Christmas Eve 2009

We just got home tonight so I am going to do my best to get the blog caught up in the next few days.

Christmas Eve was so much fun this year, mostly due to the fact that Abilene got 3-4 inches of snow on the 24th. It actually felt like Christmas, which doesn't ever happen here in Texas since Christmas time usually comes with temperatures in the 50's-60's...if not warmer than that. I loved it! I think this was Rylan's second time to see snow. Abilene got snow on Thanksgiving day in 2007. This was of course Hudson's first time to see snow. Rylan enjoyed playing in the snow and had a blast throwing snow balls at everyone. Hudson...well, he actually fell asleep in his bear suit while the rest of us had fun in the snow. Apparently, the snow wasn't too impressive to him!

Christmas Eve is a big day for traditions in our family. Since my mom has moved to Texas we have introduced Cody's family to our traditional Christmas Eve Mexican food dinner. As long as I can remember my mom has made tacos for Christmas Eve. We also surrounded my in-laws house with luminarias on Christmas Eve night. Growing up in New Mexico we did this every year at our house. The history of the luminaria has to do with lighting the way for Christ. It is such a fun thing to do and we attracted some onlookers that night since this is not a "normal" thing to do in Texas. I think everyone had a good time doing this. We also started a new tradition for our family. We made a birthday cake for Jesus and had a birthday party...balloons, banner and noise makers included! Rylan and his cousin Anicia decorated the cake with sprinkles, sprinkles and MORE sprinkles!! I hope we continue this new tradition each year to remind us all that Christmas wouldn't be possible without Christ.

I think we were all exhausted when we went to bed on Christmas Eve. Thank goodness our kids aren't quite old enough to want to wake up at 4:00am to open presents...although I know those years are just around the corner!

The little monster coming at me with snow!

Look at those red cheeks!

Happy Birthday Jesus...Rylan told us Jesus was 3 years old this year! Ha!

Oh, how they loved the sprinkles!

Cody's parent's house all lit up with the luminarias and lights.

Family picture time

RoRo with her little bear.

Yep, that's right...he's asleep...in freezing temperatures...while the rest of us play in the snow.

I L.O.V.E. this picture!! Such a cute little bear with fat little cheeks!

Brotherly Love

You're my best buddy,

My favorite friend,

We'll always be pals,

From now until the end.

I have to admit that when I found out I was pregnant with Hudson I panicked! Two kids just two years apart was never in our plans. After going through 2 rounds of in vitro to get Rylan we figured we would wait until he was 3-4 years old and then maybe try it again with the frozen embryos we have left. However, now that Hudson is here and I have two little boys so close in age, I couldn't be happier. My prayer is that these two boys will grow up loving and protecting each other in a way that only two brothers can understand. I realize that not all moments between the two of them will be as sweet as the ones captured above, but I can't help from smiling when I think that they each already have their forever best friend.

Play Time!

Hudson is nearly 4 months old and his little personality is REALLY starting to come out. For the most part he is very laid back. He will just sit in his swing or baby seat for 30+ minutes awake while we get things done around the house or play with Rylan. He also smiles from ear to ear if anyone starts talking to him. This baby LOVES to talk!! Hudson and Rylan are also starting to interact a little more. Rylan is so precious with him! He tries so hard to be gentle and just love on him. Rylan gets SO excited when Hudson smiles or talks to him!

These past few months since Hudson has been born have been wonderful! I love having 2 little boys in the house!! This time last year we had no idea what a surprise we were about to get on January 2nd when I took that pregnancy test. I guess I wasn't really car sick last Christmas when we went up in the mountains in New Mexico to go sledding...I was just pregnant! Ha! What a year!

We are so excited for this Christmas! It is Hudson's first Christmas and Rylan is at such a fun age. We have really stressed to Rylan the true meaning of Christmas. He is super excited to make a birthday cake for Jesus...and he constantly tells me that Jesus will be 3 years old!

We are headed to Abilene for the week to spend the holiday with our family there. We will miss not getting to see the rest of our family, but we wish everyone a Merry CHRISTmas!!

My two precious boys!

Hanging out in the Baby Einstein toy...even though his feet don't touch the floor yet! :-)

All this playing can sure wear a little guy out!

So sweet!

A little naked play time!

3 Months Old

I am posting this one a little late, but we did actually take the picture on the 2nd when he turned 3 months old. Hudson's little personality is really starting to come out, and we are enjoying every minute with him!

"Marry Me Carrie!"

My little boy is in love...with Carrie Underwood! While watching her holiday special on TV my little man fell head over heels in love. He couldn't get enough of her! I have the pictures to prove it too...

Sorry buddy, she's too old for you. But, I'm sure when you're old enough you can find yourself a cute little blonde!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year was such a fun Thanksgiving. My brother's family from Albuquerque met us in Abilene this year. My grandmother (Meme) also came from Odessa to spend the holiday with us. Between my side of the family and Cody's side of the family I think we had 15-20 people in town for Thanksgiving day. We spent the week eating, playing card games and eating some more! We also got some great family pictures taken by Lindsey Cotton (Cotton Photography) while we were in town. I hated for the week to end, but we're already planning a Christmas in Colorado with everyone soon so we can't wait for that!

