Pictures

I have been busy this past week with very little downtime, but I can't seem to remember anything out of the ordinary.... I've just been enjoying time with Hudson and reading The Hunger Games (so good).   So, here are some pictures of my love bug!   

This was taken yesterday morning (1-31-12) right after he woke up!  Look how happy this little guy is!

Grandma Elitha just got back from a vacation and came to see Hudson.  She brought him back a cute tidied t-shirt.

I never want to forget how tiny and cute his little hands are.

Taken this morning (1-31-12) in his ducky pajamas.

It's not the destination, it's the trip.

The Station

 by Robert J. Hastings

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.  We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent.  We are traveling by train.  Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, or children waving at the crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination.  On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station.  Bands will be playing and flags waving.  Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle.  How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering-waiting, waiting, waiting for the station. 

"When we reach the station that will be it!" we cry.  "When I'm 18."  "When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes Benz!"  "When I get a promotion."  "When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after!"  

Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all.  The true joy of life is the trip.  The station is only a dream.  It constantly outdistances us. 

"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it."  It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad.  It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow.  Regret and fear are twin thieves which rob us of today.

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles.  Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more , cry less.  Life must be lived as we go along.  The station will come soon enough.

A visit from Grandma and Grandpa

The last time my parents saw Hudson was at Christmas about a month ago.  Well, my mom and dad were itching to come see him!  This past weekend they drove down on icy roads to love on Huddy Buddy.  When they got here, they scooped him up and I didn't hold him again the rest of the weekend!  haha I kid.  But seriously, he was loved on every waking second.  It was a great visit that was, in my mind, too short.  We had such a nice time though.  At night we played games on our XBOX Kinect including Just Dance 3 and Fruit Ninja.  haha  Hudson laughed at everyone and really seemed to enjoy himself.  He even slept better than he has in a long time. YEA!!!  He is such a good baby and I am so thankful to have him as my son. 

I am blown away by how much he is changing right before my eyes.  He is such  blessing in my life!  I am the luckiest person on earth!

Baby Weight Update

My plan is failing miserably!!!!!  For some reason, sleep, housework, taking care of my baby, and cooking for my family seems much more important and necessary than exercising.  Ahhhhhhhhh  We will try again tomorrow I guess.  Blah

Baby Boys

We had a play date this morning! But first, Hudson finally found his thumb!

I know I'm not supposed to let him do this, BUT IT'S SO CUTE!!!!!  He has been working on sucking his thumb for weeks!  He would practically shove his entire hand in his mouth looking for it, but today, he got it!!!!  I can't help but be proud.

Today, we also had a play date with some other little boys and their mommies!  It was nice getting to chat and get out of the house for a few hours!  All the boys were adorable!  Again, Hudson is by far the biggest baby!  haha  What a little stinker!  He was so good while we were there.  He showed everyone his cute smile and even slept for a little bit!  I am so lucky to have such a sweet little baby!

Mason, Houston, Hudson, Wyatt, & Ty

Baby Mason and baby Houston were too funny!  They are a little older and were smiling and "talking" to one another!  They would grunt and coo back and forth!

For the most part Hudson was quiet during our play date.  He is such an easy baby!  Baby Wyatt looked sooo cute in his little outfit!  baby clothes are just adorable! 

Aren't they all just so adorable!?!?!  They are lined up from oldest to youngest!  Poor baby Ty was struggling to hold his little head up!  He is so tiny!  After holding Hudson, baby Ty feels as light as air! 

Hudson, I love you more than life itself.  You are my world and I am enjoying all of our time together!  You are so happy and sweet ALL THE TIME!  You are sleeping now, but I can't wait for you to wake up so we can play!  This weekend your grandparents (my mom and dad) will be here to play with you!  Grandma Smith is just dying to hold you!  Hudson, you are loved so much by so many people!  Your daddy and I are the luckiest parents in the world!  xoxo

Growing like a weed

Today I realized that Huddy Buddy is getting too big, too fast!  He is almost 15 weeks old and according to the size charts on most baby clothes, is almost in 9 month outfits!  WHAT?!?!  I went to Target and Baby Gap today looking for cute baby sleepers.  Those seem to be the easiest and most comfortable thing for Hudson to ware.  Anyway, I was going to grab some six month sleepers, but when I looked at the size chart he would only be able to ware them for another few days!  He is too long and getting to heavy for the 6 month outfits!  I just can't believe it!

