies are suppose to double their birth weight by 6 months, Aiden has almost done that in 2, he is a really good eater just like his mommy and daddy:)

Saturday, we had our first family pictures taken, and Aiden was pretty onery. He was smiling and laughing in the car on the way to Sears, and then refused to smile for the photographer, but of course he was still adorable for the pictures ( check them out at this link: http://by109fd.bay109.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/getmsg?msg=95B1AB9F-50BB-4775-8F6D-0D407E41BC18&start=0&len=10269&msgread=1&imgsafe=n&curmbox=00000000%2d0000%2d0000%2d0000%2d000000000001&a=16f93bc6fbae247035a23cb809643923c324a5b275fe484d5843face2d# ) . We are planning to get his pictures taken again at 6 months when he'll be a bit older and able to smile on cue. Yesterday, Nathen enjoyed his first Fathers Day, and we celebrated by taking a stroller ride to Nathen's folks for lunch. Unfortunately, I neglected to take a picture but have included a couple of shots of some of the events in the last month. We hope you enjoy them.

Aiden and I share a laugh while Nathen captures the moment with the camera. Aiden started to giggle a few weeks ago, its so cute!!

Aiden enjoys his first lake side meal at Nana's and Grandad's. (Yep, I'm still breastfeeding, but pumped a bottle just in case he got hungry, I'm still not totally comfortable nursing in public) Notice teh large bottle, Aiden has outgrown his 4 oz bottles along with his 0-3 month clothes!

Aiden now fits into the first outfit that Nathen and I purchased when we found out we were expecting. Nathen took several (okay 50, I'm not exagerating!!!) pictures of Aiden so it was difficult to pick out only 2. Nathen took these pictures the evening before our family portrait so I think we took all the smiles out of him that night and he didnt have any left for our professional photo, oh well it was fun and totally worth it!!!

A House Divided.....

Okay as most of you know we are a bit of a house divided, Nathen graduated from K-State, and I from KU. But as one of wedding quilt squares says, we are a home united in love. We couldn't resist taking pictures of Aiden sporting his duds from the interstate rivals on the blankets his Great Aunt Connie made for him.

NOTE: Nathen took several pictures of him in his K-State onsie trying to get him a smile I only needed to take one to get a smile in his KU onsie, I'm thinking he's a Jayhawk at heart. Enjoy the photos:)

Aiden is Busy and Smiling!!!

Aiden has been smiling purposefully (not just result of gas:) for a few weeks now, but this was the first picture that I captured that wasn't blurry, he seems to be always moving, even in his sleep. Well as the title says Aiden has been quite busy this week. On Monday he enjoyed time with Daddy since he was off work for the Holiday and even got to get a bath with Daddy's help, something that hasn't happened since his first 2 weeks of life--of course Nathen was amazed how much of a big boy Aiden has become by enjoying bathtime so much. On Tuesday, we had our first trip to the library, its just a short stroller ride. We had fun reading the books together, although I think they tired Aiden out sometimes, check out photo below:) Tuesday afternoon Aiden and I opened his first savings account at the bank, and he was the talk of the bank, all the workers came up and commented on what a beautiful baby boy he was, and today Nathen had to go into the bank to sign some paperwork and the lady that opened the account commented to Nathen how adorable our little one is, and he wasnt even with Nathen. We are definately proud parents, and appreciate that others share in our joy! Wednesday we took Grandma Eckstein out for breakfast as a thank you for watching Aiden every afternoon so I can get a daily run in. Thursday we got together with our neighbor who recently moved to town who has a son just 3 weeks younger than Aiden. And Friday we went shopping. Yes, Aiden has been very busy, and he seems to enjoy getting out and seeing new places and faces. So this weekend, I'm planning the week ahead --so far we have a trip to Nana and Granddad's, probably another trip to the library, along with our daily stroller ride, grocery shopping, and of course some playtime at home.

Aiden gives a big yawn after reading his books!

Well until next time we hope you enjoy your weekend!!

Aiden Sleeps

I am feeling guilty about complaining a bit about Aiden's sleep schedule or lack there of. So thought I'd share a few praises for him to counterbalance my complaints from yesterday's entry. Anyways, he slept last night from 9 pm to 1 am, and then woke again at 4 and at 7:30 am. Which I was thankful for, there is a big difference between him sleeping 2 hours at a time and 3 to 4. And today, he took a few half hour naps this morning and early afternoon, and took a 2 hour nap from 4-6 pm. I really think he was still recouperating from our Wichita trip, and now has gotten back on track. He seems to really enjoy interacting and meeting new people, so a couple day recovery time is worth it for his enjoyment!!! Okay I feel better now sharing this, and hopefully tonight will be another good sleeping night for Aiden, if not though, I will not complain:)

Aiden's first night away from home!!!

