Matt and I officially retired the wonderful Snugabunny swing on Sunday...
It was a sad sad day. But, on the flipside, we got our room back! Hudson is now sleeping in his crib...drumroll, please........ ALL BY HIMSELF! He has done really well. He has turned into a tummy sleeper which makes me totally nervous, and yes I still go and check on him to make sure he is breathing. I think I wake up at least 3 times a night. Which means he is sleeping better than I!
The swing is one of the last "newborn" phase items we had to pack up. I just cannot believe we have almost reached half a year. Which brings me to a personal brag... I have been exclusively pumping for almost 6 months! Can I get a hallelujah??!! Six more months to go. I am determined to pump the entire first year.
The other day, Hudson and I were in Baby Gap and I saw a very pregnant woman shopping. She told me she is due in June and looked like she wanted to die. Which I totally remember and do not, under any circumstance miss. Ask my mom, she had to hear about it 3 times a day. Anyway, I told her she looked gorgeous and that she was so close to being done. She told me she appreciated the kind words, and it made me remember how much I wished people would have told me how great I looked. Coming from someone other than Matt or my mother, it made my day when strangers would say that i looked cute! So I have made it my mission to ALWAYS compliment new moms or moms to be. Because it SUCKS when you feel like everyone just stares at you or says things like, "Oh, I was so much smaller/bigger than that at 7 months" or "My friend/coworker/sister/neighbor is just as far along but doesnt look that way". Do you know what I really wanted to say so badly??? Guess what? Im not ya' stinkin' neighbor, so shut up!
Unless you are telling a mom to be or new mom how amazing she looks, dont ever say anything.
Which brings me to another point. Hudson flirts with everyone when we are out. It is adorable. Except he is in this "stranger danger" mode when I hand him over to someone. He flips and starts bawling. Anyway, a lady commented on how much he looked like me and had my eyes and lips, and I about fell out of my chair. I wanted to hug and kiss her, and call her my new best friend! Yes, I realize that when Hudson was born he looked JUST like Matt. BUT, he has changed so much. He is a great mix of the both of us. Somedays, I only see Matt and others Ill only see me. Maybe I think I deserve a little validation! I am the one who carried his 9.9 lb booty and hugged the toilet and gagged at the refridgerator! I am the one who had a scary c section! I am the one who takes care of him while Matt is away. So yeah, I think I deserve to hear he looks like me. You know why? Because he is MY kid, too! He doesnt look "just like Matt" or "just like Jessica". He looks like Hudson. Hudson is his OWN person. He isnt his dad. He isnt me. He is just Hudson. Perfect, determined, strong willed and bull headed Hudson.
Love,
J and H
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Invaluable Lessons
I very often think of the person Hudson will grow up to be. I have so many ideas and hopes for his future, but the KIND of person Hudson turns out to be matters the most to me.
I overheard a woman a couple weeks ago tell her daughter (who was about 8 or so) to "be teachable". Is that not a great thing to tell your child? Be teachable. Listen and learn from correction. Ive thought about that statement quite often since hearing it. I love what it means. I want Hudson to value what others that teach him say and truly understand why. Being teachable will make him such a better person in the future. To me, this is invaluable for the way he lives his life. It teaches him respect, gives him guidance and confidence. Be teachable... It is never too late to be teachable.
Last night, we went to dinner with our families! It was a great evening. After dinner, my mom and I were coming out of the restaurant, and I observed a little girl getting upset because she couldnt ride the mechanical pony again. (Yes, I observe quite often). Anyways, as her daughter was getting upset and on the verge of tears, her mother calmly looked at her and said, "thankfulness". It took her a few times to repeat it until the daughter walked away from the pony. Some parents would give in to avoid a meltdown. Heck, it is only 50 cents or so to ride, right? But instead, she taught her daughter an invaluable lesson. Be thankful for getting a ride, there is no need to over indulge. I so very badly need to teach Hudson thankfulness. I want him to be happy with what he does have. Are there times where I will give him more than just one ride? Sure! But creating a habit is so easy to do. I love the lesson of thankfulness and everything it means.
I hope these lessons will carve Hudson into a kind, considerate, and thankful person. Parenting can be anything you want it to be. And I always look at others setting good examples and really hold onto it. Lessons are important. Learning from others and being positive is so important. Having a good attitude will only set Hudson up for success. I am his example. And he watches me every waking moment.
