December revisited

Let's revisit December's goals:


1. Address and mail out our Christmas cards/birth announcements.  CHECK! Done and sent. :-)

2. Finish our Christmas shopping earlier than normal (which means before the 20th!)  Barely squeaked by on this one.  Most of it was done by the 8th - but I finished on the 20th.

3. Wrap all the gifts well before they will be opened - so I can enjoy the pretty present filled tree! They were wrapped and ready as they were purchased.  Not done the day before they were opened. :-)

4. Only make small batches of cookies - this Momma doesn't need to eat them all by herself! Somehow yes, and no.  I baked only a few tiny batches, but i've inherited a few tubs of cookies from my Mom and Sister's baking.  So I'm eating more than my fill of cookies.

5. Spend time with friends that I don't see often enough - Cyndy, Liz, Jenny - let's have a dinner date!  I'll see Cyndy on New Year's Eve, but I missed out on Liz, Jenny and other friends.  Hopefully in early 2013.

6. Get caught up at work.  3 months of leave means a huge to-do. I got as caught up as possible.  There is always a list waiting for me.

7. Figure out a balance of time with my little man and work. I still don't feel like we have this down yet.  The last two weeks with the holidays hasn't helped.

8. Enjoy his 4th month - it will probably go even faster than the last three did! And it did - and I enjoyed every MOMENT with him. :-)  I just love him SO SO much.

9. Take Aaden to see Santa!  Check.  And see the brief blow-out story http://ourfamilytwofeetatatime.blogspot.com/2012/12/random-thoughts-on-thursday.html

10.  Try not to stress around Christmas.  We have plans Friday the 21st all the way through the 26th.  We have a huge inventory count that I'm in charge of at work between the 26th - 30th, and then we have New Years Eve.  First Christmas carting a babe all over town and trying to manage everything. I.CAN.NOT.STRESS.  I think it actually went pretty good.  Never would have without my awesome hubby.

We even squeezed in a weekend at the cabin.  I was stressing about packing Aaden's stuff for a weekend away - but Aaron took care of it and did awesome! 

Happy early holidays everyone New Year !!

2012 - A year in review

It hardly seems that a whole year has passed.  I vividly remember NYE 2011 - decked out in our "Make your own Superhero" outfits for the 3rd Annual themed NYE bash.  Aaron and I kissed at midnight and shared our wish for 2012, for a baby. The afternoon of the 1st we headed to the airport on a bitterly cold, windy day to set sail to the Bahamas.  Little did we know that a mear 3 weeks later we'd be getting a positive pregnancy test, and 2012 would turn into the "year of the baby."

We had a great year, filled with happiness, nerves and excitement at being new parents.  I'll try to do a quick recap of each month - but I'm afraid this will turn very Aaden-focused.  My apoligies now - he is our entire world now. :-)

January:

Set sail for the Bahama's and visited during one of thier coldest days on record.  Swam with sharks! Hosted a circus themed murder mystery party.  The day after I turned 27, we found out we were expecting! 

February:
A month of Doctors.  A scary moment for us at 5 weeks pregnant.  My sister spent way too long in the hospital, but we made it out to keep her company.  Felt like crap mosts days with morning sickness all day.  We fainally started sharing our news of Baby Bethke and spent a weekend visiting my sister in Eau Claire with the family.


March:

The news was out to everyone!  Got going on our baby plans and looking at cribs.  Busy at work with the financial statement audit.

April:

Traveled to Houston for work and was miserably sick.  Was still enjoying experiencing being pregnant and feeling baby move. Celebrated Cyndy's Birthday!!  Started to show... :-) 

May:

Had our 20 week ultrasound and got put on restrictions.  Spent Memorial Day weekend in Duluth with the Hubby having a baby-moon.  2 weeks later, Duluth flooded.

June:

BUSY month.  Our 4th anniversary, weekend with my Mom and Sister at Treasure Island and Red Wing.  Aaron was in a wedding, attended a wedding shower and squeezed in time for a Twins Game.

July:

4th of July with family at the cabin, and got caught in the rain at the fireworks.  Got back from the cabin in time for the Kenny and Tim concert at Target field.  Had our first baby shower and spent time with family and friends at the cabin.

