Grandma Julene

 I'm a little late posting this (okay, a lot late posting this!) My mom, Julene, came to visit us 3 days after Hudson was born. She stayed for a week and was SUCH big help. Seriously, I don't know if we could of done it without her.

I've never been one to ask for help, but I know Chris and I had a smoother transition into parenthood because of the help we received that first week. I've heard over and over again that life completely changes once you become a parent, and don't get me wrong...it definitely does, but having my mom here the first week made this life changing event easier for me. I still took long hot showers (heck, I even got a couple baths in there too) and I was able to do my hair and makeup (when I felt like it.) Being able to do those things on a regular basis for a week made me feel normal again. Now I don't know about all you other moms out there, but being able to feel normal after having a baby is something I really wanted...and LOVED getting.

Thank you mom, for all you did to help Chris and I out. (She did EVERYTHING guys! Cooked, cleaned, ran errands, helped with Hudson, and even vacuumed the way I like our carpet vacuumed! Yes, I'm a little OCD when it comes to vacuuming.) We appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Hudson: One Month

Oh my gosh--Hudson is one month old today! I seriously cannot believe it. It honestly feels like just yesterday I was waiting for him to come into this world, time goes by way too fast! He is so much fun and we love him so much.

Adjusting to life with a baby was not an easy one. One of the main things that took some getting used to was night time feedings (I'd like to think I'm pretty used to it by now.) Waking up, very drowsy, at 2am to feed Hudson was something that didn't come easy...but its definitely worth it.

Hudson's weight & length stats:

April 18 (birth): 7lbs 5oz & 19.45in long

April 23: 7lbs & 19.45in long

May 14: 8lbs 6oz & 20.5in long

May 16: 8lbs 10oz & 20.5in long

-As you can see, little man is definitely growing. I feel like he eats ALL the time, but really its every 2-3 hours. During the night its about the same, I've gotten lucky and he's slept 4hrs straight twice.
-He is getting very strong. He's really good at holding his neck up, of course he gets tired after a little bit and has to rest, but I am definitely impressed. He also has pretty strong legs (I knew that before he was born though, from all those powerful kicks I'd feel in my tummy.)
-We have a very cuddly little boy, he likes to snuggle. Cuddling with him is my new favorite past time.
-Still in newborn diapers. I pulled out the size 1's the other day and couldn't use them....they were huge! Chris said all we needed were straps... then they could be used as overalls.
-He doesn't like onions & gets really bad tummy aches when I eat them.
-LOVES bath time!
-He's a very good baby, rarely ever cries. He does this thing where he randomly lets out a scream, then he's fine. Chris calls them "BRO'S" (baby random outbursts)
-Smiles in his sleep & while hes eating.
-Went to sacrament meeting for the first time on 5/13/12. He fussed a little, so Chris took him out and held him then he went right back to sleep.
-He loves to spit up on me. I think I have to change my clothes just as much as I have to change his.
-Chris already has him watching rugby. Saturday mornings he takes Hudson out in the living room and lets me catch up on sleep. They watch rugby.
-He snorts. When he was first born he did it so much and we thought it would be something that would stick. We realized he only does it when he has a nose full of boogers.
-He hates it when I suck the boogers out of his nose. (....who wouldn't, right?)

Be prepared for a picture overload. These are a few highlights from the first month of his life.

First walk at the park

Proof that Dad's do change diapers

Hudson had jaundice & had to be hooked up to this machine for 5 days. 

He also had to get his foot pricked at the hospital everyday :(

First visitor-Grandma 

Tummy time. Taking a break to look up at mama.

Posing for the camera.

First bath!

Newborn pictures taken by Kandice Stewart. (at 3 weeks old)

These are just a few of my fav's.

I went a little crazy today taking some 1 month old pictures of him, but I love this one the most.

He HATES being naked....so I was surprised he wasn't crying when I took this.

LOVE his yawns!

Every month I'll be posting a picture like this to document his growth. :)

This past month has been so much fun. I am loving being a mommy! Its seriously the best thing in the world and is so rewarding!!

Love

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."-Henry Ward Beecher

When I first saw that perfect face, that curly hair, those inviting eyes and that tiny little nose, I fell in love. It wasn't the mushy-gooshy husband wife kind of love either...the love I had for him was different. I had always loved him. I loved him before I knew he was coming to this world, before I knew he was going to be mine. Even through the sleepless nights, the messy diapers, the spit up and the cries....being a mom is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Hudson will be 3 weeks old tomorrow and I don't know where the time has gone. I never understood what people meant when they said enjoy all the little moments because they'll be grown up before you know it. Its so true. Stay tuned for Hudson's 1 month stats :)