{Two...Hudson Edition}

He...

...is the baby of the family

....causes laughter and smiles at the drop of a hat

....jumps with both feet, gallops, and runs with the best of them

...finds comfort in his bink-o and (pink) banky

...talks endlessly...difficult words like chocolate and breakfast flow from his lips with ease

...has two perfect dimples that light up a room

...has a love affair with Nemo and yells at him each and every time he dashes off to touch that darn butt

...has a deep, hearty laugh

...has a WICKED temper when something (ahem, or someone) sets him off

...can count from 1 to 10

...identifies his hair, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet, belly, teeth, and bootie

...engages in dance offs and facial contortion battles with the little guy looking back at him in the oven glass

...refers to eggs as hugs which is beyond cute

....calls me Kelly and honey more often than Mommy

...wakes up in the morning asking for his peeps (Mommy-Daddy, Parker, Garrett, Ryder, Mimi, Geema, Papa, Geempa, Jerry, BB, and Geema Sheila)

...is a stocky 'lil dude with a healthy appetite

...thinks playing Rock, Paper, Scissors is the coolest

...is so loved and a wonderful blessing


He is...TWO!!!




Happy 2nd Birthday, Hudson!
May this next year bring you joy, smiles, and love!
We love you!!!

Wordless Wednesday...Just A Swinging

Neglected

Poor Hudson...

...the baby of four he is often neglected (kind of like this blog).

He is left to fall asleep amongst Duplos...

...while his oldest brother lulls him to sleep with the sounds of his Guitar Hero skills.

Please pardon my absence dear readers.  Life.  It is busy.  Maddening.  I will be back!

One Year Later....

Anyone remember this beautiful, bald, blue jean wearing, blue-eyed baby from last summer?  Dear goodness, don't you just want to nibble on him and smother him in sweet kisses?!!!!

 

Here he is one year (and one week) later on the same swing on the banks of the Mohican River...

Where did my baby go?

Wordless Wednesday...We're #1 (x2)!!!!

As a former cheerleader and coach, I find great delight in this photo!

Wordless Wednesday...Happy Boy!

Some Days I Am Amazed....

...that this NICU newborn...

....became this toddler!

Wordless Wednesday

Sock Monkey Birthday Bash

Last Saturday, friends and family near to our hearts joined us to celebrate Hudson's first birthday.  I have been intrigued with sock monkeys since Hudson's birth.  Add in Hudson's given nickname of Chunka Monka and a sock monkey theme seemed ideal to me!  With Parker and Hudson's birthdays a mere 9 days apart I knew for certain I would be stressed with party plans.  However, the creative side of me still desired to put a special touch on Hudson's birthday party decorations.  The DIY Sock Monkey Printable Party Pack I found on Etsy was perfect for my party needs (and allotted time I had to work with!!!).   

Cake Table...the banner, cupcake toppers, and candy jar labels were all made using the printable pack.  I LOVED the color scheme of red, brown, and light blue...so fun!!!  The candy was a big hit with our guests.

 

The birthday boy...all smiles!  My sweet Sister-in-Law gifted Hudson this Old Navy long sleeved onesie at Christmas.  As soon as he opened it, I knew he would be sporting it at his birthday party. 

 

Inside the goodie bags for the children in attendance were these mini crayon rolls and a few other goodies.

Hudson sported his over the top birthday hat for all of a few minutes...not a fan!!!

Present time...Hudson was the recipient of some very generous gifts.  He fell in love with the caterpillar he is biting on the left.  He loves to snuggle with it during nap time.

 

Going into the party I was pretty confident Hudson would dive right into his cake.  And he did!  My Mom (aka Mammy/Mimi) made his smash cake using the same cake pan she did for my first birthday, the birthdays of my brothers, as well as our older boys.  How sweet!!!  We opted to top his cake with whipped cream as we have in the past for Hudson's older brothers.  He was a fan!

Thank you to all of our family and friends who gathered with us to celebrate Hudson's first birthday.  Indeed, he is a blessed little boy to have all of you in his life!!!

Happy First Birthday, Hudson!

One year ago, on February 23rd at 12:51 pm, Eric and I welcomed our fourth son into our family...


Hudson Robert Lindsay
5lbs 14 oz, 18 1/2 inches

As a full year has passed, Hudson has brought endless joy, laughter, and smiles into all of our lives. 

 He is a fighter...

