October 29, 2012

Traditions


There's something that has been on my mind lately...traditions. Particularly Christmas traditions. With Christmas just around the corner (seriously though, it's almost November!) and my new little family of three, I thought now would be a good time to start thinking of the traditions I want to start this year. I know Hudson wont remember this Christmas, or even next Christmas, but I want him to be able to look back, see the pictures, and know that we have been doing these traditions for all of his life. 

Growing up my family had a couple traditions that have stuck with me. Some that I'd like to carry on and do with my own family. Every Christmas Eve we would open one present from my parents, and that one present was always new pajamas. I don't know if it was the comfort of knowing what I would get, or the fact that I always had new, warm pajamas to sleep in the night before Santa came, but I have always loved this tradition. The second one is waffles on Christmas morning. For as long as I can remember we've had waffles every Christmas morning. I don't even know if this is something my parents meant to become a "tradition" but it's something that as I kid, and even now as an adult, I look(ed) forward to.

Here's the bad part about being an adult. There are these little things we have (or our spouses have), called jobs, that can prevent families from being together on the holidays. I have spent 22 Christmas' with my family. That's a lot of Christmas'. This Christmas will be different. As many of you know, Chris started a new job back in August. 

New employee = low end of the totem-pole, grunt work, last-to-get-days-off-for-the-holidays.

 Now, I am so so so thankful that he has a job, because in this economy not many people do, I just wish that every single person could have a "Holiday PAYED Vacation Week" off for Christmas. Is that too much to ask?

Anyways, my point is, I think that starting new traditions (& carrying on past traditions) will bring a little piece of "home" to our Christmas this year. Even though it will be just us three, I am going to make it just as fun. 

What are your favorite family traditions??

October 22, 2012

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October 20, 2012

We said...


I was recently blog stalking (yes..I am guilty) and came across this post where this girl and her husband filled out a marriage/relationship type survey and put it on their blog. I thought it was a cute idea, so last night Chris and I took on the challenge. We filled it out separately, then compared answers....here it is.


1. How long have you been dating and/or married?
She said: "We dated only a couple weeks before getting engaged, and we've been married for 1 year, 6 months and 11 days :)"
He said: "I say eternity, the calendar shows 18 months."

2. What did you think of each other when you first met? Was it love at first sight?
She said: "I thought he was smokin' hot. He was wearing a black Adidas hoodie, basketball shorts, and a smile to die for. I think it was love at first sight for me...but not for him."
He said: "Just a friend, I wasn’t looking for love and no, it was not love at first sight… am I allowed to say that? But in all honesty, every day I fall more in love with her and she never ceases to amaze me of her qualities!"

3. What have you learned from your relationship?
She said: "Patience. Marriage is something that needs to be worked on daily and not something that comes easy to everyone."
He said: "What’s mine is hers and what’s hers is hers. If the wife isn’t happy, then no one is happy. Sacrifice!"

4. Who makes the decisions in your relationship?
She said: " I'd like to say both of us, but we all know it's me. Just kidding...it depends on what we are deciding."
He said: "I choose what kind of cereal I eat in the morning… that’s about it. Even my clothing must be approved before I can walk out the door. Guys, am I alone in this?"

5. When did you know you had found “the one”?
She said: "I'd say the 2nd time hanging out. He was (and still is) very easy to talk to and makes me laugh like no other. Both were important qualities to me."
He said: "When she told me! At that point, I really had no choice. It was even a miracle that someone would even consider me."

6. What is the best advice you have to offer a new couple?
She said: "Compromise is KEY! Seriously. If you don't know how to compromise you better learn if you want to keep your relationship."
He said: "This marks the end of your miserable life. Soon you’ll find out which end I’m talking about."

7. What was your first date?
She said: "Olive Garden. I taught him how to twirl pasta with a spoon. Meant-to-be-people!"
He said: "Olive Garden – this is where it started, she demanded I eat the pasta her way."

