Tag: Aidan

10 Random Things Lately

Posted on by Lauren Lane

I could say that life has been busy lately….that would be an understatement. But I’m guessing you probably presumed that when I disappeared a few weeks ago. Since it’s been sooo long since I shared anything, I thought I’d share 10 random things from life lately…

  • The older boys went to their very first wedding. And they had the very best time dancing, eating, and drinking special drinks. Not to mention that they looked so handsome!
  • Harrison is rounding out the end of his Kindergarten year. That seems impossible to believe…but it’s nearly here! We had his school’s open house, and he loved showing us around the school and everything he’s worked on this year!

We celebrated Harrison’s sixth birthday with friends! AND a Mommy & Daddy date to Top Golf. If you thought he would have the BEST time at Top Golf, you would be right.

We installed and planted two raised beds near our new shed. I’m growing lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers and raspberries. Crossing my fingers that we’re successful! I haven’t been much of a food gardener until this year.

We all tested positive for strep (besides Nathan) four days before leaving for Florida with my sister’s family. Poor baby Aidan has been on antibiotics for ear infections so often recently that they had to treat him with daily shots this time around. I was just thankful to have found it before we left and got on the airplane! At least strep is an easy fix.

And of course with it being springtime, I am busy planting, planting, planting! And so excited this year to help people with their summer containers. It’s doubly fun dreaming up combinations for customers and getting them installed!

Jonathan has taken to calling adding sugar to your cereal as adding “seasoning.” He routinely asks us for Cheerios with seasoning now. When do we live in a world where kids name everything?

Shortly after Aidan’s first birthday, he started walking. And now we have a baby walking everywhere! He wants to get into all the things, climb all of the stairs, and absolutely does not want to be left by himself EVER. He now has mastered Mama, Dada, and a lot of telling us “MO! Mo! Mo!” while signing “More.” He’s also recently added “yeah” to his repertoire, and we love asking him yes or no questions to hear him say, “Yeah?”

He’s officially moved up to the Toddler classroom at school, and I guess that fully shuts a door on baby years. We have been so blessed to have three sweet, healthy babies and for me to have been able to enjoy six months off with each of them during my maternity leave.

My little business has been growing faster than I had ever imagined! I absolutely love everything about it – from helping with landscape consultations, to full blown landscape drawings and renderings, and container installations. It’s been so much fun!

I’m hoping that I can get back to a more consistent posting schedule, but I think I may need to make it through May before that kind of time frees up!

What have you been up to this month?

Lauren

Aidan’s First Birthday Party!

Posted on by Lauren Lane

We celebrated Aidan’s first birthday uhhh….forever ago….and I have been swamped. The weather ended up being gorgeous – we totally lucked out! We were able to move the party outside for lots of running around, food, cake, and presents.

I chose a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme for our little guy, and designed the invites.

In true third child form, this party really snuck up on me, and so we did very little in the way of decorations and theme items. But Aidan didn’t seem to mind. Some balloons, a few festive garlands, and lots and lots of fruit – which is what our hungry caterpillar loves the most!

Birthday boy up from nap and ready to party!

Aidan was a little unsure of the cake. Not thrilled about the sprinkles in particular touching his hands.

I’m pretty sure Aidan alone ate 80% of the blueberries and grapes himself.

The big boys knew exactly what to do with the cake.

Lick all of the frosting off and leave the cake part…..

Aidan had lots of helpers with his presents. But in particular, it was Jonathan who was most excited about opening the play guitar that he had gotten for Aidan, and then quickly whisking it away because he actually bought it for himself. Hahahahaha

Our last first birthday is in the books! So thankful for this little one each and every day. For making our family complete.

Dear Aidan,

Posted on by Lauren Lane

Today is a day of celebration. But will I be sad? Yes. Does today mark the end of baby years in our house? Yes. I didn’t realize fully before I had you how close our bond would be together. You see, as your daddy had to focus on taking care of the big boys each day, it was mostly just you and me day in and day out. Late nights together. So much rocking. Begging you to please sleep for just a little bit longer. Complete exhaustion.

