Favorite Quote

This is one of my favorite quotes. It's at the end of Meet the Robinsons. Yet another heart felt Disney movie that Hudson and I love to watch. This quote is a reminder to me that Hudson's curiousity is opening new doors for us every day and I couldn't be more proud. 

"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. 

We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...And curiousity keeps leading us down new paths."

-Walt Disney

Christmas Festivities

I can safely say that Christmas has not flown by for us. Hudson and I put the tree up before Thanksgiving because I didn't want to get to Christmas and be super sad that it went too fast. Even though I will still probably think it went too fast after it's over but Hudson and I have done our best to soak it all in. 

After Christmas in Boerne the Friday after Thanksgiving we've been taking trips to Garden Ridge to see the huge blowup snowman, santa, Christmas trees, all things Christmas. 

We helped decorate mawmaw and pawpaw's Christmas Tree.

Friday the 13th we went to Karl's work Christmas party for kids. Santa was there with a present with Hudson's name on it! I thought it was such a cute idea. They asked us to send them a gift idea and they would get it and have Santa give it to them at the party. Such a sweet idea. When we got there we decorated a cookie. Hudson was eating the decorations. Boy loves candy..who doesn't? :) They had a photobooth and my angel wanted to put the props on. So cute! At first he was hesitant and then when he saw mommy and daddy put on he was ready to play dress up. He didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but kind of warmed up to him on a talk with mommy :). 

The next morning we went to the Budafest Parade. We stood where we always used to stand with my mawmaw. We used to go every year with mawmaw. Hudson and Noah had a blast. Then we waited to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and got a classic crying baby picture. Hudson didn't want to get close. Noah was adorable. He told Santa he wanted a jackhammer. 

That night pawpaw and I took Hudson to Marble Falls to walk their trail of lights. We did the round twice. Drank some hot chocolate, ate a rice krispy treat and had a great time. 

Sunday night we went to the Buda Trail of Lights with mawmaw, pawpaw, Ashley, Thomas, Brigette, Bryan, Jessica, Vincent, Riley, Wendy, James and Noah. The lights were great but it was busy as heck. I won't sugar coat this. It was kind of a nightmare. Trying to keep up with Hudson. Running after him and trying to keep an eye on him while trying to stay with the gang. We took notes and knew we were going again with nana and pops so I packed candy for our next trip. 

Tuesday, 12/17 also nana's bday, we went to the Buda Trail of Lights again. Hapa came and it was wonderful. There was barely anyone there and marshmallows were a good idea :). Much better. 

Wednesday 12/18 nana, pops, hapa, Hudson and I went to the trail of lights. That was very busy but we had a great time. Hudson kept running to hapa. Wanted to help push his wheel chair. 

After all of these festivities I can honestly say we have soaked in a bunch of Christmas spirit. 

23 Month Old Helper

Man this month has seen a lot of changes. My bubba is growing so fast. So fast...you guessed it...makes me want to cry. This past month about 3 weeks ago my bubba asked to go to bed in his big bed with me. I have been so fortunate to have rocked my baby to bed. This about killed me. I knew it would happen and maybe sometimes wondered when but it's been the most amazing experience ever. Now...before you go off telling me it's what's best for Hudson, trust me, I know what's best for my little man and there's nothing that I want more. However, just my thoughts...thanks to my husband, my work background and the two wonderful ladies (Lisa and DeeDee) I wouldn't have been able to work from home with Hudson. There's not a day that I don't thank my lucky stars. Having said that, my job at home is to work and also be there for my son 100%. Rocking him has allowed us to build this most amazing bond that's untouchable. I also owe a huge thanks to all of those who told me "hold on to what you have because it won't last forever." I'm taking their words literally. I hold my beautiful son and rock him. Our hearts touch every night. I'm so unbelievably thankful for this time that I was allowed to be this close. Don't get me wrong. He still wants me in his big bed with him as he falls asleep and I'll never tell him no....cause one day...he won't ask me.

My little man is talking about a storm. He said "hapa" for the first time and knows that it's grandpa. In fact, he knows and calls most of us by our names. I'm mommy of course. :) Hudson is usually shy around grandpa at first but he quickly warms up and wants to tell grandpa everything he does. It's so very cute.

