My Maternity Leave

I am now in my sixth week home...with last week being my last week home. It has been one crazy maternity leave! With the first week, it was running out each morning by 8am to get Eli's blood work done as well as a two year checkup for Aiden. My hip was really out of whack to the point where I couldn't walk, so I was also fitting in chiropractic appointments...and still am. I can finally walk but it took about three weeks. My second week home, Aiden woke up with a fever of 103! The week Carolyn came to visit, I had a 24 hour flu bug but it was more like 36 hours. The second day consisted of major sweats...it was really fun!

Elijah is a really good baby, but he is not as easy as Aiden. He doesn't like to sleep on his own- he either needs the boob, to be on you, or to be swung in the swing. This has been problematic for my sleeping. A couple of nights this week, I have stayed on the couch because if I move him, he wakes up, and usually from 9-1 or 2, I can get a good stretch in. I remember with Aiden, that was the only sleep I needed...but I think with two kids, I require more- not less. I am really worried what is going to happen when I go back to work. We will see what happens.

It's a Boy!

Elijah Quinn was born on March 6, 2010 at 12:34pm. My labor started on Thursday night, and he finally showed himself on Saturday! He has been such a joy. His jaundice kept us busy the first week with a blood draw every morning our first week home, but we are getting settled...not into a routine just yet...but we are getting there. Nursing has been super easy this time, which is fantastic. I feel spoiled. Aiden is doing well with the transition. I think if he could talk, life would be even easier!



Check out Russ' blog for all the details! http://www.ourlittlemonkeyboy.com/

Aiden Turns Two!!!

Last weekend, we celebrated Aiden's birthday! He was fantastic. I was afraid it could go in the other direction. There were 20 people there! All family, too! Aiden was just getting over his cold, and his pregnant mommy got the cold, so I was feeling just super! The night before the party, Russ and I attempted to make these cakepops that were suppose to look like Elmo and Cookie Monster. It was a true cake wreck. So the morning of the party, we had to go order a cake from the grocery store, which I wasn't too happy about. I like my cake! :-)

Aiden was such a joy, and he really knew he was the center of attention. He really hammed it up! The best part was him opening his presents because he has figured out how! Plus, his reactions were just priceless and so humorous! I wish I had remembered the video camera. His ohh's and ahh's and hand clapping were hysterical!

Time to Learn How to be Gentle

Regardless of what others think about gender, we have introduced a babydoll to Aiden. We have seen him use gentle skills much better with this doll than with the dogs. We have also seen him do imaginative play for the first time. It was pretty incredible. Here he is with his new baby.

Aiden is a Monkey for sure!

Russ and I sometimes feel like Aiden hasn't changed in weeks, and then bam! over night, he is a new child with new skills. He just amazes us. Well, on Saturday, he turned into a monkey. I found him on top of the entertainment center. I took pictures (not thinking I was encouraging him) to show Russ.

As you can see, he is very proud of himself! The little booger!

The Little One Update

I haven't forgotten that I am pregnant; there just isn't as much to report! :-) I am seeing a different doctor, so my ultrasounds have been only twice, and when I do go to the doctor, we talk. I had my last appointment yesterday. I am happy to report at 33+ weeks, I have only gained 10 pounds so far! Woo hoo! I am super excited about that. I asked the doctor to check to make sure the baby is head down because when this baby moves in extreme positions- like completely around- I actually lose my breath! And it is usually when I am driving home on the highway! The other night I was sitting on the exercise ball and laying back onto Russ (who was sitting on the couch), and I was able to stretch out my belly. Well, I think the baby liked it too...the baby's bum stuck right out on my right side making me very lopsided! It was hysterical! A few nights earlier, I was feeling my belly for the baby. Well the baby kicked me back! Twice! It was cool but I have to admit, it kind of scared me too! I know there is a baby in there but when you don't see it but only feel it...hard to explain. Anyways!

Lastly, I asked the doctor if he was of the same thought of my last set of doctors about inducing me shortly after my due date if I don't go into labor sooner. He is because of something to do with my blood thinners. So, regardless of what happens- we will have this baby by March 19th or so! :-)

So Many Good Things...

Aiden is up to so many things these days that are worth mentioning. (Well, I think so anyway.)

He is loving to chase bubbles. He thinks they are great- plus, he can say bubbles! Tonight Tanner ate some bubbles, and Aiden and I laughed and laughed!

He is saying many new things: dog, ball, duck, bubble, up, down- the funny part is is he only says the first half of these words except for bubble. He can say all of that.

He loves to take showers, and really loves them when I splash him with water. He thinks it is hilarious.

Yesterday, we bought him a little doll to teach him how to be gentle. He is not gentle with the dogs AT ALL! So we are trying to get him to be more gentle. Well, he is in love. He loves this doll. Some men out there might have an issue with it but you know what??? This is the first time I have really seen him take on imaginative play. It is really fascinating.

He is asserting himself more--trying to tell us what he wants, how he wants and it when. This isn't the best feature due to tantrums and whining but it is necessary and good to see him grow!