Goodbye 2010

You have been good to us, you have been bad to us, but we are ready for a fresh start!

The good:
I got to watch my two babies grow into little boys.
Parker was potty trained (it's been almost a year... crazy!)
Parker started preschool, and loves it.
Hudson got to stop his acid reflux medication.
Garrett and I got to take a week long vacation and just enjoy time with each other. (I really need to post pictures... maybe next year ;) )
We have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and clothes on our bodies.

The bad:
Nana passed away. And seeing Papaw (and our whole family) in so much pain has been heartbreaking.
Watching a friend's baby go through Leukemia. Seeing her hurdles and struggles is just devastatingly sad.

What I'm looking forward to:
Looking in to becoming home owners.
Hopefully getting a niece or nephew from a certain brother and sister in law :)
Having a 2 and 4 year old! When did they get so big??
Taking the boys to the snow next winter.
Celebrating our fifth year of marriage <3

Getaway

In five days we will be sitting right here:

My stomach hurts because I already miss my babies so much. But it is going to do a lot for us to have a week away together with friends. Sleep, drinks, dinner, snorkeling, lounging... all without kids. Sounds refreshing.
We should come back a very relaxed momma and dadda :)

How am I this lucky?

To have the most gorgeous 3 year old in the whole world.
I feel so blessed. This is my baby. The little baby that was curled up inside my belly for nine months.
I am so thankful for photos so that I can remember these moments years from now when I'm missing my little baby.

THREE

My baby boy is "FREE!" - as he calls it.
He even tries to put up his three cute little fingers, but hasn't quite mastered keeping the thumb and pinky tucked in ;)

Parker, you changed my whole world the day you were born. November 3, 2007 I became a momma. Your momma. I didn't know I could love someone as much as daddy, but I do. And I didn't think I could love another baby as much as you, but I do. You three boys are my whole world, and I can't imagine my life without you. And believe me, I thought I might have to live my life without you after you first week of life. You scared us SO bad. I am so glad you are the little miracle baby and stayed with us because you are the light of my life.
You are funny, smart, sneaky, cheeky, and oh so stinkin cute. You can make anybody laugh... just like daddy.
Feel free to stay little forever because I don't want you to grow up!
I love you so much, buddy. You will always be my little baby.

ten years

Garrett and I have been together for 10 years today! It seems like it went by so fast, but like he's been a part of my life forever. I cannot imagine a day going by without him. He is my best friend, partner in crime, love of my life, and my comic relief.
I am so thankful that he decided to ask my to be his girlfriend while stopped at a red light on the way home from the homecoming game. God blessed us with each other, and I couldn't be happier.

I LOVE YOU BABE!! Here's to 60 more :)

Aubrey Deno

This is sweet Aubrey. Please be praying for her.
You can read about Aubrey at then end of my post below <3

Boys

Wow, I have been neglecting this way too much. The boys are up to so much lately. Hudson has started walking (!!), saying "thay" for thank you, cutting 4 molars at the same time (fun), Parker is loving preschool... AND has a couple of girlfriends (ay yi yi).

We have been enjoying this fall/summer/whateveryoucallit weather. One of our favorite places to go is Avila Valley Barn. We go here at least once a week. I finally took some pictures today. With a real camera, not just my phone for once :)

These are from Garrett's birthday.
Walking with daddy :)

Loving circling grammie and papa's new pool!
Monterey to visit the aquarium
And some of my favorites from my phone. LOVE these brothers :)

"helping" mama with the dishes







Playing "where's Hudson?" His favorite game :)
And getting in his daily yoga
Parker asked me to take his picture in Hudson's room this morning. This is his picture pose.


And lastly, and most importantly, can you please say a prayer for my friend's daughter, Aubrey. She is the same age as Hudson, and was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) last month. She is on her third round of chemotherapy, and trying to fight off infections. Most people (95%) go in to remission after the first round of chemo, but Aubrey hasn't yet. They are giving her one more shot with the chemo, and then after that it might start to ruin her organs.
So please pray that this last round of chemo works, and that God gives Aubrey a miracle.

The boys and I wearing our "I love Aubrey" bracelets. (click on it to see the whole thing, chunky Hudser wrists and all)
If you would like to donate to the Deno family, please click here

Preschooler!

My itty bitty baby started preschool today!
This was so bittersweet. I am sad to have him gone two half days a week, but I know he is going to gain so much. And I get to have some alone time with my little Hudser :)

He has been talking about preschool a ton lately, and kept telling me how he's going to make new friends and he's "gonna tickle em!".

We dropped him off today, said hi to his teacher and he went right to playing. We had to go to the office to grab something, and when we walked back by his classroom, we heard a kid crying... it was Parker :( Break my heart!!
They said he only cried for about 5 minutes, and then was happy the rest of the time.
When we went to pick him up, he saw Garrett and came running towards us from the playground yelling "DADDY!!!!" with the hugest smile on his face. I think we were both on the verge of tears.

He made the most beautiful butterfly to bring home. Of course it will be on the fridge forever :)

I am so happy he is getting structure and socializing from another setting besides home.
I don't know about this growing up thing!

He even has own adorable little cubby!

ONE

Seriously? That went by WAY too fast. My baby is one. I can't even believe it.
We had a super fun carnival themed party for him on Saturday. A lot of friends and family came to celebrate, and spoil the little love.
Cotton candy machine, kiss the baby booth, face painting, pony rides. The boys loved it!



















Hudson, you are one year old now.
Here's a recap of your most recent weeks:

You have 8 teeth (4 top, 4 bottom)
You crawl like a maniac!
You stand holding furniture, and go back and forth between couches.
You like to try and stand alone, but you get scared and crouch down.
You say "dada", "baba", "buh bye", and "raaar!". Where's "mama" in all of this?! Don't make me pull the I-gave-birth-to-you-card :)
You love ponies (which we found out at your party), but you are still a little iffy on dogs.
We thought you had a dairy allergy, but you've been fine with your whole milk. In fact, you love it. No more formula for you!
You love to put your head on my shoulder when you get shy or embarrassed.
You and your brother are almost the same size at 12 months. Like, identical.
You cannot get enough food into your little mouth. Your faves are edamame, grapes, animal crackers, graham crackers, bean burritos, and waffles. But you really will eat ANYTHING. Including rocks, stickers from outside, and anything you find in the carpet. Gross!

I love you, sweet baby boy. I have never met a baby as happy, lovey, cuddly, funny, and cute as you. You and Parker are the joys of my life, and you mean the world to me.
I can't imagine my life without your smiling face. You bring SO many people so much joy.
I know Nana is smiling down on you right now from Heaven, looking at her "boyfriend".

Happy Birthday, moose.