Aiden and I went to Wichita Thursday to visit my Aunt Connie and Uncle Rob. Our trip started out with a bit of detour, we had planned on visiting my grandparents in Hutchinson, but were informed by our loving hubby and daddy that I-70 was closed due to flooding, so we turned around and headed to Topeka to get on the turnpike to Wichita. I was determined to go on a roadtrip as we were ready by 8 am as we had planned, and were out the door by 8:10, we would have been right on schedule, but Aiden had a doozy of a diaper!!! Anyways, our car trip went great, Aiden slept until we were about 30 minutes from Wichita and then needed to eat, but man it had been over 3 hours, I usually need a snack by then too. So we pulled over at a Walmart parking lot so I could feed him. Once we arrived to Wichita, my Aunt Connie soaked up time with Aiden, and he was on his best behavior, she was amazed by how alert he was. He was a bit fussy that night because we were not in his nursery for bedtime, but once he fell asleep he slept well, waking only 2 times. We headed home Friday, and he did well on the car ride, but needed Nana to sit back with him once we were about half way home, I think he got bored and wasnt sleepy. All in all it was a successful trip.

Aiden enjoys a catnap in Great Aunt Connie's arms Friday before we hit the road.

Here's Aiden with his Nana (my mom) at Aunt Connie and Uncle Rob's house. Nana rode with us down to visit them, which was great since Aiden slept most of the time, and provided me somene to visit with.

As for the rest of our Memorial Day weekend so far it's been pretty low-key. Although Aiden has decided that he does not need to take naps during the day. As I mentioned in the previous post I wanted to get him on some sort of routine, but thus far I've been unsuccessful. You'd think that if he didnt have much sleep during the day, he'd sleep great at night, right? Not so much, last night he was up every 2 hours. I think he's still going through a growth spurt. Also I was reading in my "Baby's first year week by week" book and it said around 7 weeks babys really need to suck, this has been true with Aiden now, he really has enjoyed his pacifier the last few days, and cries when it falls out when he's sleeping, so Nathen and I have made several trips to his crib to put it back in his mouth. But last night when we both ventured in to assist our little guy with his sucking tool, we were amazed when we saw him put it back in his mouth while he was half asleep. He truely amazes us everyday, even when he's sleeping, and we are half asleep ourselves:) In other Eckstein news...I had my 6 week postpardom (sp?) appointment Wednesday, and it went well, for the first time in a long time the numbers on the scale went down!!! I have about 9 lbs to go before I get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, I'm not really too concerned about it as my clothes fit (of course not the way they once did but they are comfortable). Until next time, take care and have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

Mother's Day and More!!

This week has been another of many firsts for our family. We celebrated my first mother's day, and I could not have asked for a better day. We enjoyed the day at my folks and were able to spend time with them and my sister, brother in law and neices. Aiden also had a few firsts this week--yesterday he had his first blow out diaper--I know pretty disgusting, but still a first:) He even caught a total strangers attention Wednesday at lunch---it was pretty funny, mom and I were eating lunch at a pizzeria and there was only one other patron who was sitting across the way, and he commented on Aiden's gas--he let one go that was pretty loud, we shared a laugh about it and were thankful we were not in a 5 star resturaunt, and the other patron was so friendly about it (fortuantely he had finished his lunch by the time Aiden showed off his flatulence) Aiden has also begun to smile at people with meaning, and not gassiness. He smiled at Nathen's dad earlier this week, and I guess it made his day, and yesterday he smiled at Nathen's mom a few times while she watched him so I could go on a walk. Of course Nathen and I are getting a lot of smiles from him. It's been really fun this week as Aiden's personality is blooming. Another first for Aiden was he moved into his crib, he outgrew his cradle--he kept hitting his arms on the side which often woke him. He loves his crib, he looks so tiny in it though.

