HURT FAMILY

Picnics, Bed Head & Ear Infections

2012-01-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Random, I know. But that's whats been going on around here. Hudson was stuffy all weekend long - congested, coughing and runny nose. I took him to visit Dr. Freeman on Monday, and sure enough the poor thing has an ear infection. YUCK! He's been on antibiotics since Monday and is getting better every day. I just hate to see him so pitiful looking! On top of the ickies the little boy has ALL FOUR TOP TEETH coming in. They are gonna break through any day now and they look so painful! He is a drooling machine and since he can't breathe through his nose, his mouth is constantly open - and well, its a steady stream =)

We've been hanging out most of the week at home....doing school, playing games, listening to music, baking (homemade soft pretzels tonight - yummy!) and having picnics. Although I prefer to get out of the house every day - it drives me bonkers to be confined - I've enjoyed some down time hanging out with the babies!

Happy 80th Birthday, Grandma!

2012-01-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday we made a day trip down to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to surprise Grandma for her 80th birthday! We had a great dinner at The Partridge In A Pear Tree restaurant. My cousins wife, Stephanie, and Aunt Linda did a great job setting up the room. It was beautifully decorated in pink, white and burlap. There were two delicious white buttercream rose cakes, excellent food, and great conversation around the table. I had written up 80 things that have happened in history over the course of Grandma's lifetime. It was neat to see just how much has happened and how so much has changed! The technology changes alone - how far things have come!

I was happy that we were able to pull off the surprise =) She seemed really, really happy and I was so glad that we could make the trip to spend the special day together!

Grandma Menees is really a remarkable lady. She love the Lord so much. She is faithful and bold in her walk. She is caring and genuinely interested in whats going on in our lives. She loves those great grandchildren so much =) She is talented, wise, smart and beautiful. I am thankful for everything she has taught me over the years and I look forward to seeing how God is going to continue using her!

Happy Birthday!

Hudson at 8 Months

2012-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

First of all, we are alive! We are well and everything is OK. =) Our absence in the blog, facebook, technology world is something new and we have been enjoying the break! My resolution for the New Year was to deactivate Facebook. Justin followed suit and we have been "free" for 19 days! Don't miss it a bit. Reading a lot more, playing games after the kids go to bed, watching movies & just enjoying the down time. Another New Year's goal was to ditch the satellite TV. Being more purposeful in our TV watching has been a welcome change too. Not flipping the channel to another random re-run on HGTV or Food Network has been nice. We've borrowed some DVD's from the church library and are watching a DVD series with Mom and Dad about once a week. The blog on the other hand is still alive! We just haven't really done anything note-worthy these last two weeks, ha! We are back in the swing of things....work, school - working on the letter J, MOPS, a few play dates, wrapping up end of the year taxes for work, and trying out some new recipes. =) I pulled out the camera after not using it since the New Year and snapped a few candids of the kids playing yesterday. They are getting so big. Lillianne and Hudson are both changing so quickly. Seeing them - watching them - it just makes my heart smile.

This brings me this blogs topic - HUDSON IS 8 MONTHS OLD! Say, what?? Yes, it's true. Our little baby doll is growing up!! This month....

* Hudson is sitting like a pro! He is so strong and stable and will contently play with this little basket of toys for quite some time. He especially likes the noise makers =) and anything that can fit in the mouth!

* Not crawling, but rolling everywhere!!

* Cut two more bottom teeth (totaling 4 out) with ALL four top teeth ready to pop through! They look SO painful and puffy. Poor little man. I just know they have to hurt so badly!

* Wearing size 6 month and 9 month clothes. Size 3 diapers.

* Eating solids 3 times a day. 1 fruit for breakfast, 1 veggie for lunch with fruit & veggie for dinner. Nursing a ton (one long stretch in the morning - 4 to 4.5 hours), then every 3 hours from lunch on...Still no bottle. Still no formula. Just me. All.The.Time.

* Sleeping through the night - Ugh!! Where did my good little sleeper go?? There are occasional days of hope but most nights he wakes up for a wayyyyy to early snack, then sleep in until after 8:00! Unfair! We've tried it all. Crying it out does not work for him. It worked for Lillianne. She was "trained" in a matter of days. This little mister is a different story! He would cry all night long if we let him. Doesn't get the hint. Just wants momma. I realized it was a losing battle. He will eventually sleep through the night - one day. Right now, I crawl out of bed - feed the baby for 5 minutes and we're all sleeping peacefully for the rest of the night. Its OK for now, for now.

* Loves being sung to, rocked, cuddled, played with and tended to. He is very interested in people and gives the best stare-downs I've seen. He is "talking" all the time - he's mastered both "ma ma" and "da da" sounds. He loves his naps and happily goes down for a long (2 hour) morning and long (2 hour) afternoon nap. He is easy, easy, easy to please and happy to go with the flow. He really is a very content baby and I'm so thankful for him!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Hudson! We love you so very much!!

Goof Ball!

2012-01-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hudson's newest "trick"

Sad But True...

2012-01-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

At dinner tonight...

Lillianne: "Momma, whats the white thing in your hair?"
Me: (running my fingers through my hair while turning to Justin) "What is it?" Maybe sour cream.
Lillianne: "Not the brown hairs, the white ones!"

THANKS! Guess a trip to the salon is in my near future!

Heard Around The House...

2012-01-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

While listening to a Christmas tune on our phone Lillianne informed her cousin "This song is by Charlie Temple." (Shirley Temple)

While out looking at Christmas lights we were making comments on how big the moon looked.
Lillianne - "Maybe it will send me down a moon pie!"

Telling Great Memaw about her trip to Chuck E Cheese...
Lillianne: "Yesterday (last year) we went to Chuck E Cheese's for Tate's birthday. That big mouse came up to me. I was traumatized."

Lillianne called me into the bathroom to help after she had finished her business.
Lillianne: "Mom, can I have a peppermint patty?"
Me: "No, you do not get peppermint patties for going potty anymore."
Lillianne: "But that's why I pooped!!"

After asking too many times for Lillianne to get her shoes...
Lillianne: "Momma, I'm just being complicated."

Jennifer texted me to see if we would be up for getting a babysitter so that the adults could go out for dinner while visiting them over Christmas. Lillianne has never had a babysitter before so we wanted to get her opinion on the matter.
Daddy: "Lillianne, do you know what a babysitter is?"
Lillianne: "No."
Daddy: "It's someone who will come and play with you while Momma and Daddy go out to dinner. Would you like that?"
Lillianne: "Will she be able to reach the snacks?"

Lillianne and Aunt Meghan were upstairs playing in her room. Lillianne was very specific with her requests for Aunt Meghan.
Meghan: "Why does everything always have to be your way?"
Lillianne: "It's just easier that way!"

Lillianne: "Mom, Maddie and Bri tempted me to watch Spongebob."
Me: "What did you tell them?"
Lillianne: "Well, we watched it!"

Lillianne's First Trip to the Dentist!

2012-01-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

While we were in Tennessee Aunt Linda took Lillianne to the dentist to clean her teeth! Lillianne did GREAT and was excited to get in the big chair to show Aunt Linda how well she had been brushing =)

Aunt Linda did such a good job with Lillianne, too. She brushed the baby's teeth first, let Lillianne help with the tools, showed her around the office and, of course, made a visit to the treasure chest after the visit was done.

It was a great first experience! Way to go, big girl =)

Freezing Fun =)

2012-01-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

After Christmas we headed north to visit family outside of DC. What started as a fun get-away turned into an extremely rainy, splitting headache, longest wait in history for a table, incredibly moody 3 year old kind of day. We made the best of the terrible weather and ventured out to the Gaylord hotel. They had a really cool ice sculpture display using Disney characters. The rooms were constructed completely out of ice - walls, stairs, animals, slides. It was neat! They handed out heavy parkas for everyone to use - extra nice considering it was only 9 degrees in that tent! The best part of the whole thing was that we got to go for FREE! As we were in line waiting to purchase tickets a lady came up and offered us 8 tickets!! Part of her group had failed to show and she was generous enough to offer us the extras - saving us almost 300 bucks!

After leaving the Gaylord the skies cleared - Mike & Jennifer treated us to dinner at this greek tapas restaurant. FUN!

***
After a quick stop at our house we went to Tennessee to see Great Memaw. Lillianne and Granddad explored every single closet in the house while we played games, ate, watched sports & relaxed. I am sad that I did not get one single picture the entire trip --- but it was the perfect end to our 2011 year!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

2011-12-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!! I am finally reconnecting with the computer after a week of traveling - we've had such a wonderful break!

Christmas Eve was spent in Roanoke with the Hurt's. After an excellent spread we opened presents, sat around the tree chatting and watched the kids play. The night was not complete until "Santa Baby" made his appearance =)

We woke up Christmas morning to presents under the tree, stockings stuffed and warm cinnamon buns on the table! Mom, Dad, Meghan and Luke all joined us at our house for breakfast before heading to church for a special Christmas service. I loved that we celebrated Christmas right where we should be - at church - singing praises to the KING! This year more than ever the story of Christmas - the reality of the conditions of that time, the miracle of the Birth, seeing God's hand orchestrating everything - and watching it unfold from Heaven.

Like Chris August's song ('Jesus Savior') so clearly states:
Just call him Jesus, Savior,
Son of God, the King of Kings."
Our salvation has a name.

Jesus, Savior,
Precious Lord of Everything.
Our whole world's about to change.

After lunch we shared gifts, played games, laughed with Lillianne & cuddled with Hudson. It was perfect!

Santa's Helper

2011-12-24T11:57:00.001-08:00

Tacky Christmas Tour

2011-12-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight we took a drive down to Shawsville to visit some really "festive" homes decorated for Christmas! Every blow up doll imaginable was in the front yards of these homes - race cars, dogs, bears, movie characters, snowmen, and santas galore!! Oh, and not to mention the lights - twinkling, dangling, flashing & covering every eave and door frame of the houses =) A couple of houses included Christmas carols for everyone's listening pleasure. It was a spectacle for sure!