As Oprah would say, that was my "ah hah" moment.
Love,
J and H .
I overheard a woman a couple weeks ago tell her daughter (who was about 8 or so) to "be teachable". Is that not a great thing to tell your child? Be teachable. Listen and learn from correction. Ive thought about that statement quite often since hearing it. I love what it means. I want Hudson to value what others that teach him say and truly understand why. Being teachable will make him such a better person in the future. To me, this is invaluable for the way he lives his life. It teaches him respect, gives him guidance and confidence. Be teachable... It is never too late to be teachable.
Last night, we went to dinner with our families! It was a great evening. After dinner, my mom and I were coming out of the restaurant, and I observed a little girl getting upset because she couldnt ride the mechanical pony again. (Yes, I observe quite often). Anyways, as her daughter was getting upset and on the verge of tears, her mother calmly looked at her and said, "thankfulness". It took her a few times to repeat it until the daughter walked away from the pony. Some parents would give in to avoid a meltdown. Heck, it is only 50 cents or so to ride, right? But instead, she taught her daughter an invaluable lesson. Be thankful for getting a ride, there is no need to over indulge. I so very badly need to teach Hudson thankfulness. I want him to be happy with what he does have. Are there times where I will give him more than just one ride? Sure! But creating a habit is so easy to do. I love the lesson of thankfulness and everything it means.
I hope these lessons will carve Hudson into a kind, considerate, and thankful person. Parenting can be anything you want it to be. And I always look at others setting good examples and really hold onto it. Lessons are important. Learning from others and being positive is so important. Having a good attitude will only set Hudson up for success. I am his example. And he watches me every waking moment.
As Oprah would say, that was my "ah hah" moment.
Love,
J and H .
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Celebrations, Saying Goodbye & Failing
Hudson has had a lot of things to celebrate in the last couple weeks! It has been a very exciting time around here. He turned FIVE months old on Monday! I have a FIVE month old?! When did that happen? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was being wheeled into the O.R.
He is now sitting up on his own, and just as full of personality as ever! He also just celebrated his first Easter. It was a great day! We took him to two Easter egg hunts, and there was petting zoo at the first one. He loved the goats, which I think is so funny. And to top that off, Hudson just had his first ever photography session. The pictures are absolutely amazing, and brought me to tears. He looked so perfect and innocent and just lovely. He tried to eat the bunny rabbit, but whatever! I dont think they could have been any better. He was pretty shocked at all the lights and crazy people trying to make him smile, but it was a great experience.
So, a couple days before he turned 5 months, I packed up all of his too small clothes. That was truly heart breaking for me to do. Dont get me wrong, I love that he is turning into this little boy, who is fun and growing! But I sat there watching him play on his tummy as I packed away my favorite outfits. The one he wore to meet Santa at a month old, the outfit his Honey gave him at my baby shower... All these clothes I spent months buying, sorting into color, size, long sleeve, short sleeve. It seemed unreal that he hadnt worn them in months. I was attached to those clothes. Before he was here, I would walk into his closet, with my big ol' belly, and make sure everything was perfect and ready. And now they are just in a box, in storage. I cried as I packed them away in the same spot I had once sorted them. Just some clothes, right? No. They arent. They were a peice of the love and anticipation and preparation I had put into Hudson before he was here. I just know before long Ill be planning birthdays and going to baseball games. It was hard to say goodbye to those first days and weeks. They were a blur due to sleep deprivation and recovery. But with every ending, you start a new beginning!
Tonight has most definitely been the worst night I have experienced, as a mom. Im exhausted. Im by myself. And I dont know what I can do to help Hudson sleep. He has not slept in over 6 hours. And believe me when I say Ive done everything. I have rocked, fed, changed, shhhhh'd, cried with him, used the swing, and Ive even let him "cry it out"... I hate that term more than any other. But guess what? He still isnt asleep. He is making pitiful noises as he continues to fight sleep. He has had tylenol, a bath, music.... I dont know what else to do. I feel like a failure for the second time since becoming a mom. I know him best and I dont know what he needs.... so I failed. Ive been wanting to do some sleep training to get him in his crib at night, instead of the swing. And I have failed miserably. So i guess Matt will just need to construct a swing he can take to college with him....