 

August:

Getting anxious to find out if it would be an c-section.  Many Dr.'s appointments and more time with friends and family.  A baby shower, wedding shower and of course - THE BIRTH OF OUR SON, AADEN.

September:

Was a blur.  Half of it was spent at the hospital, and the rest was spent in a tired daze of diaper changes, feedings and burping.  It was the best month, and also one of the most challenging.  If I didn't have my work calendar with all the events we couldn't avoid (furnace installation, eye appt, etc), I wouldn't remember much of this month.

 

October:

Finally getting the hang of being a parent.  Working one day/week.  Aaron's birthday and the first trip out of the house with Aaden.  A wedding and my "friends" baby shower.

November:

Aaden's baptism, Thanksgiving and enjoying every moment with my little guy before going back to work!

December:

We found out two friends of ours are expecting, and Aaron's brother Andrew got engaged. We spent the month preparing for Christmas and enjoying the festivities associated with that time of year.  Aaron graduated from college and we celebrated Aaden's first Christmas with family!  The Vikings beat the Packers. :-)

 

We were beyond blessed in 2012.  My work was great with flexibility and generous owners.  Aaron studied hard and graduated with top honors from SCSU.  We were blessed with a happy, healthy little baby boy. Aaron and I are loving life and enjoying each day.  We hope for another happy, and fortunate year, cheers to 2013!

(Random) thoughts on Thursday

Some random thoughts on Thursday...

1.      I think we’re finally getting the hang of getting out of the house – prepared.  We brought Aaden to see Santa and do some Christmas shopping yesterday.  Aaron was bright enough to suggest a full outfit backup (rather than the usual sleeper we pack – just in case).  10 minutes before we went to see Santa, the little guy decided to have a MONSTER blow out.  Poop on feet, shoulders, all over the front and back.  Needless to say – the onesie got trashed and the back-up outfit came in handy.   Just glad we were both there to clean the man up!

2.      We also picked up Aaron’s tassel and honors cord for his graduation.  SO SO SO proud of him, and he’s graduating  Summa Cum Laude.  I CAN NOT wait to watch him walk across the stage!

3.      Almost done Christmas shopping… whew.

4.      I’m getting the swing of being back at work.  It’s not too sad to leave in the morning.  Just when I get home and realize the day is nearly over.

5.      Had a HUMILIATING moment at work this week.  My boss is pretty hilarious and has no filter or bounds with what he discusses.  Let’s just say he was joking about how long I have to pump for at work – and how much time it takes to “unload those.”  So embarrassing.  Especially when he had to ask another male co-worker if I was still here or really pumping that long.  (My door had been shut for 45 minutes and he was waiting to talk to me – but forgot that I had left already for the day). 

6.      Anxious to finish our bonus calculations at work.  Big $ is in the works, and I hope I get a chunk of it.  (I’m greedy – but I’m being honest!)

7.      I’m hoping for snow this weekend.  I want to finish my shopping, wrap presents and snuggle the little guy.  It would feel so much more “Christmas-y” if it was snowing out. J

Happy Thursday everyone – the weekend is NEARLY here!

A few recent pics...

December - last month of 2012!

Well here we are, 32 days away from the end of 2012.  It's hard to imagine that this year went by so fast!  I remember last New Years the Hubs and I shared a secret wish at midnight that we'd (hopefully) soon be expanding our family.  Little did we know it would happen right away.  2012 was a blur of baby-stuff and it's hard to believe it's nearly a wrap!

Some goals for the remaining time of 2012:

1. Address and mail out our Christmas cards/birth announcements. 

2. Finish our Christmas shopping earlier than normal (which means before the 20th!)

3. Wrap all the gifts well before they will be opened - so I can enjoy the pretty present filled tree!

4. Only make small batches of cookies - this Momma doesn't need to eat them all by herself!

5. Spend time with friends that I don't see often enough - Cyndy, Liz, Jenny - let's have a dinner date!

6. Get caught up at work.  3 months of leave means a huge to-do.

7. Figure out a balance of time with my little man and work.

8. Enjoy his 4th month - it will probably go even faster than the last three did!

9. Take Aaden to see Santa!

10.  Try not to stress around Christmas.  We have plans Friday the 21st all the way through the 26th.  We have a huge inventory count that I'm in charge of at work between the 26th - 30th, and then we have New Years Eve.  First Christmas carting a babe all over town and trying to manage everything. I.CAN.NOT.STRESS.