A Christmas tradition that we will continue to enjoy each year =)

Hudson is 7 Months!

2011-12-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy 7 months, Mister Hudson!

I love, love, love this little boy so much! He cracks me up with his adorable expressions, funny faces, and loud squeals. Here's whats happening around here with our guy =)

* Hudson is rolling all over the place - there's no use laying him on a blanket to play. In a matter of seconds he's rolled himself over to something of interest. Namely the Christmas tree or under the chairs in the living room.

* He's sitting up unassisted! He is so rigid and jerky we had a hard time getting him to relax and calm down long enough to enjoy just 'sitting'. He is always wanting to rear his head back to see whats going on around him and ends up toppling over. =)

* Speaking of toppling --- he was squirming so much in his bumbo last week that he fell out - face first on the hardwood floor. Thankfully he was on the floor but just another reminder how careful we have to be with this wild man!

* Hudson is eating a fruit for breakfast, fruit & veggie for lunch, and veggie for dinner - on top of nursing EVERY THREE HOURS. There's no break for Momma - he is a growing boy that rarely lets me stretch a meal for more that 3 - 3.5 hours.

* Still not taking a bottle. Ugh!

* Hudson is wearing size 3 diapers & size 6/9 month clothes.

* Only two teeth - but a couple more right under the surface.

* Started waking up in the middle of the night - again! Double UGH! We've tried cry-it-out. But he does not let up. It's at random times (sometimes 5:00 am, sometimes 1:30 am...) We concluded that we could let the poor child cry - keeping us all up, or I could feed him for 3 minutes and let us all sleep peacefully =) He literally eats for a few minutes, then is happy as a lark, ready to snooze again! I so wish I could break this 'habit' but he is such a happy, good and content little boy ALL day long I figure there has to be something...

* Loves his momma! but other than a fluke "momma" sound, has consistently said "da da" recently. Justin loves that!

* Watches sister constantly....smiles, laughs and loves being near her. Oh, how I love that!!

Excited to celebrate his first Christmas in just a few days! So blessed to have him in our family! He makes us smile every single day!!

Hurt Family Christmas Brunch 2011

2011-12-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

It was a whirlwind weekend at our house! We had a super time at the annual Hurt Family Christmas Brunch - complete with yummy food, reindeer games (Christmas Jeopardy, a memory game & Christmas Auction using Santa bucks that were "won" throughout the morning), and lots of laughter!

Mike, Jennifer, Brandon, Lauren & Ryan came down for the weekend. It was fun watching all of the cousins playing together and Jennifer brought stuff for a great kids craft (thanks to Pinterest!) They turned out so great!!

The weekend was complete after dinner out, a trip to the DQ, visiting a live nativity (with 3 huge camels!), church on Sunday & visiting Santa in the parking lot of the mall =)

Thankful for our family, getting together and the fun memories that are made each year at this fun get-together!

What Hudson Would Say...

2011-12-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

"Do you double-dog dare me to touch the ornament??"

"Mom, don't you dare take this picture of me wearing sisters bib. Don't you even think about it!"

Christmas Cookies!

2011-12-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

After breakfast at Gillie's we spent the rest of the morning baking Christmas cookies! We made peppermint whoopie pies, rudolph peanut butter cookies, and mini chocolate chip cheesecake bites (that ended up in the trash - total fail!) We had a good time and Lillianne ate her fair share of raw cookie dough =) Her favorite part - decorating the reindeer.

Now...to find people to send these cookies to...or they'll be all gone before the weekends up!

December Happenings...

2011-12-09T18:33:00.001-08:00

Here are some random December things that we have been up to...

* Playing with cousins!

*Attending the Blacksburg Christmas Parade - at the very end of the parade where the only thing left was broken candy canes...

* Decorating the Christmas tree! (Lillianne LOVES it!)

* Making hot chocolate mix for our friends

* Being invited to the back of a local bakery to help decorate gingerbread houses! Lillianne's is proudly displayed on our table. Every day Daddy is tempted to eat the door =)

* Listening to the "Polar Express" at Barnes & Noble - complete with cocoa & sugar cookies - in pajamas!

Plus...lots of dancing around the house, cuddling on the couch, playing games on the computer, singing Christmas carols & visiting our friends.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Celebrating Baby Bolinsky!

2011-12-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I was honored to host a baby shower for my dear friend, Emily! It was a beautiful afternoon - the perfect day to celebrate Emily and this precious baby. I loved meeting many of her friends, catching up with her family & honoring the momma-to-be!

The shower was an old world fairy-tale theme (filled with pinterest inspired ideas!) including a coffee bar and dessert table, a prayer tree, adorable gold crowns for the future prince or princess and homemade hot chocolate mix for party favors =)

Emily got some really great things for the baby and I know she was anxious to get home to put it all in the nursery. I am sure she will fold, refold, move and re-arrange everything several times before the baby arrives in February. What a special time for the Bolinsky's! So excited to be a part of this special occasion =)

Congratulations S & Emily! We love you THREE so much!

"Once Upon A Time - Emily's Baby Shower"

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Blue-Eyed Beauties

2011-11-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Overheard at Our House...

2011-11-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

While in Raleigh a few weeks ago - in the car with Aunt Meghan.

Lillianne: "Aunt Meghan, I am amazing!"

Lillianne was acting up big time in the car one afternoon. I told her that she was going to be in trouble when we got home.

Lillianne: "Am I in double dutch?" (which is what my mom always told us when we were kids!)

Lillianne (talking to Justin and me) : "Before you were Daddy and Momma you were just Justin and Chantry."

While conducting a little birthday interview (asking questions such as favorite color, hobbies, friends, etc.)

Momma: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Lillianne: "A star."

Momma: "A STAR?? What kind of star?!"

Lillianne: "A movie star!"

Lillianne was playing in the living room, talking on her cell phone.

Momma: "Who are you talking to?"

Lillianne: "It's just my boyfriend!"

Ya'll just start praying hard now!! With comments like these I am really very afraid of what the future holds for our little girl! Movie star?? Boyfriend?? Over-confident?? Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy. Seriously, if you haven't already --- start praying for us NOW.

Apart from the crazy, silliness that our girl is spilling out of her mouth these days - there is just as much sweetness and love. She is concerned that I have been feeling under the weather (constantly asking how I am feeling), she is always telling us how much she loves us, and the little things that she says to Hudson just melts my heart --- "Your're so cute, little buddy!"

Love my Lillianne! =)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that our long weekend is over and Thanksgiving has come and gone! We had a super relaxing time with our families - eating, shopping, resting, playing games & watching VT easily crush the competition on Saturday =)

Thursday morning we spent time at Memaw and Granddad's then headed to Roanoke for a small Thanksgiving dinner with Nana and Paw. It was very different not having all of the brothers, sisters and cousins in Roanoke - and for the first time in a long time everyone was able to sit around the kitchen table for food and fellowship.

Friday morning Mom, Meghan and I headed out early (but not too early!) for shopping! Little Hudson had to come along for the ride because that little boy is still refusing a bottle but he did a great job!

Saturday afternoon Nana, Paw, Jamie, Amy & the girls came up for the VT/UVA game! Justin smoked ribs, we grilled hot dogs and after football played a board game.

Today was spent relaxing after church. Justin took Lillianne on a date this afternoon while Hudson and I slept the afternoon away =)

So much to be THANKFUL for!!

2011-11-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happy 1/2 Year, Hudson!

2011-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday marked 6 months for Mister Hudson! Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy!

* Weighing in at 16 lbs. 3 oz. and 27.5" tall - he is in the 25% for weight and 75% for height. We've got the makings of a star basketball player on our hands...he's gonna take on right after his daddy =) His 6 month check up this morning went fine. He looked and sounded great. He seems to be developing right on track and reluctantly allowed the nurse to give him 2 shots. The nurse remarked how strong he was! And said that next time she would need some help in holding him down!

* Hudson is in size 3 diapers and wears mostly 6 months clothes. The next set of sleepers will be 9 months - his little toes are getting quite smooshed.

* Mister man is all over the place, rolling both ways, turning in every direction, and trying to get into every.little.thing. He will not sit still in the bumbo. He is constantly arching his back and kicking his legs and bending over to reach things that are in eyesight. He is determined and very motivated --- and is going to be one giant HANDFUL when he starts crawling!!

* He has two teeth with another one ready to poke through at any time. He is currently still eating every 3 hours. I am trying to push it to longer, but this schedule is pretty convenient for both of us! He has started on the solid foods, too! So far, apples and squash --- and seems to love both and has no problem downing a whole jar. Right now, I'm just feeding him one a day but should probably get him on some sort of solid meal schedule soon.

* Still sleeping pretty good at night =) A couple of nights this past week we were thrown for a loop when he woke up randomly at different times (growth spurt, teething, needed hugs?? nobody really knows...) but overall he is a great sleeper. He has been getting tired earlier in the evening so often he is fed and in bed before 7:00 pm. And he's been getting up at 6:30 am. (Wish it were 7:00 but he's never really recovered completely from the time change =)

* Has become an absolute momma's boy. This baby loves his momma!! =) I get up to head to the kitchen and his eyes follow me the entire way. I walk into the room and do not immediately give him attention - he lets me know it. He will twist and turn to make sure I am around whenever someone else is holding him and generally when he is upset now, only momma will do =) He loves me so much he's even started saying my name! "ma ma ma ma" was the first distinct sound that he has repeated! I love it!!

* Favorite toys this month: Sophie - his giraffe, toy keys, anything that rattles, his toes and musical bells.

That's my boy at 1/2 year old! Won't be long before I'll be mixing up a batch of blue icing for his big day!

Love this baby doll so much! Thankful every day to be his momma!