Love, J and H
He is now sitting up on his own, and just as full of personality as ever! He also just celebrated his first Easter. It was a great day! We took him to two Easter egg hunts, and there was petting zoo at the first one. He loved the goats, which I think is so funny. And to top that off, Hudson just had his first ever photography session. The pictures are absolutely amazing, and brought me to tears. He looked so perfect and innocent and just lovely. He tried to eat the bunny rabbit, but whatever! I dont think they could have been any better. He was pretty shocked at all the lights and crazy people trying to make him smile, but it was a great experience.
So, a couple days before he turned 5 months, I packed up all of his too small clothes. That was truly heart breaking for me to do. Dont get me wrong, I love that he is turning into this little boy, who is fun and growing! But I sat there watching him play on his tummy as I packed away my favorite outfits. The one he wore to meet Santa at a month old, the outfit his Honey gave him at my baby shower... All these clothes I spent months buying, sorting into color, size, long sleeve, short sleeve. It seemed unreal that he hadnt worn them in months. I was attached to those clothes. Before he was here, I would walk into his closet, with my big ol' belly, and make sure everything was perfect and ready. And now they are just in a box, in storage. I cried as I packed them away in the same spot I had once sorted them. Just some clothes, right? No. They arent. They were a peice of the love and anticipation and preparation I had put into Hudson before he was here. I just know before long Ill be planning birthdays and going to baseball games. It was hard to say goodbye to those first days and weeks. They were a blur due to sleep deprivation and recovery. But with every ending, you start a new beginning!
Tonight has most definitely been the worst night I have experienced, as a mom. Im exhausted. Im by myself. And I dont know what I can do to help Hudson sleep. He has not slept in over 6 hours. And believe me when I say Ive done everything. I have rocked, fed, changed, shhhhh'd, cried with him, used the swing, and Ive even let him "cry it out"... I hate that term more than any other. But guess what? He still isnt asleep. He is making pitiful noises as he continues to fight sleep. He has had tylenol, a bath, music.... I dont know what else to do. I feel like a failure for the second time since becoming a mom. I know him best and I dont know what he needs.... so I failed. Ive been wanting to do some sleep training to get him in his crib at night, instead of the swing. And I have failed miserably. So i guess Matt will just need to construct a swing he can take to college with him....
Love, J and H
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Mood Killer
What is more special than a quiet snuggle moment that a mother and child spend together? I cannot really think of anything!
Hudson just woke up from a nap, and was still a little sleepy. I took him out of the swing and sat down to rock him in the chair. I was thinking about when we first brought Hudson home and how I would sit and rock with him for hours. He was so snuggly and little, and I was so full of adrenaline those first few days. So as I am reliving this moment, all of the sudden I feel something warm, gooey, and unpleasant slide down my chest....blehhhhh. He spit up all over me, covered my shirt and sports bra. Not a second later goes by, and I hear him filling up his diaper.... Way to ruin the moment, Hudson!
So I change him, laugh at him for being a silly baby, and take him into the living room. Im about to put him in his jumperoo when.... another diaper change is needed. And we are back to square one!
Oh, the kid! He gives me a look like, "im just trying to keep you on your toes, momma!"
Hudson's new trick of the week: Drumroll! ..... He is sitting up unassisted! For a long time, too! Way to go, baby! He likes to show off!
He is also doing this thing that Matt and I call the "inchworm". When he is really ticked off, and is laying on his back, he will arch his back and push with his feet. He "scoots" like this around the area. Its funny until he hits his head on the crib bars...
Have a good one! And prayers to all of the tornado victims.
Love,
J and H
Hudson just woke up from a nap, and was still a little sleepy. I took him out of the swing and sat down to rock him in the chair. I was thinking about when we first brought Hudson home and how I would sit and rock with him for hours. He was so snuggly and little, and I was so full of adrenaline those first few days. So as I am reliving this moment, all of the sudden I feel something warm, gooey, and unpleasant slide down my chest....blehhhhh. He spit up all over me, covered my shirt and sports bra. Not a second later goes by, and I hear him filling up his diaper.... Way to ruin the moment, Hudson!