New words? Most definitely. Too many to keep up. Hudson loves to tell us what he's done. What he's doing. Who he saw. What he did. He's amazing. I love it. Even if I have to put on my mom ears I totally understand most of what he says :). My little talker is growing way too fast.

This month I worked on introducing Hudson to Christmas. So...he's learned that "Santa eats cookies"...he'll tell you that. We read it in a book and it's what he remembers the most. Hudson absolutely loves every snowman he sees and does NOT want to sit on Santa's lap. They can talk. Just no sitting.

My favorite thing this month. Any time Hudson wakes up the first thing he usually says in his sweet voice to me is "Hiiiii mommmyyy." He says it so soft and sweet. Of course we are still like this (I'm crossing my pointer and middle finger). Always his go to gal. Hudson buries himself on purpose and says "help mommy." Any booboo he wants mommy to kiss it and he says "better" right after. Angel! Hudson LOVES lights. We go on a walk or car ride in the neighborhood. He points and says, "Look! More lights." This Christmas / Holiday season has been the best yet. More on that next. Let's just say..we're living up the holiday experience to it's fullest. Just to see my beautiful boy's expressions and attempts to understand just blows me away. I feel like I can never say it enough. He is amazing.

Hudson's activity level is still through the roof. This boy doesn't sit still for anything. Well...one thing. Toy Story 1, 2 and 3. Hudson could watch those over and over again. When they aren't on the tv he wants to go go go. Such a busy boy. Full of adventure and curiosity. And so much more pretend play this month. Bubba will pull out the pots and pans and say "I cook" or tuck his baby giraffe in for bed time and say "baby night night."  Or roar at you with his "dino" or have the baby bears hug. Funniest thing is to see him wrestle with this Jeffery the Toys R Us giraffe pops gave him. I love to see him pretend. It's the highlight of a childhood. Imagination. He's got one for sure.

Another wonderful thing is bubba wants to "help" with EVERYTHING. It's awesome. He wants to load the dryer with me. Sweep the floor. Type on mommy's computer. Peel the orange. Anything you can think of...he wants to help. Showing me his awesome big brother abilities? Hmmm...we'll get him a sibling sooner or later :).

Hardest thing about this month? Entertaining a wild man with the time change and super cold weather. We take trips to Garden Ridge to jump the rugs. Academy to check out the boats. Anything to fulfill his adventurous heart's desires. Anything for him :)

Month after month this awesome boy of mine continues to amaze me. I never knew life before him. I never enjoyed it this much. And I'm just a bystander in this crazy world of Hudson watching him grow, learn and shine. I've got the best seat in the house. Life is good.

Love you my sweet angel. Can't believe you will be 2 next month.

-Luckiest mommy in the world.

Christmas in Boerne 2013

This time was by far my favorite trip to Boerne. Where do I even begin? We drove down to Boerne during Hudson's nap time. I took a nap too because I ran 18 miles in the morning! So proud of myself. Getting there. We checked into the hotel and took off for the petting zoo. I was wondering how Hudson would do. With our trips to the Austin Zoo he's a little scarred from a goat that nibbled on his hand. But he LOVED the baby goats, baby pigs, and chickens. He even petted a chicken. I'm not brave enough to do that. What if the peck you? LOL! JK!

After the petting zoo pawpaw asked about the pony ride. Karl and I both said no but if you want to try it go for it. We for sure thought he would jump off as soon as the ponies started to move. We were wrong. He LOVED it. It was probably one of the cutest moments so far. Hudson had the biggest smile and he looked like a pro. Not sure if Karl will let us but I'm asking Santa for a pony for Christmas. Hehe.

They have snow machines up down the main street and Hudson was trying to squish all the "bubbles" of course he knew it was bubbles. No pulling that over his head lol. Everyone had so much fun in them. We then walked to the end of the street and did a carriage ride. Bubba said horse every time he saw one. A carriage ride was definitely a must.