I think Aiden is going through a growth spurt, he's not sleeping as well as he was. Tuesday night he was up every 30 minutes to hour and ate each time. Fortunately, I'm lucky enough to have family close by and called my mom Wednesday morning to see if she could come up and help with Aiden so I could get some rest. Of course she jumped at the job, she loves being a mommy and a nana. I wonder how people do it who do not have the family support we have. Hopefully we will settle into a routine, and grandparents can just visit and not have to pick up caretaking duties like my mom did Tuesday. But man, it was nice to get a 3 hour block of sleep in while she was here. Aiden did better sleeping last night but is still not back where he was a few weeks ago (sleeping 3-4 hours), he's waking every 2 hours or so. My goal is to have him sleeping at least 4 hours at a time at night before I go back to work. But he will really be in charge of any routine we have:)

We hope you enjoy pictures

Aiden enjoys snuggle time with Grand dad Banker on Mother's Day. Uncle John holds Aiden on Mother's day, you can kind of see a small smile on Aiden's face while he looks at John.

Aiden enjoys some play and snuggle time with Aunt Sheldi and Uncle John on Mother's Day. Aiden's cousins Hannah and Susanna enjoy play time at Nana's and Grand dads on Mother's Day. Mom and dad got some great deals on play equipment at their community garage sale. I cant wait until Aiden gets older and can play with his cousins more.

Monday, Aiden sported his KU onesie (while it still fits:) Sheldi, Hannah, Susanna and my mom visited so they were able to capture a few smiles of Aiden and I.

Monday evening we were visited by Nathen's mom, brother, and nephew Eian. Grandma and Eian enjoy watching Aiden's expressions.

Aiden is 1 month old!!!

I know I know I have not been very good about updating this lately. My goal was to provide updates at least weekly, but man I didn't know how busy I would be. But thought I would update it since Aiden is now a month old. I can not believe how fast the time has flown by. I've not done a very good job of capturing kodak moments but have included a few pics that I took this evening to share with you. I'm hoping that I'll get in the habit of taking pictures at least weekly so I can have them for Aiden's scrapbook (something that I've started, but the last pictures I've put in there is of his sonogram!!!)

Aiden had his 1 month appointment yesterday and he now weighs 9 lbs 2 oz, yes he has gained over 3 lbs since we left the hospital and has grown 3 inches making him now 22 inches long. I was shocked when I saw the scale go up to 9 lbs and then past. We are so lucky that our little guy has taken to nursing so well, and I'm relieved that my milk is getting him what he needs. He is sleeping pretty well at night, getting up only about 2 times per night. A few nights ago he worried me though because he slept for about 4-5 hours before I woke him up to feed him. I asked the Dr how long is too long to let him sleep between feedings and he said he could sleep up to 6 hours, and since he's gained weight so well, I think I'll sleep a bit better if he does sleep past 4 hours, and consider myself very lucky:) I was hoping he would sleep 6 hours last night because he really didn't sleep much during the day (at least it didnt seem like it) but he still woke up about every 3 hours--oh well I figure that is still not too bad, as I'm probably averaging about 6-7 hours of sleep a night which I consider very good with a newborn and what I've heard from other mothers. We are truely blessed with a pretty easy going baby.

About the 2nd week of Aiden's life he began having some gassiness problems causing him to become a bit fussy, but Nathen and I have learned that massaging his belly and rocking him seem to comfort and make him feel better, and Aiden has seemed to learn how to manage it a bit better too, going from screaming and crying about it up to a week ago to just grunting through it. Although there are still times when he'll cry and scream, but he's a baby so that is to be expected, at least we know the cause of his cries and know how to make him feel better. Other than that like I said he's pretty easy going, and enjoys going on outings to the grocery store, out to eat, ect. Below are a few pictures we hope you enjoy them.

Here's Aiden in his cradle that Grandpa Eckstein made for him. We were hoping he would be able to sleep in it for 3-4 months, but as you can see he's starting to already outgrow it. We are thankful to have such a great family heirloom, we are going to inscrib on the bottom of it Aiden's name and DOB along with other children (okay probably just child:)we have. And then be able to pass it down when our children have kids. Grandma Eckstein made curtains for Aiden's room, as we could not find any to match the valance. She did a great job on them, and we had fun picking out the fabric together. Aiden enjoys tummy time with daddy while he has a firm grip on daddy's shirt--Nathen's not going anywhere even if he had a choice:) Nathen and Aiden tell each other about there day. Its so cool to watch their interactions. Aiden is always so alert and appears very interested in what we are saying. I know he probably doesnt understand a word we say, but its neat to see how he responds to our voices. Aiden is sporting a onsie with his name on it that Nana Banker made for him before his arrival.

