March Pictures of the boys

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A Brief Update

Just a quick update about the boys' growth, and development. They both had their well-child Dr appointments Wednesday. Evan for his 18 month check (which is a bit late, 3/22 was when he was 18 months), and Aiden's 3 year (a bit early, he'll be 3 in 9 days!!!). Anyways, they both are right where they need to be developmentally. I was a little concerned about Evan's language development, he says only a few words but uses gestures, signs, and motions to let us know what he wants, our Dr reassured us that he was doing just fine for an 18 month old boy.  I know once he gets it figured out he'll be a jabber box!! Aiden continues to develop ahead of the curve cognitively, he has been spelling his and Evan's names now for a few months, and can count to 15. Growth wise, Evan is a big boy...I didnt need a Dr to tell me that, but his stats are as follows Height 35 inches (95th percentile), Weight 30 lbs 2 oz (97th) and Head Circumference 50 cm (97th). Aiden is not as big and will probably soon be smaller than Evan, but he 37.5 inches (55th), but this is pretty inaccurate b/c he was moving a lot and the nurse didnt get a good read, weight is 36 lbs (86th). Needless to say I get quite the workout when I take them on wagon or stroller rides!!!

They are really starting to play more together, and its so much fun watching then interact with Nathen. Today Nathen put up the tent in the basement, and they played campout for about 3 hours. We are preparing for the Big Banker Campout in June!! It will be a special time for the boys to have with Granddad, Nathen, and their cousins, and aunt and uncles. Although I think Evan and I will sleep at Nana and Granddad's house, a bed is more appealing to me than a tent w/ bugs, and hard grassy floor!!:)

Aidenism #?? and other ramblings:)

Okay its been awhile since I've shared a cute little story about Aiden, and this one is absolutely adorable even if I may be tooting my own horn a bit. Anyways, this morning while I was sitting down playing with them, really more playing w/ Evan than Aiden (he had left the room to get something, probably a toy) anyway when Aiden came back into the nursery he said "Mommy you are awesome". I responded by saying "Aww thanks Aiden why do you say that?" and he quickly replied back with all honesty and seriousness in his voice "Because you make me awesome". I was speechless and could only respond by giving him a big hug and kiss. But it got me thinking about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. As some of you may know I've started writing daily devotions on facebook, with this venture I seem to see anything as a possible devotion. Anyways, back to the point....Isn't our Heavenly Father awesome, he gave his life for us, and forgives us for all of our sins, and loves us more than we can imagine, more than we love ourselves or even our children. He is awesome, and our relationship with Him makes us awesome. I'm reading a wonderful book right now, The Shack, although pretty contraversial, it still paints a wonderful picture and what I like to believe is true about our relationship with our Lord. I just had to share this quote from it that goes well with what I'm talking about "Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love".

FEB 2010 Pics

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Focused and Driven

Today as Nathen and I were enjoying the boys, Nathen defined the boys' personalities in one word and it was so right on I just thought I had to blog about it. Our boys' temperment are very different, but seeing those two words focused and driven sound strangely the same don't they? Well Aiden was defined as focused Evan is defined as driven. Both are great qualities, let me give you some examples which probably lead Nathen to categorize them as such. Aiden in his play usually almost always has a very elaborate story to go along with anything, and gets very engrossed in his play and does not like it much when someone tries to interfer or interrupt his play=focused. Evan is a very determined little guy, for example today he wanted daddy's cell phone which was up on a book shelf, purposefully out of reach of little ones or so I thought, Evan being the determined and bright little guy he is took advantage of mommy putting clothes away in another room to quickly grab a kitchen chair pull it into the living room, climb up it, and grab daddy's cell phone=driven. Although being focused and driven in adulthood are great qualities in a almost 3 year old and 17 month old they can be quite a challenge for us parents. Aiden has a hard time sharing because he gets so focused and into his play that he often doesnt want anyone to join. And Evan, well is often impossible to redirect once he has something on his mind...the only thing that usually works is tickling him or throwing him up in the air, but that seems to be somewhat of a bandaid as he will usually return his attention back to what he wanted originally. However with these present challenges I can't help but imagine what their futures hold with their determination and focused attitudes. After Nathen and I's brief conversation about our kiddo's personalities we kind of looked at each other and laughed thinking...wow when the 2 of them put their heads together they will be untouchable!! Hopefully they will use their powers for good, and not cause us too many grey hairs:)

Nothing else to do so blog...