After the carriage ride there was a gazebo behind a huge stage with a band playing. Hudson and cousin Noah ran around that gazebo for hours! We all talked about how well they were going to sleep. Heck, we all slept good. It was such a huge treat to be with cousin Noah and running around. Being boys. Being kids. Loved watching them chase each other, copy each other, dance together and kiss. Sweetest cousins in the whole world. Best friends for life in the making.

We normally walk up and down the main street to shop. This time we let those who wanted to shop, shop and those who didn't followed the little ones around having a blast. I can't wait to continue our family tradition of Boerne as we add more and more little ones to the bunch. The little ones, my son...bring all the joys in life. There's nothing better than watching my baby boy experience fun. What more could a mom ask for?

Thanksgiving 2013

What's one word to sum up my Thanksgiving? Home. This Thanksgiving made my house feel even more like a home. It all started Wednesday when my aunt KK came into town with my cousin Marky and his girlfriend Brooke. Hudson took off with his dada for the night to be with nana, pops and hapa.  In the mean time we (me and KK) prepared our dishes. As I was cutting up onions in my kitchen my cousins Marky and Cameron (brothers) were sitting in the living room with their girlfriends (Brooke and Jasmine) and Jasmine's little brother. Telling stories with my aunt KK as she prepared her dish. Laughing. Telling those "remember when" stories and kid you not. The emotional goof I am it made me feel so warm in my heart to hear such fun stories from my cousins in MY HOME. It also made me think that when I give Hudson a sibling he'll be doing the same thing 18...23 years down the road. Just awesome. See anything funny about the top left pic below? My cousins being funny :). Not sure how long they were there while we were downstairs talking. Goof balls.

Made our first turkey this year and I'll have to say I was impressed :). Hudson help me brine the turkey on Tuesday, Karl buttered the turkey and I stuffed and seasoned. It was delicious. Karl made yummy bacon wrapped asparagus and of course I made the squash casserole that is a Thanksgiving must (my mom demands that I make it haha). I slept with Hudson in his big bed and we woke up to smelling burning grease in our oven (the turkey was safe). KK woke up with us. We drank coffee and watched the Macy's Day Parade. A tradition we always did with my mawmaw.

Lunch was at 1. Everyone showed up with their yummy food and of course we had entirely way too much food but thank goodness for leftovers. No cooking for a few days haha. Bubba ate a little here and there. For the first time since he was an infant he fell asleep in my arms on the couch as all the cousins were upstairs watching Toy Story 3. Bubba was so tired but didn't want to go down for a nap. He wanted to be with his cousins watching the movie. Sure enough momma's snuggle sent him over into dreamland. In the mean time, everyone sat around talking. Just the way we do it at my mom's house. Perfect.

Funniest thing? The cousins (Marky, Riley, Cameron, Jessica, Vincent and Hudson) found marshmallows and started throwing them in each other's mouths from downstairs to upstairs. The funny thing was we broke out the extra large s'more ones and Marky almost took Riley out with one. Hit him smack on the forehead. Sorry Riley...it looked hilarious. 

With a late nap time Hudson slept until 5. Dada was working the UT game and Marky wanted to do the Black Friday shopping thing. I knew I had to do something with Hudson since he had a late nap. What was I going to do to wear him out? Go shopping of course. We do that a lot. We look...we don't always buy haha. First we went to Wal Mart (mad house) and quickly realized we needed to get out of there. Headed to Target which was way more organized and a lot less scary. Bubba at Pizza at 8:30 at night for dinner at Target on Thanksgiving. He is most definitely his father's son. 

All in all it was a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sad dada had to leave to work the UT game but thankful for all of our wonderful family members who did and always continue to make my house feel more and more like a home. Thanksgiving has been officially handed down to me as "my holiday" and I couldn't be happier!

Hudson Tells A Story Part 2

 Oh man this just gets more and more fun. I swear since in the last month Hudson has really started to say sentences. It is so awesome!! 

Where do we start? Bubba wakes up on Monday to find dada is not home so he says "dada work."  Everyone who is not at our house must be at work because Hudson says they are. When daddy gets home he either says "daddy here" or "daddy home." Mommy asks him if he's ok after a fall he tells mommy "I otay." Strapped in his car seat and "I stuck" and "mommy out" cause bubba doesn't like being stuck. We leave and bubba wants to go "back home" and when we arrive he says "we're here". 