Aleigha and Hudson hanging out together on the couch watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Rylan, Nonni and Anicia making ornaments

RoRo and Rylan

Fishing with the Spiderman pole. I have to say that I am impressed...my 2 year old can cast a fishing pole by himself and get it about 4-5 feet out in the water!

Helping Papa feed the cows

Sitting on the tractor with Aleigha

Maddie and Rylan wrestling Uncle Josh (my brother)

Maddie was fascinated with Hudson the entire week. We think she thought he was a baby doll. She loved to touch his head and just be close to him all week.

More Conversations With Rylan

* While we were eating at McAlister's Cody reached over and took a piece of Rylan's Grilled cheese sandwich. Rylan waved his hand at Cody and said, "Shoo fly, don't bother me!"

* We were all in the car and I was reminding Rylan that we celebrate Christmas because it's Jesus' birthday. I then told him that Jesus had a mommy and daddy and his mommy's name was Mary. I asked Rylan if he knew what Jesus' daddy's name was. He enthusiastically replied, "Uh huh! Cody!"

* Cody took a bite of my sugar cookie that I got at McAlister's and he made a funny face and said it didn't taste good to him. Rylan looked at me and said, "Your cookie make Daddy sad Momma!"

* We we talking about being a good boy because Santa only brings toys to little boys who are good. Rylan replied by saying, "Daddy is BAD boy!"

* Last night he pulled the back side of his underwear down, turned around where his bottom was face us and said, "I shake my booty!" as he wiggled his little bottom.

Lately Rylan has kept us laughing so hard. I honestly think my 2 year old is the funniest person I know! I love the kid so much and every day with him is a blessing...even the days where he makes me want to pull my hair out!

Say A Little Prayer For Me

Today is a difficult day for me, with so many emotions. I go back to work tomorrow. I have been home with Hudson for 10 weeks now, but it seems like it went by so fast! Please pray that tomorrow morning goes smoothly as I drop both kids off and head to work. I'm sure 3:30 won't come fast enough for me.

I love you buddy and I'm sure I'll be thinking about you every minute of the day tomorrow.

2 Months Old

2 Month Stats

Weight: 11 pounds 13 ounces (50%)

Length: 22 1/8" (10%-25%)

Yesterday I took Hudson in for his 2 month well visit. He started all his vaccines and got his routine check by Dr. Lanman. Overall, he is a perfectly healthy little boy...other than his reflux issues. Dr. Lanman has increased his dosage of Prevacid which should help. We'll keep our fingers crossed!

He was pretty drowsy and "blah" yesterday afternoon after getting his shots. The real shocker is that he ate at 6:45pm, went to sleep at 8:00pm and did not wake up again until 5:00am!! He went more than 10 hours in between feedings! I wish I could say that I got some good sleep since he slept so well, but I didn't. I kept worrying about him and getting up to check on him. Oh well...

I pulled out Rylan's baby book to look at his 2 month stats and I was shocked when I saw them! At 2 months Rylan was 25" (almost 3" longer) and 14 pounds 9 ounces (almost 3 pounds heavier)!! My boys are night and day of each other!

Things Hudson Is Doing At 2 Months

* He is a smile machine! All you have to do is look at him and he will smile at you. His little toothless grin is precious.

* He still doesn't sleep great at night. He usually doesn't fall asleep for good until about midnight and then he is wide awake about 5:00am. He has yet to sleep flat on his back in the crib/pack n play. Due to his reflux he has to sleep inclined in the swing. We're hoping this all changes in the months ahead!

* He has noticed his hands and LOVES to hold them up to look at them.

* He can stay in a bath tub for 30+ minutes and be as happy as can be. He loves to kick around in the water. In fact, if he is ever too fussy during the day I go put him in the tub to calm him down...it's worked every time!

* He coos quite a bit and even lets out a scream every once in a while...by the look on his face he surprises himself with the screams.

* His eyes are still a dark blue and his hair is a dark blonde.

* He loves to be read to. He especially likes the bright pictures in the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. He can be content looking at the pages in that book for a long time.

Hudson, you have brought so much joy to our little family. Your smile somehow makes all the sleepless nights okay. Although momma doesn't particularly enjoy being woke up at 3:00am to play on the floor, I do know that these are the memories that I will look back on years from now. I can't help but look at you and wonder how God made something so completely perfect. I know in the blink of an eye your tiny little hands will become bigger than my own, so I try to treasure each time you wrap all your fingers around one of mine. Your little sneezes and yawns melt my heart and I wish sometimes that I could just freeze this moment in time. But, I know that I can't, so as time goes on I will watch with pride as you learn your first words, take your first steps, and grow into man with a heart yearning to be like Christ. I love you sweetheart!

