CapTex from the Professionals

Got these pics for free :). I love them and I LOVE AUSTIN!!! Always feel lucky to live here.

Weekend with the Lancasters

This weekend dada went fishing with pawpaw so we had the Lancasters over for a slumber party. We partied hard and the boys slept sooo good!

Friday we went to the pool twice! As soon as nanny and Noah showed up the boys were running around together non-stop. Noah is such a good protective big cousin to Hudson and Hudson tries to keep up. It's so awesome to see them play together, share things and be sweet to each other. Definitely makes you see how they would be with a sibling. 

Friday we went to the pool and then shopping so we could cook up some yummy fajitas. Then mawmaw came over and it was back to the pool. Both boys were worn out (so was I haha). They slept so good :). Brace yourself....I stayed up talking to nanny until 1:30! I can't remember the last time I stayed up that late on my own accord. Haha. Totally nerdy? Yes. Do you expect anything else from me? Haha.

Saturday morning we hung out. I made eggless French toast for the boys and it was surprisingly really yummy. I was glad it was definitely a hit with Noah :). 

We planned a trip to the snake farm and it was so awesome. We packed all in one car (so cute) and drove down to New Branfels so the boys could see snakes AND meet Blue from Rio. Bubba was stunned. So awesome to see his face see the big blue macaws for the first time. A real live one. They were beautiful! And really large too. It surprised me ;). 

We headed back home for some pizza and more pool time. Bubba had another great night of sleep. We definitely were all worn out. Loved having them over so much. It was like a mini vacation in our own home. Can't wait to do it again :). Love you nanny and Noah!! :)

My Sister the Fiance

April 28th 2013...it was a cool day...the wind was blowing...just kidding I wasn't there but my sissy and Thomas were driving back from Florida after picking up a car and Thomas secretly planned a stop in Pensacola, FL at a cute gazebo and asked my sissy to marry him! Ashley said it was just perfect...as the two of them are for each other. I've always told my sister that her and Thomas have a relationship that our whole family loves and adores. Especially me. I joke with Thomas and tell him he's the male version of me but he's actually so much more. They both are. My sister and I are soul mates...no doubt about that but they are too and it's just on such a different level.

I've never been more proud of two people who consistently try to make each other happy; who have the same dreams and go for them. Two people who are both daring and jump into adventure hand in hand without any reservations..livng every day to it's fullest. Two people who know what they want...what each other wants and strive every day to make it happen. And also make it look effortless! And also two people who say...this is who I am...that is who you are...now let's rock on! HAHA.


I love them both. I'm so very excited for my sissy and Thomas. They both deserve each other and a lifetime of happiness and adventure that they will go on.

We had an engagement party Saturday 5/29. For once I was able to decorate a party for my sister without her help and I must say....it was cute! :) I had a blast and there was so much love just pouring out of it. That's why it was easy :).

We started the night off with dinner at Zorba Greek Diner (an Ashley & Thomas favorite), then went back to their house and had their favorite ice cream, chips, drinks and fun! All of our family was there and Thomas' mom, dad, sissy and aunt came. It was so much fun! I can't even image how fun the rest of the wedding celebrations are going to be. It's going to be a party that will mark the rest of an amazing life together. I can't believe how lucky I am to be a part of such a fun amazing union. Cheers to my two best friends. I love y'all!

CapTex Momma in 2013

There's just something about training for something and completing it that is so much more special now that I'm a mom. It's probably because I have to work that much harder to find time to train and also train with my sweet baby. Hudson went on a few bike rides with me and definitely did some running with me as I trained for CapTex 2013. I'm so very glad I signed up. I wasn't able to get away much to do the swim portion but definitely didn't disappoint myself. In times when it would get hard to train I'd say to myself that I was doing it for Hudson. I was definitely doing it for myself but I hope one day to be an inspiration to my bubba and hope that one day we can do races together. I definitely can't wait for that. I'm already scoping out bikes for him to ride next to me as I run. That's gonna be us for sure :)


^not the most flattering pics but here are pics from each year. Same swimsuit! LOL! I love my swimsuit. Trying to find another one like it :)

How did training work? I trained when my dad would come to play with Hudson and also a few hours on the weekend thanks to my wonderful husband. Wouldn't have been able to do it without their help.