A very demanding fellow bubba says "mommy run," "daddy eat," "pawpaw walk," "come on pawpaw." "Mommy up" at the park. My best friend always wants me to climb with him. This one truly amazes me: bubba absolutely hates his shoes off. Sometimes he cries and tells me "I want it on." In fact he says that about socks, shirts and shoes. Silly buns.

Took him to the park by our house that's mosquito infested (yuck) and he says "squitoes bite you." Every ant pile he sees he says "ant bite you." Bubba chases us around saying "mommy tickle" "daddy tickle" and "got you". Cutest thing ever. I mentioned this one on his 21 month blog but when bubba hasn't had enough of what he's eating he's says "more grapes, candy, Cheetos, water, cheese" etc.  

Lately he's been saying "I want to eat Jello." Mommy hasn't been giving into his candy cravings so Jello will have to suffice. He loves it...he is able to do it himself..and it's SWEET. Win Win Win. When's he's upset he says "I want mommy" or "I want daddy." Love that.

This one makes me laugh because it sounds silly to tell your kid this but bubba says "cars hit you." He patiently waits by his mommy in parking lots because he knows "cars hit you." It's not a lie...they really can lol. "Dogs kiss you" "mommy get you." "I throw it" - tough one. Yikes. No more hard balls in the house. we tell him not to throw and he listens after the 3rd time you ask. Fun stuff lol.

Of course his favorite lately is "I do it." Some people get sad when their babies take on this independent stage. But it's fun and very often Hudson will tell me "mommy, daddy help." Man, I could go on and on. I'll add more when I think of them but this stage is so much fun. He's learning so much. Saying so much. It's getting easier to communicate and understand each other.

Side Note:  Hudson went to the dentist this morning for a yearly checkup and his teeth are perfect!  YAY :). He decided he wanted to sleep in today and of course mommy had to schedule a dentist appointment at 8:15 AM. Didn't have time to get him dressed so put him in the car in his pjs. We changed in the bathroom so it's all good. About to get our nap time snuggle on.Happy Friday!

The Most Interesting Man: Eugene Peter Ruf

It's funny having grandpa "hapa" in my life. He's been a part of it for 11 1/2 years now and in my heart feels like he's my grandpa. It's also funny to interview a 104 year old without him wondering what you are doing. That's tough. Kudos to reporters who do that.

During the many times we play cribbage grandpa sings these old songs that are way before my time and then asks if I remember the song. He does this to everyone and it's the cutest thing. As he says about Hudson...grandpa "has all of his marbles." He remembers so much more than I ever could. I can't remember anything from 8 years or younger...or I'd really have to sit and think about it. He has the most interesting life to me.

On a side note:  I think everyone should keep some kind of diary. I've never been more interested in finding out what grandpa has to say about his life and all that he has been through. Even though most people will say "I have all my memories in my head" you'd be surprised on who wants to know about those memories and the connection you feel when you know about something you weren't around for.

So, without asking grandpa a billion questions. This is what he told me and has told me before but this time, I wrote it down. :)

Petrina Peterson (grandpa's mom) was a missionary in South Africa in the early 1900s. His father Eugen Ruf (pronounced Oy-gan) left Germany and went to South Africa. They met in Cape Town (bottom tip of Africa). They migrated to NY in1908. The next year Grandpa and his twin (Walter Johan Ruf) were born in April. Yes...that's 1909! Can you even imagine? Grandpa is 1 of 5 brothers. I'm missing a name but there's Walter Johan, Eugene Peter, Norman Lloyd, and Alf Rufus.


At age 12 grandpa lost his mom, dad and baby brother (Norman Lloyd) to the Spanish Influenza Pandemic. Three days in a row respectively. Once again, I can't imagine being around for this. More information below from this article.

THE LEGACY OF THE PANDEMIC

No one knows exactly how many people died during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. During the 1920s, researchers estimated that 21.5 million people died as a result of the 1918-1919 pandemic. More recent estimates have estimated global mortality from the 1918-1919 pandemic at anywhere between 30 and 50 million. An estimated 675,000 Americans were among the dead.

