Happy Birthday Parker!!!

Today we helped celebrate Parker's first birthday.  His party was at Gymboree and it was lots of fun for all the little ones.

The girls had fun climbing, running around, dancing and singing along to all the music and games.  Hudson had fun taking it all in.  I think it was the first time he really noticed bubbles, and it was pretty in awe of them.

Handley didn't stray far from Hudson and made sure that he had a big selection of colored balls around him to play with at all times.

Parker thought they were pretty fun too and at one point decided to climb in with Hudson.

Of course, Handley was right there with the two boys and we can always count on her to make them smile and laugh.

I didn't get any pictures of the adorable decorations or food that Jen put together, but every detail was perfect and I still can't believe that Parker is one!  Time is flying and before I know it, we'll be celebrating Hudson's first birthday. 

Besides the party we didn't really do much the rest of the weekend.  It was sunny and fairly warm so we went on a nice long walk and spent lots of time outdoors playing and visiting with neighbors.  It was such a nice change to our usually fast paced and packed weekends.  

Harper's turn

Handley continued to feel like her normal self yesterday and while she was bouncing around with tons of energy, Harper started to to fade.  She woke up during the night not feeling well and today she was dragging.  Thankfully she didn't have a high fever like Handley did, but she does have a bad cold and just looking at her I could tell she wasn't her normal happy-go-lucky self.  She took two naps today and I'm hoping after sleeping well tonight she will wake up feeling much better.  

This afternoon Jen and Parker stopped by for a quick visit and we gave him his birthday gift.  That's right, he turned one this week and I can't even believe a year has passed since he was born!  We're excited to celebrate at his party this weekend, but Handley decided she would rather go ahead and let him open his gift today.  

We ended up meeting the guys for dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant.  It was slammed and every other family with kids showed up tonight, too.  It was loud, crazy, and perfect for our wild bunch.  We left little hard of hearing and feeling a little frazzled, but it was fun to get out and fun for me not to have to cook.  

This picture was taken yesterday after Jen and I did our weekly walking at the mall.  We probably cancelled out all the calories we walked off when we ate our Chick-fil-a, but it was still fun and the little boys seemed to pay a lot more attention to each other than they normally do.  It was cute to see them interacting together. 

Handley's short-lived fever

Yesterday afternoon during rest time, Handley fell asleep on the couch (which never happens) and when she woke up she was burning up and seemed really groggy.  I took her temperature and it was really high, but after some Tylenol, two popsicles and a juice box, it came down and she perked up a little bit.  Her fever kept creeping up during the night, but this morning she woke up fever-free.  She stayed home from school today, and was excited to have a day alone with me since Harper was at school.

After Hudson's nap we made a quick stop by the grand opening of a brand new grocery store.  It was SLAMMED!  There were people everywhere, cars were parking on the curb because their were no spots left and I saw two old ladies getting into it over a handicap parking spot.  I should have just kept on driving, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  It was a gorgeous store and it's really close to the pre-school, so I will definitely be making frequent trips there.  While we were there we came across several characters, which made Handley really excited.

When we left the store we got a quick lunch and then picked up Harper from school.  She's always excited to show me what she makes at school and today she was wearing it! She came home wearing a police hat she made and she was pretty proud of it.

This afternoon we spent a little time playing outside.  After what felt like days and days of clouds and rain, it was nice to see the sun shining.

Me trying to get Hudson to smile

He always has smiles for Handley

Handley seemed a little off today and not totally herself, but this evening she was bouncing off the walls, singing, and dancing around.  She is definitely back to the happy and healthy little girl we love and I am thankful that it was really short-lived!

Heart candy appetizer and Hudson's 6 month stats

On the days Harper isn't at school, she wishes she was.  Today she was under my feet the entire time Handley was at school and nothing I suggested for us to do seemed to interest her.  She helped me clean up a little around the house, did a little painting and had lunch, but the entire time she kept asking me why she couldn't be at school.  She missed her big sister and couldn't wait to go pick her up.  Harper was excited when Hudson finally woke up because it meant she had a playmate.

She was also thrilled to check the mail and find something addressed just to her.  Her excitement continued when she learned that Mimi had sent her some cute socks and her very own pack of conversation hearts (or heart candy as she calls it).  That girl can put down some heart candy.  I remember that last Valentine's she liked them a lot, too.  This morning when I was cooking her breakfast she asked me if she could have an appetizer before her waffle.  I suggested she munch on some cereal while she was waiting on her waffle, but she had something else in mind.  She tilted her head, smiled real sweetly, and asked if she could have some heart candy for her appetizer.  For the record, I let her have just one. :-)

This afternoon the girls loaded up for a sleepover with Gigi and Papa.  They couldn't wait for Gigi to arrive and I know they are having a blast with them. 