We Love America!

2011-11-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

Three.

2011-11-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

Three years old. As in, pre-schooler. As in, no longer a baby or a toddler. As I was writing a little love letter last night to tuck away for Lillianne to open one day down the road I was flooded with all kinds of memories. I still remember holding her in the hospital - my heart already filled to the brim with love and joy. And now, three years later the love that I have for this little girl - it just floods!

There are so many things that I just adore about her...too many to list in words, some reserved just for the heart. I love the way she constantly says "I love you". I love the way her beautiful blond hair frames her sweet little face. I love watching her play and pretend. I love how smart she is - how thoughtful and inquisitive! I love to watch her care for us and her baby brother. And however hard it can be, I love her strong will - the sign of independence and leadership. The girl has a great memory! She can recite things she's heard once and can recall events like the happened just minutes ago. She loves to read, learn, listen and ask. She's learning more about Jesus every day and I love that, too.

We are having to discipline less because she is choosing to obey. (Don't get me wrong, there's still discipline going on!) but shes rounded a corner and its becoming easier to handle - at least for today =)

Lillianne had her well-visit at the doctor last week. She did OK for the first half of the appointment but as soon as Dr. Freeman asked her to lay down so he could check her tummy, she lost it. She was literally crawling up Justin's body to get away from him! Embarrassing! From what we could tell - Lillianne checked out OK =) She weighs 34 pounds and is 37" tall.

We love you, big girl, Lillianne!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Lillianne!

2011-11-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

The birthday festivities started Friday night when Great Memaw and Aunt Meghan arrived! We spent the afternoon getting things ready for Saturday. It was fun spending time in the kitchen, chatting while we baked, laughing and catching up.

Saturday morning Lillianne came downstairs to a transformed living room! We had all the party decorations out (Katherine made these ADORABLE crowns that fit over the chairs - perfect for the party!!!), a table full of presents and her new "playhouse" set up - ready to explore! I found the CUTEST card table felt play house that was customized just for her. I just love the way it turned out and as soon as she saw it she kept saying "Thank you, Momma!" over and over. I don't think she could believe it was for her =) So sweet!

The family arrived at 11:00 for lunch, presents, cake and fun. We enjoyed seeing the family! Lillianne received some really nice gifts --- dress up clothes, games, puzzles, books, work books, clothes, a nice sleeping bag, pillow pal & some arts & crafts supplies! I'm already looking forward to this week when we can read and explore all of her things =)

We are so incredibly blessed to celebrate the big THREE with our little girl! Wow - how fast time has gone... I am honored to be her momma. I am blessed every day to watch her grow, learn new things, ask questions, make connections, love & laugh. I am encouraged to hear her recite scripture, sing songs and learn bible stories and our prayer is that one day she will choose to follow Jesus and know Him personally.

The past three years have brought us so so so much joy! I try to soak in and remember as much as I can because I never want to forget these precious days.

Now... let's see what this year has to offer =) We love you, Lillianne!!!

Prepping for the Party =)

2011-11-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Thursday night I took Mom and Lillianne out for a little pre-party pampering! Lillianne got her first manicure/pedicure and she absolutely loved it =) She sat so still the entire time (about 45 minutes!) and watched the lady very closely. She was so excited to get polka-dotted toenails and a little flower on each thumb.

What a special tradition that we will get to share for many years to come =) A memaw/momma/baby doll outing that I will definitely look forward to!

Me Want Cookie!

2011-11-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Lillianne celebrated her birthday a couple of days early with some friends at church =) She loved sharing her cookie monster cupcakes that we made at home (Thanks to my friend Katie for the idea!)

This was the kick-off event to a weekend of F-U-N!

Pre-School Update

2011-10-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

It is week 6 of pre-school and we are still loving it! I have been pleasantly surprised with Lillianne's interest and excitement in doing school each morning (we aim for 3 mornings a week). It has worked out perfectly to fit a big chunk of stuff in while Hudson naps from about 8:30 - 10:00. If we have a bigger craft project or something to bake we sometimes do that after lunch. Her favorite thing to do is the maze/tracing worksheet. She loves them. We could have finished the book in the first week. I have been using Pinterest for many fun crafts/recipes to try with Lillianne. Some that we have done include: Crayon Hearts, homemade goldfish Crackers, Birdseed Birdfeeder, a Delicious Drink and the prayer pail that we made on our first day of school. This afternoon I am getting ingredients to make Flubber! Overall we've been able to stick to a pretty good plan. There have been one or two days where she has wanted to play or goof off instead of "working" - those days I just put it all away and tried not to worry about it. One thing that I want to work harder on is reading more books. We used to read books all of the time! Oddly enough, once we started school we stopped reading =) We just have not had the free time! So, I'm trying to remedy that by more frequent library visits.

I am posting a couple of pictures that she did this morning - and honestly, they just made me so proud! I could tell she was working hard to stay in the lines while coloring. The other is an example of the tracing pages that she is really into. They are really great for pencil practice, following a path, controlled hand movement and coordination. AND if you look closely at the top (last picture) she included her name!! Makes a momma smile =)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

Although Halloween isn't until Monday we couldn't resist playing dress up a couple of days early some trick-or-treating at the Rec. Center. For several weeks Lillianne has been asking to be a pig this year. I did not know how in the world I was gonna make that happen! When I told her that I thought a pig costume was gonna be too hard to make she said "That's OK. I'll be a horse instead." Needless to say, I made the pig costume work! =)

Lillianne was SO excited all morning to put her costume on. She ran around the house "oinking" as soon as I put that piggy nose on her. =) She loved it!

Hudson was a champ and kept those adorable glasses the entire time we were out. He got so many compliments on his nerd costume! Everyone laughed and smiled! And I thought he looked incredibly smart (Harvard, here we come!!)

Happy Halloween everyone!

I've Been Pin-spired...

2011-10-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I've made these obnoxiously delicious brownies several times now - and I could totally go for one right now - if I weren't smack dab in the middle of my "real food for 10 days" challenge. These are super easy, extra yummy and were gone in a flash all three times that I've made them. It's a good way to put to use all those Hershey bars that your kids will be collecting on Halloween (better yet - try it with Reece cups!)

SMORES BROWNIES

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 king-sized milk chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. 2 king-sized Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff. Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy!

Inspired from Lovin' From the Oven

Overheard at Our House...

2011-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

While at Natural Bridge Zoo

Me: "Lillianne, would you like to take your coat off?"

Lillianne: "No, I'm gonna keep my jacket on so the animals don't bite off my arms."

Lillianne was caught sticking her fingers down one of those cigarette trashcans that you see along sidewalks.

Me: "Ew! Gross! Don't touch that!"

Lillianne: "When I get really, really big I'm gonna blow on one of those things."

What is it with this girl and her fascination with those nasty cigarettes!!?

When doing our schoolwork, we begin the morning with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, charts, presidents, manners and then do our workbook, special craft, baking or flannel-graph.

While I was getting the flag and charts out to begin...

Lillianne: "Mom, lets just skip to the fun stuff."

Other favorite recent phrases... "Woah. Woah, woah, woah woah." "And then he/she said, whateva." (Don't know where she picked that one up!)

Natural Bridge

2011-10-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

The kids and I met Mom and Dad at Natural Bridge for an overnight trip to explore the wonders of Virginia...including a toy museum, wax museum, butterfly exhibit, a walk through the huge rock tunnel, a scenic hike to view waterfalls, trekking deep underground in the caverns and visiting the animals at the Natural Bridge Zoo.

All I can say is the "wonders" were worth their price of admission --- free with the purchase of nights stay at the Natural Bridge Hotel.

Although the bridge itself was really beautiful and a natural wonder --- the rest of the attractions were pretty mediocre. Actually, it felt like we were stepping back into the 70's (and I wasn't even born then =)

The wax museum was dark and scary, the toy museum was down-right creepy and the butterfly museum featured the ever popular Monarch. And the light show at the National Bridge?? Let's just say that turning on and off the light switch in the hotel room was more exciting!

We all got some good laughs and Lillianne loved every bit - which is all that mattered. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great trip =)

Homecoming Parade 2011

2011-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

We bundled up on Saturday to enjoy the Virginia Tech Homecoming Parade! It was a beautiful morning (a little chilly!) and we had a great time catching candy from the people marching in the parade. Lillianne was a little overwhelmed by the wild and greedy kids who kept running our right in front of her to grab as much candy as possible =) but she still managed to get a snack bag full of treats. Our favorites were the Highty-Tighties and the alumni marching bands.

The Hokies ended the day with a WIN against Boston College.... GO HOKIES!

5 Months

2011-10-20T12:57:00.001-07:00

Aaggh! My baby is 5 months! Little Hudson is uh-dorable. He's so squeezable and kissable and huggable. He's ticklish and soft and smiley. He's good. He's patient. He makes the funniest faces and gives the best expressions. And he's MY little prince!

This month was big....

Hudson was promoted to his ROOM! Woo-hoo! After months of spoiling (!!!) we finally decided it was time to move him alllll the way upstairs. He loves his little crib (he'd been napping in there for months) but its nice and dark and perfect for night-time, too.

After about a month of waking up during the night to eat we are back on track and little man is sleeping from about 8:00 pm to 6:30-7:30 am. If we hear him grunting around in the middle of the night one of us (ok, Justin) goes up and gives him a pacifier. He's waking up happy and ready to start the day!

Hudson is nursing about every 3 to 3.5 hours. He is still refusing the bottle but will drink from a sippy cup! So, I've been using some of my many bags of frozen milk to supplement feedings. Whatever works, right?

Hudson is in 3-6 months clothes and size 2 diaper (3 at night).

He cut 2 teeth!!

Still not really rolling over (either way) - has done it on occasion but nothing regular - really just prefers being on his back, or better yet, sitting in his bumbo to see the world.