Grandpa was then entered into the Christian Home for Children in Fort Lee, NJ on Palisades Avenue. Grandpa told me that Father Nelson (not a priest but the head man of the orphanage) was the nicest man ever. Everyone called him "Father Nelson". 

Grandpa has also told me stories about how he used to sell newspapers when he was a boy. He would strategically go down to the subway stations and fumble to get people their change so they would jump on the subway before he could get it to them. Smart from a young age. Doing what he needed to do to survive. A survivor in so many ways. What's his secret? He'll tell you good clean living. In my opinion it's the heart of an amazing survivor. Never dwelling on heartbreaks, unfortunate situations, hardships, times of despair...trust me...he has seen them all. Everything you read in your history books from 1909 and on...grandpa has been a part of it. 

What does all this mean to me? The world. Even though grandpa isn't my blood relative I feel that much more closer to him knowing some of history. And this is just a fraction. I want to know so much more about grandpa and try to remember all he tells me through our many card games. When I first met grandpa, he blew me away. Every day I talk to grandpa I feel wiser. And what might seem like nothing to some makes me feel amazing. 

My favorite thing about grandpa? How from day 1 he's made me feel like one of his own. Always loving. Always sweet. Not a cruel word ever from a wonderful grandpa. He seems to always be amazed by so many when we're all amazed by him. The wonderful amazing feelings are mutual. Especially when he talks about my son. Grandpa always tells me "Hudson has all of his marbles." Guess they have something in common :)

22 Month Old Talker

Whew boy this has been a speedy month for talking. I swear bubba says something new every day. It's been so much fun. I'll write a whole new post on all the sweet things my bubba is saying but it's been absolutely wonderful. He tells me "Santa eat cookie" and "I want to eat Jello." And so many more things (will tell you more soon).

Speaking of J-E-L-L-O my son has a sweet tooth. Just like his mommy. Boy you can't even mention candy in front of this boy without setting him off. He knows where the candy is, what it is and that he wants it. He wants to eat candy over food (darn you Halloween...guess I should have expected that haha). A picky eater this month too. What happened to my adventurous eater? He's gone...temporarily hopefully. One thing for sure is bubba loves flavor. Test of a good cook maybe? If Hudson eats it you got the flavor thing down. He eats my food maybe half the time...good thing that's not my line of work or the main one anyway lol.

Mr. Indpendent. He tells me "I do it" on everything he can do himself. It amazes me how much he tries to do himself. Back to that sweet tooth thing. He can now open our freezer (it's a bottom drawer type refrigerator / freezer) deal. He pulls out the ice cream and puts it on the counter. Good thing we have a deep freezer in the garage. I have to hide the ice cream LOL! For the most part he still has a good diet. I can always get him to eat good the first half of the day. Turkey sausage, grapes, bananas, oranges, string cheese, etc. After nap...all bets are off.

We've been reading books on Christmas and Santa. Bubba now thinks "Santa eats cookies" because he does in The Night Before Christmas. He has "deer" and there's a "snowman" and "penguin." This is sooooooo much fun. I'm not sure he'll get the full story of Christmas this year but I think we'll have it down next year.

That picture on the top right makes me laugh. The only one I got of us on the Zilker Train and he's making a funny face lol. Handsome goofy boy. Bubba and I put up our Christmas tree 2 weeks ago. LOL! Do you think we're ready?

Man...I just continue to not believe how smart my son is to me. He's telling me all of these things. He's doing so much. I tell him to wait for mommy by the car in a parking lot and he says "wait" and "cars hit you." It would take me forever to list them all but every month Hudson seriously blows me away. Can't believe he listens and understands so much. I'm going to say it again...AMAZING.

Funniest thing about Hudson right now is he HATES for you to take his shoes off. He is so particular about keeping his shoes on and will tell you "I want shoe on" in his munchkin voice. So funny. Not sure where he got that from but you better not touch those toes if you want a peaceful moment.