So I change him, laugh at him for being a silly baby, and take him into the living room. Im about to put him in his jumperoo when.... another diaper change is needed. And we are back to square one!
Oh, the kid! He gives me a look like, "im just trying to keep you on your toes, momma!"
Hudson's new trick of the week: Drumroll! ..... He is sitting up unassisted! For a long time, too! Way to go, baby! He likes to show off!
He is also doing this thing that Matt and I call the "inchworm". When he is really ticked off, and is laying on his back, he will arch his back and push with his feet. He "scoots" like this around the area. Its funny until he hits his head on the crib bars...
Have a good one! And prayers to all of the tornado victims.
Love,
J and H
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunburns and Baseball
Happy coffee drinking to you! Or whatever beverage you prefer!
Yesterday, my mom and I took Hudson to Cade's baseball game. We were super smart and forgot sunscreen. So naturally, we got fried! I havent been out in the Texas heat for over a year, because last summer I was NOT getting out unless I absolutely had to. Being pregnant in the summer was a terrible idea! We will have to plan that a little better next time!
Hudson went to his first baseball game yesterday!! He watched his Uncle Cade pitch a great game. He sat in his stroller, flirted with all the girls, and had a great afternoon. Dont worry, he was in the shade the whole time.
While I was watching the game, I couldnt help but think what Hudson will be like when he is 10 years old. Will we be watching him play baseball? What kind of kid will he be? I was watching Cade help and encourage his team, and I prayed that Hudson will be that kind of person. It made me look at all the other mothers and appreciate how proud they are of their children. They encouraged and cheered on the boys. Did they look at Hudson and think, "Wow, it feels like yesterday that my baby was that small?"
Hudson is going to be 5 months on the 9th. It just doesnt seem possible. When people see us out and about, so many say, "hold on to this. It is over before you know it". And I actually like hearing those words because it is a reminder to me. Dont get so frustrated, dont wish that teething will hurry up and be over. Because one day, it will be me in the stands cheering on a ten year old Hudson. What will life be like in ten years? How many more kids will we have added on to our family? Life really is short and fast. we are here for such a small amount of time. I hope that in the next ten years I can teach Hudson to be a kind and encouraging person. I hope he is genuinely happy and proud of himself. I never knew going to a little league game could make me think all of this. At the end of the day, I just hold Hudson tight and hope that he lives out all of his dreams.
And Kendall, thank you so much for the basket idea! I have some great thoughts toward his Easter basket!
Have a great Sunday, everyone.
Love, J and H .
Yesterday, my mom and I took Hudson to Cade's baseball game. We were super smart and forgot sunscreen. So naturally, we got fried! I havent been out in the Texas heat for over a year, because last summer I was NOT getting out unless I absolutely had to. Being pregnant in the summer was a terrible idea! We will have to plan that a little better next time!
Hudson went to his first baseball game yesterday!! He watched his Uncle Cade pitch a great game. He sat in his stroller, flirted with all the girls, and had a great afternoon. Dont worry, he was in the shade the whole time.
While I was watching the game, I couldnt help but think what Hudson will be like when he is 10 years old. Will we be watching him play baseball? What kind of kid will he be? I was watching Cade help and encourage his team, and I prayed that Hudson will be that kind of person. It made me look at all the other mothers and appreciate how proud they are of their children. They encouraged and cheered on the boys. Did they look at Hudson and think, "Wow, it feels like yesterday that my baby was that small?"
Hudson is going to be 5 months on the 9th. It just doesnt seem possible. When people see us out and about, so many say, "hold on to this. It is over before you know it". And I actually like hearing those words because it is a reminder to me. Dont get so frustrated, dont wish that teething will hurry up and be over. Because one day, it will be me in the stands cheering on a ten year old Hudson. What will life be like in ten years? How many more kids will we have added on to our family? Life really is short and fast. we are here for such a small amount of time. I hope that in the next ten years I can teach Hudson to be a kind and encouraging person. I hope he is genuinely happy and proud of himself. I never knew going to a little league game could make me think all of this. At the end of the day, I just hold Hudson tight and hope that he lives out all of his dreams.
And Kendall, thank you so much for the basket idea! I have some great thoughts toward his Easter basket!
Have a great Sunday, everyone.
Love, J and H .
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