Happy Halloween!

On Halloween night we took Rylan to a couple of friends' houses and then to a few neighbors we know. Mostly he was just excited to get dressed up in his puppy costume again. Luckily, Stacey saved the day by getting him a cup full of Skittles because everywhere else we went they handed out chocolate, which my child CANNOT STAND...I know, hard to imagine!

I also got Hudson dressed in his giraffe costume for the evening. He was so laid back and made the cutest giraffe I've ever seen!

When I got out the black face paint to paint Rylan's nose he saw all the other colors. He told Cody that he needed a 'yellyo' nose. So, Daddy sat down to get his nose painted by a 2 year old.

Rylan was pretty pleased with his work!

My little puppy all ready to go...although the candy eating started before we even left the house!

SO excited to be in his costume!

Hudson...so laid back...just going with the flow.

Our family...with 1 tired puppy!

My Smiling Heart

If it's possible for your heart to smile, then mine wore a permanent grin all day!

The day started off at 5:00am in the kitchen. I was in charge of bringing the snack/dessert for Rylan's class party today. So, at 5:ooam I was in the kitchen making 'worms in dirt' for his Halloween party...I had already made the Halloween Chex Mix cups the night before. As I was making them I couldn't help but think about the NUMEROUS times my mom did the same for me when I was younger. She never just bought store made cupcakes or cookies. She always woke up extra early the day of my class party to make something special. I remember how special I felt that my mom always did that, and I hope my boys will grow up with similar memories.

Chex Mix cups with M&M's and candy corn.

And a special Halloween straw to top it off.

Worms in dirt...a Halloween party classic!

After I finished up the party treats I went and woke Rylan up for the day. He usually eats cereal for breakfast so I made his usual and handed it to him. That is when I heard my little man politely say, "No sanks, shicken nuggets pease!" What?! Chicken nuggets for breakfast?? For a moment I thought about saying no and then I figured, what the heck, sure, let's have chicken nuggets for breakfast! So, before leaving for school he finished off 5 chicken nuggets.

Whoever said Wheaties was the breakfast of champions obviously never had chicken nuggets for breakfast!

Then, last week the kids at Rylan's school were suppose to decorate a pumpkin and bring it in for a decorating contest. It was tempting for Cody and I to take over and really decorate it like we thought it should be decorated. However, I set out three colors of paint and just let Rylan go at it. He worked and worked on it until it was totally covered in paint. Well, today when I walked into the lobby of his school to pick him up I saw it...his pumpkin with a FIRST PLACE ribbon on it! He won the contest for his age group. I cannot even explain the look on his face when I showed him his prize winning pumpkin! He is so proud of himself and he has talked about his 'punkin winner' all evening! Now, how do I convince a 2 year old that we cannot save and keep a pumpkin on his dresser forever?

The most beautiful pumpkin I've ever seen!

Cutest Dang Puppy Ever!

Monday night Rylan had his Fall Festival at his school. We went last year, and he had a blast so we were excited to take him back again this year. Stacey and Madison volunteered to take Hudson for the evening so Cody and I could spend time with just Rylan. So, we got him dressed up in his puppy costume and painted his nose black. At the festival he played all kind of games and got a bag full of candy. He even went through his first haunted house with Cody and came out laughing! Of course we love Hudson to death, but it was nice to have an evening with just Rylan.

Waiting in line for his turn at a game.

Throwing the bean bags through the pumpkin. Ms. Michelle is the lady on the right side of the picture. She was his teacher last year and he ADORES her!

Shaking the little black tail as he walks.

SKITTLES!!! You have to understand that my child will turn down anything chocolate. He can't stand M&M's, chocolate donuts, Hershey's Kisses, etc. However, he will do anything for Skittles. So, as soon as he realized he had some Skittles in his bag, he wanted to just stop were he was and rip open the package. We had to remind him that there were more games to play.

Daddy and his little buddy

Loving my puppy!

Pumpkin Patch Attempt #2

The first time we went to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago it was a cold, windy day. So, we decided we should give it one more try. My dad came into town for the weekend to visit us so we figured it would be a good time to go back to the pumpkin patch. Rylan once again, fed the goats, went on a hay ride, ran through the pumpkins, and rode the little train with his daddy. I was also able to get more pictures this time. It was a fun way to spend a lazy Sunday!!

Making his way through the maze.

Looking at the longhorn with Daddy...but not brave enough to touch the horns!

"Momma posed me for this picture."

Picking out a pumpkin

He found one just his size!

Just relaxing in the pumpkin patch

Rylan found some new friends

"Cheese!"

Loving the train ride with Daddy!

This is by no means a great picture, but it was the best one we could get of the two of them together. Hudson was hungry and not in the mood. Rylan was trying to be such a good big brother though by holding Hudson's pacifier in his mouth.

No, the little pumpkin in the middle is NOT for sale!