Next week Aiden will meet a little friend who is only 2 weeks older than him. I'm looking forward to lunch with someone I work with that had a little girl 2 weeks before Aiden. They also live in Wamego so we are hoping to get together once a week. Hopefully I'll get some pictures of the outing to share with you. And will have some pictures of this weekend, as we celebrate Mothers Day at my folks house.

Until next time Happy Mothers Day to all you mommies:)

One week flies by!!!

Aiden is now 8 days old (I meant to send this yesterday, but Aiden was being too cute and I got distracted--he's now sleeping so can share some of his first week moments with you) . Our first week home has gone by fast, and has been a lot of fun. Aiden seems to have himself on somewhat of a routine, he usually wakes two times at night to eat, and then sleeps between 3-4 hour blocks. I know he's only a little over a week so he may not be in this routine forever, but we are sure appreciating it compared to the hourly wakenings he had the first 2 days at home:) He had his first Dr's appointment on Tuesday and has gained back the weight he lost in the hospital so is back to 6 lbs 5 oz. He did so well at the appointment, only crying at the end because he was cold (he had to be naked for the exam), and hungry (fortunately we were close to my office where I could nurse him in private). Below are a few pictures of his first week.

On Friday, Aiden was visited by Nana and Granddad Banker along with Aunt Cammie, and Aunt Cammie's friend's child, Evan--who was the most well behaved 18 month old boy I've ever seen. Aiden enjoyed play time with all of them and enjoyed resting up for next round!

Aiden is wearing premie clothes this day, he is kind of between sizes, the newborn stuff he swims in and the premie stuff is a little to short. Hopefully in the next few weeks he'll be able to fit into some of his clothes more comfortably.

On Sunday, Aiden gets his first bath at home, and as you can see Daddy's sleepy eyes this was when Aiden woke every hour at night. Aiden did not like his first bath too much because he got so cold, however his second bath went a little bit better this morning(sorry I forgot to take a picture), we decided to give him his bath in the bathroom instead of kitchen because its a little warmer in the bathroom, and he seemed to appreciate it! Aiden tries out his swing so mommy and daddy can enjoy meal times together. Aiden and Daddy pose sporting their K-State attire. Daddy bought Aiden a powercat stocking hat Saturday when we went on our first family outing, which went great--even the public bathroom diaper changing went well, he did not fuss at all. Hopefully on our next shopping trip, I'll pick up a KU hat for him:)

Monday, Aiden enjoys snuggle time with Daddy (okay he really enjoys this everday, but only captured the moment on camera on Monday:).

On Tuesday evening, Aiden meets his Uncle Brian and Cousin Eian. And gets a bottle from Grandma Eckstein, Aiden was having trouble keeping up with my milk production so I've had to pump a few times, allowing others the opportunity to feed him. However lately Aiden seems to be keeping up with me, as he appears to be eating more. Yesterday, Aiden enjoys time on his tummy, he seems to really like looking into the small mirror that came with his Wiggle Worm toy. We also took our first walk, the Dr gave us the goahead at our appointment saying it was fine to do short 15-20 minute strolls as long as he was not in direct sunlight. Our walk went great, we walked to Sonic and got daddy a special drink for working so hard on the basement.

All in all Aiden's first week has been nothing short of amazing, and if the first day of his second week is any indication we are only up for more amazing moments; about an hour ago he rolled from his back to his tummy all by himself!!!

Baby Aiden has Arrived!!!

Hello All, In case you have not heard, Baby Aiden was born Wednesday April 11th @ 2:10 am weighing 6lbs 5oz and 19 inches long. Although small for his 39 week gestational age he is very strong, I know we are biased. But I was amazed that he was able to breast feed right after delivery. I did not have to prompt him or anything, he knew what to do and where to find his nourishment. I suppose he had worked just as hard as mommy and needed some fuel. As for labor and delivery: Below is timeline--feel free to skip it and go straight to the fun stuff Aiden's pictures:):

Tuesday 9am-5 pm: Began having minor contractions, but nothing too painful or frequent so I continued my regular work schedule, I figured if they got bad enough I would go to the hospital.

Tuesday 5-6:45 pm: I drove home and had 3-4 contractions during my 25 minute trip home, still not real painful but decided I better start timing them. I began timing them when I got home around 5, called Nathen and told him it may be time--fortunately he was getting ready to leave work (he's working in Emporia). I began timing my contractions while at home and they fluctuated between 3-8 minutes. Nathen got home around 6:30 pm, and my contractions were still not real painful, so told him to go ahead and take a shower and grab something to eat.

