A Dawson Kind of Love

I'm so very proud to tell you that my sister married her best friend on March 8th. I'm so behind on writing about this but I can't stop thinking about it. Their wedding favor was an awesome Ashley & Thomas album that I listen to every time I get in the car. The first time I listened to it the first song came on and I was wondering, "What is this?" Doesn't sound like an Ashley and Thomas song. It was a song from the band that Ashley & Thomas first commented on while on Myspace. They then became acquainted with each other. The rest is history…

The 2nd song made me cry as well as the 7th song. 2nd song The Story by Brandi Carlie is not only a beautiful song but reminds me of a story that Ashley & Thomas shared with me on one of their many adventures to ACL. It reminds me that these two individuals were most definitely made for each other. A pair that was destined to meet in the large sea of people on myspace. The 7th song (even though the rest are good as well - these just stick out to me) The Last Beat of My Heart by Devotchka makes me want to cry from overjoyed happiness in my heart. Such a beautiful song full of spirit that Ashley & Thomas exude. There's an energy that comes from these two that makes your heart feel light and young. The same way I feel when I'm with my angel sissy.

The wedding was full of rain but also a heavy downpour of excitement from such a wonderful union. I feel so unbelievably honored to be a part of their wedding, a part of their lives. My sissy and Thomas are an Amber magnet. My whole heart is happy for them. When I think about Ashley and Thomas I think what an amazing love they have. What an amazing friendship they have. Two people who never want to be separate from each other because they love each other's company more than anything in the world. They listen to each other's dreams and make them happen together. They fight hard for each other. They are the best of friends that anyone could ever wish to have. They are the Nicolas Sparks books you read. The Twilight movie you watch over and over. Nothing is impossible when it comes to Ashley and Thomas. I couldn't be more proud of two individuals who found the love of their life and celebrate it every day.

I almost burst into a weird cry as I walked down the aisle to stand close to my soon to be brother in law that I'm so unbelievably proud of…it made me laugh actually. I can't thank him enough for taking the other half of my heart and making sure it's always happy. When my sister and daddy came down the aisle I was stunned by her beauty and the sweet tearful look on my daddy's face that reminded me of my wedding. He must be so happy to know that both of his daughters are with two wonderful men. 

The wedding was so fun and beautiful. I loved watching my baby and Noah run around on the dance floor before it was time to dance. Uncle James manning the party music. The amazing cakes my amazing talented aunt Brigette and Edye made. It was also beautiful because of my mommy. Everything my mother touches is beautiful. I don't know how I didn't get her amazing gift of making things beautiful but she does it better than anyone I know. It was so wonderful to see all of our family and friends, existing and new, get together for the best day of two amazing people's lives. I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate. In fact, I miss their wedding as Ashley tells me every day I talk to her about it. 

Oh almost forgot, one of my favorite parts. My sister played a song for us to dance to. I totally forgot what she picked for us. As soon as it started I buried my head in my sister's neck and stayed there like an ostrich…and cried the whole time. It's Sister by Dave Mathtews Band. Listen to it. This made me feel so unbelievably special. I can't listen to this song without crying. How did my sister find this song? I could never make it through life without her. She makes me exist. She is my heart walking around this world a part from me most days. I can't believe how amazing she makes me feel. Oh man…makes me miss her just writing this. She's 30 minutes away but even that is too far most days I miss her. She's the only person on this earth that speaks my language. The language to my heart. I exist because she does. Her happiness with her amazing husband makes me feel like the luckiest person on earth. I am forever lucky. I love y'all both so much. Thanks for making me feel amazing. Congratulations!

