24 Weeks!

I'm 24 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the length of an ear of corn

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 12 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Lots of sweatshirts and sweat pants! Loving no work.

Gender: It's a BOY

Movement: I've been feeling the baby a lot more lately!

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my back, a glass of wine?

Cravings: Mexican, cereal

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness and definitely heartburn!

Best Moment this week: Really feeling Baby K kick a LOT! AND CHRISTMAS!!

The salon

Due to some poor circumstances, Eoin joined me at TM last night for my highlight and cut. Now, Eoin has been a regular at TM Hair Design for quite a while; I do believe he was there being passed around all the ladies before his one week anniversary of life! Auntie Erin just loves visits, but he is really getting too old (and disobedient) to be there for a couple of hours. Last night was really challenging. Eoin was hungry and bored and was really acting out - this is really bad for the other clients who are there to relax. Mickey came to the rescue. While Erin was blow-drying my hair, Mickey took Eoin - this is nothing out of the ordinary - but when we looked all over the salon for them and found them in a corner of the spa section of the salon, I was shocked. Yes, that is my little man with his finger nail polished. Of course he sat like a perfect little angel while a service was being performed on him! Mickey painted his nails blue to match his jammies (it was jammie day at Little Jewels yesterday). He was so proud of them and wouldn't touch anything! Jordan was, however, none to pleased and we had to remove the polish before bed time!

Merry Christmas (part 1)

Eoin 'fixing' the Christmas tree

gotta love Handy Manny

this little man has become very attached to this giraffe and this blankie!

his castle from Nana

Kennedy and Eoin dancing to the tools!

Due to Nana going to Ireland for Christmas (beyond jealous!!!), we headed up north to celebrate the weekend before the actual holiday. It was so nice! The weather was great for the trip up there and Eoin was beyond excited to see his cousins, Auntie Kelly and Nana. With three children under 5, it was very difficult to get any good pictures, so please excuse the pictures above! Hopefully next year it will be a little easier (yeah right!). We had a great meal with Nana and everyone and then headed up to Aunt Donna's and Uncle Hugh's the next morning. Everyone was very spoiled with all the great presents!

Although we are going to miss Nana, she will have a blast in Ireland. Celebrating Christmas the week before helped to draw out the holiday that usually seems like it is over so incredibly quickly! We will be staying down in Bloomington for Christmas now and will be joined by Auntie Kelly and clan after Christmas for a few days! We are excited!!!

Eoin-isms

I had to get this down before I forgot it! This little boy continues to make us laugh with almost every spoken word!

(Eoin is taking his pyjama top off)
Mommy: Eoin, do you not want to wear your pyjamas anymore? Do you want to get dressed?
Eoin: No, I just want to be naked for a little while.

(Eoin is naked sitting on his bed)
Mommy: Eoin, it is time to get ready, we have to get to school.
Eoin: No, I need to cover up. I need to sleep.
Mommy: (Using one of Eoin's favorite lines) No, it is wake up time! (Granted, he has been up playing for about an hour!)
Eoin: No, I need to sleep. (Smiles and closes his eyes tightly pretending to sleep)

This all happened just this morning, how I am supposed to function with a splitting side is beyond me . . . a least I have a few laugh lines mixed in with the worry wrinkles!

23 weeks!

I'm 23 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 23 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the size of a jicama (I have no idea what that is)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 12 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Mixing pieces, mostly non-maternity, but I'm loving dresses and tights!

Gender: It's a Boy!!!

Movement: I've been feeling the baby a lot more lately!

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my back?

Cravings: carbs, and those little clementine oranges

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!

Best Moment this week: definitely getting to show my mama and my sister my baby bump! Little man also received his first gift from his Auntie Kelly! It is sweet little layette with 'Little Brother' embroidered on it.

