100 Days Come and Gone!

Since going back to work, it's been a bit difficult for me to find time to sit and update our blog.  So sorry for those few people who do keep up with us through the blog.  I don't make any promises, but hopefully, once I get more settled into being a working mom, I'll be able to keep this current.

So, my chiropractor described mommyhood as ...  "the best, hardest job ever."  After going back to work, I would say that is absolutely true!  Every new milestone is so rewarding and makes up for the late nights, tears (from both Aiden, myself, and secretly Albert as well), and frustration (once again, from all parties).  

Recently, we celebrated Aiden's 100th day birthday, a Korean tradition.  The family gathered at the Minn residence, ate delicious Korean food, and yapped away, mostly about Little Minn.  

All legs with a side of cheeks

Beach Trippin'

Well, my maternity leave is coming to a close, and what better way to relax and spend time with Little Minn than to head to the beach!  As everyone knows, Albert and I love the coast, so here is our first attempt at brainwashing Aiden into loving the beach.  We headed to Rodanthe at the Outer Banks with grandpa, grandma, and dogs in tow.  Aiden didn't get to spend too much time outside due to the smoke warnings, but there wasn't much he was going to do at this age anyway.  He was content just hanging out in the house and staring at his toy.  Well, I think we accomplished our mission... he LOVED the beach!

Lovin' the ocean breeze

Aiden's Dog

Grandpa Comes to Visit

Albert comes from an international family with his sister living in Switzerland and parents in Korea, so we were very excited for his dad to come to the USA and meet his first grandchild.  We have been very lucky to have his mom in town since April.  Now, we just need to make plans for Aiden to meet his auntie!  

As soon as grandpa arrived in Raleigh, he made a visit that evening to meet Aiden.  I think someone is smitten! 

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.