Early Edition Hudson's Spring Swimsuit Photo Session

Bubba has been sick this week and on Tuesday I knew there were two things that could cheer my bubba up. 1. Playing Outside in the BEAUTIFUL weather and 2. Playing in water. Now, I know that it was probably not a good idea since he is sick but what the heck. This was totally worth it (hopefully for Hudson too):

26 Month Feisty Sweetie

An appropriate time to catch up. My feisty bubba is 26 months. What's he up to these days? Boy is my 2 year old getting feisty. Some times surprises me and makes me sad when I have to discipline him but then I remember (or try to) he's 2 and learning to deal with so many emotions. I can totally relate to that. According to me, they must start at 2 and last you a life time. I'm still dealing with mine every day :).

He's also continued to be the biggest sweetheart ever. We snuggle at night and he wraps his arms around my neck. Or backs up to me and pulls my arm around him. Or kisses me until he falls asleep. When I hold him while we are doing anything he randomly gives mommy kisses or rubs his nose on mine. ANGEL! While he some times gets feisty is also the sweetest little boy I've ever met.

What does Hudson love to do these days? Take off with Pawpaw to Cabelas. Jump on nana and pops' trampoline. Brush his teeth (I love that). Play outside on his play set with mommy until the sun goes down. Thank goodness for the time change. We needed that! Now if we could just have some consistent warm dry weather :). Play trolls with hapa. Fly his kite with daddy.

A few of my favorites. When he sees Oloft from Frozen on the Disney Channel singing "Summmmerrrr" he opens his arms and sings "Summerrrrrrrrr." It's one of the cutest things ever. At night we read this book that's called 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe. When we get to the last page of 10 kids we count the kids together. Hudson does NOT like to say 3 but he will tell you every number other than that one. It absolutely blows me away. He's so smart! He remembers so much too! He's most definitely a sponge. One night we read his book that we read all the time and this time I decided to talk about the stuff on the page as opposed to just reading the words. We talked about how the hippo was playing the tuba, he kitty cat was playing the flute, the cow was playing the drums and the elephant was playing the symbols. He remembered them all the next night! I didn't even tell him and he named them off to me. He LOVES instruments. He has this little yellow toy that he pretends his is violin, trombone and telescope. He'll tell you all 3.

Another precious thing. Pops taught him how to go "woohoo" while they swing on the play set. It's so cute to hear him say "woohoo." It takes a lot of effort to repeat over and over for him and it's absolutely adorable.

How's talking? How's not talking. He never stops talking and it's absolutely awesome. Sometimes I feel like I have a repeat mode cause my little man pretty much repeats everything I say. I can't believe how much he talks and even understands. Blows me away :).

I am forever lucky to be a bystander in this amazing boy's life. He blows me away. Happy 26 months down, forever to go :).

Play Set All Day

I started a blog about this but never posted it! Whoops!

For Christmas Nana and Pops made our little boy's (or maybe mommy's) dreams come true haha. They helped us pick out and get a play set for our backyard. Hudson and I would take several trips a week to a nearby park, Garden Ridge, Chick Fil A, you name it. Any place Hudson could play we went.

With a lot of help Bubba got his play set. Little did I know that my idea would cause 3 trips to too far north in Austin, leveling of our backyard, shoveling dirt, and a extensive installation project. I can't apologize enough for that. BUT after a week of all of that, Hudson was able to get on his new play set and play to until his little heart was content. A few days later it snowed! So it was kind of torture looking at it through the window but sure enough, we've had some awesome weather recently and of course we've been putting it to good use! He LOVES it! I LOVE IT! In fact, we haven't been to that near by park or Garden Ridge in awhile.

It's been so much fun. Hudson and I play on it every evening I get off work until the sun goes down (which right now is only about 1-2 hours of play time if that). And now that the weekends are getting warmer we play then too. In fact, we played this morning.

What does it include you ask (hehe)? Well, it has two ladders on one side that Hudson demands that "mommy climb too." We race to the top. Once we get there he drives the boat and I am his lookout. We're looking for Jake from the Neverland Pirates and Captain Hook. We see sharks and whales and neighbors houses (haha). We switch roles and I get to drive the boat too (so nice of Hudson hehe). Then we slide down the slide. Mommy goes first to get the bugs off the slide. There aren't really any bugs. Hudson thinks the dirt looks like bugs. We run around to the rock wall and see who can climb the fastest..he beats me every time. Then we get our green soccer ball and push the ball in the baby swing. Then Hudson swings and "mommy swings too." It also has a tire swing that Hudson hasn't tried swinging in yet. You kind of need a little one like him because mommy is too big. For now it works well as a safe place for his green soccer ball.