Loves bath time with sister.

Loves playing with his toes and hearing himself screech, squeal, and squawk!

I keep telling my babies to stop growing - "just stay little!" I tell them - but they're not listening!

I've Been Pin-spired...

2011-10-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Pinterest? You know, that website that keeps you from doing anything else productive during nap time?? Man, oh man, I love it! I could sit for hours scrolling down the rows of pictures that inspire other people to create, dream, cook, craft or laugh. It's like getting your favorite magazine in the mail every day. Everyone's favorites ready for you to organize and use. I love it.

For the past month or so I've been creating my own pin-boards. One for crafts, parties, homeschooling, recipes, home decor, etc. With Lillianne's birthday, a baby shower and Christmas around the corner I've been busy taking notes and filing away a ton of great ideas!

I thought it would be fun to document some of the things that I've made - to prove to my husband that all that "browsing" really is for a purpose =) and to share some ideas with my crafting friends.

Today, I'll give you the Tissue Paper Tree!

This tree was so super easy to make and I love how it turned out! Whimsical and fun! Bright & colorful! A perfect addition for Lillianne's Bubble Gum themed birthday party in a couple of weeks =)

Materials:
Tissue Paper (6-8 sheets depending on tree size)
Styrofoam cone form
Hot glue gun with extra glue sticks
Pencil

Instructions:
Cut tissue paper into 4" squares (or smaller, for smaller tree). Place eraser tip in center of square gather tissue paper around tip. Place hot glue on tissue papered tip and push on to cone starting at the base. Continue working around the cone until reaching the top. Voila! A festive and beautiful centerpiece!

In fact, I loved the first one so much....

I made more!

Idea pinned from Spunky Junky

Wanna Know a Famous Baby?

2011-10-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hi Family and Friends!

So, I was messing around with my camera the other day and took the cutest picture of Hudson. After showing it to several people I decided to enter him into a little contest - a Parents.com 2012 Cover Contest. With over 5000 applicants so far the likelihood of him making it all the way is SLIM to none, however he was automatically put into a sub-contest (a weekly drawing for $250). I got an email saying he was in the running to be a finalist (whatever that means - who knows how many photos there are!!) Its all voter based (in other words, who has the most friends!) and you can vote every day through the 23rd. So..... I'm not gonna go all "Toddlers and Tiaras" on you all - but it would be cool to see our little guy win! If you have a chance and think about it - click on the link below and vote for HUDSON! And if you really think about it, click on the link every day this week to up his chances of winning =) And spread the word!

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/1076768

If he ends up winning - and then goes on to run for president or something huge - this is sure to look great on a resume =)

Beautiful

2011-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Obsession...

2011-10-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

the good kind =)

Baby! Baby!

2011-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Books of the Bible

2011-10-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

Overheard at Our House...

2011-10-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Lauren was showing Lillianne an outfit that she had...

Lillianne: "That skirt has attitude!"

Lillianne: "Can I bring this with me to church?"

Me: "Yeah."

Lillianne: "No. You say, Yes you may."

Lillianne: "When I grow up I'm going to marry Hudson and have a baby sister."

Lillianne has continued to talk about Chad - a nine year old boy that she played with at the beach. She loved showing Chad all of her tricks (jumping in the pool, dancing, squealing and sharing every.single.toy with him.) In other words she was obsessed. Luckily, Chad seemed like a nice enough kid who described his sister Mary as prayerful and said that his other sister Rebecca was married to a "loving husband". Hilarious. Anyway, this week during school time we were putting together a United States puzzle. We were talking about our friends/family who lived in different states. I placed Ohio on the map and Lillianne immediately yells "CHAD LIVES IN PAPHIO! That's like 30 minutes away." Let's hope she doesn't try to catch the greyhound to meet Chad =)

There's A New Sherriff In Town...

2011-10-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

and he's captured a beautiful cowgirl!

Pumpkin Painting

2011-10-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

After the pumpkin patch we came back to our house for chili, football, fun in the pool and pumpkin painting! Perfect fall family day =) And....the Hokies WON - so it made it even better!

TWINS

2011-10-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

Couldn't these two pass for twins??
Ryan and Lillianne followed each other around the house all weekend long - like little ducks.
SO SUPER CUTE.

Hurt Family Fun Day - Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend we make our annual trek out to Sinkland Farms to pick out a pumpkin. This year Mike and Jennifer were in town for the VT game so the kids had an extra fun time running around =) The pumpkin patch seems to grow each year - this year they offered hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin launching, petting zoo, mazes, vendors and food. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the cousins loved running from one activity to the next. They all get along so well - and Lillianne loves all of them so so so much!! Another successful Fun Day in the books =)

Just Because....

2011-10-09T13:09:00.001-07:00

I love him SO much!

Uncle Luke's

2011-10-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

It was Aunt Meghan's birthday and on my way to Ashville I dropped Lillianne off so that she could spend the weekend partying at Uncle Luke's! Apparently she was spoiled the entire weekend! They had cake, ice cream, gummy bears, goldfish and I'm sure lots of other sugary things =) They watched movies, played with the neighbor girls, cuddled new baby dolls, and chased after Hunny and Maddie (Luke's dog and cat). I'm surprised Lillianne wanted to come home when the weekend was over....

Thanks Aunt Meghan and Uncle Luke for a taking such good care of our baby girl! She LOVED every minute of it!

10 Year Reunion

2011-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend Hudson and I went to the mountains of Ashville, NC to do some major catching up with some of my girl friends from high school! We had a great time - we talked, laughed and ate the entire weekend! =) Emilie's parents had the perfect retreat home for us to enjoy complete with an incredible view! It's hard to believe that I have know some of these girls for almost 20 years! Time has flown by and I am thankful for the chance to share whats new in our worlds - and hear about what everyone is doing these days.

We're already looking forward to our next retreat - and hope to make it an annual thing!

Heard Around Our House...

2011-09-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Lillianne: "I do not have my listening ears on. They are NOT on."

While shopping at the outlet mall (in Myrtle Beach) Lillianne and I were browsing through Gymboree when she spotted a little person (I am so sorry and do not mean to offend if this is not the politically correct term but its changed over the years and I just don't know for sure.) Anyway, the man was shopping with his wife and Lillianne was very interested in watching them. I was silently praying the entire time, hoping that we could keep our distance and that she would keep quiet with any questions until we were out of the store. She kept turning her head around wanting to follow them around the entire place asking me where they went. Finally, we make it to the check-out and sure enough they are right behind us in line! I'm keeping Lillianne as distracted as possible but she is way too intrigued. I think we are going to make it out the door until she can't hold it in any longer... "Momma, why does that little boy look like a Daddy?!" I was afraid to turn around to see if they heard her...but we did seem to see them in every single store that we went in that day.

Recent favorite words... "Seriously, guys!", "That's hilarious!" (followed by the loudest, fakest laugh ever) "Oh, cool!" and "I want this for my birthday."

The other day I was with Hudson on the couch and asked Lillianne to run into our room to get my phone off the bed. A few minutes passed and Lillianne had yet to return. I went in the room to see what she was doing - and caught her red-handed stuffing chewing gum sticks in her mouth. Papers still in hand, she looks up at me with a look of horror (knowing, of course, that gum is a no-no) and yells "NOTHING!!!" (meaning, " I'm not doing anything wrong! Gulp!") .... Later that night she was telling Daddy all about it - telling him that she accidentally chewed some gum that she was not supposed to have. And to top it off, Memaw asked Lillianne if she heard the little voice telling her not to chew the gum...she said NO but now asks every time we are in our bedroom if the voice is going to talk to her!

Don't you wish you could be a part of these conversations? =)

A is for Alpaca!

2011-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Visiting an Alpaca farm was the perfect end to our first week at preschool! The Bolinsky family recently revived their family farm - and started raising alpacas! Saturday they hosted a farm day and we made the 2 hour trip to Lebanon Virginia to check it out! Memaw and Granddad joined us for the day and we had such a great time!

They had the barn open to visit with the animals, hayrides, vendor booths, lunch, a corn hole game, plenty of kids for Lillianne to run around with and a bluegrass band playing. It was really nice to catch up with the Bolinsky family - and I'm glad we took the opportunity to visit their home-place!

4 Months

2011-09-20T18:26:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness, I fall more and more and more in love with this sweet baby boy every day!! Hudson is such a good baby - and I'm not just saying that. He really is! His personality is so relaxed and happy. He is content to be toted around anywhere at anytime and rarely makes a fuss. He is super smiley (just looking at him will generally produce a huge grin!) and has really started "talking" to us this month. His goo's and gaa's are precious...and music to this momma's ear!

Things are not perfect however =) After sleeping through the night for about 7 weeks, he's started waking up again at night to eat. For the last couple of weeks he's only been nursing for about 5 minutes a session. I've tried everything to get this little one to eat more in one sitting, but he refuses and rares his head back until I stop trying to force him! I can assume he's getting enough to eat in that short amount of time - since he is happy and doesn't seem hungry until his next scheduled feeding...but it still worries this momma. I've called the lactation consultant and our doctor. Both said as long as he is growing and gaining weight they do not see a problem with it and its probably just his personality.

Speaking of growing - Hudson weighed 15 lbs 2 oz (50th percentile) and 26" (90th percentile) at his 4 month check-up yesterday! He is wearing 3-6 month clothes - but all of the fall clothes that I purchased for him are 6 month because the boy is getting so long! He wears a size two diaper and is eating every 3-4 hours.

