Nelsonblog

Well, it finally happened – I turned thirty.  Some people cringe at the thought of getting older and some don't care – I guess I'm in the middle.  My birthday was a good day  – I woke up and was excited to see my guys (it was Saturday and Chris took care of Evan when he woke up – they were eagerly waiting for the birthday girl downstairs.) I came downstairs and was greeted by my husband singing 'happy birthday' to me and holding our son that was smiling at me.  What a sweet way to start the day.

Chris planned a date night for the two of us and arranged to have our friends, Steve and Nalaina, babysit (this is the 4th time Chris and I have gone out just the two of us – something we are working on doing more of).  Anyways, Chris planned a very fun and romantic night – we went to Los Angeles to the theater.  We saw an incredible musical called 'The Light in the Piazza'.  It was nice being out on a date with my husband – as much as I enjoy being a mom and love my son – I miss spending time with just my husband.  We had a great time walking around and holding hands (didn't have to worry about holding or pushing a stroller). Chris surprised me with chocolate covered strawberries during the intermission.

We were out until almost midnight – a very late night for a new parent!  It was nice coming home and knowing that Evan was tucked in upstairs and sleeping.  I snuck into his room to check on him, pulled up his covers and kissed his forehead.  When I was closing his bedroom door I teared up and said to myself 'happy birthday' – what a gift – a loving husband, an adorable son, a roof over our heads, family, friends, good health and the list goes on and on.  I have been TRULY blessed.  So why don't I mind getting older – because there are more blessings to discover and more adventures to have with my two incredible men (love you Chris and Evan!)

I had the singular pleasure of cutting Evan's hair for the first time tonight.  He was getting tres shaggy again-

It was a very odd experience, mainly because of how SMOOTHLY it went.   Evan was very well behaved- we plopped him down in his high-chair in front of the TV and turned on his favorite Baby Einstein show (the Davinci one that's about colors, it's pretty neat).  The only time he got fussy was when my trusty assistant Sue accidentaly blocked the view of the show!

We cobbled together a very tricky system of keeping him restrained that included a blanket, grocery store plastic bag and his high-chair of course.

Here are some pictures-  What do you think?

Below is the 'before' picture.

My trusty assistant 

The barbers chair and cutting process-

The end result! 

Maybe I've missed my calling? 

You are incredibly brilliant, you know that?  You started crawling two months before average, AND the doctors said you might, because you're so BIG start crawling two months LATE.  But no- you're crawling EVERYwhere.  Exporing your world with a vengance.  Always trying to see something new.

You're climbing the couch now- and your parents legs.  You're so strong.  And happy and personable.  We love your smiles, your momma and I.

So, that being said, I want you to know that there is NOTHING WRONG with you.  The only problem is your head had a small flat spot where it shouldn't.  This and only this is why we got you your helmet.  It's been tough for your mother and me to see you with it.  We plan to decorate it as soon as we can- the white is too, well, white.  I think white sterility might remind us of your time in the NICU when you first came into the world- that was a difficult time for us all, as you know.

Well, here's a picture of you-  You seem to be taking it rather well, which is good.  The doctor says you'll have to wear it for around 4 to 5 months or so. 

Boy, you're such a cute guy.  We love everything about you.

  As I attempt to write this my precious son is tugging at my pant leg as he pulls himself to his feet while holding onto my leg and the couch.  Yesterday Evan discovered that he can pull himself up by himself now while holding onto furniture (or mama's leg).  He spent the majority of his waking hours trying to pull himself up – and falling. No matter how many toys I gave him they did not interest him – he had to keep pulling himself up over and over and over again. 

In the process of pulling himself up he's been learning the art of falling.  I want to do what I can as a parent to protect him but also give  him room to discover and explore – and learn how to pick himself up when he falls.  It's been a challenge to find the balance – but we are working on it and my little son is working on becoming stronger and stronger.  

   Evan's top middle 2 teeth are starting to cut through the gum.  By Christmas time I'm sure his smile will reveal 2 top teeth (in addition to the 2 bottom teeth he already has).  Poor guy – he's been very fussy and had a hard time sleeping last night. He was awake from 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. – and as a result mama and papa were awake too.  Luckily, in a day or two the worse part will be over (for now).  I can see the rest of his teeth right under the gum line and I'm sure his next set of teeth (the ones to the left and right of the bottom 2) will start coming in soon.  Poor kid – this teething process takes a long time. 

By the way – for all of my friends who have kids teething – teething tablets made by Hyland's are a life saver!  Add those to a dose of Motrin and the little one will be feeling (and acting) a lot better.

Well, being a mom is A LOT of things and one thing it is becoming is a lot more FUN!  Evan is so entertaining and is becoming more playful.  He does great playing on his own and likes to be independent but he also likes to hang out with mom and dad and play around.  He gets excited when I play with him and he has such a wonderful laugh – we lay on the floor together and we laugh together. It is such an awesome experience to laugh with my son. 

Also, Evan is SO ticklish that you can pretty much tickle him anywhere – I was tickling his back yesterday and he was laughing so hard that he was tearing up and turning red. I thought to myself 'this is why we go through what we do and become parents – to hear your own childs laughter and see his smile makes life pretty amazing!'

The Nelson Family went to Heritage Park yesterday- for a PICNIC!  Yay!

This was the first times we let Evan bareoot in the grass.  He was quite facinated at the feel of it between his toes.  We had sandwiches and cheetos and spent most of the time playing keep-away with Evan.  We had a quite a blast as you can see.

Well, I have been working on a part time capacity for the last three months from home. I had originally called my boss back in July to give my two week notice and August 1st was to be my last day. My desire is to be home with my son and raise him – it is requiring sacrifice but it is a choice I want to make.

A few days after I gave my notice I was offered an opportunity to come back to work and do recruitment from home on a part time capacity for the time being. It has been a HUGE adjustment – trying to be a full time mother and now working in 4 hours a day of work while still tending to my busy sons needs.

The first week was very hard – felt like I was neglecting my son – but it has gotten much better and I'm finding a better balance between being a mother and being an employee. Evan is my greatest priority and concern during the day – I had to realize I can't work and deliver at the same level I use to – and that's okay. Something has to give – I've realized I can't give and be 100% at everything – and that's okay (a hard lesson for someone who is a perfectionist at work). My family is what matters – and Evan needs his mommy and I need him too.