We have 2 weeks from today where our beautiful days will be longer and we can play all night. I can't wait!

My Wild Child: 25 Months

OMG my son is beautiful. I feel like I can't say that enough. I swear after every time we go to the doctor Hudson listens to the doctor and does exactly what she says he's going to do. Apparently two years old develop feelings they don't know how to handle. They get emotional. He heard that and took it as a recommendation lol. Actually, it's amazing because while bubba has gotten in touch with his emotional side for the "sad" "angry" parts he's such a huge lover. I can't tell you how many times he wraps his arms around my neck and gives me kisses. Especially when I'm putting him to sleep. Love love love my angel baby. He's pretty awesome. He tells me, "mommy, come here" and then he wraps his arms around my neck and snuggles me. Seriously?!?! I'm on cloud nine.

What are we up to these days? Talking so much. He copies everything we say and he's telling me so much. I LOVE it. He can now tell me "ouch that hurt" "I hit my arm" "I throw it away" "wipe my nose" I could go on. Eureka! He can tell me what's wrong. This is groundbreaking. This also gets more and more fun. Now that he's talking a lot more he's getting to the age where kids say the cutest things. For example, he tells me "mommy, I get that moon down!" with a serious face and as he points his finger down to the ground. So cute!  Just look at that precious face>>>>>>>>

He LOVES his new sunglasses and hat that he would NOT even let you get close to him with a few months ago. He tells me the sun is his eyes. I tell him to put on his sunglasses he says otay. Or he'll tell me, "mommy, I look this way" so the sun doesn't get in his eyes. Boy he's so smart! I love it. My favorite thing about Hudson right now (besides everything hehe) - his fake laugh. He's so good at it. It's so darn cute! Ok, it might not be fake (wishful thinking) but he sure does know how to make you feel like your jokes are funny. He'll continue his little fake laugh until your heart is content. Love it. Also, something new (kind of) right at bubba's 2nd birthday he had started to climb out of his crib. As of last night we are transitioning to a big bed. I'll report next month on how it goes but so far he loves to sleep in it. Especially when mommy is right by his side. 

Below:  Taking a look at our amazing city with his Aunt Ashley (sheee). Can't wait to spend more beautiful days with Hudson out on this awesome playground of a city we live in.

We have less than 3 weeks before the time change which will mean so much more time for playing on Hudson's playset (which we plan on every chance we get) and more awesome memories in the awesome weather to come. It's going to be a beautiful spring in this beautiful life I have. 

 
Hudson has so much character. He's had so much character for a long time. His little personality never seizes to amaze me. He's amazing. Love this little boy with my whole heart. Dada and I always talk about how wonderful you are every night bubba. You mean the world to us. Love you!

First Austin Marathon 2014

Wowsers! What a race. Ok, I don't call it a race. It's a marathon. So glad I can finally say that I ran a marathon. How was it? Well...this is how it went down.

I trained with my good friend Nancy who ran several long runs with me in the wee hours of the morning. I also ran long runs when Hudson was napping. Short runs with Hudson in his stroller or when pawpaw or daddy were hanging on to bubba. And also a few runs when Hudson was with nana and pops. I ran when I could and knew Hudson was in good hands. 

How did the race itself go? I made Ashley nervous in the car but continuously screaming on the way to the race. Random screaming. Like, "WHAT DID I SIGN MYSELF UP FOR?" and "OMG AHHHH!" We lined up with the 5 hour group because I believe that was the last marker (haha). I had high (really high) hopes of finishing at 4:45. Boy was I off. LOL! It's ok though. I'm cool with it. 