Born at 34 weeks gestation, Hudson was born a fighter.  At birth, he fought to breathe and struggled his first few days outside the womb.  Our little boy spent the first ten days of his life in the NICU and he fought.  He fought hard and surprised doctors, nurses, and his family with an earlier than expected release from the hospital.  In the days following, he continued to fight when he was re-admitted to the hospital to undergo IVIG treatment for low blood platelets.  Today, when I look at the brand new one year old in front of me I see a happy and healthy little boy!  We are truly blessed how far Hudson has come when we think about his beginning days.  Here at home, Hudson continues to fight.  As the youngest of four boys, he fights to ensure his voice is heard...loud and clear!  Our little lad has a set of lungs of him and makes his wishes well known!

He is the baby of the family....

 

Indeed, Hudson is the baby of our family...a role he delights in (and thankfully the older boys happily bestow upon him).  His new tricks never go un-noticed and are always applauded.  He is the recipient of lavish praise, endless hugs, and kisses galore.  His needs are met from family members all around.  I continually find myself saying aloud "You are the cutest thing ever!" and I truthfully mean it...just as I did when I spoke the same words to Parker, Garrett, and Ryder.  Eric and I continue to get up with Hudson each and every night.  Are his middle of the night feedings still deemed necessary?  More than likely, no.  He is our baby and we continue to act as such.  Sleep will come.  One day.  We hope!

 

He is happy...

Amen for a happy baby.  A baby who delights in baths...goldfish crackers...his older brothers...a silly daddy...and Scout the puppy.  Our Chunka Monka is one happy little boy.  Early on he had bouts with non-stop crying; however, his first year has had far more moments of pure delight.  His laugh is deep and hearty.  His smile is genuine and true!  Keep on smiling and laughing, dear Hudson.  Your joy warms the hearts of those around you!

He is laid back...



Hudson has the best disposition for that of a fourth child.  He is laid back.  Content.  Easy going.  With three outgoing older brothers, Hudson was often found lounging in the stroller at T-Ball practice.  Or playing on a blanket at soccer practice.  In the fall he was passed back and forth, again and again, by family members at flag football games.  Some of his best naps were taken outside.  On the beach.  At the park.  Or, his favorite...during a family outing on the boat.  He can be found happily eating and playing on school mornings while chaos erupts around him.  Thank you for going with the flow, my sweet boy.  Mama appreciates it!

He is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E...

Good Lord, I find myself wanting to eat this little boy up!  His big. baby blues beg for attention.  His chubby cheeks call out to be kissed.  I nuzzle his neck and nibble on his toes.  Simply put, he is too cute for his own good!

He is a mama's boy...

 

Truth be told, Hudson takes to women over men.  Period.  He really loves his mama, though (yeah!!!).  I love that my little man loves to snuggle, read while sitting on my lap, eats best for me, and lights up when I walk in the room.  I know that (soon enough) Hudson will follow in his older brothers' footsteps and think that Daddy is the coolest.  And he his.  After all, he rides dirt bikes.  He builds super cool Lego sets.  He sucks helium from a balloon before singing Happy Birthday to you.  However, for now I will bask in the spotlight that is the all mighty, glorious, and loving mommy!


Happy 1st Birthday, Hudson!  We are beyond blessed by your presence in our family.  You make us laugh, smile, and fill our hearts with endless love.  It has been a pleasure to watch you develop from a tiny newborn into a toddler over the last twelve months.  You are, without a doubt, a perfect addition to our crazy family.  We look forward to the next year, watching you grow, continuing to love you, and wish you the happiest of toddler days!

He Will Grab Your Heart

You caught yourself saying awwww...

didn't you?!

(More photos to come from Hudson's 1st Birthday Party)

Dreaming of Legos and Sock Monkeys In My Sleep

For the next two weeks, I will have birthdays on the brain.

And birthday parties.

We now have two kiddos with birthdays 9 days apart.

It is entertaining to say the least.

And stressful.

Here is a sneak peak at what Mama has up her sleeve...

 

This Saturday we will celebrate Parker's birthday with his all time favorite school buddies.

Oh, and a brother.  Or two.  But not three.  Chunka will be under Great-Grandma's care .

Okay, he will be napping.

Parker opted to forgo a BIG, combined, family, and friend B-day bash this year.

Rather, we will be taking our little lovebug (his b-day falls on Valentine's Day if you are new around here)

and his BF's bowling. 

Pins+Pizza=FUN!!!

On Sunday, our family will join us for more celebrating.

And ice cream sundaes.  'Cuz we will be sick of cake after Saturday.

Come Monday the 14th we will celebrate some more.  Just the 6 of us. 

After all, that is how we roll.

Next weekend...oh, next weekend...

We will celebrate the birthday of an-almost-but-not-quite one year old.

HUGE sigh.

One year old.

Our baby.

I am so not ready for that one!!!

Not A Moment Too Soon....

...Hudson's 11 month photos!