After leaving Daddy, Lillianne and Hudson on their own for 4 days while we went to NYC earlier this month Hudson did great taking a bottle. He had been taking a bottle since he was 3 weeks old (at church on Sundays, if I had a meeting or with Daddy occasionally). It was never a problem and I pumped about 50 bags of milk for him while I was away. He did great and took the bottle fine. I returned on a Monday and THE BOY HAS REFUSED A BOTTLE SINCE. He will not take a bottle for anything. He won't take one in the nursery (I still bring one and they offer it to him, but he would rather happily wait until Mom arrives!) I think he is making sure that I never leave his side again =)

Hudson is super active on his play mat. He loves batting at his animal friends and ends up in the opposite direction in just a matter of minutes. He has rolled over a few more times but for the most part has stayed on his back. He is liking tummy time a little more and loves sitting in the bumbo. He is constantly doing "crunches" to try and sit up to see whats going on. Oh, and he loves holding onto those sweet little toes, too!

We laughed at the beach - because he was held so much - Justin said that he was spoiled and needed a whippin'. Lillianne did not like that ONE BIT and declared that Hudson was her brother and we were not to touch him! She was serious as can be - and I can just see how that will be a battle down the road --- when there's serious punishment to be dealt. She is one great sister and already is looking out for her little buddy =)

Sweet baby Hudson - we love you so much! Thanks for bringing so much joy into our lives!

Preschool at Hurt Academy

2011-09-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

Whew! Is it fall break yet? Its been one busy morning at our house with the start of preschool! We've been talking about "school" for the past month - since several of her friends have started Mother's Day Out programs and church preschool programs - she wanted to know when she was going to get to go to school. Last spring we did a very loose "learning time" at home (coloring letters, working on learning the alphabet letters, numbers and such) but I figured it was time to get a little more structure in our day.

We are planning to have preschool at home 3 mornings a week. The other 2 mornings Lillianne and Hudson will be with me at MOPS and Bible Study Fellowship.

I would count our first morning as a big success - giving us both gold stars =) Lillianne was so excited to come down stairs and start school! She couldn't believe the spread of goodies on the table!! She was very excited about the scissors, glue and jump rope. She started asking all sorts of questions and wanted to skip breakfast all together so that she could work on "special projects".

Our morning went something like this:
*Pledge of Allegiance
*Weather Chart
*Manner Cards
*Workbook practice (this morning we practiced writing the number 1 and did a simple maze worksheet - I was very impressed!)
***Intermission to take Hudson to doctor for check-up
*Home for Lunch
*Craft Project: Prayer Pail --- We decorated craft sticks and wrote names of people that we wanted to pray for on each stick. Each night at dinner we will pull out one stick and pray for that person.
*Flannel-graph - We are planning to go through the bible using the felt board. Today's lesson was on creation.

Our primary curriculum book is "Learn Your Letters: Learn to Serve". Each week focuses on a different letter. This weeks letter is A. Apart from practice writing we will make angels and an airplane, point to countries on the map that begin with A, pray for our friends whose names start with A and end the week by surprising a special "A" friend with something "A" that we make! Ex: Apple butter for Annie. I love this concept of serving others while learning....and this curriculum type can be used over and over as the child grows and learns. The crafts/gift possibilities are endless!

We are also using "Truth and Grace" memory books to learn scripture. She is picking up verses so quickly (it amazes us, really!) Right now we are working on the books of the Bible - and she is about 4 books away from having the entire OT memorized! I purchased a small CD player and child headphones for her to use during our "quiet time" each day. We have the "Storybook Bible" on CD that I plan to have her listen to for about 10 minutes each morning.

We are super excited about this "school" year! There will be days when we don't have our act together, days that we are grumpy and can't get things accomplished and days that we choose to ditch it all-together and go to the mall, park or on a lunch date. But having some sort of structured schedule is good for all of us - and I think she is going to really enjoy our one-on-one time together.

Prayers, ideas, field trip ideas and recipes appreciated =)

2011-09-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

Lillianne tackled some pretty big fears this trip! She was so excited to try the big water slide at Woodsy. She talked about it all morning then bravely walked to the top of the stairs. I was standing at the top with her - ready to help her go down and Justin was in the water at the bottom of the slide waiting to catch her. She sat down at the top of the slide - right above the water jets. She decided that she did not want to do it (which I was totally expecting, considering she won't go down the 6 foot straight slide at our local park!) I helped her up and we started back down the stairs. Halfway down she stopped and said she wanted to do it. Back up the slide we went. She sat back down - this time a little farther down. Still intimidated she turned to roll over and climb back up the slide --- but it was too late! The rushing water from the jets grabbed her and off she went! Down, down, down the winding slide! The look on her face was priceless - but she didn't freak out... (I think she was too shocked!) Justin caught her and after a big huge she said she liked it! But....not enough to go down again....still, I can't help but be so proud of her!

Later that night she asked to jump on the big trampoline while we were walking around Broadway at the Beach. I couldn't believe it! She looked so cute and small up there bouncing so high! The look on her face was stone cold and after it was done she said that she liked it OK but that it was a little scary.

We bought more tickets to ride some of the kiddie things there (had to have been Lillianne's favorite part of the whole trip!) She even convinced me to ride one of the "adult" rides with her...on a full stomach from dinner... we both laughed so hard on the ride! She kept telling me that it was tickling her tummy =)

The post wouldn't be complete without a picture of our sweet, sweet baby boy. That baby barely made a peep the whole way home. He slept and cooed and relaxed in the back seat - so thankful for such a laid back little guy. I just love him to pieces!

And these are two pictures that I snapped this morning of the view from our villa at the beach. We had such a wonderful time! I think I could get used to a life like that --- lounging poolside with beach music playing in the background, with the ocean breeze blowin'.....

At the same time, as we were driving back into town this evening I was thankful for our little town, the cool fall weather and the cozy life that we have in the mountains. There really is no place like home.

Another Fun Day!

2011-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another fun day at the beach! We started the morning off at Woodsy (see Justin and baby girl in the tree house??) She loves it! Hudson and I were able to watch them from where we were lounging in the pool.

After naps Lillianne had the opportunity to make her very first tie-dye shirt! The resort offers little classes and activities throughout the day and this was one that we thought she would enjoy. Right now its sitting in a bag waiting to be washed and worn when we get home =)

Then it was dinner out, a little shopping, and a trip to the new boardwalk - topped off by cotton candy and a ride on the sky wheel!

Fun Night...On Broadway

2011-09-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Oh man, tonight was so much fun for little Lillianne! After dinner we headed over to Broadway at the Beach to walk around, get some dessert and ride carnival rides! I was so proud of Lillianne tonight. She was really brave and excited to ride the all by herself. Her absolute favorite was the car - it whipped her around the curves really fast! It was fun watching her run from ride to ride - she seemed so grown up. Perfect evening after another fun day at the beach =)

Lillianne ended the night exclaiming "Momma, I really like our beach house!" I do too!!

Yep, We're THAT Family...

2011-09-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yep, We're THAT family that brings their house to the beach!! =) I bought an open air tent from Target and its been GREAT to use on the beach - its the perfect spot for Hudson to snooze in the shade while Lillianne is running around building sand castles and splashing in the water. We are usually there by 9:00 - early enough to pick a great spot - and there are always little ones around for Lillianne to play with. She's had a fun time making new friends!

Woodsy

2011-09-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

We spent most of the morning at Woodsy - the great kids pool and play area at our resort. It's perfect for little ones Lillianne's age with a zero entry area, lots of fountains/spraying flowers, and shallow play area. Adjacent to the pool is a 3 story tower with ropes, ladders, tunnels and slides. We love being here in September - its not crowded, the weather is perfect and lines are short around town. =) We are having a great time!

After naps we went to the Market Common for dinner and a walk around the lake. It was beautiful!

Sweet Hudson was smiling and cooing the entire day - we just love our little boy!! And Lillianne was sassy, saucy and sweet, too! That's our girl!

Beach Bound!

2011-09-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING our time at the beach! Looks like its gonna be a week of beautiful weather - and we're already making good use of the pool, lounge chairs and beach! Lillianne loves the beach this year and spent most of the morning running to and from the ocean to drop seashells on our blanket. Hudson napped in the tent and went swimming with us in the pool before it got too hot. Then we lounged in the shade while Daddy and Lillianne spent the rest of the morning splashing around =)

Playing Catch Up

2011-09-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

We haven't been up to much these last couple of weeks - just enjoying the last few days of summer. My sister-in-law informed me that she was tired of the peaches post - so I thought it was time for some updated pictures of my babies! =) Here they are!

This weekend we did really enjoy time with Great Memaw and Aunt Linda! We played games, ate lots of yummy food, shopped, watched the US Open and went to the New River on Saturday. We are missing them already!!

Sweet Peaches!!

2011-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Melissa told us about a Pick Your Own Peach orchard out in Giles County - and well, I LOVE PEACHES so this morning we made the trek out to White Gate. This little community is sprinkled with Amish farms, roadside produce and baked good stands, a winding creek and beautiful scenery! It was well worth the drive just to enjoy the country-side!

The peaches were perfect and ready for the picking! We picked two bushels (we are guessing 300 peaches!!) for $30!!! Can you believe it??? Picking them was easy and fast. They are a few days from ripening but I already have big plans for these little guys....ice-cream, muffins, jams, butter, breads and cobbler! And of course, my favorite way - right off the counter. Friends, be prepared for some lovely treats in the coming days =)

Hudson Thomas - 3 Months

2011-08-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Wowza! Happy 3 month birthday Mister Hudson!

The time is absolutely flying by! And I am totally smitten with this little boy. He is so stinkin' cute! I can not remember life before him - I can not imagine life without him! I wondered what I would think of being a momma to a little boy (especially after having such a fun and beautiful little girl to dress up, play with dolls and read princess stories to =) but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Hudson is a cuddle bug! He loves to lounge in our arms, wrapped in a blanket just nuzzled away --- it melts my heart to look down and see his round little face poking through the blanket with a huge smile showing from underneath his pacifier! (Might be my favorite thing!!)

