A few of Aiden's firsts!

Aiden has experienced a few more firsts in the past few weeks. A few weeks ago he rolled over from his tummy to his back (he rolled from his back to tummy the first time when he was 8 days old). He was soo cute, we were doing tummy time, something that he is a bit of a fair weather fan of, and he figured out how to end tummy time on his own by flipping over, I then flipped him back over (after of course praising my little guy's new accomplishment) and he then did it again, it was a fun little game we played for a few minutes.

Aiden is continuing to enjoy time in front of the mirror, when I'm getting ready in the morning, he is quite content laying in our bedroom in front of our large closet mirrors. He is also talking A LOT---so much so that it is affecting his eating a bit. Yesterday when I got home from work and was feeding him, he would take a little bit then stop and talk (okay more of a babble but still really cute), it seemed as if he wanted to tell me about his day. Feeding him took longer than normal but it was worth it to hear about his day:)

Aiden had his first experience at a play group Monday and it went very well. The Parents as Teachers play group was larger than I had expected, and worried that Aiden may become a bit overly stimulated, but he didn't he enjoyed playing with new toys and watching the toddlers wobble about. He was the youngest one there, so he attracted a lot of attention. Monday was a beautiful day, below 80 degrees in July, so we decided to walk to the park in the afternoon and try out the swings for the first time. Aiden loved it--he was laughing and smiling the entire time. We also met another mother who had 2 little girls ages 2.5 and 9 months who recently moved here from NC where they were 2 hours from the mountains and 2 hours from the ocean now they live in Wamego! Aiden had fun watching the 2 girls play and I realized how big my little guy is, he didn't seem much smaller than the 9 month old girl!

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks. Also keep an eye out for a July photo album hitting your email in the next week or so:) Its hard to believe July is almost over, this summer has flown by.

"Mom, stop taking my picture I'm playing at play group!!" "I'm having a ball" We checked out some toys after play group, and Aiden loves kicking, holding and of course putting them in his mouth.

"Boy my hands are yummy". It's become pretty hard to get a picture without Aiden's hands in his mouth, I think they make his gums feel better. Nathen and I think he's been teething for about 2 months now, but no teeth yet.

"I love daddy reading to me" Nathen enjoys reading to Aiden, they enjoy a Bob the Builder book that Nana got for Aiden.

"Rock Chalk Jayhawk Go KU!!!" Aiden sports a KU onesie that his Aunt Cammie made for him. The onesie is 6-9 months size, and fits perfect!!!

Aiden is 3 months old!!!!

Aiden is now 3 months, its hard to believe that he is already that old, the time has really flown by quickly. We had our family connections appointment Monday, and Aiden now weighs 14 lbs 3 oz and is 24 inches long. I enjoy these appointments a bit more than the Dr appointments one because the family connections nurse is able to spend more time with us, two I work in the same building so know her personally, and lastly because they never involve shots!!! Anyways in addition to being measured we were informed that Aiden weight is in the 75th percentile, length is 50th percentile, and head circumference is 25th percentile ( I always thought his head looked smaller than other babies his age) but I'm not complaining--of all things to be smaller than normal I'd choose the head especially 3 months ago!!:) . And his height for weight proportion is in the 75th percentile which basically just means he doesn't look too skinny or fat---he's just right--which of course is what I thought:) We also got a lot of handouts on activities to do with Aiden, and was reassured that we are doing everything "right", even one activity that Nathen likes to do with him, pulling him by his arms to a sitting position. I thought our little guy was not strong enough for that yet, but I guess Nathen knew more than I did in that regard. Aiden is so lucky to have such a great daddy. I know some mommys that don't feel comfortable leaving their infant child with daddy for very long, but I must admit I look forward to the weekends when Nathen is home so I can do the grocery shopping by myself without worrying if Aiden is going to get fussy (which he never has yet), not to mention to have some time as a family all together. This past weekend I was gone for a few hours (we needed a ton of groceries!!) anyways, when I got home Nathen had Aiden bathed, changed several pooey diapers and had put Aiden down for a nap. I thought, geez I don't think I could have done it any better--what a reassuring thought for a mommy!!! Okay I guess I have bragged on Nathen enough for now.

While shopping Saturday I got Aiden a new "toy" a bebe pod which he seems to love, check out the photos. Also, Nathen being the loving daddy he is wanted to make sure we had some bathtime pics of Aiden that we can embarrass him by when he's older ---as we both have experienced!!

I have returned to work now for 2 weeks and so far everything is going well. I think I have a pretty good balance between work and home life. I've been appreciating every moment I get with Aiden, and he's recently returned to waking every 2-3 hours, so I'm looking at the middle of the night feedings as special bonding time for us since I'm not home as much as I was a few weeks ago.

Well that is all for now. Enjoy the pictures and comments that I think Aiden would add, he's talking up a storm, but only he knows what he's saying:)

"Mom, what are you doing taking pictures of me naked!!!"

"Man, I feel so much better after my bath, you should have seen the diaper I had right before, I must say I'm pretty proud of it:)""Look at me, no hands, this sitting up thing is pretty cool"

"Mom, let go I told you I'm a big boy and can do it all by myself, Dad please tell her to let go"

Happy 4th of July!!!

Aiden, Nathen and I spent our 4th of July Holiday taking it pretty easy at home until the Annual Wamego 4th of July parade. One of the perks to living a block from Main Street Wamego is we were able to just walk to the parade and not have to worry about parking (its kind of funny to see Wamego hopping so much and people searching side streets for available parking). Aiden seemed to enjoy the parade, all the noises did not seem to bother him at all, although he seemed more amazed and interested in his hands than any of the floats. Aiden did a first today, he took 3 naps that were at least an hour long!!!! As I've mentioned before he usually only naps 30-45 minutes, but today he fell into my "ideal nap routine" after of course I'd almost given up on it:) I took advantage of the long naps by taking a nap myself during his first afternoon nap, and getting the house clean during his late afternoon nap. I'm hoping he'll stay in this routine for awhile so I can take advantage of the time to scrapbook. However, this evening he seems to be having trouble falling asleep so we'll see if the 3 long naps were worth it or not!:)

All of us were in need of some rest. We spent the weekend in KC celebrating my sister's pregnancy and attending her baby shower. Everyone thought Aiden was such a great baby, he really was on his best behavior the entire time, even on the 2 hour car ride home. It was fun to introduce him to relatives he had not met before and reconnect with those that saw him when he was first born. Below are a few pictures from our trip to KC. We all had a great time!

Aiden hangs out in Uncle Bill's arms for the first time. Uncle Bill is getting some practice for when his little one, Elizabeth Katherine arrives in October.

Aiden plays with Aunt Cammie, and her neice Mary while I sit back and enjoy the show:)

We hope that everyone had a safe, relaxing, and happy Holiday!

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.