One of my favorite things this month. Bubba doesn't understand the word mad yet even though he is really good at acting the part. So, I've taught him "mommy sad" and "mommy happy" when he does something that's not nice or nice. It's working right now and that's awesome. He understands the feelings. Amazing to me! He's such a lover too. My snuggle bunny drinks his morning milk in my lap snuggling me. Always gives me a kiss when I ask for one. Wants a kiss for his booboos. Says "mommy" a billion times as I put him to sleep in the sweetest angel voice ever. I'm the luckiest mommy in the world to hear that word so softly and sweetly. Oh yeah, how can I forget? Bubba says "I love you"!! My angel baby has the biggest heart ever!

Mommy has been working really hard lately so the best day of the week is Friday for us. I take most of the day off from work and always plan a date away from the house. That is my favorite time of the week. Time to just play. No worries. Doing exactly what Hudson wants to do. It's me and my best friend against the world. No place I'd rather be!

Highlight of the month. Hapa came out and Hudson got to play a little ball with him. The joke was we weren't sure who was going to sleep better..Hudson or Hapa but they had a ball (pun intended hehe) and of course bubba had to give his goodbye kisses. Sweet pea!

Also got a hair cut this weekend (on his 22 months) and he looks so handsome. So grown too. My sweet baby boy. My beautiful son who fills my heart with more joy than I could ever imagine. Love you my sweet boy forever. Happy 22 months. I can't believe in two months you will be 2! WOW!!!

Baby Liam Belly

Last Saturday on my birthday I went to take pictures of Shelly & Patrick. Funny...I think I'm doing things to Patrick and Shelly that I wish I would have done when I was pregnant with Hudson. I don't have any "cute" baby belly pics. I have a few funny ones but I'm so glad I got to take some of Shelly and Patrick for them to have forever. 

Here are a few of my favorites. Baby Liam scheduled to be here 11/18 (or sooner..or later but hopefully right on time :)

My Favorite :)

Boo at the Zoo Part II (and mommy's bday)

Last Friday (10/25) mommy had some work to do for her birthday party preparations. So, nana and pops took our angel baby to boo at the zoo again. I'm playing catch up big time.

Pops and Nana picked up Hudson and went to the zoo at 6:30. Nana told an ever so cute story about their adventure. Hudson didn't like the blow up spider or the Halloween arch to walk through until Nana made it fun. Unfortunately some of the animals were already in bed but they got to see the Monkeys and had a blast in the reptile house. The snakes and turtles were very active. Before the train ride they stopped by the primates area and watched a zoo keeper tell stories. Bubba was completely enthralled. Sitting on pops shoulders and watching with the so much concentration. He loved it. Bubba also learned to gobble gobble like a turkey. Someone ready for Thanksgiving? HEHE. When it came time to get on the train they loaded up and bubba had a blast. Being his cuddling observant self they enjoyed the ride and got more candy.

In the mean time mommy and daddy did more shopping and more work for the party.

I asked my dad and pops to dress up as Woody and Buzz and Nana ended up dressing like Jessie. There was a toy story theme. So very cute! When bubba first saw pawpaw he said "Woody." That right there made the whole night a success to me. When pops showed up as Buzz Hudson was a little confused as to who the actual person was. I know he knows it was Buzz but the head piece threw him off. Sure enough after we said go to Pops bubba jumped in his arms. What do I live for these days? Making my son happy.

I can honestly tell you that I wouldn't care if I had another birthday party. It's the dressing up for my child and surprising him that makes me the happiest person in the world. We dressed up as evil minions. Bubba wore his costume for all of 3 minutes then off it came. I adjusted it for Halloween (details to come). My aunt Brigette made an amazing cake (as always). My sister did all the decorating which always turns out awesome. I had a blast with everyone. It's so much fun to dress up for our little ones. Noah was Noah Knight and he wanted his mommy to be Princess Mommy, daddy to be King Daddy and Kissie to be Cinderella. Next year we're going to do things a little different. Stay tuned for a year to pass then I'll let you know haha. Until then, what a wonderful 29th birthday I had with my awesome sister and family. I've shared my whole life with my sister and I'm the luckiest person in the world because of it.

Halloween 2013

Oh man, this was so much fun. Let me start off by saying for the last month Hudson and I or Hudson and someone go on a walk around our neighborhood every day. We've noticed houses being decorated for Halloween. We decorated ours a little but let me tell you there were a handful of awesome ones. The first one is half a mile away from our house and this family did an outstanding job. Bubba learned to say "bat" from their house. We couldn't wait to stop by on Halloween.