Hudson continues to be a very chill baby! He is content just about anywhere. We tote him all over the place - play dates, meetings, work, park, restaurants - and he's just as happy as can be. He does not have a fussy time (knock on wood) making him a "perfect" second child - when your first child requires lots of one-on-one attention =)

Our boy continues to grow! We don't go back to the doctor until next month but I can tell he is really filling out! He currently wears 3 month clothes (although the 3 month pants that I have put him in one entirely too short and look like man capris) so once cooler weather comes I am sure we will be buying bigger sizes =) He is wearing size 1 diaper (size 2 at night).

Sleeping continues to go well. He naps in his crib, in the pack-n-play, or his little manger. I rotate depending on where we are or what we have going on. He is still on the 3 hour feeding cycle - and has about an 1 hour wake time after each meal. He is down for the night by 8:30 and I wake him at 10:00 to feed him before we head off to bed. He is still sleeping through the night and wakes up at 7:00 am.

He loves to kick and squirm and usually ends up upside down or perpendicular to how we lay him down at night. His favorite spot is a blanket on the floor where he is free to flail around =) This month he rolled over! He's done it a few times but it takes a while to get on his side, then all the way over - and once he gets to his tummy he immediately wants to be flipped back! He also is really enjoying the bumbo seat!

This month was my first time away from him for an extended amount of time (4 days!!) I had 50 bags of milk stored in the freezer for while I was away - and he did GREAT! Yeah! Thank you Hudson for being so good for Daddy! Maybe he'll let me take girl trips more often =) But not too often because I really missed him so much!

I never thought that I could love another baby like I do Lillianne - but a momma's love just multiplies! I sure do LOVE THIS BABY! What a blessing these children are to me!

Heard Around Our House...

2011-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

We have been talking to Lillianne about why we close her door during nap-time to give her some peace and quiet while she rests (but mainly to prevent her from meandering downstairs...) Lately our really good sleeper has turned into a climb out of bed, come into our room in the middle of the night little girl who we just do not know what to do with.... After telling her that we would be keeping her bedroom door closed, she states "That's OK Mom, Jesus will open it for me!"

After being disciplined Lillianne rubbed her hand (where she was flicked) looked right at me and said "I WIPED IT OFF". (Oh no she didn't! Where does this sass come from?!!)

"Mom, milk is in ice-cream so its healthy." (Wonder who taught her that, Granddad??)

Favorite words include: "I really..." , "I was really very, very good.", "That's cool!", "Actually I want..."

Another thing that has been taking place at our house, a lot, is what I call the "opposite" game. Whatever I suggest or tell Lillianne she wants the "opposite". Ex: "Why don't we read a book? No, let's do puzzles." Ex: "We're going to have peanut butter crackers for lunch. No, I want cheese crackers." Ex: "Please put on your silver sandals. No, I want my pink flip flops." Ex: "Take your shoes to the laundry room. No, I'll just put them by the door." It's frustrating, nerve grating, disobedient and leads to discipline 9 times out of 10. We've also been dealing with obeying halfway. Ex: "Please close the door." (Lillianne closes it half-way.) "Like this momma?" "No, all the way." (Lillianne closes it a little more.) "How about like this?" You get the picture.

Needless to say, we've been doing a lot of re-proof and discipline around here lately. =) The joys of raising kids!! (But I wouldn't trade it for anything!)

2011-08-13T18:38:00.001-07:00

It was a lazy Saturday at our house! We enjoyed lounging in our cozy clothes all day - playing, watching some TV, napping and getting in the pool!! I hadn't been in the pool in so long. By the time Lillianne and Justin are ready to get in after dinner its usually time for me to feed Hudson - so we miss out on the fun! But today Hudson and I were able to get in! This was his first time in the water and he seemed to like it pretty good! He sat there stone-faced most of the time wondering where in the world he was...hoping to get this boy in the water often so he'll be a fish like his sister! =)

Adding Two To The Crew

2011-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to Roanoke to see Aunt Erin, Abigail and baby Ansleigh. It was great to catch up and see that sweet baby girl (who has grown so much!) The babies snoozed all morning while we enjoyed the cooler weather and shaded deck. The girls played on the neighbors trampoline, in the sandbox, on the swing set, blew bubbles and splashed in the kiddie pool. I love seeing the girls play together (even though there were a few "issues") they seemed to have a good time laughin' and chasin' each other. Thankful for our family and another opportunity to spend time with them! Now that things are settling down for all of us I am hoping to get these kiddos together more often!

And So... It Begins...

2011-08-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

(Don't worry, Brother! I'll save you!!)

Lillianne, laughing, runs up to me --- "Momma! Come look!" I turn the corner and see poor Hudson - the victim of his big sisters beauty routine =) Poor little guy better get used to this special treatment!

New York City

2011-08-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Monday night Mom, Meghan and I returned home from NYC! It was so much fun! I can't believe how much we crammed into 4 days - we walked, shopped, cooked and ate our way through the City! =)

Here are some of the pictures...they will tell the story of our big adventure!

These pictures are from our "Italian American Sunday Feast" - one of the cooking classes that we attended at the Institute of Culinary Education. This class was intense! 4 hours of cutting up whole chickens, making pasta, stuffing shells, stirring sauces and enjoying the company of others in the class... the food was really good - I can't wait for an excuse to make it at home!!

Homemade cannelloni filled with a pancetta cream sauce.

Our class!

Chef Dave laughing with Meghan - Stir!

At our hotel - The New York Palace
(plaque in our room said that rooms can go up to $24,000 a NIGHT!!)

Yummy Avacado and Bacon Pizza from Brooklyn!

Street Performers near Statue of Liberty

Construction work at Ground Zero - gave us goose bumps to look at this large hole that remains in the heart of the City. Our taxi driver said that he was right outside of the building when the plane hit. That memory will never fade from his mind - honestly, I don't know how he drives down there every day with what he experienced.

Our second class at ICE was a brownie baking class!
We made 8 different brownie types - a dream class for chocoholics! =)

In the kitchen - we felt like we were on the Food Network - getting to use such great equipment and having someone else do all the prep/clean up!

FlatIron District

Phantom of the Opera - WOW!

Times Square

View from our Hotel Room!!

Lunch at this great little French Restaurant

FAO Schwarz

Macarons at Bouchon Bakery

Famous Hot Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies - um, YUM!

Looking back at these pictures makes me miss NYC! I had such a special weekend with my two best friends! I am already looking ready for our next get-away...

That being said - I missed my babies TERRIBLY! and could not wait to get home to see them! Justin survived (and really enjoyed!) taking time off of work to spend time playing with the kids. He said they were great and that it was easy =) Wow! Momma needs to go out of town more often!!

Just Like Brother...

2011-08-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Lillianne usually helps me pick out Hudson's outfit every morning. She loves going into the closet to dress brother and definitely sees him as her little doll. This morning she decided that SHE wanted to be just like him --- putting on HIS shark romper! I was shocked that she could even put her arm into a 3 month size outfit but she managed to snap it up!

So, there's my girl =) Oh, how I love her!

Big Boy!

2011-08-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

What I Missed While in NYC...

2011-08-09T18:28:00.001-07:00

These CUTE Kids!

Happy Birthday Justin!

2011-08-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Last week we celebrated Justin's 31st birthday! After an extra hard day at work (busy with installs, new printers and last minute orders) we had a late dinner on the grill. Justin's request - filet mignon, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus and homemade sorbet. It was all really good =)

Lillianne helped Daddy open his gifts - gift cards for new clothes (he's lost 50 lbs!) , a new grill, wireless speakers for his work computer, some bbq sauce from The Shed and hokie pictures of the kids for the theater room.

Happy Birthday Love! We are so thankful for you - all of the hard work that you put in, fun things that you do with us, the way that you guide and care for our family and the way that you love us so much! We couldn't ask for a better daddy and husband!! Can't wait to see what this year brings for you =)

XOXOXO

Uncle Luke's

2011-07-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Lillianne went with Mom and Dad to visit Luke and Aunt Meghan in Boone. They all had a great time! Lillianne LOVED playing with the girls next door, chasing Maddie (Luke's cat) and entertaining everyone with her funny personality.

I wish that we could have been there too - Luke's house is beautiful and mom and dad came back really missing the NC mountains! He has a perfect view of Grandfather Mountain from his front door, a big lawn to run around on and a local ice-cream store that Lillianne really enjoyed =)

Thanks Luke for hosting a great weekend for our little girl! Can't wait to see you soon!

Memories at Grandma's

2011-07-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Mom and I just returned from a week long trip to Indiana to visit Grandma & Grandpa Lowe (and introduce our precious Hudson to them!) We had a great time relaxing at their house, catching up and watching Lillianne play with her cousins. Every time that I go I am reminded of a few things...

* There is always something really good being prepared in the kitchen. Waffles & pancakes with sausage, coffee, pork bbq and Aunt Kat's pizza - just to name a few =)

* No matter how early you get up in the morning someone is always in the bathroom! Having a one-bathroom house with 5 bedrooms full of people makes for a wait in the morning....beginning at 4:30 in the morning! (They are some early risers!!)

* I had a suitcase full of clean clothes the entire trip and did not do one load of laundry!

* There is a never ending supply of lawn chairs, swings and hammocks for everyone to use - a perfect place to sit and enjoy Grandpa's hard work on the lawn. (Although this year it was extremely hot - temps over 100 for most of the week!)

* "Rummage Sale" finds - Grandpa always has a good find to share - usually followed by a good story of how he talked them down to a quarter for it. =) This trips top find - a practically brand new karaoke machine valued at a couple hundred dollars - for $6!

* Looking at family albums brings back lots of hilarious memories of summers with my cousins (dressed in 90's fashion) Enough said.

* Every year you learn about a new family member or get a visit from someone you haven't seen in ages. It's not uncommon for people to swing by and visit with Grandma and Grandpa. This year it was "Clifford" - a cousin that mom hadn't seen in 40 years. It was an awkward 2 hour visit with very few words - including Grandpa and Uncle Dave falling asleep on the couch while he was there!