Okay so I've read all of the blogs I follow, worked out, paid bills, and the boys are still napping so I thought I could do a blog post since its been awhile. I'll try to find something to write about:) The boys have been growing up very quickly its exciting and saddening at the same time. Aiden is on his way to reading. He's been very interested in letters for over a year but now he'll notice something like an apple on the table and say "Apple starts with A" when we'll give him a challenge as he loves to learn new things, like what else starts with A, and he'll quickly say "me, Aiden, does". He also is recognizing all of our names, Evan, Aiden, mommy and daddy. I'm not sure where he gets his brainy powers as both Nathen and I are not dumb we both graduated college but we both had to work really hard in school. I know Aiden isn't yet 3 but he sure seems really smart, and we are getting a little concerned that he will be bored in Kindergarten, but that is a ways off so we'll continue to follow his lead. Evan is also amazing us with his growth and smartness. He's very curious as I've said before but now he is communicating a lot more using his signs and gestures. He continues to be our little cute, button pushing little guy. He knows how be onery and seems to get quite a kick out of it. But he is also our sweet little snuggle bug and becoming daddys little helper more and more. Last week I did nursery after our church service, and Nathen took Evan grocery shopping so I could actually help more in the nursery. Nathen came back in awe of how well behaved Evan was and admitted that he needed to spend more daddy time with just him. So we are both looking forward to watching their relationship grow. It does make me somewhat sad though to see my little babies turning into boys, and moving away from needing me as much, but I'm so thankful that they have such a great daddy. And they all do a good job of trying to include me although I'm not much for tackle football....my boys are already playing football!! I do treasure all the moments I have with them as they do grow up so fast. I'm doing a bible study, The Power of One Thing, and it has really helped me retune my thinking. I'm trying to view things positively no matter what it is. An example, today we went out to lunch with some friends and towards the end Aiden began walking around the resturant without me. Instead of thinking "that little guy is not doing what he's suppose to, we need to leave asap" I thought, "he wants to see all the new faces in this place" and took him by the hand explaining that it was not okay for him to leave the table without me but we could walk around and look at the different faces in the resturant together, he took my hand and we walked around, went to the bathroom and left with no tantrums, fits, or tears. A successful outing!:) I challenge whoever reads this to try it yourself...think of things in a positive way not always jumping to the negative, it really makes a difference in how your day goes, at least it does for me. Another thing I've taken from this Bible study is letting Jesus' light shine through me more, so I've started putting daily bible verses on facebook page. I was initially very nervous about offending people, but now I look forward to it everyday because I know I'm doing what God wants me to (and it hasnt hurt that I've only receive positive comments from my FB buddies) Okay the boys are still napping and I have not much else to say so I guess I'll just snuggle up w/ Evan whose on our bed for a little nap myself.:)

Sweet, Sweet, Boys

We've had such a wonderful day. Nathen has been off all week because of the weather, its TOO COLD to build bridges! And I was off today because of the weather as well. We had so much fun as a family. I must say I usually dread days that we are unable to get out of the house, but today was different. The boys played so well together, and very few spats between the two of them, and both took great naps. It made be reflect a little on what sweet boys I have, all of them, Nathen included. I thought I'd share a few sweet snipits with you all of which happened today. First, Evan is always one that I can count on for a snuggle or hug no matter how our day is going today was no different. And Nathen is always doing little things but today he vaccumed, something that I hate to do and rarely do well because I hate doing it, and since it was a big football game he made special snacks for us to enjoy after the boys went to bed, something about watching college football its just more enjoyable with yummy food (although the team we were rooting for loss, they did put forth a great effort). And finally, our sweet little Aiden, who has seemed to be a bit MIA recently made up for lost time tonight. We decided to start saying prayers before bed tonight, something that we've often talked about doing, and tonight finally did. Anyways, I suggested we pray for people to stay warm and safe tonight as its suppose to get down below zero, and asked Aiden what else he'd like to pray for and he said " that they have food and water". It almost brought tears to my eyes. Yes I do have some Sweet, Sweet boys.

