Lately

So I started back at work this week. I didn't quite know what to expect, because honestly, I tried not to think much of work at ALL during my maternity leave (or as Ben likes to refer to it as, my  "vacation"). And really, I'll go ahead and say it: if I had my way, I'd stay at home with my children every day of the year. That's right- I'd be a die hard stay at home mom and proud of it. But it turns out God has something different (and better, no doubt) planned for me next year. I am still adjusting to the idea of leaving my baby everyday, and this week has been a bitter sweet taste of what it would be like. The mornings are the hardest. Once I make it to the car, I take a deep breath and just keep moving. ALL. DAY. LONG. If I stop to really think about how much I miss him during the day, I lose it. I know, I know- it will get better and I will get used to it. But what if I don't want to? Is that so bratty? Too control freakish? Teaching is and always will be a passion in my life. I love everything about educating the young. Children in general just light up my life. But lately- I'd say in the past 2 months one week and 5 days- I feel my passion has become a bit more "focused"... on... one child in particular... 

That's enough on that subject. The good news is, we are blessed beyond belief with two amazingly nurturing grandmothers that live within 5 minutes and are willing to step in and help out. Hudson absolutely adores Cici and Gigi. The other good news? God has it allllll under control. He's in charge, and I like that. As much as I want life to go the way I had it all mapped out, I have learned that patience and trust are a great combination in times like these. 

Now, a few picture notes: The insanely bright play apparatus you see in several pictures is a little something that we borrowed from Gigi's house and it happens to be his new favorite source of entertainment. He is starting to swing and bat at objects, and the cutest thing about it is seeing how ecstatic he gets after he actually makes contact with an object he's been swinging at for five minutes. What an athlete, right?  :) My little all-star. 

giggle box

Flirty faces

Baby Milestones

This was a big week for Mr. Hudson and for Mama. I was getting him ready for bed and decided to dress him in one of our favorite newborn sleepers that we fondly refer to as "Little Dragon". (See pictures of this one in the previous post.) I snapped him up and he immediately began to cry a strange cry. You mothers will know what I mean when I say that it's one of those crys that actually has you guessing what your baby is trying to communicate to you; not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'd say I've gotten pretty close to mastering the art of recognizing which cry means what from Hudson. So anyway, he starts crying in an unfamiliar way and I am puzzled. It took me a few minutes to come to the sad realization... he had finally outgrown "Little Dragon". I'll be honest- I shed a tear right there on the changing table when it dawned on me that this was the case. It's fine. Sweet moment. :) Ben and I both loved this sleeper so much on him, we agreed that it is a keeper and will be saved special for our next bundle of joy- boy or girl! Poor baby girl. She'll make it work. Another small milestone: we had to move the sleeper pads out wider (the ones that velcro to the sleeping pad so that he stays laying on his back at night) because he suddenly seemed a bit too snug in there! My baby is GROWING and I am somehow surprised each time I discover the proof. Will I ever be prepared for my baby growing up?? 

That being said, please notice the ADORABLE monkey sleeper Gigi, my mom, got for him! How precious does he look in his new big boy 3-6 mo. PJs?! Our new fav for sure. And to explain the sweet sun hat pictures, Ben and I planted a vegetable garden in our backyard this week and Hudson was our little helper. I predicted we'd set him in the shade and he'd go right to sleep in his favorite bouncy seat (aka: our        L I F E S A V E R!), but he actually stayed alert and vocal the entire planting experience! We learned some great information that day: Hudson loves being outside. He was kicking and movin' and cooing the whole time, and I couldn't resist taking these pictures. And clearly, Margy couldn't resist being a part of the photo shoot. Typical. Speaking of Margy, check out what her little after dinner treat was this week! Don't go calling SPCA yet- Ben and I had just finished the carton and gave it to the girls to polish off. Nothing goes to waste in our house! 

Still Cute...

Our little Easter Bunny :)

Happy Easter! He is Risen! Spring is in the air and I am reminded of new beginnings everywhere I look- though I don't need to look far because Hudson is changing more and more each day! This week has not been the easiest, but it certainly has been exciting watching him explore how to coordinate his body limbs. (Pretty much he just flails them around aimlessly, but it's stinkin' cute!) He's cooing like crazy and his smiles are becoming evermore frequent- a huge treat for Mama and Daddy. Although, I do feel like we have to really "earn" his smiles these days, and I'll try anything to make it happen. It's like a circus of entertainment from Mama and Daddy sometimes- any adult would find it quite entertaining to watch us as well! 

A few picture explanations: First of all, Hudson's Easter attire is a BOYS infant gown. Not to be confused with a DRESS.... which is what is father called it all day today. Anytime Hudson cried, you'd hear Ben follow with a comment of "I'd be crying too if I had to wear a dress." But seriously Moms- help me out here- we all know there is a clear difference in infant gowns and little girl dresses. Enough said on that subject. Secondly, we couldn't resist documenting when Lily (named after Easter Lily's, by the way... she turned three years old this Easter!) decided to sneak into Hudson's Easter basket and delicately pull out the one item that caught her eye- the fuzzy dog with bunny ears on top- and proceed to tip toe into the room we were sitting and lay it in our laps. As if to say, "hey guys, I like this toy- you think you could hook me up with one of these?" It was adorable. She has a habit of sneaking into the nursery and presenting us with other "gifts" from Hudson's toy basket. That all being said, we had a wonderful first Easter, and it was enjoyed in great company of The Ratliffs, the Whites, and the McCanes. I have a strange feeling that holiday gatherings are going to get more and more noisy as the years  go by...