This got me thinking about his car seat.  In the near future we will be needing to look for a bigger one.  The car seat/carrier that came with his stroller wont work for us much longer.  I'm not sure what we will do when he does outgrow it.  He is big, but so young.  He still can sit up by himself.  So, when we go out to eat I'm not sure how we will handle it.  He won't be able to sit in the highchairs but the carrier will be too small....

I'm so glad he's a healthy little baby!

Look at my little chunky monkey!  I'm so in LOVE!

Taken this morning!

Baby Weight

People lie!  Plain and simple!  So many people told me that after having a baby, the weight would just "fall off".  Well, my sweet little pumpkin is 3 1/3 months old and I have yet to see the number on my scale fall.  I may have indulged a bit too much while I was pregnant.  Apparently you can, but you really shouldn't, eat whatever you want when you are expecting...  hummm (oups, my bad).  But now, all this time has passed and I am heavier than I have ever been in my entire life!  And not just by a few pesky pounds, but buy what seems to be a metric ton!  What I wouldn't give to be able to wear my prepregnancy clothes (or even my fat clothes).  I refuse to continue wearing maternity clothes, but have very few things that actually fit.  I really don't want to be this way for long, and don't want to spend money on new clothes.  Ugh  I am sick of all this baby weight that is hanging around. 

I get so depressed when I see pregnant women who are in their third trimester and they barely look pregnant.  OR I see a woman my age who just had a baby and you can't tell because she is so thin!  How unfair!  I want to blame it on genetics, but unfortunately that would be lying to myself.  My mom was able to shed the baby weight and was really thin after she had my sister and I.  So, it must be me.  I must not be doing enough to drop the weight. 

In collage, when I was at my lowest weight, I walked a mile to the gym EVERY SINGLE MORNING AT 5:00am.  Rain or shine, snow or heatwave (I was even featured in the newspaper as the crazy girl walking to the gym during a huge snow storm when classes were canceled).  While there I did 1 hour of cardio (usually running on a treadmill) and 1 hour of weight lifting.  After getting into a routine, I couldn't live without it.  I was sick less (fewer colds) I felt great, slept better....  My good friend Christie even started going with me and for two years I had a reliable workout buddy.  It made being at the gym every morning fun.  I miss that.

A lot has changed since collage.  I am married and have a baby.  I also have a workout room in our basement that has an elliptical and treadmill (no excuses).  It is convenient and I should be exercising all the time.  Why is it so hard for me to get down there and exercise for 30-90minutes EVERY DAY? 

Well, no more excuses!  If I can't consistently find time during the day to work out, I am going to have to rearrange my life so that I make time.  Starting tomorrow (I did just finish up jogging and walking on the treadmill) I will wake up at 5:00am to exercise.  Hudson will usually sleep until 7:00am so that gives me plenty of time to workout and shower before he even wakes up!  GENIUS! 

OK, that's my plan so far.  Any and all advice/suggestions/support would be greatly appreciated! 

THE PLAN

• Work out for at least 1 hour a day/ 5 days a week
• Eat 5-6 small HEALTHY meals a day with one off day
• Drink only water except on weekends when I can have coffee
• No artificial sweeteners
• eat more vegetables

THE MOTIVATION

• I want to fit into my clothes again
• Our beach vacation this year
• General health   

  

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Friday, Aunt Jessica came over and spent time with Hudson.  We went to a doctor's appointment and then went out to lunch.  Aunt Jessica is so funny.  Hudson just can't get enough!  He can be quite the little flirt!

Yesterday, we spent the day running errands and watching football (and UK basketball) with friends.  Hudson LOVED spending time with "the big boys"!  The poor little guy has no choice but to be a UK fan!  He was born a baby wildcat!  It was fun to see Steve's friends holding Hudson and making him laugh!  So cute!  We found out last night that Hudson thinks his daddy is hilarious!  When Steve would look at Hudson and start laughing, Hudson would crack up!  This went on forever!  It never got old!

Today, we made it to church...barely.  Next week we will need to get up about 45 minutes earlier in order to make it in plenty of time.  I am so glad we went though, because it was a message we really needed to hear.  Again, I really feel that we were at the right place at the right time.  God wanted us to hear the message this morning.  It was like the sermon was meant for my ears.  Because today is the anniversary of the legalization of abortion, some time was set aside to discuss it and hear from women who had made that difficult decision.  I was literally brought to tears while listening to their testimonies.  Everything about today's service was moving.  From the music to the sermon, it was uplifting and thought provoking.  Here are some things I took away from today's service.