It sure was quiet around here this afternoon and I realized just how much Handley and Harper entertain Hudson when they are here.  Hudson took a long nap though, so I spent time cleaning out closets and organizing around the house.  When he woke up the two of us had some fun one-on-one playtime.  Robby picked up Stoney River take-out on his way home so we had a nice dinner date at home after Hudson went to bed.  It was the perfect way to end the day!

For my memory, I wanted to blog about Hudson's 6 month appointment on Wednesday.  He was such a flirt and showed off all his tricks for the doctor.  He had to get a few shots, but cried for just a second until I could pick him up.  Then, he was totally fine.  After his 4 month shots he was pretty pitiful for the rest of the day, but this time he was totally fine.  She did mention that his gums were really swollen, meaning that he will probably be getting more teeth soon.  He hasn't been eating much the past few days and I think that, and his night waking, is a result of him teething.  

Here are his 6 month stats: 

weight- 17 lb. 13 oz. (60th percentile)

length-  27 inches (70th percentile)

head- 17.25 inches (50th percentile)

Hudson - 6 months

Hudson is 6 months old today!  I've always said that 6-12 months is my favorite age and it is definitely proving to be true with Hudson.  I could just tell we were approaching the 6 month mark when he started becoming increasingly social and expressive.  Don't get me wrong, I love that I can now have detailed conversations with Handley and I think it's a hoot to watch Harper at her age, but there is just something about a sweet baby learning and discovering all sorts of new things each day that has me enamored.  The girls love chatting with him, singing to him, making him laugh, and loving on him every chance they get.

I take him for his 6 month check-up in a couple of days, so I'll post about his height and weight then, but I'm thinking he is still going to be on the bigger side.  He is solid and has some awesome chunky thighs.

At 6 months Hudson:

• takes 3 naps a day.  The first two are usually on the go and the third is a good long one in the crib.  However, on days I can be home for his morning nap, that one is usually a long, 2 hour nap. 
• totally stinks at his nighttime sleep. * see note below
• takes a paci when he is tired.
• nurses 5 times a day (and some at night)
• is eating baby food (fruits and veggies) 3 times a day and seems to like everything I feed him. 
• eats Cheerios and can pick them up by himself, but most of them end up on the floor.  We still help him to actually get one in his mouth.
• loves his feet and trying to get his toes into his mouth.
• can give big slobbery kisses and likes to give them to all of us, all the time. 
• is a snuggler.  
• can sit unassisted for 30 seconds to a minute at a time, but still falls over to the side or back, so when he is on the floor playing I still put a boppy around him to cushion his fall or help him get back on balance. 
• is still really laid back and happy most of the time. 
• laughs, babbles, coos and makes all sorts of fun faces and expressions now. 
• has 2 bottom teeth and thinks is funny when I brush them. 
• discovered tags and now finds them on every toy or blanket he has.  He likes grabbing on to them and trying to put them in his mouth. 

He found the tag

*Nighttime sleep - So my good little sleeper is not doing so good any more.  I think part of it was when he was teething he was absolutely miserable and waking several times a night because of that so now he is just used to waking.  I know if I did some sleep training with him he would sleep better, but I just haven't had it in me, yet.  I have had success with two different methods for the girls, but with Hudson, there always seems to be something waking him up (leaked through his diaper, frequent gas pains, he poops sometimes at night, etc.) so I've been trying to work through those things first.  I'm sure when I decide to take action I'll do a whole post about it, so stay tuned for that...  Until then, I'm going to just soak up those middle of the night snuggle times because I know that this too shall pass and I'll be wishing for these days back again. 

Giving me big kisses - photo courtesy of Handley

Handley's turn for a kiss

Two "firsts" for Hudson

We spent the weekend at the lake and although it was really cold, we had a great time and it was nice to have a change of scenery for a few days.  The main reason we went up there was so the guys could build a new walkway.  While they were working away outside, the girls were indoors keeping the kids entertained.  I can't believe I didn't get one picture of Handley and Harper with sweet little Leah, but they loved playing with her.  They also loved sticking close to Sarah's side.  Bryce and Sarah came up with us so that Bryce could help the guys with their project.  The first thing Handley and Harper would ask for in the morning was Sarah.  They wanted to sit with her, fix her hair, play tea party with her and basically bug her to death.  Sarah is SO sweet with all the kids though and she is surely meant to be a mama someday.  She was incredibly helpful to me all weekend and always seemed to step right in, right on cue, without me even asking for help.  Thank you, Sarah!