Happy New Year

Okay I know I'm a few days late. But after reading other bloggers posts this weekend I thought I should document some of my accomplishments and challenges of 2009 as well as goals for 2010. And this may sound a bit choppy as it was written over several days. Ironically my accomplishments and challenges are sometimes somewhat the same. 1. I made it another year being a mommy to 2 young children!!! Aiden is now potty trained during the day which to my surprise only took a few days really(Accomplishment!) He is also very independent and becoming quite demanding and learning how to throw some major fits (Definately a challenge, but I know its all part of his normal development). Evan is becoming quite the coureous little guy and doesn't seem to be scared of much of anything (accomplishment as well as challenge, especially when he is so quick to climb on kitchen chairs, tables, changing tables, ect). Again the accomplishment is that he's made it 15 months without a hospital visit or stiches, the challenge is trying to be a step ahead of the little guy as he doesn't like it much when someone tries to redirect him once he's already found his desination:). Aiden and Evan play together a lot more now again both an accomplishment and challenge since sometimes Aiden doesn't want to share, and often there play ends up in being a tackling match--I definately think I have a couple of football players on my hands, although I'm going to do my best to steer them towards cross country:) easier for a mommy watch a son run that get tackled:) But I'll support whatever they choose of course 2. Professionally, 2009 was an up and down year for me. It started out pretty rocky with getting reprimanded for what I thought was doing my job and what was ethical for the clients I served. But again having not had this challenge I may not have learned how much I was really appreciated in the community, and by my clients, as it ended up another agency went to bat for me and got the grant funding so now I continue to do the same job for an agency that respects me. Ironically as the close of the year I received a phone call from the Director of outpatient services about sending referrals my way. I took it as a huge compliment although he was not responsible for any part of my leaving it was reassuring that the agency I left still respected me professionally. 3. Spiritually, 2009 marked the year anniversary of Nathen and I being at home with a Church. We made going to church a prioriority shortly before the arrival of Evan, and its very rare that we don't attend. Its such a blessing that we found a place to call home. If you are ever in the Manhattan area on Saturday evening or Sunday morning I encourage you to check out University Christian Church. With having a church home and the daily devotions from my mom I've made improving my Spiritual health a priority for 2010. Because I feel if I'm healthy in that sense everything else will follow.. Which brings me to my new years resolutions, please God give me the patience and motivation to keep them. Resolution 1: Read my Bible daily 2: Spend quality time with Nathen 3. Be patient with my sons, and not to sweat the little things 4. Accept that I'm not perfect, and that is OKAY, and by the way NORMAL--NO ONE IS PERFECT EXCEPT GOD (I'm not yelling at my fellow blog readers but just making a point to myself:) 5. Be more physically healthy by eating better, and excersising more. I'm really not interested in loosing weight just feeling better. Well that is it for now, again I apologize if this came across as a bit choppy, I started writing it last night, but couldn't finish it until now.

Its all relative

Okay so I was in the middle of trying to be productive with naptime by cleaning, but was stopped in my sweeping tracks to put some thoughts down that were rolling in my head. So for now the dust, laundry, and dishes have to wait.

The boys and I have had well how should I put it a challenging day, actually I should say Aiden and I, Evan has been nearly perfect. But my little Aiden has been well a 2 year old today, starting with throwing a huge fit when I would not let him eat butter plain right out of the container, I finally got him distracted by talking to Nana on the phone, Thanks again Mom:) Unfortunately the behaviors didn't stop there while we were walking towards the building where play group was he started running towards the huge snow pile, so I had to try to pick him up while holding Evan so we could get inside, by this time he changed his mind and decided going inside WAS a good idea, but not before a kind collegue of mine came out and offered me some help. While at playgroup he did well most of the time but had his moments of taking toys, pushing, and being bossy, and then of course did not want to leave when it was time.

After playgroup we went to lunch with one of my mommy friends who has children the same age as mine. And here is where my whining will cease. See her son who is a month older than Evan has special needs, he has exceeded all of the Dr's expectations as she was told he would not survive to his due date and if so be a vegetable. Well he is anything but a vegetable, he's trying to crawl, and laughs. Still my friend has WAY more stress with him than I do with my children. At lunch she shared with me of another mother who was at playgroup whose husband's life was lost serving our country in Iraq while she was pregnant with their child. Her little girl is between Aiden and Evan's age. What a struggle for her mom to raise her alone and be without a daddy, and mommy without a husband. So with those 2 stories I find myself scolding my rash thoughts of motherhood (dont get me wrong I love being a mom but in those challenging times its easy to become a bit overwhelmed, and frustrated) how dare I pity myself when Aiden is being a typical 2 year old, or Nathen gets the boys hyped up by having tickling and tackling fights right before bed. I should count my blessings, I have 2 healthy and happy sons with 2 loving parents who love each other, and 1 loving caring, and supportive husband. HOW DARE I PITY MYSELF??

So its all relative, the next time you are in a stressful moment I encourage you to take a minute and think of others around you who may have it harder, the person next to you may have just experienced a loss, is depressed, or has no money. Before going to play group we delivered gifts to a needy family in our community and what a feeling to give someone and their family a Christmas.

I usually don't do this but I think I'll close with a prayer, "Lord please give me the patience I need to be a good mother, and thank you for all you've provided I'm truely blessed, Amen"

Aidenism #2

Okay another goody that I just have to share..Nana I know you will especially like this one:) We were walking to the Christmas parade last night and saw someone I knew on the way, who were waiting to walk to the parade with our neighbors. Aiden kept asking "Where'd our neighbors go" and I told him they wern't ready yet to go to the parade with their friends. Then he began asking what our neighbors names were, I of course didn't know their names b/c they recently moved in so asked Aiden if he could remember the names of our other neighbors, and he responded "God, and Jesus are our neighbors". Well that wasn't who I was thinking of but yes I guess you are right, I said with a smile. For only being 2.5 Aiden seems to be very spiritual and loves going to church, I can't help but think God will use him throughout his life to God's work. So from the wise words of our Aiden if you can't remember or don't know your neighbors name don't feel bad you have a neighbor, Jesus, who loves you no matter what. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as we did.