• God has a plan for us all.
• We need to do a better job of making church an worship a priority in our lives.
• If you want to hear God and see him stir in you, you must genuinely seek him.
• You can't worship sincerely without sacrifice.
• Everyone struggles at some point with doing the right thing according to God, the key is repentance and seeking God.
• God is all about relationships.
• We, as parents, have a huge responsibility to teach our children to love, respect, fear, and desire to know God.  
• Do not take worship, church, and God for granted.  
• Fathers play a huge role in the development of their children and are responsible for the spirituality of the family. 
• When worshiping, it's not about us.  It's all about God. 

After church, we did some cleaning, started dinner (chili) and are now watching the Packers play football.  We got this adorable Packers outfit from some of Steve's coworkers.  So, we decided to play dress up.  This week is going to be really busy, but I can't wait!  This has been  a lovely weekend!   Now, to watch some football, relax, then watch the Golden Globes!  Whoooo

Playdate

We are so lucky to have found a great church to attend, and even more lucky that so many families in our Sunday School class had babies around the same time we had Hudson!  It is so wonderful getting to share this experience with other people.  Well, today we had a playdate with with some mommies and babies from our class!

Felicity Anne, Hudson, Violet, Wyatt, and Meredith

It was so nice getting out of the house and getting to spend time with other mommies.  Hudson has gotten to meet his little friend Wyatt before, but this was our first time meeting "the triplets".  YES, triplets.  They are just so adorable and still such tiny little girls.  Hudson is only a little over 3 months old and he is 4 pounds heaver than the 5 month old triplets.  Wyatt's mommy had a great idea about getting all of our Sunday School babies together for a picture!  Can you imagine a picture like this, only with 11 + babies?!?!  ADORABLE!

Today was fun and we look forward to many more playdates in the future! 

Well, poop!

Why is it that when we become parents, no topic is off limits?!?!  For example, poop!  Poop went from being something you (I) never talked about.  Then, BAM you have a baby and its all we (I) talk about!  For a new parent poop determines the health of our little bundles of joy and we (I) will talk about it with anyone pretending to care.  It also is something we must deal with on a daily basis.  It's funny though how the only poop that doesn't bother you comes from your own children!  Changing diapers is just disgusting, unless I am changing Hudson's diapers, then its all butterflies and rainbows.  haha

Now, I have a story for you!  Can you guess what it's about?!?!  haha  Hudson rarely and I mean rarely has any issues with diapers and accidents (or blow-outs as Steve calls them).  Every once in a while, there will be a "leak", but like I said, rare!  Well, tonight Steve took Hudson back to his room to change his diaper.  Not a minute later I hear "Lauren, come quick!  We have a situation"!  My heart started racing.  I was thinking of everything that could possibly be wrong:  his poop is a funny color, he fell, he's sick....  It never crossed my mind that the "situation" was a massive explosion of poop that not only leaked out of Hudson's diaper but made it's way all the way up his back and into his hair!  When I got the nursery I found Steve looking shocked and bewildered, not sure what to do.  All I could do was laugh!  I have NEVER seen such a thing!  It was truly amazing (in a funny and slightly gross way).  After we both assessed the "situation" trying to figure out the best plan of action for clean up, Steve says "OK you hold him and Ill just wipe him down.  Then we'll be good to go".  I look at him in disbelief.  "Really?!?! I don't think so!"  haha  MEN! 

Long story short,  Hudson got a bath and was scrubbed from head to toe!  Now he's clean and in new PJ's.

THE END

What's The Deal?!? Is my baby teething already?

Mister Hudson has been in a mood the past two days.  I just can't figure him out!  He is usually a happy baby, but lately he is just so fussy!  I'm going out of my mind trying to figure out whats going on.  Is he not feeling well?  Is he hungry?  Is he tired?  Is he cutting teeth (he has been drooling A LOT and wants to gnaw on everything)?  Is he too hot? Too cold?  Growth spurt?  I just don't know! 

My guess... well, I think my sweet little baby might be teething!  Ahhhh You would think I would know more about this subject since I am a Hygienist, but even I had to Google Huddy Buddy's symptoms.  I'm so ashamed....  haha

• Irritable and Fussy --- check
• Drooling --- CHECK
• Biting behavior --- check
• Refusing food --- check (he just doesn't seem to want to eat as much or as often)
• Sleep problems --- check (not taking naps and crying out in his sleep)
• Gum swelling and sensitivity --- ? (I'm not sure....)