Tuesday 6:45 pm-7:15 pm: We left for the hospital and my contractions were more regular and increasing in frequency but still not really that painful.

Tuesday 7:15-11 pm: When we arrived at the hospital I had not progressed anymore than my previous week appointment so they monitored me for an hour, we decided to walk, and the contractions became a bit stronger, when they checked me I had progressed some but not enough to be admitted, I was on the edge of them sending me home, but they agreed to monitor me a bit longer, so we continued to walk the halls, and the contractions got closer together and a bit more painful, but still not too bad. When they checked me next I had progressed to close to 4 cm, and they decided to admit me at 11 pm.

Tuesday 11 pm-Weds12 am: The painful part of labor starts to kick in, but not bad enough to request any pain medications, I'm thinking I can do this, I want to do it all natural. Around 12 am or so my water broke.

Weds 12-1:15 pm: The contractions are becoming more painful and frequent but I'm still dilated between 4 and 5. I decide to get in the hottub.

Weds 1:15-1:45: Laboring in hottub--I was just getting the hang of working through the contractions in the water, and getting some focus (I really not prepared I wish I had practiced breathing and relaxation techniques) when it felt like Aiden was coming out. I told (okay maybe yelled or screamed I was really scared)Nathen that I could feel him, fortuantely our nurse happened to be in our room at the moment and came in and checked on us, she was an excellent nurse but I could sense her panic as she and Nathen carried me to the bed, and sure enough I was fully dilated and ready to push... BUT

Weds 1:45 am-2:10: I was ready to push but the Dr wasnt there yet, since 20-30 minutes early I was still around 4-5 dilation. So I had to breath though them--at this point I'm thinking maybe an epidural would have been a better option:) But really I progressed so fast it wasnt a realistic option. So I worked though it with the help of Nathen and our nurse. Again I really wish I was more prepared, it was hard for me to focus and relax, and embarrasingly enough I spent much of this time screaming. I'm not sure how long I pushed or how many times I pushed--it seemed like hours to both Nathen and I, but it was probably around 10-20 minutes. At 2:10 all the pain, panic, and fear had passed and we got to meet our little guy and it was all worth it. The nurse referred to my labor and delivery as "Oats and gronala", all natural, and it worked.

Aiden has been very busy in his first 4 days of life. He's had his first meal, first bath at hospital, and home, first visitors, first diaper change, first family outing, and many other firsts. We came home Thursday evening, and it has been a blast. He is so amazing, loveable, and many more adjectives that I could use which would probably go on forever and I want room for pictures before everyone falls asleep from the length of this post:) We cant believe how fast the days go by even on little sleep. Nathen is such a great daddy, he has really helped out (okay really done all of them)with the house hold duties and really enjoys his cuddle time with Aiden, and of course showing him off to his colleuges (he sent pictures the day we got home) and to strangers--when shopping yesterday we both beamed when strangers would admire and say how cute he is.

My first picture as a mommy with Aiden. Unfortuantly my hair is covering up my huge smile--I dont think its left my face though since then:)

Aiden meets Nana and Granddad Banker for the first time. They are happy to meet their first grandson.

Grandparents get to meet Baby Aiden for the first time early Wednesday morning. Both grandparents arrived at the hospital around midnight just in time to say hi to us and be asked to leave because the contractions were becoming stronger. They waited patiently to meet him and finally did so around 4 am.

Nathen's parents visit us on our first night home, and bring us a home cooked meal on Saturday which was so appreciated.

Mommy's two guys, Daddy and Baby Aiden try to catch some zzzs together.

Aiden meets Uncle John, Aunt Sheldi, and his neices Hannah and Susanna (they are all about a year apart, so holidays and visits together will be lots of fun for all of them) Wednesday evening.

Aiden meets Aunt Cammie (Uncle Bill had strep throat)Wednesday morning. Aunt Cammie and Uncle Bill were in town from California for a vacation they had been planning for over a year. Aiden's timing was perfect so they could be a part of the excitement!

One of Nathen's hobbies is brewing his own beer, and he made a commemorative brew to celebrate Aiden's arrival. The idea was to pass them out instead of cigars however he has not yet had time to bottle any. So he'll probably do that sometime between work, house renovations, and snuggle time with Aiden and me.

That is all for now, we'll try to keep everyone updated on all the new things Aiden does. For now I'm going enjoy our little guy.