While you were my hardest newborn baby. I knew you were my last. And there was a sense of being able to enjoy it a bit more, because I knew if would be gone in a flash. That in no time at all I would be sitting here today writing you a letter on your first birthday. I knew I’d be longing for those evenings where you’d fall asleep on my chest, and your soft hair would brush against my chin. Where we would sneak away for a quick nap together, you nestled close to me and breathing slowly and contently.

While your nights invariably got longer, and we both got to sleep through the night, a newborn fog lifted to give way to the happiest baby. Squeals of delight are commonplace with you. The way your eyes light up when your brothers talk to you. The insistence of Sawyer not leaving the table at dinnertime because she knows you will feed her half of your food. Your absolute refusal to say “mama” or “dada” when asked. But “Ba. Ba. Ba.” over and over and over again.

Your baby year has been so fully enjoyed by this family. By grandparents who were blessed to be able to help us and care for you for three months before we could get into daycare. By big brothers who were so protective of you, and so proud. By your dad, who cherished his baby Aidan snuggles. And me. Your newborn scent. Your smile. The way you’d cling to me as your safe place. You will forever be so special to me.

I pray every night for you. That you may never doubt how much you are loved. There is no greater honor than being your mom, sweet boy. For all of the ways that you filled me and completed me, I cherish you.

Happy birthday, my Aidy baby.

Mama

What’s Up Wednesday {03.27.24}

Posted on by Lauren Lane

Happy last Wednesday of the month! Just one day before our little Aidan surprised us a year ago with his appearance! Ahhhh…I just can’t even believe it.

As always, I’m linking up with Shay and Sheaffer to share with you what’s going on in our life!

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK: We had a favorite of Nathan and minethis week: Chicken Tikka Masala. The boys like the naan bread. Just a complete shock, I’m sure, for all of you that have had young kids. Nothing but carbs.

We’re also having salmon this week and Sausage Vodka Pasta for Aidan’s birthday.

2: WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

I have so many feelings about our last little boy turning one. It truly doesn’t feel possible that it’s been a year with our baby Aidan. He’s just the sweetest, calmest baby.

Watching Harrison really become so protective of Aidan has been so fun, and Jonathan learning the ropes of big brotherhood – which as this point means having the patience of Job when it comes to Aidan messing up whatever you’re trying to play with.

The day Harrison and Jonathan met their little brother in the hospital will forever be one of my most favorite memories of all. How proud they were of their little bro. Just all of the heart eyes for my boys.

Read more

What’s Up Wednesday {01.31.24}

Posted on by Lauren Lane

First What’s Up Wednesday of the new year! You all know that this is my favorite post of the month. I love to go back and read these as a little scrapbook in time of our lives. A little bit of reading, wearing, family, and work all in one post!

As always, I’m linking up with Shay and Sheaffer to share with you what’s going on in our life!

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK: I have a confession to make. I was very anti-Cozi family calendar. It got to a point, though, where it was really difficult to track who was responsible for which kid/activity/driving/babysitting/all the things that goes along with keeping track of a family in our work Outlook calendars. So, I gave Cozi another shot. We’ve been using it for four months now, and I love it. Including using it to track our meal plan each week.

This week, we’re doing Sheet Pan sausage and veggies, Chicken Taquitos, and Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken.

2: WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

Aidan turned ten months old this past weekend, and man. All of sudden, that first birthday seems REALLY close. And it feels like yesterday that he was this small.

Read more

Naming Aidan James

Posted on by Lauren Lane

I’ve written posts about naming our other two boys, and why we chose their names. Aidan is, of course, due the same about his name. Nathan and I struggled to agree on boy names. For each of the previous two boys, their names ended up being the only names we agreed on together. We’ve had a name that we liked for a girl for years. And while we can’t imagine not having three boys now, I think we were hoping that the last Lane baby would be a girl so we didn’t have to go through the name game again for a third boy.

But alas, God had bigger plans. And we were blessed with a third boy. This sweet little boy…

We agreed on his middle name first. I liked the name James as a middle name solely based on the sound of it. And that’s the whole story of why we picked James. Ha. No family history, no connection at all. Just thought it made a musical sound as a middle name.