Happy early holidays everyone - enjoy the time with your family!!!

It's time to give thanks

 

What I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving:

The basics – a home, food in our cupboards, heat and happiness. J

 My amazing, supportive, loving husband, Aaron.  He’s my best friend and my partner in crime.  We met 10 years ago (on Black Friday while working together at Best Buy).  Words cannot explain how thankful I am for his love and commitment to our family.  He is an amazing Dad, but an even better partner for me.  I’m thankful to call him my husband. 

Aaden – I’m thankful for my happy, healthy little boy.  You gave me the most important role in the world, Mommy.  I love that you are my little peanut, and that you love to give smiles.  You bring so much happiness to our family!  We love you more and more each day, and enjoy watching you brighten other peoples lives too! I’m thankful that you’ve been so healthy given your unexpected arrival into this world.  I’m SUPER thankful that you are consistently sleeping 7-9 hours at night now, and take nice long naps in the afternoons. 

Vada – our puppy!  I’m thankful for her constant acceptance and cuddles!  While she’s been getting more jealous and possessive of my time and attention, it just makes me love her even more!  She’s such a good dog and I love having her as part of our family.

My family -  I love my parents and sister more than anything, and I love spending time with them, especially around the holidays.  While we wear on one another’s nerves, especially after limited sleep and hours spend shopping on Black Friday, we do it because we love the time spent together and the tradition of it all. I’m very thankful to call them my family, and that we always have their love and support to guide us through life.

Extended family – We have some awesome grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  With such a big family, there are always challenges and people/things to worry and pray about.  I’m thankful for the successful surgery my Grandma had in October, and for everyone else’s continued health, happiness and security.

Friends – I’m thankful for my true friends.  The ones that still love us, even though we’re parents.  The ones that were ecstatic to hear we were expecting and the dear friends that showered us with support and gifts and welcomed our bundle of joy into their lives.  They have been understanding and patient with us as we grow into our new roles.  They’ve given us space when we need it, but also are at the ready to offer help and encouragement. We have some of the best friends, and we are excited to continue to grow old with them. 

My job, and the management team -  I’m thankful for my dream job at the ripe young age of 27 (although I was promoted to the role at 26 – whoop whoop!) I’m thankful for the challenge of managing 16 employees, and the continued support of the management team.  I’m thankful that my job pays our bills and affords us the opportunity to have Aaron be the stay at home Dad he wanted to be (even though it’s temporary!) The owners of my company, as well as my immediate boss are easily the best team I’ve EVER worked for.  They are fair, thoughtful and encouraging individuals.  They have a good sense of humor and truly appreciate their employees.  They take the time to show their appreciation, even when the company is growing faster than they ever expected.  I just hope that one day I can be as good of a manager to my staff as they are to their team.     

I’m thankful for my life, and every aspect of it.  While some days are rough, and challenging, they are few and far between.  Those days make us appreciate the normal, uneventful days even more.  We’re healthy, happy and a new loving family of 4 (counting Vada!).  I love my life, and hope that I never take it for granted.

My bittersweet Thanksgiving

While I’m super excited for Thanksgiving weekend and all the fun family traditions we have, it’s also bittersweet.  Since I was pregnant, and even after Aaden arrived, I knew I would be returning to work after the Thanksgiving weekend.  With Aaron’s work schedule and school schedule, we thought it would be perfect timing.  He’s be finishing up with landscaping for the season, have three weeks of school and then graduating.  He’d spent his winter being a stay at home daddy and looking for a different job that was more related to his field of study (with better hours!).  But the landscaping gig would be the back-up plan, although a not very appealing one...