Another one of our favorites to stop by every night was the house in the next neighborhood (it's not that far of a walk). Every night they turned on their blow up front yard scene. There were witches brewing a pot of potion, a cat who's head would turn side to side, ghosts driving a boogie car, a zombie that shakes. Hudson would imitate the zombie. We finally met the family last night and told them that we go to see their house every night. They were such a sweet family.

Leading up to the day, considering how my birthday party turned out with the costume, I knew I had to alter Hudson's costume. Why did I think he would wear his headpiece in the first place? I have no idea...must have been in fantasy land. So, I pinned his headpiece to his apron, added the evil minion goofy teeth to the apron and moved down his el macho badge. Sure enough, he cried when we dressed him BUT! It took the site of the very first trick or treater to dry the tears and get this boy into the mood. Bubba looked at the trick or treaters and was studying them. As we walked to the first house to get candy we told bubba to say, "thank you" and he did. Every single time we walked up to a house bubba said thank you after he got his candy. He then turned around and said either "I got candy" and "more candy." He was so excited to go to each house and see the other kids dressed up. Everyone got their turn to bring bubba to a house. There was even a couple with a Macaw who was letting little ones take pictures with. How awesome is that?!!?!

After our trick or treating we raced back to the house to hand out candy. My mom started it off for us and she handed out the candy to the little ones. Hudson helped her of course. My mom was precious. She's never handed out candy before because we've always lived in the middle of nowhere (not really but you don't get trick or treaters). She was so adorable. So fun.

Funniest thing all night to me, the grandparents (all of them except pops I think) were eating the candy straight out of bubba's bucket while he was trick or treating! LOL! Hudson even got a piece himself. I'm so thankful for where we live. For the people in Hudson's life who make him happy. My child's happiness is the best thing anyone could ask for. Thank you to everyone who makes my bubba happy.

All Smiles

I love how much my bubba smiles. He wins my award for Best Smile Ever. :)

My beautiful sissy, AKA, Mommy #2 :)

Austin & Jackson Payette

Austin and Jackson Payette were born on Monday, 10/14 at 12:37 PM. Their sweet momma and dada, Skye and Doug, were more than ready to meet these beautiful boys. Poor momma was on bed rest for several weeks in the hospital and they were scheduled to be here on 10/16 but Monday came and it was show time. Skye and Doug went through a lot and it was a HUGE payoff to have both twins born safely and healthily. They sent this picture of the twins out laying next to each other it totally melted my heart. Best buds in the womb. A built in best friend for life. Such a sweet and wonderful treasure.

Hudson and I stopped by Friday for a quick visit before they headed home. I got to hold Jackson. It felt so wonderful to hold this beautiful sweet angel. I didn't have time to hold Austin but I know I will get to sooner than later :). 

The boys are fraternal. When I first saw their picture I thought they looked the same. But no! So very awesome. Jackson looks like Doug. Austin looks like Skye. A wonderful mixture of parental features in both angels. They were sooooooooo sweet. 

Hudson sat patiently in his stroller for me and pointed and kept saying baby baby baby. Then I kneeled down so he could see the angel Jackson. Bubba was so sweet. I can't wait for Hudson to meet his cousin Liam in November. Bubba is so soft and sweet with babies. I know he's going to be an awesome big cousin :). 

So happy to have met the twins and can't wait for all of the fun adventures to come. 