The Teething Guideline

	5 months (typical range: 4 to 10 months)	Teething begins. Your baby's gums may be swollen and red where the teeth are cutting through.
	8 months (typical range: 6 to 10 months)	First teeth erupt, usually on the bottom in the middle (lower central incisors). These two teeth arrive at about the same time.
		Fast fact: Lower teeth usually come in before upper teeth.
	10 months (typical range: 8 to 12 months)	Upper middle teeth (the upper central incisors) emerge.
		Fast fact: Girls usually get their teeth before boys do.
	11 to 12 months (typical range: 10 to 16 months)	Bottom teeth right next to the middle teeth (lower lateral incisors) make their appearance.
		Fast fact: Teeth usually emerge in pairs – one on the right and one on the left.

Well, Hudson has 5 out of the 6 major symptoms of teething!  According to my Google searches, most babies don't start cutting teeth until 4-7 months.  I guess we have an early bloomer on our hands.  OR I could be completely wrong, and my baby is just having a rough couple of days.  Only time will tell.  Either way, I just wish there was something I could do to help him feel better!  I want my little love bug to be happy!

In other news, we have started the transiting of moving Hudson from his Fisher Price sleeper to his crib.  Hudson would probably do just fine switching rooms, but because I am sentimental and emotional, this is a multistage process (I'm going to take all the time I can for each stage).

1. Start napping regularly in his crib during the day
2. Transition night time sleeping from inclined sleeper to flat pack n play (still in our room)
3. Every few days move pack n play farther from me us
4. Transition from pack n play to crib

TA DA!  That's the plan.  Last night was Hudson's first night sleeping flat in his pack n play.  He did pretty well!  He is even napping in his crib as we speak (or type).  Aside from him being 3 months old and needing to start sleeping in his own room that we decorated just for him,  I noticed that he is starting to get a flat spot on the back of his pretty little head from sleeping in the inclined sleeper every single night...  Hopefully once he starts sleeping flat he will be able to turn his head from side to side relieving pressure from the back of his head.  That's the idea anyway.  He is still too young for us to worry about it being a problem, but I'm going to be proactive and not let it get any worse. 

With that being said, the Fisher Price Sleeper has been nothing short of a life saver!  It is inclined at just the right amount to help with reflux and it is portable!  This is the one thing we could not have lived without!  Even though Huddy Buddy won't be sleeping in it at night anymore, we will still be able to use it when we visit friends and family, because the weight limit is 25 pounds (as of today Hudson is ONLY 16 pounds). 

3 months old today!

Hudson,

Three months ago today, you came into my life!  I have loved and cherished every second we have spent together (which is pretty much all of them seeing as I am with you 99.99% of the time).  You are changing and growing every singly day!  I really think you know who I am now.  If you hear my voice, you start scanning the room for me and when you find me, you smile!  It absolutely melts my heart!  You still love getting your diaper changed and still LOVE being naked!  During baths you have started splashing around like a little fish.  You get such a kick out of making the water go everywhere!  You chuckle and laugh ALL THE TIME!  I am in love with your toothless grin!  The other night when we went to bed (you are still sleeping in our room) you were not having it!  I fed you, changed you, swaddled you and put you to bed.  After I turned the lights off you stared "talking" to yourself (not crying or fussing, just happily chatty).  You talked for over an hour before you fell asleep.  I was laying in bed trying not too laugh too loud! 

I don't know how much you weigh right now, but It is well over 15 pounds.  You are comfortably wearing size 6 month clothing!!!  Ahhhh at this rate, you will be wearing 12 month clothing in just another 2-3 months!  You are sleeping all night long (10-8:00am) consistently and have designated nap times during the day.  In the afternoons, I put you to sleep in your crib and you do great.  You never cry when I put you down for a nap.  You are awake at least 8-10 hours each day and we play most of that time.  You love playing on your activity mat now and will lay there listening to the music and grabbing the rattles for about 30 minutes.  You love looking at faces and will match the expressions people make at you.  Right now, your favorite noise is hooting like an owl.  Every time I look at you, smile and say "hooo hoooo" you belly laugh and say it back!  You seem to think mommy is the funniest person/thing on earth!

I am trying to to forget anything....  Your eyes are still a beautiful sea blue and your hair is finally starting to come in on the top of your head!  Your finger nails are growing like crazy and I have to cut them a few times a week.  Ooooo You can sit up really well as long as I hold your hands!!!!  It is so cute to watch you discover new things. 

Hudson you are the sweetest little baby.  Your personality is starting to show and I can already tell what a wonderful person you are!  We are amazed by you every single day!  We love you soooo much and look forward to watching you grow and develop into a little person.  

Happy 3 Month Birthday Huddy Buddy!