With Aaden born August 31^st, I felt I missed out on seeing summer come to an end.  Labor Day weekend (and the following 2 weeks) was spent at the hospital in a daze.  The first month was a blur.  Feedings, diaper changes, sleepless nights and vistors.  I blinked and I had a baby and fall was here.  I remember thinking, well I have a good month or two left to enjoy every moment with my little man.  And now that time has come and gone too.  I have a beautiful, healthy, happy boy to show for it, but other than that, I’m not sure where the time went.  I have memories and moments that I cherish, but I feel like I almost took the time for granted.  With my 12 week leave almost done, I feel like I’m running out of time to really “be in the moment” and enjoy my time with Aaden. 

All along, whenever anyone mentioned a date or time that came after Thanksgiving, all I could think of was, “I’ll be back to work then.”  A brief feeling of anxiousness would accompany that thought, and then I’d breathe a sigh of relief knowing it was X number of weeks away.  It almost felt like time would stop once we hit that moment.  It was hard to comprehend that the time would actually arrive, and that I would be a working mom! 

I’m thankful that I’ve been working one or two days a week this whole leave.  This will help me get back into the swing of things faster, and I think it will be easier to be there too.  I’m perfectly comfortable leaving Aaden with his Daddy for the day, while I’ll be jealous, I know they will have many fun days together bonding.  I’m thankful that I don’t have to come to terms with bringing him to daycare yet, and that we can financially afford for Aaron to stay at home with him.  I’m lucky I got 12 weeks off (paid), and that my boss and company have been so flexible with my time.  I’m extremely thankful that even though I start back FT on Monday, for the following three weeks I will only be working till noon two days a week, so I can be home when Aaron runs to class. 

This maternity leave has really been perfect.  I’ve had ample time with my little man, been able to get out of the house one day a week to help out at the office, and I get the flexibility to ease back into work.  While it’s still hard to imagine that time won’t stop on Monday and I will have to learn to think beyond just “that’s when I’ll be back at work,” I really think Monday will be easier than I’m making it out to be.  Especially since I’m only working till noon!

I’m both excited for and dreading our new normal.  We’ve moved past the every 3 hour feedings, the hospital stay and the emotional rollercoaster of having a new baby and figuring out our new roles as Mom and Dad. I just started to feel like I’m finally getting the hang of things and finding time to get other projects done, its time to go back to work.  I guess I understand maternity leave better now that I ever did.  You get the time off you need to settle in, but once you’ve got a grasp on it, it starts over again as you begin to try to balance work and the rest of your new life.  I still vouch that I could never be a stay at home mom, but I also would love more time at home to watch my baby grow up!  I guess I will just learn to enjoy every moment while at home with my boys, but also cherish my time and role at work and that I’m able to provide for my family. 

No post is complete without a few pictures!

Multi-tasking at it's best.  Putting together monthly financials while home and snuggling with the little guy!

He's getting so big!

 

Aric, Aaden's uncle and godfather came by for one more visit before heading back to Montana.  We're not sure when we'll see him next, maybe April?  Aaden will be a much bigger boy then!!

2 months baby!

Aaden, in two short months you became the highlight of Daddy and Mommy’s world!  At your 2 month check up (at exactly your 2 month mark), you weighed in at 9lb 2oz and 22inches long.  You were in the 75% for length and 50% for weight compared to the preemie scale.  You are still getting two doses a day of your acid reflux meds and eating between 90-110ml for each feeding.  You still eat 5-7 times a day, but have just recently started going 5-7 hour stretches at night.  Mommy and Daddy appreciate your sleeping habits at night!  You love to coo and whine to get our attention.  You make an “O” shape with your lips a ton and have started drooling a little bit.  You smile for Mommy, Daddy and Grandma Cindy, but we have to work for it, since you are generally a pretty serious little boy.  Your hair has lightened a ton since you were born, and it’s starting to look a little reddish.  You are getting really strong with your neck and can hold it up for a minute or two at a time.  You are changing so much since your birth, and I can hardly believe how different you are!

Mommy and Daddy absolutely adore you and feel so blessed that we get to be your parents.  We love watching you grow, but Mommy is also a little sad that you are already getting so big! Although technically you are still Mommy’s little peanut. 