21 Month Old Flirt

 I can't believe my baby is 3 months away from 2. There's just something a little sad about approaching these year marks. I can't believe my baby is growing so fast. Time is flying. I say sad because everyone, and I mean everyone, tells you to hang on to these moments because before you know it they will be 18 and going to college. Whoa..I'm not ready for that. I'm doing my best to soak it all in. Trying to capture and remember every cute moment. Ugh...I'm not a vein person so I say this without referring to crows feet, creases in foreheads and gray hairs, but I hate getting old. HAHA. I wish I could stay this age forever as I watch Hudson grow. Ok...I'll have to stop there cause otherwise I won't be able to make it through this blog without crying lol. Yes...I'm that mom...and proud of it :)

What's new this month? Remember our trip to Dallas a few weeks back? Well...let me start off by saying that Hudson is in this "mine" phase. As most people would go "Oh...the 'mine' phase" I use it to my advantage. Reverse psychology works on little ones let me tell you. If Hudson won't eat dinner and I know that will result in a 3 AM wake up call for milk I take his food and say "mine" and he says "mine" then takes his food and eats it. HA! Got ya bubba. Hehehehe. Anywho, we went to Dallas to KK's & Marky's homecoming game in Santo. There was this adorable little girl who was Hudson's age and Hudson gave her everything he had (uh oh). He found a toy...he gave it to her. He found a quarter on the floor...he gave it to her. After that she grabbed his hand and they held hands. I'm in trouble. There's no doubt that I think my son is going to be a lady killer (look at his dad) but this early? I'm nervous.

Hudson's other favorite word to say all the time is "No." You ask him a question and 75% of the time the answer is no. He uses it very well with intention so I can't be disappointed. Bubba's vocabulary is not only growing pretty good but he's now into saying two words together a lot. It's amazing how fast these things take off. We eat dinner together. Put his food on the table first and he says "mommy eat" and "daddy eat" as he points to our chairs. If he wants more of something he says "more milk" or "more candy" another favorite of his. It's so fun to hear his little munchkin voice. Love to hear him say "thank you" when you give him something or "come on daddy" when we're going on our evening walk. Melts your heart.

The older my angel gets the sweeter. We've started a very slow transition to his big boy bed and as we lay in his bed to fall asleep he kisses me a billion times and wraps his arm around my neck. I don't fall asleep many places other than my bed but this is one of my favorite places to fall asleep. He has my heart melting as he falls asleep and I fall asleep right next to him. Then dada wakes me up and we put him into his bed. Not 100% ready to let him roam around his room and his bed is high off the ground so it might be awhile but I'm most definitely enjoying the beginning of it :).

Biggest thing this month. Two Words. Toy Story. Bubba is in love with Woody and Buzz and says "Woody" and "Buh" all day long. He has Toy Story sheets that are a huge attraction to his bed. For Halloween we've asked pawpaw and pops to dress up like Woody and Buzz. Hudson is going to freak when he sees them. We got Hudson's Christmas presents in this week...Woody and Buzz. They are AMAZING! I can't wait to see his face when he opens them.

Thanks to mawmaw she got bubba hooked on a flashlight. Cutest thing ever! He wants to explore with his flashlight. He wants it to be dark so he can flash it around the room. I'm telling you..he's going to make some kind of discovery...I don't know what..but he's working on it. It's the most awesome thing to see curiosity in his face. As a mom, I couldn't ask for anything more. Every month no matter how busy work is or hectic life may seem I've never felt luckier to have this angel and be a part of his life. Hudson is forever taking me on his adventures and it's the most amazing thing I've ever been lucky enough to experience. Happy 21 months angel baby. You are one awesome being.

Oh few more things. I'm not going to tell you what we are going to be for Hallowee (trust me..you will see pictures) but bubba is into scaring us and so this costume will be his time to shine. So very funny. He's the perfect candidate for our costume. Can't wait to show you. This past Friday Hudson and I went to visit our friends Skye and Doug in the hospital. I'll tell you more on this later but bubba was absolutely adorable. Saying baby and being soft with the twins. He did't want to leave the babies. Afterwards he kept saying baby baby baby. Sweet sweet bubba. He's also a perfect candidate for a big brother when the time comes :).

Yes to the Dress

See that look on my sister's face? That's the face of a beautiful bride who can finally see her vision coming together. We found HER DRESS! It's been months of searching for this dress that's like no other and a quick trip to San Antonio and we found it at the first place we stopped! Of course I'm not going to show you (hehe) but let me tell you this.. YOU are going to be blown away...not only by her dress but by one of the most stunning brides ever. I love you sissy.

On another side note. Have I told you that Hudson is my best friend? LOL. Love this boy. Just had to share our sweet moments together. LOVE MY ANGEL.