Christmas Program 2010

Every mom thinks that their child is the star of the show, but Eoin really did steal it last night at his Christmas Program. We had been practicing his songs for a couple of weeks. Mele Kalikimaka and Frosty the Snowman were on constant rotation whilst in the car! We talked to Eoin on the way there about how he was going to get to go up on stage and everyone that was coming to see him perform. Aunt Tina, Aunt Krystal, Aunt Jessi and her friend Sara as well as Mama and Papa Kohn were all in attendance; he is a very loved little man. He didn't disappoint us - he definitely put on quite a performance. He sang and he danced and he was one of the few 2-3 years olds up there doing it!!! For Frosty the Snowman, they surprised us with top hat props. Eoin was incredibly interested in making sure he got his hat on and then towards the end of Frosty during the 'thumpety thump thump' he patted his knees and jumped around like a champ! I couldn't stop laughing and almost crying because I was so proud.

He asked if he could go back up on stage - something tells me he might crave attention! Aunt Krystal recorded his performance and he watched it a few times, loving every minute. Once I get it, I will post it. I also have more pictures from the better camera, but these will just have to do for now! Thanks to everyone for coming and supporting our little man. He is very lucky to have so many people who love him.

This really just begins our holiday festivities. Tomorrow morning we head up north (fingers crossed for good weather) for a couple of celebrations. Next week Eoin will have a classroom party and of course then the festivities begin on Christmas Eve for Jordan's side of the family! What an exciting couple of weeks we have!!

The Big Guy (and the missus)

Eoin got to meet Santa! And not just Santa, but Mrs. Claus too! And not just sit on his lap or yell at him across the mall (yes, he has done this! "BRING TRACTORS!) He got to hug him and chat with him . . . I had a grand re-opening of one of our McDonald's locations and with it being so close to the holiday season, I thought that having Santa there during the breakfast hours would be a fantastic idea . . . well, it would've been; however, we received quite a bit of snow the night before and I think people were afraid to come out in the weather. Eoin braved the elements though and practically had Santa all to himself. He had spent the night at Grandma's beforehand and so she brought him to visit the Big Guy. Since I was already there, Santa had a good idea of exactly who Eoin was and what he wanted and had lots to talk to him about. Eoin was a little timid, but still sat on his lap and chatted. He has been asking for tractors for a long time; however, when he sat on Santa's lap a laundry list of items spilled from his little lips! Tractors, a fire truck, a train . . . yep, Grandma and I looked at each other with a little bit of panic :) Purchases have since been made. This Santa was phenomenal! Eoin will definitely see him again next year.

On another note; I think Eoin has definitely got the gift concept down. I didn't realize it wouldn't take very long. Now, he is asking for absolutely everything for Christmas. Commercials are a hot topic and there are no boundaries . . . last night he said "I want that for Christmas" at the end of a Lexus commercial . . . I responded with "Mommy has already asked for that and Santa said no."

Meeting Baby K

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Sunday afternoon it occurred to me that perhaps Eoin would have more of a grasp of the baby in mommy's tummy if he actually got to see it! So we began asking if he would like to go to the doctor with mommy and daddy to see his baby brother the next morning. He, of course, wanted to go. We had another ultrasound so that all measurements could be taken - the baby is measuring perfectly and everything looked great! We woke up Monday morning and I asked Eoin if he was ready for school. He promptly demanded that he wasn't going to school, he was going to see his baby brother! I am amazed at how he remembers things now - you can't promise him anything you won't deliver on anymore. At the doctor's office he chowed on some fruit snacks while waiting for Tori, the ultrasound tech, to call us back.

The ultrasound was magical, I teared up! Jordan held Eoin up so he could get a better look. The baby waved at Eoin, Eoin waved back! He said, that's my baby brother. We are so incredibly lucky to have one beautiful, healthy, smiling boy and from the looks of this last ultrasound everything is gearing towards having two! TWO?! Not sure how we got so lucky, but we're definitely thankful! Our ultrasound tech printed out Eoin his very own picture of his baby brother and he was able to take it to school. Upon entering the classroom, he showed it off to his teachers and classmates - he is going to be the best big brother. He asked me on Monday night if he could hold his baby brother and I had to tell him he had to wait until April until the baby comes out, but needless to say we are all anxious to hold the peanut!