We also had a few firsts this weekend.  Saturday night was the first time all three kids took a bath together and they all loved it.

We tried it again tonight and I'm thinking this will become our new normal. I used to bathe Hudson, put him to bed, and then give the girls baths and go through their bedtime routine.  With all three in there together though, it saves me time and helps get the girls to bed earlier.

Another first for Hudson today was sitting in a restaurant high chair.  I've been wanting to put him in one, but since he is still a little wobbly I wasn't sure how he'd do.  At lunch on our way home I decided to give it whirl and I'm not sure why I was waiting. He sat there like such a big boy!

I love when we do something new with him because the girls get SO excited.  Also, all weekend long Handley kept saying, "I just wish Hudson knew how much I love him."  I explained to her that he definitely knows that she loves him because she tells him and shows him with hugs and kisses every chance she gets.  I know I've said it before, but she is so good with him and such a little mommy.  I don't know what I'd do without her sweet help.

Walking Buddies

For several months now Jen and I have been meeting once a week to walk and try to get a little exercise.  Since neither of us like to be cold during these winter months and we don't want our boys to turn into popsicles outside, we walk the mall....with all of the old people...and, we love it. :-)  Today we walked for an hour and it really only felt like 10 minutes.  It's fun to window shop, people watch, and of course, chat with my best friend.  Our husbands don't really believe that we can spend that much time in the mall and not do any real shopping, but it's true.  It's funny because the kiosk people who try to sell you hair extensions or other random goods or services eventually stop asking when they see us come by about the third time.

Cute little walking buddies

I look forward to our Thursday walking dates each week and I'm sure when Hudson isn't sleeping through part of the time, he will love it too. Today, he and Parker were eyeing each other as we headed to our cars and I am just so excited to watch these two grow up together and see how their friendship develops.  As soon as the warmer weather comes along this spring we'll definitely take our weekly date outdoors.  I'm sure by then the boys will be able to enjoy some playtime at a park after we get our exercise.  (Can you tell I'm already over the cold weather - I am not a fan.)  Until then though, we will continue to log miles at the mall each week.

Back at it

After about 2 1/2 weeks off, school started back today.  I'm usually ready for us to be back at it and in our regular routine, but I was not looking forward to today.  I had loved staying around home while the kids played nonstop all day.  It was so nice to not have to be anywhere at any certain time.  All good things must come to an end.  The girls missed school and are really excited about starting back so that makes it easier for me (but it doesn't stop me from wishing it was summer break already.)   Handley started today and talked a mile a minute on the way home about all of the fun she had.  Harper wished that she was able to go today, but is thrilled she starts back tomorrow.  She's also asking me several times a day now when it will be her birthday.  Let the countdown to April begin! Ha!  I can only imagine how many times she will ask me that same question over the next 3 months.  :-)

Eating Cheerios like a Champ

We had a pretty awesome weekend.  Highlights included a birthday party at the kids' favorite location (Happy Birthday Jake and Reece!), checking out the brand new fancy Racetrac (can't wait till one opens close to us), an impromptu gathering of all the kiddos on our street riding their "vehicles" (as Handley likes to say) and an almost sleepover with Avery.  

Handley has been talking about a sleepover for quite some time and I'd promised her we would do it over Christmas break.  My time was running out so we invited Avery over and the girls had so much fun.  They made cookies in the Easy Bake Oven, colored, played with their new dolls, and giggled like only little girls can do.  They were so sweet to include Harper all night, and she thought she was one of the big girls, for sure!  It ended around 9:30 PM when Avery decided she'd rather sleep at home, but it was tons of fun while it lasted.  

The dolls having a sleepover, too.

Over the weekend I also discovered that Hudson can eat Cheerios like a champ.  I had been giving him a few Mum-Mums or Puffs here and there over the past week, and he loved them, but the main ingredient in them is rice four and, like the rice cereal, they gave him bad gas and I guess he is just not quite ready for rice yet.  Cheerios, on the other hand, have no rice and he absolutely loves them.  I'm kind of surprised by how quickly he's taken to "chewing" them.  He tries to pick them up and does a pretty good job, but can't qutie get them in his mouth yet.  He's lucky that he has two big sisters and a mama who are happy to help him though.