I will never forget exactly where we were when we agreed to Aidan’s first name. We were sitting in the perinatal doctor ultrasound’s lobby waiting for our monthly sonogram of baby boy. We had some time to kill as we waited, and decided to revisit names again. I had a list of about five names I liked for the last boy on my phone, and as we took turns throwing out names, Nathan goes,

“How about Aidan?”
And I replied, “I actually have that name on my list.”
“No way,” he replied. “I don’t believe you.”

We had never both had the same name on our lists before.

I showed him my phone, where one of my options was already typed “Aidan James.”

Nathan looked up the meaning of the name Aidan. Little fire. And we both kind of liked that.

“Aidan James,” he said. “It kind of sounds like a movie star.”

It was several more days before we settled on the spelling of the name, but that didn’t take long either. It was the easiest first name we’d ever come to for the boys.

Our little fire turned out to be pretty darn cute.

Dear Aidan (v. II),

Posted on by Lauren Lane

We’ve officially entered the month that you go to daycare and I go back to work. This month seemed so far away when you were born. And it was, five whole months with you already. Like any passage of time, though, lately, it’s shocking to realize the time has already come.

You’ve been such a blessing to me, little boy. For the first time, I don’t feel like I’m rushing your baby year. It took me two previous babies to really slow down. I don’t find myself eager to check off milestones. I’m so content to soak up your little-ness. Bask in the simplicity of gummy smiles and silly conversations. Enjoy the quietness of time away from the chaos, just nursing you.

I feel so fortunate to be your mommy. Nothing compares to the way your eyes search for me in a room. The way you settle when I pick you up, knowing that you’re safe and loved. Thank you for allowing me to get to experience babyhood just one more time.

Love always,

Mommy

A Nautical Baby Boy Nursery

Posted on by Lauren Lane

I have a new favorite room of the house. I LOVE Aidan’s nursery. It’s elegant and classic, yet calming, but with the perfect little nods to little boy life and nautical sea adventure. I could spend hours rocking him in his nursery.

The last time I designed a nursery was for Harrison, our oldest baby. When Jonathan was born, we just used the same nursery with no changes at all for Jonathan. So I was really excited at the prospect of getting to design a nursery for the second time for our third boy.

Our Big Boys share connecting rooms through a Jack & Jill bathroom. When we were trying to decide our set-up for baby #3, I chose to keep all of the boys separate in their own rooms. I think there’s lots to be gained from room sharing, but also, I really wanted each of my kids to have a space that was just for them in our house.

Harrison and Jonathan decided together that they wanted to stay in their current rooms, which meant Aidan would get the last room upstairs as his room. It was the room that we used for years as our playroom, and it’s by far the biggest.

As I set out to design his nursery, I happened upon this little sailboat at Target…

And decided to base the entire room on it.

Room details and links at the bottom!

Paint colors: Sherwin Williams Alabaster & Sherwin Williams Cityscape

Curtains: Linen white curtains from Amazon!

Curtain rod: Also from Amazon!

Blackout Blinds: Cordless Blackout Cellular Blinds in Classic White. When they arrived, they had a crease in them, and they replaced them immediately for free

Glider: Has been with us for all three boys, and it’s beyond comfortable

Crib: Our exact style isn’t sold anymore – but the crib is from Pottery Barn Kids

Art: Love her work. This is the fourth piece I’ve bought from her!

Dresser: Price can’t be beat for the quality

Wooden Name Blocks: So cute and we used them for his name announcement as well

Stacking wooden wave toy: Love buying from small shops on Etsy

Rug: From Amazon in color Sky/Stone

Long Live Boyhood flag: Bought a flag from them for Harrison’s room and loved it so much. I’ve had my eye on this one for while!

Whale toy walker: I bought it from Amazon, but it doesn’t look like it’s there anymore!

Side table: Target – old

Blue side table lamp: Target again!

Black Floor lamp: From Target

Blue & white basket: Target – old

Crib sheet: Etsy for the win

Changing table sheet: Also from Amazon!

Whale stuffed animal: Also an impulse buy from Target 🙂

Dear Aidan (v. I)

Posted on by Lauren Lane

Three whole months with you. My memory feels like a fog of the last three months, only just finally starting to feel like the light is getting brighter. The days and nights are starting to feel shorter. And I’m shocked to have finally started to catch my breath only to realize I’m three whole months into this life with you.

You are such a content little dude. You quietly watch your brothers run and bounce around you.