* A very clean, well kept house, yard, barn and garden.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great week!!

My Beautiful Babies

2011-07-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hudson's 8 Week Check-Up

2011-07-15T12:34:00.001-07:00

My baby is 8 weeks! (Say it isn't so!) It's going way to fast...

Yesterday we managed to get everyone put together and out the door by 7:00am to get to the doctor. (Call me crazy but I like first appointments at the doctor. No waiting. Less germs. And the nurses and receptionists are still in a relatively good mood.)

Mister Hudson looks great! He weighs 11 lbs. 14 ounces (50%) and is 24" long (90%)! Dr. Freeman checked him out and everything looked perfect =) We ended the appointment with a couple of vaccination shots but he took them like a champ and only cried for a minute or so. Lillianne was very sad that they were going to "poke" him and actually teared up when he got them. That little girl is one great big sister.

Hudson continues to be a very chill little baby. He is easy to take here, there and yonder. He does not mind the car seat or the carrier and I think most days is just happy that I don't forget him when we are heading out the door! =) We've even taken him to the movies with us twice!

Hudson continues to do well nursing. He is still eating every three hours - 7 am to 10 pm. On his 7 week birthday he gave me the best present - a wonderful uninterrupted nights sleep! And he's done it pretty much every night since! He usually wakes between 6:00 - 6:30 am. We'll work on making it until 7:00 on a regular basis but I have NO complaints!

Hudson is wearing 3 month clothes (although some of those sleepers are getting pretty short for his legs!) and size 1 diapers. I started putting him is size 2 at night - since he is no longer waking up I wanted him to be comfortable for those few extra hours.

Around weeks 6-7 he really started to respond to our faces and he gives us the biggest smiles! Oh how I love to see his eyes brighten when he sees/hears us speak to him. Its so sweet! And closer to week 8 he has verbally started to respond with coo's and other adorable baby words. Melts. My. Heart.

Next week we are taking both little ones up to Indiana for about a week to visit Nanny and Pappaw! I am so excited for them to meet baby Hudson and see how big Lillianne has gotten! It will be a long and interesting car ride --- but we will make it --- and we will have a great time!

Heard Around Here...

2011-07-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Lillianne continues to crack us up with her stories, vocabulary and funny little personality. She talks NON-stop. Sometimes I have to remind myself (like when we're driving in the car) to focus and listen to what she is saying - instead of blocking out her story - engage and interact with whatever she sees in her little world. =)

Things that we've heard lately...

While Meghan was in town last weekend we were in the car discussing where we wanted to shop. I suggested the Loft and Coldwater Creek, a store that my mom enjoys.

Lillianne: I wanna go swimming. I want to show Granddad how I can swim!

Me: OK, maybe this afternoon you can get in the pool.

Lillianne: No, Momma, I wanna go swimming at Coldwater Creek!

On our way home from dinner tonight Lillianne passed gas.

Daddy: Lillianne, you need to say 'excuse me'.

Lillianne: It was thundering!

Lillianne is constantly asking "Can I say this: _____?" and then makes up a word to see if its acceptable.

On the way to the bathroom she asks "Is this a public toilet?" because I always tell her not to touch ANYTHING in a public restroom. It is usually followed with "Momma, close the door. I need a little privacy."

Lillianne has started shortening words for some random reason. Ex: "Can I have a nap?" when asking for a napkin. "I'll have cracks." for crackers. This is usually followed by "Can I say nap?" "Can I say cracks?".

Lillianne walked in on Justin while he was in the bathroom.

Lillianne: "Daddy, why are you sitting like a girl?"

Me in the other room: cracking up!

Happy Birthday Ansleigh Virginia Hurt!

2011-07-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Josh, Erin and Abigail welcomed the newest member to their family (and ours!) on Saturday morning. Ansleigh Virginia is so precious!

We went up after church on Sunday to cuddle the sweet baby girl - who seems so tiny compared to our growing like a weed boy! It's amazing what a difference 7 weeks will make! It won't be any time at all before Hudson is running through the house chasing all of the girls =)

Congratulations Josh and Erin! Thanks for giving us another sweet little niece!

Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

2011-07-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

It's summer! We've been trying to fit as much fun into each day - and so far we've done a pretty good job! Lillianne, Hudson and I have been blueberry picking, feeding the ducks, enjoying $1 movies at the theater (Lillianne loves the popcorn!), playing with friends, having sleepovers with Aunt Meghan, going to the park with Granddad & learning to swim! Hudson is cuter than ever and is just the happiest little guy. He makes it easy run around town and "get stuff done".

I love summer! And I love spending it with my kids!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

New River Fun

2011-07-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! It's so nice to have Justin home for the day =)

This morning we packed up a lunch, met up with Memaw & Granddad and headed to the New River in McCoy to play in the water. The weather was perfect and there was a big shade tree to plop all of our stuff down - right on the rivers edge - to watch Lillianne and Granddad wade out in the water in their inner-tube. Lillianne had a blast in the water and it was shallow enough for her to walk out quite a bit. The water was calm and they found all sorts of treasures out there.

Memaw, Justin, Hudson and I stayed back and watched, layed out on blankets and enjoyed the breeze. After about an hour the breeze turned to a gusty wind and before we knew it we were right in the middle of a huge storm! Dad and Lillianne ran out of the water, Justin sprinted with Hudson to the car while mom and I tried to load up 2 chairs, 2 umbrellas, 1 baby swing, 4 bags, beach towels, drinks and lunch boxes. We were soaked by the time we got it all loaded. Made for a good adventure =)

It was a great taste of the river though - and I can't wait for the next sunny day to go out again!

After tubing we headed into Blacksburg for the parade then headed home for naps. Hope the rain holds off so that we can enjoy some fireworks tonight!

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Gotta Love 'em!

2011-07-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hurt Family Fun Day - July 4th Cookout

2011-07-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mike, Jennifer and the kids were in town this weekend for the 4th....so that meant a party at Nana and Paw's! It was great to get everyone together - and to say Lillianne loved playing with her cousins would be an understatement. She LOVES them! The entire way to Roanoke she asked "Where's my cousins?" and the squealing and giggling that goes on when they are all together is so incredibly cute! Saturday afternoon was HOT - a perfect day to get in the pool. I just love sitting around talking with my brother and sister in laws - catching up on life. And the kids (except Lillianne) spent the entire day in the pool. Lillianne was too busy "working". She watered Paw's plants, transported water from bucket to bucket, went strawberry picking, made a few trips to "Wal-mart" and ordered people to do this or that for her =) Way to busy to relax!

Thanks family for a wonderful Fun Day!

Are Play Dates Really FUN?

2011-06-30T11:51:00.001-07:00

...That's the question Kate and I were asking ourselves all morning =)

It seemed like a great idea at first. Kate came over with Lily and Simon today around 9:30. The kids were going to play so nicely together while Kate and I made Pioneer Woman's amazing cinnamon rolls. Boy, were we in for a treat - and I'm not talking the gooey, buttery kind!

Lillianne and Lily jumped from one activity to another - mainly wanting to have/hold/play with what the other had. Lillianne wouldn't stop hugging, squeezing, pulling, or tugging on Lily. I don't know how many times the words share, obey, be kind, use your words or ask nicely came out of our mouths. There were time outs, bathroom breaks, snack times, and lunch all thrown in the mix. Kate and I could not complete a sentence without being interrupted. It was chaotic and crazy. And ABSOLUTELY worth it! In the end we made 100 cinnamon rolls to share between our families. Into the freezer they go - ready to serve.

We left saying "See you in 6 years!" when our kids will actually play nicely without constantly needing or wanting us around. One day we'll get to those meaningful conversations....right?

As they got in the car to leave I hollered out "That was fun! Let's do it again!" and I meant it! Crazy as it was I love our friends and look forward to the next "play" date =)

Big Boy!

2011-06-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

So in love with my big boy!
I love that he is filling out some and getting that double chin - ADORABLE!

We're Gonna Have a Play Date!

2011-06-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

It was a PERFECT day for a water play date with some of our MOPS friends! Corie opened up her wonderful back yard for the kids to come over and splash in the water. There were mini pools set up, sprinklers going, bubbles, a slip & slide, water toys & a swing set. They all had a GREAT time running around! Lillianne was a little intimidated by the older kids but enjoyed watching them - and liked splashing in the baby pool. Her favorite part had to have been drinking the sprinkler water - and the lemonade. =) Hudson and I tried to stay out of the sun and we found a nice spot near the back deck to watch all the kiddos.

What a fun day! I love my MOPS friends!

Mill Mountain Zoo

2011-06-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

With just days left in Erin's pregnancy we decided to do something special with her and Abigail. Lillianne, Hudson and I loaded up the car and headed for Roanoke - to the Mill Mountain Zoo - to check out the animals and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park nearby.

It was a beautiful morning and the zoo is just perfect for preschool aged kids. Its small and easy to navigate. Lillianne especially loved (or loved to hate) the snake exhibit and talked non-stop about seeing them then talked about how much she hated them when she did! (She is REALLY into the snake in our bible stories and has to find the snake pretty much every night in the book to show us how gross it is.) Other animals that were on display: snow leopards, baboons, prairie dogs, pigs, turtles, deer, a red panda, otters & a few others. The girls seemed to have a good time and it was good to spend some quality time together before life gets crazy with another Hurt baby =)

BTW, poor Abigail was sporting a bright pink cast after taking a fall at the park last week. Thankfully, her broken arm seems to be healing quickly and she should get the cast off next week. She did really good at the zoo and did not let it stop her from exploring and having so much fun!

This Is The Life!

2011-06-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

"I Did It!"