Personally, we are loving being parents.  I have gotten used to being home on leave. And since I’m finally getting into the swing of things and our new schedule, it’s natural that I have to go back to work after Thanksgiving.  It was hard at first, since Aaden couldn’t go anywhere.  We’re still careful with how much we bring him out of the house and where he goes, but he’s been doing so well that we’re not as anal about it. 

A few things I’ve learned since becoming a mom:

1.       You will quickly learn the different cries of your child and what they mean

2.       My super sniffer from being pregnant is now a super sniffer for baby poop.  I can smell it before others even notice.

3.       It’s amazing how comfortable other people are with asking about breastfeeding.  Is it just me, or is this still a very personal topic?!  Others don’t seem to think so.

4.       People that aren’t new-ish parents CAN NOT fathom how busy a day is.  People seem to think that I sit around all day and have tons of free time for projects.  It’s almost annoying with how often I get asked, “What do you do all day?”

5.       With #4 above, it’s also amazing how fast the day goes and you hardly make a dent in your to-do list.  What you used to be able to accomplish in a day is nearly impossible now.

6.        Nothing is better than spending time with an adorable snuggly little baby.  I love how he curls up on my chest and fits just right in the crook of my arm!

Now a few pictures...

4 Generations

2 months old on Halloween!

Someone doesn't like photo shoots

So I bribed him with a bottle



Then I got some more pictures.  Long and lean!

 

6 weeks already?

Where has the last 6 weeks gone?  My baby is about a month and a half old, and he is GROWING!  I love watching him learn new things and start to interact with us more.  But I’m already sad that he’s getting bigger.  I don’t want him to grow up too fast!

The last few weeks have been a blur at home.  The first week or two was a little stressful as Aaron and I learned what our new routines and patterns were.  I don’t think you can ever get used to getting up at odd hours of the night for feedings, but I will say it is getting easier to get up.

The first few weeks kind of felt like house arrest.  I noticed 5 or 6 days would go by and I had only ever gotten outside to get the mail.  With Aaden’s early arrival we were advised to keep him home, away from children, crowds and public places to avoid germ exposure.  With it being cold and flu season, and his young and overly sensitive respiratory system we were advised away from bringing him out.  It seemed like a good idea for the first few weeks, but it was really wearing on us.  While we’re still SUPER cautious, we’re learning how to venture out.  Although I will say, he is growing and gaining weight, which all helps him as he’s slowly exposed to some of the outside world.  When we do go “out” it’s for short trips and I bring disinfecting wipes with.  I don’t touch him without washing my hands or putting on hand sanitizer.  I wipe down anything he’ll touch too.  I know I look like a psycho Mom, but I don’t care.  Better safe than sorry!

The last few weeks have been much more fun, with our small ventures out of the house.  Aaden’s been into my work, out to TGI Fridays for a monthly HH I have with some friends, a trip to Kohl’s to pick up some baby jeans, a trip to Target for a prescription for him, and a afternoon out for Daddy’s birthday!  On Aaron’s birthday we ventured to a store to get a dress (for me) and an outfit for him to wear to my cousin’s wedding.  Then we rounded out the afternoon with a quick birthday dinner.  He even went to his first wedding last weekend!  Luckily the festivities were near our home, so we could go home between the service and the dance.   So we’re slowly getting out. J

 We’ve been busy too – my sister and friends threw Aaden a baby shower last weekend.  We’ve also had a lot of visitors too!  On top of that, Aaron’s been working and going to school.  Between those two he’s trying to squeeze in homework and time with Aaden.  I’ve gone back to work (kind of) on a part time basis.  I’m logging the hours now so I can extend my leave and have it paid time off! J  I won’t officially be “back” until after Thanksgiving.  And even then, I’ll have two days a week that I have to leave early so Aaron can get to class. 

I love being home with my little man, and I can’t believe how fast the days go by! I love being a Mommy and can understand now why the Duggers have so many darn children! But don’t get any ideas – we’re not planning for #2 yet, and we won’t have 20 kids.

Thanks for the Strongbow - it was needed.  You are welcome to visit anytime. :-)

(Great) Aunt Dawn made a surprise visit.  All the way from DENVER!

Elizabeth came to visit!

All the shower attendees



       Pictures from the shower

Aaden with Grandpa!