My favorite part? The BIKE! My awesome sissy-in-law let me borrow her Cannondale Synapse. Ummm...let me just tell you...I'm sold. I want a bike like that so bad and would highly consider saving my money to buy one if I planned on doing more. I've never (in my 3 races lol) pulled past anyone on a bike...this time..I did and it felt awesome! I won't be buying one soon cause we do plan on having another baby eventually and while this Triathlon was fun I'm going to stick to races I know my bubba can be with me while I train.

My next adventure? Signed up for the Austin Marathon for Feb 2014. Crazy but can't wait to start training. I found a great training program for moms because I was NOT going to sign up unless I saw that it was doable. Hudson can do most of my runs during the week with me and when we get close to the race (14 weeks out) I will have to run on the weekends without him but I definitely think it's doable.  I'm committed so I will make it work :). Even if I have to run at 4 AM. That's the plan anyway haha. I dreamed of doing one before I was 30 and I will meet that goal with my sister. I can't wait!

I didn't think anyone would come to watch just because it's not my first one but I had some amazing support! My sister and her fiance (hehe) Thomas and Shelly (and peanut hehe) were there in the morning with me. Helping me with my nerves. Fred & Lisa (my boss) showed up to wish me well. I was pleasantly surprised and felt so lucky. My beautiful husband, bubba, father-in-law and Patrick showed up while I started the bike portion. All around I felt very lucky to have them there to cheer me on. They most definitely helped! I also was cheered on by Kris (Shelly's Ironman buddy) and her yelling gave me the push I needed to finish. We got bubba some ice cream after the race and he was pooped! He fell asleep and slept for 3 hours! Karl slept for 2 haha...it was fun. A lot of work. And so totally worth it.

So...how did I compare? Not too bad for a mom! HAHA:

See how I posted a pic of that bike? I'm in love :) haha. AMAZING!

1st Baseball Game

First off I'm going to highly recommend the Dell Diamond for kids who can walk and up. Well maybe anyone.

Karl's early Father's Day present was taking Hudson to his first baseball game. Now dada is a HUGE Cub's fan but there's no way we can fly to Chicago to go to a Cub's game and the Astros don't play them anymore so I thought lets try this place out. They have a pool, kiddy fun zone that's totally safe for all little ones, bouncy house, trampolines, basketball courts and more. We purchased lawn tickets which I also recommend if you have a little one that doesn't sit still. You can also reserve rocking chairs for an extra $4 on their website. They are in the perfect spot:  shade. 

When we first got there the sun was hot! Luckily Hudson and I went on an adventure and found a picnic table in the shade. The breeze was sooooo nice. Karl was able to chill/hold the picnic table while we ran around to the fun zone. Hudson watched the kids mostly and laughed at them. He also gawked at girls haha. We took turns chasing bubba around since he is kind of too small to go to a baseball game but this is the place I want to go to again just to watch him play and have dada enjoy some baseball. Of course we had to try the burger, hot dog, snow cones, and we let Hudson have a soda. He wanted to drink out of our drink the whole time. Figured he should have his own at the base ball game. 

Hudson looooved watching the bullpen. He watched the ball back and forth with his dada. And it was soooo cute when the announcers would say something to make everyone clap or a good play just happened and the crowd would clap. Hudson clapped right along. Such an amazing bubba. He's awesome.