Side note: Very close friends of ours, The Mavros' just found out that their next delivery will be a little boy! We are thrilled! We couldn't have planned this better (and some planning may or may not have ensued ;)), not only will our little peanuts be born within 3 weeks of each other, but they are both boys! I'm so excited to be going through this pregnancy with an amazing friend and can't wait to share in the excitement of our little boys' lives!

Snow Fun

Although these pictures are from a couple of weeks ago, today seemed like a great day to post them because we are expecting some more snow tonight! Eoin was very excited to play in the snow. We got him all hopped up in his snow gear and he literally asked me to take his picture! He clearly had a blast on his saucer on a slight incline (I can't even call it a hill) at the side of our house. Eoin thinks that the snow goes away every night; each morning he wakes up and says 'it snowed again!' I love the magic that he finds in the every day things . . . I also am not thrilled about the upcoming snow tonight, but knowing that he enjoys it makes it much more worth the slow driving ;)

22 weeks!

I'm 22 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the size of a navel orange

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 12 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I wear mostly regular, but I'm beginning to break down . . . for comfort sake.

Gender: It's a boy!!!!

Movement: I've been feeling the baby a lot more lately, I have felt him move a TON this week and I love every single second of it!

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my back? and I would really love to go skiing with all the snow we just got.

Cravings: Mexican food; chocolate

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness; had a little morning sickness this week, but that also might have been a little stomach virus. I have had the beginnings of my awful heartburn too. Um, I've also been a lot more emotional than normal.

Best Moment this week: Just feeling the baby more and more, it reassures me every time I feel him!

Today we also had a doctors appointment with another ultrasound; everything looks perfect and he is still definitely a boy . . . but that will be another post because Eoin got to 'meet' his baby brother for the first time!

Major Kohn

Whilst diligently working away I received another little gem from Little Jewels! Somehow his teachers always know how to make my day and make me smile! This was titled 'Major Kohn' This kid seriously knows how to rock some aviators!

Love and Basketball

There are few things Eoin loves more in this world than his grandparents and ISU Redbird basketball. He often gets the opportunity to mix the two; our first ISU game of the season was against UNLV and sadly it wasn't pretty for the Redbirds. Eoin was told on our way home that we were going to go see basketball and he couldn't contain his excitement and HAD to put on his Redbird sweatshirt (is is beginning to get a little tight!). We ate in the Legends Room prior to the game and he barely ate, he just wanted to see basketball. Our seats were unfortunately not next to Gramma and Papa, but he got to see them nonetheless. Eoin was enthralled by Reggie Redbird; I'm so happy he isn't afraid! After securing a rally towel and a 'shake shake' we headed home . . . he now has two more items to add to his 'entourage.' The sweetest thing of the night was during the game when he turned to Jordan and said 'thank you, Daddy' just out of the blue! He was so happy to be there! He truly is the sweetest little man!

21 weeks!

I'm 21 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 21 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the length of a carrot

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 11 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Mostly regular, with a few maternity items, but unfortunately the pants are still too big . . . I am having issues with this 'in between' stage

Gender: It's a boy!

Movement: I've been feeling the baby a lot more lately, they are not strong yet, but I love it!

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my back, and the ability to ski or sled!

Cravings:

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness; I had a massage last week that has seemed to eliminate a lot of my sciatic pain

Best Moment this week: Just feeling the baby more and playing in the snow with Eoin! He also says he loves 'his baby' and kisses my tummy!

It's all in the name . . .

We will be thinking long and hard soon enough to come up with a name for our growing little bean, but in the meantime, Eoin has already named him . . .

ANNOUNCING ...

TRACTOR EOIN DEAN KOHN

I'm not sure where he came up with this, haha! Whenever anyone asks what his baby brother is named, this is the answer. Aunt Tina was the first to hear his interpretation of the baby name. Whenever we found out we were having another little boy, 'Tractor it is!'was one of the text messages that circled :)

So, until a true name is decided, Baby Tractor it is!