L-O-V-E his baby blues!!!!

(yea, mama loves her new seamless paper as well!)

Today...One Year Later

One year ago, today, I was admitted to the hospital for the first time prior to delivering Hudson.  Really?!  An entire year has passed since what-was-the-CRAZIEST-MOST STRESSFUL-TEARFUL-month of Eric and I's marriage.  Honestly, February 2010 was downright chaotic.  Period.  Mommy was in and out of the hospital.  Bedrest!  Family members were in and out of our home tending to our children.  All hands on deck!  Maternal Fetal Medicine Appointments...Non-Stress Tests...Ultrasounds...endless bloodwork...steroid injections.  Who has the kids again ?!  Headaches.  Oh, the headaches!  Daddy has to work.  Again.  Darn outage at work!  Snow.  And more snow.  Throw in Parker's 6th Birthday!  Who is taking the kids to school?  Tears.  Endless tears.  Pink eye.  And ear infections.  February 2010 concluded with the joyous birth of our fourth son, born at 34 weeks, and his subsequent NICU stay that carried over into March.  In 2010, what is typically the shortest month of the year, was the LOOOONGEST month for the six of us.

One year later...we survived.  One year later, while the emotions still seem so fresh, I am reminded of the many of you who prayed for us.  I am reminded of my Facebook friends who rallied behind us.  Today, as I think back to one year ago, I realize it truly does take a village to raise a child.  Or, at the very least (as in our case) the love, support, and aid of dear family and friends.  With great appreciation, I say thank you.  We are blessed.

February 2, 2011...today, we are faced with a new challenge.  Snow and ice have blanketed our area.  Schools are closed for the second day this week.  Daddy is in isolation at work.  He did not return home to us last night.  The severity of the weather mandated his crew remain at work to ensure they had enough man power for the new 6am shift; therefore, Eric laid his head to rest in the Davis Besse Training Facility.  Fingers crossed he returns home to us today.  Sooner rather than later.  Safely.  **Edited to add...Eric arrived home this morning as we sat at the breakfast table.  Little Hudson clapped his hands in grand excitement as Daddy appeared!** 

 Happy Groundhog's Day...

Bring on Spring!!!

Some Days...

...I feel like I gave birth to twins.  About 4 years apart. 

(Garrett)

(Hudson)

You do understand why, right?!!!

One Surgery Is Better Than Two!

The title says it all.  On Wednesday, we were informed Hudson would only need one surgery in the coming weeks versus two.  The icing on the cake?  The surgery he will be having is the less invasive of the two!!!!  Thank you, dear Lord!!!!  I cannot begin to tell you how elated and relieved Eric and I are.

What is Hudson undergoing surgery for, you ask?  Let's start at the beginning...

Within seconds of being born, I heard the doctor declare Hudson was born with a partial circumcision.  This was the second time I heard those words following the birth of one of my sons.  The first time (with Ryder) I heard the doctor's statement I was baffled.  What?  Born partially circumcised?  Hmmmm...didn't even know that was possible!  With Hudson, I simply chuckled at the doctor's declaration.  Seriously.

In Hudson's following days in the NICU, we learned he additionally had a hydrocele and a minor hypospadious.  I was familiar with a hydrocele, as Parker had been born with one (and later had surgery to correct it).  The hypospadious?  That was a new one to me.  FYI...my boys, they like to keep mama on her toes.  Or perhaps when you have a one less than a handful of boys, you are bound to run into these 1 in 5 odds.

While we were in the NICU they threw around the word surgeries and referred us to a pediatric urologist.  Naturally, at home I looked up hypospadious on WebMd.  Wowzers!!!  As I scanned my computer screen my eyes landed on the words possible infertiltiy, messy urination, and grafting.  I learned if surgery was necessary, our little guy would come home with a cath.  Sigh...

When Hudson was four months old, we met with the pediatric urologist.  As we learned with Parker, we were told we would wait out the hydrocele until Hudson was a year old.  More often than not, this common abnormality resolves itself by a child's first birthday and no surgery is needed.  We were informed that Hudson's hypospadious was minor and may or may not require surgery.  Hudson was to be seen again in a few months and we would go from there.  Shortly after our appointment, we received a letter stating our pediatric urologist had moved to Chicago.  Insert another sigh...

While at the doctor's office last month, Hudson's doctor confirmed his hydrocele was still present (yea, mama knew that).  I let him know our pediatric urologist had moved and questioned if he could refer us to the same urologist that had seen Parker (whom we had adored!).  Not a problem.