You are still, most certainly, very attached to Mama. Not ready to be very far from comfort and food. But I love being your person. I love the way you look for me when you hear my voice. When I crouch down and talk to you, the huge smile that creeps across your face.

You are getting a mama who has already walked this road twice before. One that feels a bit more sure of herself. I hope one that is a bit more patient. And a bit more gentle. One that still challenges you enough, but welcomes you into her arms when things are hard.

You are my last little baby. And that in itself makes me cherish it even more. Because I know already that it goes so fast. I’m here to soak it in with you. Every bit of your baby-ness. Every bit of your childhood. Every bit of it.

Love you beyond measure, my sweet Aidan.

Love,

Mommy

(I’m taking next week off from writing to be with my family. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!)

Aidan’s Birth Story

Posted on by Lauren Lane

For months, we had planned on an April 11th induction date. It was a good compromise, we thought. It was exactly at 39 weeks gestation of this baby and it avoided Harrison’s birthday of April 13th. I was concerned as to how my kids would fare it they had to potentially share a birth date.

And so I planned out all of the doctors appointments, hair appointments, grooming appointments and ‘before baby’ brunches and lunches for those two weeks leading up to an expected April 11th induction.

It was the evening of March 27th. Baby Aidan was 36 weeks and 6 days gestation. We had just completed another marathon Monday evening. Harrison had soccer practice, Jonathan had a teacher educator appointment, we dashed home and hurriedly ate dinner as a family and got the boys off to bed. Nathan had retired to the basement to watch an episode of a show, and I was just getting into bed to read when…my water broke. As I laid down in bed. Yes, I was sure. I knew without a doubt it was my water breaking even though I had never had my water spontaneously breaks with the other two labors before this one.

I carefully walked to the basement stairs and called down to Nathan that I was pretty sure my water broke. He came to the edge of the stairs and looked up at me, “Seriously?”

I had heard enough birth stories by this point that I knew that there was no waiting it out until my planned 39 weeks to have this baby. This baby was coming. And the baby was coming that night.

I had somehow had the foresight to pack my hospital bag literally that afternoon. Nathan had nothing packed and hurriedly shoved clothes into a bag while making calls to my mom (yes, I need you to wake [Papa] up to come stay with the boys. We’re going to he hospital.). His parents, who had literally just landed in Denver also assuming that there was several weeks before baby’s arrival.

I called my OB to get the ok to head to the hospital. And worriedly paced around my bedroom while leaking amniotic fluid and trying to get my brain to remember the “last minute things” I hadn’t packed already.

My dad arrived to stay with the boys, and I snuck into each boys’ room to give them one last kiss and hug. And Nathan and I headed to the hospital to have our very last baby.

Contractions had started by that point. And as I lay in triage while they decided whether I was going to be admitted, the contractions had increased in duration and time in between as well as intensity.

After what always feels like an eternity in triage, we were whisked away to our labor and delivery room. It was about 1:30 in the morning at that point. I had progressed to 5 cm on my own, and the nurse told me that I just needed to let her know when I wanted the epidural. A short time later, fearing that I would be too late to get the epidural and for it to work, I asked to have the anesthesiologist called to place the epidural.

Finally at about 3:30 in the morning, with epidural placed, the doctor said we’d wait and check to see how things were progressing at seven in the morning at shift change.

Nathan and I tried to rest, but neither of us slept much. And then at 5:00 am the OB resident came in to check me, and declared my labor complete and ready to push. He asked me not to push, and hurriedly asked the nurse to notify the attending OB and the rest of the delivery team to get set up immediately.

After three pushes, Aidan was born at 5:21 am, three weeks early at exactly 37 weeks.

He had the meekest little cry. I was overjoyed with love for this little tiny human immediately. Many doctors and nurses checked him over and over again given the concerns they were monitoring with him during my pregnancy, and he was totally normal and healthy.

Given his early (and quick) delivery, his lungs had not expelled all of the liquid from them. He spent one night in the NICU on a breathing machine, and was cleared to come back to us in our mother/baby room by lunch the next day.

After daycare the next day, Nathan brought Jonathan and Harrison to meet their littlest brother. Watching the love and pride they had for baby Aidan was the cherry on top to an easy delivery and healthy little baby.