2011-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

So, for about 6 months we have worked (using the term "worked" very loosely) on potty-training. In the beginning I thought I would be pretty militant about the whole concept - one who would force the issue and get it done in a weeks time. First lesson - potty training can't be forced. Second lesson - we lead very busy lives and are on the go so much in the morning hours that it was hard to consistently wear underwear long enough to make a difference. Third lesson - momma needs to be ready.

Lillianne has been ready for quite some time. For the past few months she has had no problem going #1 and would regularly go on her own while we were home. #2 was a different story. She would find a little spot in the corner, do her business, then asked to be changed. We would read stories about going potty or offer candy treats as a reward but #2 just was not happening. I heard someone mention that their daughter received a special toy when they finally went - so we gave that a try. For about a week we talked about going to Target and letting Lillianne pick out whatever toy she wanted once she poo-pooed in the potty. We would get really excited talking about it and she would bring it up occasionally, too. Still, nothing. Then - one morning I was in the laundry room putting clothes in the dryer and she came running into the room yelling "I did it! I poo-pooed in the potty!! Let's go get my special TOY!" Yeah! I checked out the scene and sure enough - it's in there! But something is strange --- there's also evidence of some in her diaper. It quickly becomes clear that she had deposited #2 into the potty to retrieve her reward. That girl! Later that morning we were at Target and she started talking about her toy. I decide to go down the isle and let her pick one thing out to bring home. I told her that she can look at the box and hold the box but we were going to keep it on the shelf unopened until she actually did it. She picked up several dolls but finally decided on a beauty kit (including curling iron, straight iron, hair brush & working blow dryer!) She was pumped! We no sooner get the car in the garage and open the door before she starts yelling "I gotta go! I gotta go!"

30 seconds later she proves to me that a good bride will get a kid to do anything - SHE DID IT!!

And has done it every time since =) We've been in big girl undies for a few days now and so far so good! We've experienced a few public restrooms and they haven't freaked me out like I thought they would - yet =)

My girl is SO big now!! Lillianne, we are so proud of you!!

One Month Old

2011-06-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our little Hudson turned one month old yesterday! Time is FLYING by and I can not believe has been with us for so long. At the same time I find it hard to remember what life was like before he came along =) He is an answer to our prayers and a joy to our life and I have loved every minute with him!

Some things I've learned this month...

* Hudson is such a sweet, easy going little guy. He is content to be passed around, cuddled, squeezed by an adoring sister or left to contend for himself while we are doing stuff around the house.

* He LOVES to cuddle with daddy and instantly falls asleep when laying on his chest. This is typically how I find them when I head downstairs to watch TV at the end of the day.

* Lillianne (aka Sister Bear) is a GREAT helper! She is all the time getting something for Hudson - diaper, pacifier, blanket, burp cloth. She rushes over to him as soon as she hears the first wimper to check and make sure that he is OK. It's so nice to have the extra set of hands for "fetching" (and she has matured so much this past month!)

* Hudson HATES the swaddle. I almost cried when he initially refused it --- because I know how great it can be for sleeping and calming a newborn. But actually not swaddling had the opposite effect on him. He would lay in bed and squirm for up to an hour until his hands/arms/legs were completely free. Then he would happily fall asleep with his little hands resting on those kissable cheeks. After a week of "forcing" it on him, we gave up, went to Target and bought some sleep sacks. Much better =)

* Speaking of sleeping Hudson is just now getting out of the really sleepy newborn stage - and is staying awake pretty well on his own after each daytime feeding. He is currently eating every 3 hours and every 3-4 hours at night. His internal clock is right on schedule and he seems to wake up right on time for each feeding. Thankfully he has been an efficient eater - and it only takes 10-15 minutes --- which is great during the night.

* Although he is great eater - he is a terrible spitter. Its pretty much a guarantee that he is going to spit up shortly after each meal. I feel so bad for him and wish that there was something we could do to eliminate that problem. (Really thankful now for all those great burp cloths that we got as gifts =)

* The boy is a bathroom factory. Walls, comforters, clothes, people, floor. They all have tales to tell. Enough Said.

* Hudson is officially out of newborn diapers & most newborn outfits. So sad! He is just way to long to fit into those tiny little sleepers.

* Hudson experienced two firsts this past week - first bottle (success, failure, then success again!) and first stay in the nursery during church on Sunday (success!) I had no intention of putting him in the nursery this early on - but he is just so loud!! I've never heard a baby make grunting noises like this little man. Thankfully, we are friends with the infant nursery workers and feel totally comfortable leaving him in there for extra loving =)

What a blessing this month has been!! I love, love, love little Hudson Thomas - our precious little boy! I am so thankful to be his momma and look forward to all of the "firsts" that next month will bring!

Happy, Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got to celebrate all the dads in our life. Granddad and Memaw came over in the morning for breakfast before church and later that afternoon we went to Roanoke to see Pawpaw and Nana for lunch with Hurt gang. It was a great day with family!

Lillianne did so good and did not "spill the beans" on our Fathers Day presents to Daddy (new chefs knife, grilling cookbook and a grill pan!) and was excited to help him unwrap his present. Hudson peacefully slept through the entire morning event =)

Our lunch was excellent! BBQ and all the fixin's. Yummy! Afterwards, the older girls got in the pool and we relaxed on the back deck. Lillianne and Abigail rummaged through Paw's garden looking for the last of the strawberries and enjoyed playing "house" in the yard. Lillianne found an old flower pot with potting soil and made "chocolate ice-cream" for the rest of the afternoon. =) Love that little girls imagination! The guys watched the US Open while Hudson peacefully slept through the entire afternoon event =)

Thank you Justin for being the very best Daddy to our little ones! You are so kind and good to them. I love watching you play with them, give them cuddles, teach them new things & direct their lives towards Christ even at this early age. I love you so much and its such a privilege to be on this parenting journey with YOU!

Just Because...

2011-06-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

... I love them so much --- photos for you to enjoy =)

One Month Check Up

2011-06-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

This morning we took Hudson back to Dr. Freeman's for his one month check-up. I knew he had grown --- considering he is already out of newborn diapers and I can barely snap up the newborn sleepers (so sad!) so I was anxious to take him. Since his one week check up he had gained 2 pounds and grew 2 inches! He's above the 95% for height and 50% for weight - long and skinny =) He was a champ and let both Ms. Denise and Dr. Freeman give him the once over with no problems - and only cried for a few seconds when they gave him his shot. Lillianne was the special assistant by measuring his head (which was 50 pounds) and listened for bunnies in his chest (they sounded like cheddar bunnies).

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful visit! Hard to believe that in just a few days Mr. Hudson will be one month old. Time is already going by wayyyy to fast with our little man! He is so happy and content and loved by us all =)

Momma's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys...

2011-06-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

...no matter how CUTE the little "dude" looks!!

(THANKS Aunt Meghan for the ADORABLE duffle bag that you sent to our little cowboy! He'll be ready for the rodeo in no time!)

Duck Pond Date

2011-06-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

We went to the duck pond again - today with Aunt Erin & Abigail! It was so fun to watch the girls together - they fed the ducks a bag of bread, squealed at the new baby ducklings, and even posed for a few pictures. It was a HOT one today but they loved it! Next time we will bring a picnic, some bug spray, water bottles and plan to stay for lunch =)

Love these beautiful little girls =) They are so much fun!

Be A Sister. Be A Brother.

2011-06-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks Uncle Mike, Aunt Jennifer, Brandon, Lauren & Ryan for our brother & sister shirts!!

We love them!

Hairy Man!

2011-06-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

Family Photos

2011-06-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures of the kids lately but realizing that we have very few of momma and daddy with them =) So, this afternoon I managed to get Lillianne to give a few smiles (for an M&M reward of course!)

I love our family and still get giddy when I think about words like "my kids", "son", "our little ones" and "family of four".

I'm also including a picture with Great Memaw and Granddad - showing four generations together =) and one with the great-grandchildren, too! Special memories that they will have of their Great Memaw!

A Visit From The Greats!

2011-06-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Great Memaw and Great Aunt Linda came for a visit this weekend! We've had so much fun playing, chatting, eating and laughing all weekend long! We spent Friday afternoon at our house and after dinner headed to the park for tennis and to let the kids get some fresh air. Saturday Granddad, Justin and Aunt Linda went kayaking (what an absolutely perfect day to be out on the water!!) while Lillianne, Hudson, Memaw, Great Memaw and I went to feed the ducks on campus. Lillianne loved throwing the bread out to them and she is getting quite brave - those big ones can be so aggressive!! After lunch and an "ice-ball" treat we came home, read books, took naps and enjoyed the rest of the evening as a family.

Hudson is such a cute little boy! We have loved sharing him with our family - he has definitely gotten his fair share of hugs and kisses this weekend. He is content to be passed along to whoever, whenever... such a sweetie! I'm already looking forward to the next visit with them - always fun, plenty of laughs and times of great fellowship. We love you "GREATS"!

My Big and My Little

2011-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Morning Snuggles

2011-05-30T05:38:00.001-07:00

There's nothin' better than morning snuggles with my big sister!

Love = Best Score of All

2011-05-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday night we all went out to watch Daddy and Granddad play some tennis. We found the shady court to park ourselves and cheer them on. It was nice that no one else was there - Lillianne was able to run around, ride her big wheels bike, chase after tennis balls and eat snacks without worrying about other people. Hudson and I tried to chill out in the shade since it was still pretty hot!

I love Lillianne's hair in braids! She seems so grown up and mature these days - especially when you compare the two of them to each other. She is helpful and loving towards Hudson and for that I am so thankful! Hudson seems to just go with the flow and is happy to be squeezed and kissed on without causing too much of a fuss.

We ventured out to church for the first time yesterday. I was excited to see blue bulletins to celebrate his birth! We took Hudson into the service with us and he did great! He slept through most of the service. He did get a little antsy towards the end and Justin had to take him out during the last song. It was great to share him and show him off to everyone there! Love that little boy - so proud to be his momma!