20 weeks!

I'm 20 weeks! (Half way there!!!)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the size of an banana!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 11 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Mostly regular

Gender: It's a boy!!!!

Movement: I've felt the baby move, but still anxiously waiting for those hard kicks! C'mon baby!

Sleep: I can't get enough of it ;)

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe laying flat on my back!

Cravings: today, orange juice

Symptoms: Right now just some fatigue, a little sciatic pain (not as bad since my massage on Saturday), and some heartburn.
Best Moment this week: This week was Thanksgiving. I loved spending time with family and friends, getting the house decorated for Christmas, Christmas shopping, finding out that Baby K is going to have a cousin very close in age (Ashley and Nick will be welcoming a new addition in July!!) and just squeezing my baby boy all weekend long! Oh and I have all the baby clothes washed and ready for Eoin's baby brother! Next, just to work on the nursery! Beyond, beyond thankful for all of that! So thrilled to be having another boy!

Eoin's counting skills!

This little smarty pants showed off at the Thanksgiving table by counting and then again in Spanish! He can count to 20 in English and up to 10 in Spanish! I am amazed by how quickly he retains stuff :) He isn't quite 2 1/2 . . . what's he going to surprise me with next!

Thankful for Parents

Eoin took this picture of my handsome hubby! He did a great job!

finishing his plate

our growing little family!

Little Jewels held a luncheon for parents the Wednesday before Thanksgiving titled 'Thankful for Parents.' It was so cute; we headed to the classroom first where the students performed a little number (mommy was late for this portion!) and then we headed to the cafeteria for a Thanksgiving feast. Eoin was incredibly excited we were there and really didn't want to eat; this is very unlike him! Afterwards, Daddy headed back to work and Mommy spent the rest of the day with our adorable little man . . . it may have been a 'Thankful for Parents' luncheon but we are beyond thankful every single day for a beautiful, healthy, hilarious little boy - Eoin Dean is the light of our lives!

Our Little Smarty Pants

Little Jewels conducted a development evaluation of our little man. Since this blog serves as a 'baby book' of sorts for Eoin, I'm going to take this entry to brag on our little man and post the results of his evaluation. This evaluation was performed on October 27, 2010 (28 1/2 months) and he will be re-evaluated 6 months later at 34 months. Teachers notes in parentheses, my notes in italics :)

Key: NA - I have not yet been exposed.
1 - Needs improvement
2 - I'm almost there
3 - I've got it

Language and Literacy Development

• Knows his first and last name: 3 (and his middle name!!)
• Knows age: 2
• Can identify the first letter of first name: 2 (this could be my fault with the spelling!)
• Shows interest in writing - uses scribbles to 'write': 3
• Recognizes and sings familiar songs: 3
• Speaks in 2-3 word sentences: 3
• Uses pronouns such as 'me,' 'you,' and 'I':

Physical Health and Development

• Can string large beads: 1 (gave up very easily, was frustrated, we will be working on this one)
• Can finish as puzzle with 5-7 pieces: 2 (he does this easily at home?)
• Can draw a line and a circle: 2
• Can build a towner of at least 4 blocks: 3
• Throws and kicks a ball: 3
• Jumps with both feet: 3
• Can balance on one foot: 2 (with help)

Social and Emotional Development

• Gets along well with peers: 3
• Can follow 1-2 step directions: 3
• Participates in pretend play: 3
• Can follow classroom rules and respects classroom materials: 2
• Uses words instead of being physical when angry: 3
• Expresses pride in accomplishments: 3
• Shows growing independence in self-help skills: 2
• Demonstrates increasing comfort in talking with and taking guidance from teachers: 2
• Imitates adult behavior: 3
• Shows care and concern for a peer that is upset: 3
• Knows family members names: 3
• Begins potty training: 1 (doing very well, this would be a separate post!)