8. What are five words that describe Alyssa?
She said: "Creative, funny, nurturer, planner, betty-crocker"
He said: "Caring, beautiful, smart, hilarious, friend"

9. What are five words that describe Chris?
She said: "Hardworking, cuddly, handsome, smart, STUD"
He said: "Annoying, clumsy, hardworking, dedicated, happy"

10. What is one thing that your partner does that makes you feel most loved?
She said: "He courts me. Buys me flowers, takes me on dates, opens doors for me, tells me I'm beautiful and treats me like a lady."
He said: "When she holds my arm while we walk."


Now go grab your significant other and fill it out yourself, it's fun!

October 18, 2012

Hudson: Six Months

Six months? Woah...seriously? My baby has been here for half of a year already!? Where has the time gone? This past month has been big for us, Hudson has been progressing so much!

-Not sure on his weight stats...we have an appointment on Tuesday...so once I get the info I will update!
-First plane trip; September 25, 2012 [Phoenix to Las Vegas] He did a lot better than I thought he would! Slept most of the way and was the center of attention at the airport.
-First try of baby food; September 22, 2012 [Green Beans] We recorded the whole thing...video below. We're seriously thinking of sending it into America's Funniest Home Videos.
-His favorite foods are oatmeal, sweet potatoes and carrots. 
-Loves to look at himself in the mirror. 
-He loves bath time and usually splashes all the water out of his little bathtub.
-He's a tiny guy. Most of his clothes are still the 3 months size.
-Makes sounds like a dinosaur. Or a fishing reel...I can't decide.
-Loves playing outside and has discovered the grass.
-Its just a matter of days before he starts crawling. He gets up on his hands and knees, rocks back and forth and lunges forward.
-Is slowly and surely getting better at sleeping in his own room, his in big boy crib.
-Loves Playhouse Disney.

Going for a walk---Love his little toes---In Las Vegas---Meeting dad for lunch

Helping mom with laundry---Carrot face---Shopping at Target---New Bumbo

All dressed up for church :)

Just hanging out

First boarding pass

His crawling stance








October 17, 2012

Playing outside


I give it a couple weeks, he'll be crawling in no time. 



He found the grass. He wasn't so sure at first, but he loved it. 

October 16, 2012

A Man's Best Friend...

I have a secret for you. Did you know that (usually) your city/town has a website where all the events/happenings in the area are all organized on a neat calendar? It's called the city council website. Click here to find out what I'm talking about. I love to take advantage of those calenders to find fun things for my little family to do on the weekends. Usually the events are free...but sometimes they cost a small fee or ask for a donation of some sort. 

Last week I decided to sit down and compile a list of events for us to go to. We now have something planned for almost every weekend for the next couple months. I love it. It's something for us to look forward to (and you too...because there will more than likely be blog posts to document our adventures!) 

This past Saturday (October 13, 2012) we went to the local farmers market and then to the 13th Annual BARKtoberfest (you now know the reason behind my post title...) The BARKtoberfest is a festival in honor of dogs. Plain and simple. We went, even though we don't have a pooch of our own, because we knew it would be fun for Hudson. He loves being outside and loves looking and exploring. Whats better than getting your toes licked by something that's around the same size as you? Nothing. Hudson loved that part. 



Now, I love dogs....but I don't love dogs as much as some of these people do. Their priorities probably went something like this: DOG, food, DOG, water, DOG, self, DOG, then kids. We saw a variety of different booths, some that were out of control. Pet photography, custom made dog beds...my list could go on.




I do think that every animal deserves to have a loving home. Somewhere where their owners will take good care of them, love them and treat them with respect. I loved that the BARKtoberfest was promoting dog adoptions.


Overall, it was a fun day. Keep on the lookout for our fun weekend activities to come!

October 11, 2012

Five (1/2) Month Favorites

These past 5 1/2 months have been awesome. Like really guys, having a baby changes everything...but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Being a mom (a parent) is the best thing ever. 

