Happy Father's Day!

What a lucky boy to have such a wonderful father and grandfather!  We celebrated Father's Day at one of our favorite brunch places (mostly because it's crowded and loud) over at Cheesecake Factory.  Aiden did a wonderful job of being on his best behavior and letting daddy enjoy his humongous burrito.   Happy Father's Day, Daddy!  We love you!

Aiden also turned 2 months old on Father's Day.  He's really starting to get the hang of sleeping, though naps have been a bit of an issue.  Morning naps are starting to develop, but afternoon naps are definitely a struggle.  Apparently, Aiden hates to sleep in the afternoon.  I can't blame him!  There's so much stuff going on and so many things to look at... I wouldn't want to miss out either!  He's now weighing 12 lbs. and is 24" long.  Our arms are definitely getting a workout, though there's not much to show for it.  The best part about 2 months is Aiden has started cooing and smiling.  We really have to put on a show to bring it out, but it is well worth it!  Can't wait to see what 3 months has in store for us!

Aiden NOT sleeping

First Trip to the Mountains

I would call this a vacation, but since becoming parents, vacations are not what they once were.  For Memorial Day weekend, we headed to Blowing Rock with Grandpa and Grandma Le.  Having grandma around was very helpful.  Albert and I were able to go out on a 2nd date since Aiden's arrival, and we took full advantage of it.  Luckily, he was on his best behavior, so looks like a 3rd date will be around the corner.  

The Blowing Rock/Boone area is gorgeous!  It's so nice to know that after all these years, we're still able to find new places to visit in NC.  Not only did we get a chance to somewhat relax, but Albert was also able to drive (speed) around on the Blue Ridge Parkway in his fairly new ride.  Aiden loved it... I loved that Aiden wasn't crying :)

Happy 1 Month Birthday, Dear Boy!

Aiden has now reached his 1 month birthday!   Oh... all the things that can happen in a month.  Here is what we have learned about Little Minn since his arrival:

1)  Loves to eat... who cares if mom feels like a milk factory and is walking around like a zombie?!  I'm hungry!

2)  Hates the cold,  not much different from his parents.

3)  He has no control over his bladder or bowels... well, we knew that, but we did not know the explosive nature behind his pee and poo.  Disposable changing pads have been a blessing.

4)  He can still muster up a good burp over an hour after his last feeding.

5)  The "Period of Purple Crying" is no joke.  Who knew something that small could make that much noise for so long.  Thank goodness for swaddling, the swing, visitors (he loves to be held), and yes, even our really bad singing, which he seems to like (especially when Albert hums the national anthem).

6)  Those cheeks are irresistible.

What have we learned about ourselves?  Well, we've finally been able to experience the love a parent has for a child, and there are no words for that.  We are grateful everyday to have Aiden in our lives and look forward to many more monthly birthdays.  

Welcome to the World, Aiden!

We are so excited to announce the arrival of Aiden Van Minn!  Our little man arrived April 19, 2011 at 4:36 pm weighing 7 lbs.  

Here's the story:

The due date passed without any sign of Aiden.  Due dates are such a tease... we anticipate this one day for months, and rarely do I hear of any babies being born right on the due date.  We went to the doctor's office that Monday for a regular check up and that night, the contractions started.  After hanging around at the house for hours, we went to the office that morning and was told I had dilated from 2 to 4 cm overnight.  Time to go to the hospital!

Now, I may be a bit biased since I worked at Rex, but the experience was fantastic!  My labor and delivery nurse Helen was wonderful!  The worst part was getting my epidural thanks to my curvy spine, but after 36 minutes of pushing, Aiden was born!  What an overwhelming feeling... Albert and I were both in awe.

So now we begin our journey as parents.  Aiden is now going on 2 weeks old, and I don't think I've ever been as sleep deprived as I have been these past 2 weeks.  Not only am I walking around like a zombie, I also feel like a walking milk factory.  It's all worth it.  We learn something new about our son every day and are so excited to start this crazy journey.

  

40 Weeks.... Where's Aiden?

We have finally reached that day that all pregnant women anticipate... the magical due date! But, where's our Little Minn? Had some contractions yesterday pretty steadily for a few hours, but fell asleep without any problems. Last night must not have been the night for his debut. Mom was 2 weeks overdue with me. Maybe this is the first sign that Aiden may have inherited the stubborn gene.

And so, we head into the weekend eagerly anticipating Aiden's arrival. At this point, we're relying on any old wives' tales: storm this weekend = barometric pressure changes = baby, full moon Sunday = baby, I may have to face one of my greatest fears and eat spicy food (last resort). Next time you hear from us, hopefully it'll be from the 3 of us!

Getting Ready For Our Bundle of Joy!

Now that we are heading into our last month of pregnancy, let the festivities begin!  Not only are we super excited for Aiden's arrival, but so are some great friends.  Megan, Lauren, and Lindsay threw us our first baby shower a couple of weekends ago.  I had a blast and definitely enjoyed the menu (as did the baby inside me)!  Here are some pics from the shin dig.  Thanks to everyone who was able to come to the party, and a great big thanks to the girls who organized the festivities!  It was fabulous!

Anna's Infamous Diaper Cake

Loved that punch!

Now, after getting all these goodies, we were ready to go ahead and tackle the nursery.  We just received Aiden's furniture, so we went ahead and set up as much as we could.  Only a few more things to go, then it'll be all set for his arrival!  

They have no clue what they're waiting for....

On the lookout

Oh, and of course, here's a look at the little man on our 4D ultrasound at 32 weeks.  There is a little bit of his cord sitting in front of his face, otherwise it shouldn't be too difficult to make out his eyes, nose, and mouth.  We can only see a little bit of hair at this point, but the ultrasound tech let us know it's looking like he'll be taking after mom and dad... bring on the brushes!  We've come a long way from little Squirt.

Nursery Theme

We are slowly attempting to put the nursery together, but unfortunately, we're still waiting for our furniture, so no nursery pics just yet.  I've been getting a lot of questions about the "theme" of the nursery and what colors we're using, so here are some pics of the bedding and decorations that will make up Aiden's home.  As you can see, Albert is already trying to brainwash our child into becoming a pilot or F1 racer.   Be on the lookout for nursery pics once the goodies arrive!

Little Minn's Bedding

Artwork

The closest Albert and Aiden will get to a Ferrari