Creative Arts

• Experiments with musical instruments: 3
• Participates in listening, singing and finger plays: 3
• Shows interest in a variety of art materials: 2
• Expresses through movement what is felt and heard in various musical tempos: 3

Math and Science

• Can categorize from biggest to smallest: 2
• Sorts objects by color: 3
• Can count to 10: 3
• Can identify primary colors: 3 (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple listed and circled)

General

• Can name 5 body parts: named arm, leg, head, belly and nose
• Can identify shapes: circled circle and triangle, said I don't know to square and rectangle

Cognitive Development

• Pays attention to an activity for at least 5 minutes: 2
• Understands routine: 2
• Asks 'why' questions: 3
• Applies prior knowledge to a new situation: 3
• Cooperates with others in implementing a plan to solve a problem: 3 (um, he's 2, I can barely do this!)

Teachers notes:
What a fine little boy Eoin is. He is doing well in the Bear Room. He did great on this evaluation. We do not have any concerns for his development. Eoin is a normal two year old boy. We are all working hard on his potty training. We are excited to see how far he will come in the next six months!

19 weeks!

I'm 19 weeks! (almost half way there!)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 19 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby K is the size of an apple!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 11 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Wore a dress this week, but still fitting into regular clothes so wearing them as long as possible :) Probably won't be able to fit into them after Thursday Turkey Day!

Gender: It's a Boy!

Movement: Every now and then, but not as much as I want.

Sleep: I'm usually pretty tired, so sleeping is a non-issue.

What I miss: Hmm, not too much . . .

Cravings: No cravings right now.

Symptoms: a little heartburn and my back is killing me (cyatic pain)

Best Moment this week: Just being so thankful for this little baby! Thanksgiving is on Thursday :)

Eoin's Entourage

What we at first suspected was a phase has quickly become a way of life in our house. Eoin has to have his entourage, aka trail of belongings, with him at all times in the house and if it were up to him, at all times outside of the house. He cannot sleep, play, eat or relax without his brown blankie, blue blankie, pillow, Eoin pillow, Elmo and giraffe! Often these are just the base items and others, such as a police car, helicopter or fire truck, are accompanied. He will take these items with him from one room to another, from upstairs to downstairs. He chooses to sit on the floor as opposed to the better alternative (in my opinion) of the couch or mommy and daddy's bed so he can lay out his blankies. I think it is pretty darn cute! What else is cute? That he calls his giraffe, 'garaffe' with a hard 'g!' I like to think he is gifted and already knows how to spell it as opposed to just saying it wrong :)

Oh Nelly!

This is one of those pictures that will be burned promptly upon Eoin finding it when he is 16. But for right now, he is so happy to strut (yes, strut!) across my bedroom in nothing but a diaper and some pumps. He has since strutted in some boots and other heels. Maybe it will help with coordination for sports? We'll just keep telling ourselves that. Regardless, he is still adorable!

The Big Boy Room!!

the early morning sun shines in here, he loves his bed!

lil' man almost snuck into each picture!

Just a few pictures of the almost finished product of Eoin's Big Boy Room! I'm so thankful to have such a handy husband who can bring my vision my life! I just love how it turned out! I am also thankful for large walk in closets, so Eoin's toys can all be put away! Now the big question, do I order another twin bed for brother sleepovers?

What we missed

Best Friends

Kissing Cousins!

They could pass as twins!

Eoin's mohawk, courtesy of Auntie Ashee

I had to steal these pictures from Auntie Ashee. Eoin was whisked away to Grandma and Papa's house Saturday morning to more fun than we anticipated. Not only was Auntie Ketka and Nick there to pick up Popeye to bring him to his new home, Auntie Ashee, Uncle Nick and Aidan made an impromptu trip to Central Illinois. Although the trip was due to poor circumstances (we sure hope that Grandma Segal gets better!) Aidan and Eoin had a ball playing together. When Jordan and arrived to pick Eoin up on Sunday morning, they were still playing. After the chaos had wore off and visitors had left Eoin sadly asked, "Where Aidan is?" We can't wait for Thanksgiving for some more cousin time!