Here are some of the things that have helped get us through these past 5 (1/2) months:

All Laundry Detergent. If you have a baby, you will do A LOT of laundry. A lot, a lot, a lot. Dreft is usually the "go to" detergent. You know, the one that all the pediatricians tell you to use. But if you want something that is cheaper, and in my opinion, just as good as Dreft...go with All. 

Baby bath tub. Before we had Hudson we asked a good amount of people about the essentials for baby, and not very many people said a baby bath tub. But I seriously don't know what we would do without it. He STILL uses it & I plan on using it until he can sit up all by himself without help.

Baby Magic Lotion. This stuff is heavenly. I like it better than Johnson & Johnson's stuff. The smell lasts for-ev-er! I even use the Baby Magic baby bath soap. 

Swing. We have the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders swing and sometimes I think it saves my life. Up until this point, he would only take his naps if he was in his swing. And if you know anything about people in general...you know they need sleep to function.

Gerber Oatmeal. I've had Hudson eating rice cereal since he was about 3 1/2 months old...thinking it would help his sleep become more regular. Well it didn't, and just recently I tried the oatmeal and he LOVES it. He even slept 7 hours one night. Ya, sadly it was just one night.

Burp cloths. We go through these like crazy & I try to always have one on hand at all times. Just my luck though, the time that we run into the store to grab something real quick I leave it in the car and he spits up all over me, and the floor. 

Taggies football. He loves this toy. I don't know what it is about babies...but they love putting things in their mouth. Feet, fingers, other peoples fingers, toys, whatever it is...it goes in the mouth. This is the perfect toy for that. See those little tags all over the football? Ya, those go in his mouth. All. The. Time.

Boppy Pillow. Also known as "the lifesaver." Seriously. This little U shaped pillow is amazing, especially if you're breastfeeding. It can also be used to prop baby up and is wonderful for tummy time. Hudson hated his tummy when he was a newborn...but tummy time is crucial, so we used this and he didn't mind.

Cartoons. Now, I'm not one to let the TV be my babysitter. Especially because it isn't the BEST thing for little baby eyes, but sometimes I just need a break. Sometimes I need to get things done around the house and when Hudson is distracted I can do just that. 



October 4, 2012

A Bookshelf for Hudson's Room

Hudson and I were in Las Vegas this past week for a wedding and to visit my family. While we were there, my parents neighbors were getting rid of an old bookshelf. I had been looking for one for Hudson's room, but couldn't find one that was "just right." I decided to take this one and see what I could come up with.


Here's the before picture...


My dad helped out by cutting the top of it off. My mom & I sanded 
and I painted. I think it turned out pretty good.
What do you think?


I'm super excited to fill it up with some books! He's going to LOVE it!!

October 3, 2012

Hudson: Five Months

One day I will post these monthly posts on the day they are supposed to be posted, the 18th of every month.  Life has been so busy lately, and we're still lacking on the whole sleeping through the night thing over here.


-Haven't had him weighed in awhile, my guess would be almost 13 1/2 lbs.
-Hates being swaddled..a lot can change in a month.
-Has started sitting up. Granted he has to use his arms, but its progress!
-Rolls everywhere & scoots to get his toys.
-Still doesn't sleep through the night....we've literally tried everything.
-Made the BIG move. From cradle to crib and from mommy & daddy's room to his own.

I went in the kitchen to make lunch & left Hudson on his blanket.
I turn around and find this...

We went with a "Disney Cars" theme for his bedroom 
because of the car Doc Hudson in the movie. 
(Tour of his nursery to come soon!)
 Future PGA star...Daddy's happy about this one.

First time sitting up on his own.
He's really concentrating!

Taking a break while rolling over to look at mom.

He's a REALLY messy eater.


Yes...caught in the act. 

His most recent favorite toy...links.
Look at those blue eyes!

Such a big boy!



A lot can change in just 5 short months.