Something new that makes my heart happy:  Hudson wants his dada a lot! Not that he hasn't in the past but he wants his dada to take him places by grabbing his finger. Doesn't want to leave his dada (not even to go with mama). He has the best seat in the house when he's in his dada's arms. I love my bubba and his dada more than everything! Soon enough these two will be inseparable when it comes to baseball or who knows...anything. Dada is the best :) 

Notice: Clem-in-Time Moving

Our sweet friends are moving to Dallas in June. We had them over so Hudson and Noah could have a last hurrah before they leave. The last time the boys really got to play was on Hudson's birthday in January. Long time but of course they picked up like old friends. Hope to get together one more time before they leave :)

Funniest part of the night:  Noah climbed up the stairs while we were eating in the dining room and Hudson came to the table and pointed towards the stairs to tell on Noah hahahaha. It was sooo cute. We were wondering what Hudson was doing then we hear Noah playing on Chuggington. Hudson had just told on Noah...that's hilarious!

It was a beautiful day. So glad we got to spend some time. It's been awesome to have buddies close to Hudson's age. And even more awesome to see them play together. Natalie is Karl's co-worker but I was introduced to her when I first became pregnant with Hudson. From then on Natalie has been that wonderful mother friend that I can confide in, share how-to's and get ideas. Never judging. Always so supportive and sweet. The best kind of mommy friend a mommy can find.

Hudson showed Noah his love for Rio and both boys boogied to the good music. Noah dropped it like it was hot and Hudson twirled. I loved how when Hudson would lay on the ground Noah would lay down next to him and they would kick their feet to the music. ADORABLE. Hudson pushed Noah on chuggington and they actually did a lot together. Hudson kept trying to hold Noah's hand (such a sweetie!). Noah and I took a selfie. Love his laugh. He giggled at our picture in the reverse camera on my phone. Noah is so smart! He knows how to open apps, shut them down, scroll pictures. Amazing.

We got Noah's foot in the bottom left picture. So funny. 

Ommm B-words at 16 Months

Remember those B words I was telling you about? Not bad words (got ya!) the ones from 15 months haha. Hudson has a love for birds that makes me want to give him a billion. I want to put them in his room. Take him to Rio de Janero to see the birds from Rio. There's nothing more awesome than 1. Seeing him fall in love with the movie Rio. It's full of beautiful birds and awesome music that makes my bubba dance. 2. Him saying the word bird and know exactly what it is. 

We won't be taking any trips to Rio any time soon (darnit) but I will find a place/way to see some awesome birds. Recommendations welcomed!

With a few trips to the pool this month my copycat is ready to jump into the deep end. No fear. From him. He saw some teenage boys do cannonballs into the pool and right after was ready to jump in without anyone to catch him. 

Greatest accomplishment this month? Besides bubba's new words is being a little more self sufficient. Brace yourself. We have a 2 story house and honestly I got tired of telling bubba no and with all of his climbing there was no way to keep him from going up and down the stairs unless I put him in a straight jacket and tied him to me. So, Hudson can now safely go up and down the stairs by himself. I trust him and he trusts himself. That to me is HUGE. Like any milestone that's like opening Pandora's box. He wants to do almost everything by himself. Sometimes won't eat until you him a fork and get out of his face. 

Ahhhh the month of cabin fever. His dada taught him to take your hand and guide him to where he wants to go. OUT. He takes our finger and pulls us to the door. Bubba's favorite place:  outside by the garage playing with his ball and dada. He gets to do this almost every evening and it makes for a wonderful night of sleep for us all (haha). 

 

Food. Ugh. Don't get me started. Boy is picky!! Well actually I think it has some to do with his teething but geeze. He will eat something one day and not the next. I hate how much food we waste :(. 

Speaking of teeth. Took Hudson to his first dentist appointment because we thought he chipped his tooth. Turns out its a normal spot and we found a molar!! I didn't even know he had it cause he won't let you look in his mouth. The dentist was able to get in. It's at the top right side and he's now working on a bottom right one to match. That one is making its debut now. I love his teeth. They are soooo cute!

Each month continues to get wilder and wilder and some days I'm exhausted but it's the most fun I've ever had and ever will have. Bubba you are my world. Happy 16 months sweet baby.