Cause every race should start with a duck face and a scared to death look.

We started off the run strong. Doing great running up Congress. I really enjoyed my sissy running with me. She's my partner in crime and anything fun. We split between mile 6-7 and it was a sad departing but I was lucky to have ran the beginning with her. She started me off strong. After Shelly pointed out to me that Congress was a faster incline than the 8 mile stretch from 11-19 I was quickly convinced that I was in good shape after mile 8. Eh hem...after passing the split I was thinking how lucky I was to not have to run up the hill that the half marathoners had to...and then...I ran up a hill I was not expecting to be there. What?!?! I thought I was getting off lucky. Boy was I wrong. I ran hills during training runs in preparations but what I should have done was run all my runs in my hills (our neighborhood is super hilly - more hilly than the Austin Marathon). That would have prepared me for the killer hike between mile 11-17. Once I got to 17 it seems to taper off and felt like I was running on flat ground even though there was a slight incline. At mile 20 I took some ibuprofen (good call sissy) and hit the gas. I sprinted (well what felt like sprinting) I then reminded myself that I had 6 more miles which could be well over an hour. So I slowed myself down. When I had 3 miles left I hit the gas again and was flying past people. I wanted to do this because I knew for sure I would walk up the last hill at the race. BUT I didn't. I put Sail on by AWOLNATION and while listening to it 3 times in a row I ran up the hill to be greeted by my mother-in-law who saw me at mile 2, 8, 15 and finish (as was Shelly and Pops). They helped me so much by seeing them. In fact, they kept me going strong. A driving force to keep on running. Or as Shelly told me, "put one foot in front of the other." And of course my sissy reminding me to "do it for Hudson." Once I got to the hill and started to run down I saw my wonderful family. Kissed my baby and sprinted to the finish line. I was so unbelievably happy to finish. I finished in 5 hours and 24 minutes. I'm most definitely happy with that. 

Best part after finishing was taking a nap with my angel!

Thoughts on my experience? Was it fun? Yes. The beginning was haha. By mile 20 I was most definitely ready for it to be over. I joked by saying I'll never do another one again but there's more to that then just feeling super tired by the end or having a hard time during the race. And here's my reason why. That night and the day after (today) I could give Hudson my undivided attention. No stress of having to figure out when my next long run was going to be. How I was going to run a marathon and give all of the attention to Hudson that I want to give. That's what makes it hard. Every long run I was on I thought about Hudson the whole time. I wondered what he was doing even though he was sleeping. So...would I do it again? Maybe. Ask me in 10 years :). Do I think Hudson will be proud of his mommy one day? Yes. Overall it was an amazing experience to have done it by age 30 (another goal of mine - I have a lot of those haha). I can cross that off my list and fulfill another item. Check. 

Valentines Day 2014

A day most definitely worth mentioning :). I took Hudson to HEB to pick out a rose for mawmaw and sheeee (aunt Ashley). Bubba was excited to pick roses and he did NOT want to let them go. I had to tell him that once we got to the shop he could bring them in. I had to remind him several times he would get to hold them again (so he wouldn't break them on the way there). They were surprised and we also brought pawpaw some candy and a card. 

Then bubba and I headed back home for nap. We didn't tell dada what I had planned for the evening. I texted him the address to go to when he got off of work and asked him to meet bubba and me there. It was the Aquarium. It took Hudson and I awhile to get there. Traffic was bad but it was fun. 

Dada and bubba bought me flowers and a card and we went into the Aquarium. Bubba loved it. He LOVED the stingray tank. He grabbed our hands and told us to touch the stingrays. He was so cute. He loved splashing in the water. 

Bubba really loved the snake. Hope he doesn't think they are all cute. LOL. He actually looked into the snakes habitat and put his nose up against the window. The snake got close the glass and it didn't even phase him. 

Also "NEMO" was a huge hit :)

A wonderful Valentine's Day we had bubba. Daddy and I love you with our entire hearts!