We met with Dr. S on Wednesday.  LOVE him (still).  He is so relaxed, non-aggressive, and yet informative.  He reminds me of Robin Williams in both looks and personality.  He sported a Hawaiin shirt the day of Hudson's appointment.  I was smitten.  After inspecting Hudson's goods (okay, poor choice of words) he, too, confirmed the hydrocele was still present and let us know surgery was an option after one year of age.  As for the hydrocele...he declared it so minor no surgery was needed.  I let him know I wanted grandchildren...with no surgery was he destroying that hope for me?  He let out a hearty laugh and reminded me with four boys I was getting grandchildren.  Okay, you have me there.  From this little guy, though?  Down the road?  If he wants too?  All should be fine.  Insert another sigh.  This time, though...well, it was one of immense relief. 

True, Hudson will undergo surgery shortly after turning one year old.  As with any surgery there are risks and the thought of him going under general anesthesia frightens me to no end.  That being said, the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and we will be home within hours.  Parker did REMARKABLY well following his surgery and I praying for the same outcome for our sweet Hudson. 

 

Way To Close To One Year Old For Mommy's Liking

One month from today, we will celebrate our sweet Hudson's FIRST birthday?!!!  One year old.  I know it's cliche; however, I cannot believe how QUICKLY this past year has passed.  At 11 months old, Hudson...

*Is wearing 12 month clothing and size 4 diapers.
*Is SO OVER baby food.  Little dude LOVES to eat and wants what we have.
*Has added uh-oh, bye bye, and Papa to his vocabulary.  Still no Mama.  Boo!
*Gets a big kick out of cats in real life; however, is terrified of seeing them on television.  Odd, but true!
*Is becoming quite the clown of the family.  He will continue his silly antics if he has gotten a laugh out of us. 
*Weighs 21lbs and is 29 inches long.
*Is displaying signs of stranger anxiety (especially in regards to men).
*Is smiling pretty with seven teeth...four on top and three on bottom.
*Maintains his status as our nighttime buddy...waking up anywhere from two to five times a night.  Yes, we are tired.
*Is pretty darn amazing on a trampoline for a little guy!  Little dude likes to jump!
*Is miserable.  He is fighting a nasty cold that is getting the best of him. 

I did not dare to attempt a photo shoot with him today considering his boogies, swollen eyes, and chapped face.  He did crack a few smiles for me in the bath, though. 

Happy 11 Months, Hudson!!!

Completing A Difficult Layout

If you a long time reader of my blog, you know I like displaying the boys' scrapbooks at their birthday parties.  It gives me a chance to share my layouts with our friends and family.  It is also fun to look back (together) and remember when.  Hudson's first birthday (gasp...next month!) is quickly approaching; therefore, I have been giving his layouts all of my recent attention. 

His NICU photos and I have been staring each other down for months.  For the longest time I have been utterly clueless as to what to do with them.  As I look at them, I am reminded of a difficult time in ALL of our lives (therefore shying away from them).  The combination of color and b&w photos had me at a loss as well.  What's a girl to do? 

Keep it simple...

I have said it before (and I will say it again), for two page layouts I like to line up my photos...that became my starting point.  After laying the photos against a few pieces of patterned paper (and shaking my head), I reminded myself (again) to keep it simple.  Enter the kraft and white cardstock.  Add in a little bit of inking, some twine, staples, brads, chipboard hearts, and alphas and the finished layout became one I LOVED.  The layout is not overpowering so truly the photos take center stage.  Mama is happy!

The chipboard hearts were originally pink...I painted them a light blue and lightly inked them as well.


Where is your journaling?  You are asking that, right?!  The journaling itself presented me with an additional hurdle.  I had A LOT I wanted to say.  After debating over a few options, I simply opted to give my journaling it's own layout.

I wrote a letter to Hudson detailing my thoughts, emotions, and the details of his NICU stay....

I am relieved to have these photos scrapped.  Now to conquer his birth story and hospital stay for IVIG treatment...oy!  Indeed these stories are not completely joyous ones; however, they are a part of Hudson's beginning and I wish to share them with him.  Happy Scrappin'!

Wordless Wednesday...Let Me In! Let Me In!!!!

My Bitties...

I snapped this photo of Hudson on Christmas morning around 5:45 am while he and I were waiting for the older boys to get up...

Happy 'lil fella in the morning, right?! Upon seeing the photo on my camera, I IMMEDIATELY thought of this photo of Ryder (taken at 9 months)...

 

Do you see it?  The resemblance?!  I certainly do!  Typically, I do not find that our bitties resemble each other.  Much.  One is light skinned.  The other is darker skinned.  One has brown eyes and brown hair.  The other blue eyes and blonde hair.  Here, though...the eyebrows, the mouth (and HUGE smile), the cheeks...holy cuteness!!!!