Notice Hudson's reward sticker the girls gave him for doing a good job eating his Cheerios.

And one more little thing that I don't want to forget is what happens each night before bathtime.  Hudson sits in the boppy and the girls put on a show for him, including music, props, and all kinds of dancing.  He loves watching them, and they love having an audience for their show.   I usually take advantage of this time to try to thrown in some laundry or straighten up a bit, but tonight I sat right down there with him and enjoyed the show so much that it was Hudson's bedtime before we even made our way to the bath.  

Watching the show

Harper's First Ballet Class

Today was Harper's first ballet/tap class and she could not have been more excited.  For about a month now I have been telling her that she is going to get to take ballet and she could not wait for the day to arrive.  All week Handley had been giving her mini lessons and telling her all about the things she would get to do in the class.  The class she is taking is a 3 year old class, but the director allowed Harper to try it this month because she said Harper seemed, "outgoing" and she thought she would be OK without me.  I had been reminding Harper of this all day and telling her that she needed to act like a big girl 3 year old and that she had to follow directions.  As she was getting dressed she kept saying, "they don't know I'm not three" and as soon as she had her leotard and tights on she looked down and said, "I look so cute!" And, she did.

She waited patiently while Handley had her class and then when it was time for her to line up and go in she grabbed her bag and ran to her place.  She gave me a huge smile and a big wave as she entered the room. Handley was exiting at the same time and couldn't have been more excited for her baby sister to get to go in.  Seeing their interaction at that moment was so very sweet.

Waiting in line to go into the class

There are no windows in the room and we aren't allowed in so I was curious as to how she was doing.  During the class the director had been in and out a few times and she told me that Harper was doing a great job.  When the class ended, she came running out with a big smile on her face and the first thing she excitedly told me was, "I followed directions!"

All night she wanted to show off what she'd learned and she and Handley compared notes about their classes.  She didn't want to take of her dance clothes and I know she will be so excited about going back next week!

Today I am feeling so much better and we were able to get out and do a few things.  One of our stops was Target and I decided to let Hudson try sitting in the cart for the first time.  Being the laid back baby he is, it didn't seem to phase him.  I was making a big fuss about what a big boy he was and trying to get him excited, but he just kind of stared at me like it was no big deal.  The girls loved having him right in front of them.  And, in other big news, Hudson officially has his first tooth!

Easy Bake Oven

The start of this week didn't go quite as I had planned.  I had hoped to get some errands run, do some stuff around the house, and I had a few fun things planned to do with the kids.  I ended up having a severe allergic reaction to the amoxicillin I was taking for my strep last week and it left me with an awful rash and hives covering my body and face.  I had planned to go to the doctor this morning, but last night during dinner when it was getting worse instead of better, I made a split second decision to load everyone up and head to the urgent care down the street.  The receptionist rushed me through the check-in process because she felt so bad for me (and probably because I had 3 young kids with me nearing bedtime).  The kids were great and actually Robby was able to come meet me there.  I got a few "bless your heart"'s from nurses and workers there, so I knew it must have been bad.  The doctor confirmed what I had already discovered from my online research.  This morning I woke up miserable and didn't feel like the medicine I was prescribed was doing anything, but tonight I feel like a new person.  My face and chest just look like I have a sunburn and while I do still have the rash and hives, it no longer itches so I can totally deal with it.

The girls have been so sweet and have played together so well the past two days we've been at home.  It's like they knew I couldn't handle one more thing. People say that misery love company and Hudson has been pretty pitiful himself the past two days.  He has a tooth right on the verge of cutting through and he is not digging it.  I'm hoping that by tomorrow he will get some relief.

The girls and I did manage to squeeze in a little fun this afternoon.  Handley got an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas from Gigi and Papa and had been asking for the past week to try it out. Today was the day.

She decided to make cinnamon twist pretzel sticks with chocolate dipping sauce.  Sounds yummy, huh?  Well this was the final product.

Looks delicious, doesn't it?  :-) We might just try cookies next time. 

The girls gobbled them up and I guess with enough chocolate on it, anything will taste good. :-)

One other quick funny story that happened tonight.  When Handley wants to, she knows just what to say to push Harper's buttons and make her upset.  Handley likes to be in control and is happiest when things are going her way.  Tonight they got into some sort of disagreement and when I got to them to talk about what had happened Handley had a grin on her face.  I told her she needed to wipe that smirk off her face and she had no clue what I was talking about because she looked at me innocently and said, "OK, with a wipe or a washcloth or what?" Ha!  I couldn't help but laugh out loud.