Parker and Hudson

we are family

2011-04-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

How can you not be in love with your life when you have these three adorable guys in it?

Miss Aubrey

2011-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I hopped on a plane to a state I had never been, to meet people I had never met. As soon as I landed I was welcomed by my friend Suzanne and her two girls Sophia and Ella.
It was like we had been friends forever, and her girls ran right to me :)

We had planned on going to the hospital to see Aubrey, but she had had a really rough night on Friday. So we ended up going out to dinner with Lacey and her friend. We went to go meet Lacey and I of course gave her a big huge hug. A few minutes later it comes up that she isn't a hugger. Ha! The one thing I've been saying I want to do all the time is give her a real life hug. She stuck her hand out and gave me knuckles in the car. I was cracking up. (Don't tell anyone, but she gave me hugs the rest of the weekend.) ;)

suzanne, lacey, me

After dinner it started snowing. And of course like a little girl who had never seen snow fall before (I know, I know. But I live next to the beach.) I jumped out of the car to stand in the snow. It was just as beautiful as I had imagined. I agree, it was quite annoying the rest of the time, but it is just so pretty to look at!
watching the snow fall.

We all talked like old friends at dinner. It was nice to have some girl time, and it is nice for Lacey to get some breaks every once in a while.
Then we headed back to their Ronald McDonald apartment and hung out with her parents. They are super fun, and you can tell they are such a close knit family. We all just talked about Aubrey and life into the early hours of the morning.

Sunday night we went to the hospital. We were afraid we wouldn't get to see Aubrey since every little move, noise and light would wake her up and cause her to start moving around uncomfortably. She had happened to have a really good night Saturday night, so Lacey said it was okay to go in and see her. Just walking in to the hospital brought back memories of Parker. The red wagons the kids get to ride out of the hospital in when they get to go home, the gift shop where you don't know if you want to buy something to remember this horrible time, or if you should so you can remember where your baby got better. We spent the worst week of our lives at a children's hospital, so I can't even begin to imagine what spending over five months in one feels like for Lacey and Dustin.

We suited up in a gown, gloves and mask and went to in to Aubrey's room. I teared up the second I saw her. I feel like I've known her forever, and I care for her like my own. It takes everything I have to not imagine Hudson in her place since they are the same age and they remind me a lot of each other.
Aubrey looked like a little sleeping angel. She is so beautiful. I just wanted to kiss her little cheeks and scoop her up and snuggle. Hopefully some day soon!
She had a breathing tube (which is out now!) and she kept trying to swat it out. Poor thing. But other than that, she looked so comfortable, and would get calmed down so easily by her mama's touch and voice. It was a relief seeing her in person. You just get the overwhelming feeling that she is going to be okay. She is going to be a healthy little girl soon.

one of the most precious moments ever.

We stayed in there a few hours just talking, watching Aubrey sleep, staring at her adorable face. It was just lovely feeling the love surrounding that little girl. If you wonder why she's such a miracle, just look around. She has thousands upon thousands of people praying for her every day, a family who never leaves her side, and an amazing support system.
I pray that no one has to go through this, but if so, you are blessed with an amazing family like the Deno's.

I wish I could have stayed longer. I loved being with those girls, but we have already decided they are going to make a California trip when Aubrey is all better. :)
I soaked up playing with three little girls all weekend. Painting nails, doing makeup, playing with Barbies. I missed my boys, but I really needed a break from the tractors and dinosaurs!

I cannot wait to see Aubrey leave that hospital and run around with her sister like she should be doing.

Thank you, Lacey, Dustin, Suzanne and everyone else for welcoming me. I had an unforgettable weekend.

Aubrey

2011-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

So you remember that sweet little girl named Aubrey I've been talking about? She has been fighting for her life against Leukemia? Well she is cancer free, is now 100% of her donor's marrow, and is now fighting for her life again. She has a condition called SOS caused by the bone marrow transplant and it affects her liver. There is one medication in the world that can save her, and it hasn't been doing it's job. Her bilirubin numbers have been steadily climbing (meaning the liver isn't working), meaning the medication isn't working. That is until today; her mom, Lacey's birthday. They saw a DRAMATIC decrease in her bili numbers (from 17.3 to 13.3).
This is the miracle we have all been praying for and continue to pray for!

Even though I've never met Aubrey, I just know she is a fighter. She does everything on her own time and in her own special way.

I have been telling Garrett how much I want to go see Lacey and Aubrey for months now, but it just didn't seem really practical. Last Wednesday night I started searching for flights to Indiana. I had never felt the "God is telling me to do this" feeling, but I did that night. As I was looking at flights a friend randomly messaged me. I told her what I was doing and she told me that she was flying there on the 22nd to see her family and to visit Lacey. She generously offered for me to stay with her family and her.
This all fell in to place within an hour, and I booked my flight. I am not the type of person who does this. I don't fly alone, travel somewhere I've never been with people I've never met. But I am. And I love it.
I have talked to Lacey so many times and I've always offered her virtual hugs, but I have said so many times that I can't wait to give her a real hug. That might be one of the things I'm looking forward to most about this trip. And I can't wait to see the little girl who has changed thousands of lives. She is still just a baby and has no idea what kind of impact she has had on me and my family, and I can't wait to tell her.

I am really nervous about being in a Children's Hospital again. I haven't been in one since Parker's one week stay when he was a newborn. When I thought I might lose my baby. He proved to be a miracle baby, and I hope that Aubrey is too :)
I know that what we went through was so much smaller in comparison, but to think you could lose your child is the worst feeling in the whole world. We had a lot of rough days and nights in that hospital and I can't imagine being there for months without my other baby like Lacey and Dustin are doing.

I can't wait to experience the love of the Deno family, and to see sweet Aubrey's face.
This is going to be an unforgettable weekend.

If you want to keep up with how Aubrey's doing, you can follow her Caring Bridge page.

DOMINICAN

2011-01-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

We had such a good time on vacation. It was such a nice way to spend our four year anniversary in the very spot we honeymooned... and with friends this time.
The weather was a little funky the first couple of days, but it was fun to just lounge in the lobby bar and play games and drink fruity concoctions!

LOVED the time alone, but we discovered one thing: we're bringing the babes with us on the next vacation. We missed them too dang much ;)

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T14:40:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

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

Boys

2010-10-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-31T18:16:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

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.

11 months

2010-06-30T20:46:00.001-07:00

I can 't believe this is the last time I am going to do this with my baby. Next month this post is going to say "1 year old". That is just ridiculous!
I love my little buddy so much. He is the sweetest, cuddliest, snuggliest, adorable little guy in the whole world. I NEVER want him to grow up. I wish I could keep him this age forever (but add the sleeping through the night part to it- UGH).

He has 7 teeth-- 4 top, 3 bottom. Cutest teeth ever.
He says "dada" all the time. He is in love with his daddy. It's so adorable... except when I say "say momma"- and he says "dada". Little stinker :)
He is trying to stand on his own, so we think he'll be walking a little before Parker did (13 months).
Who knows.

Here is the little angel:

Father's Day

2010-06-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy I could ever ask for for my two beautiful baby boys. This is your first Father's Day as a daddy of two. You manage to make them both smile as often as you can, and you can tell in their happy spirits.

Taking Parker for backhoe rides, "ventures", throwing water balloons off the deck, taking turns giving each other massages on the couch. He loves every second of it.

Giving Hudson smiles, tickle time, peekaboo, fake coughing with him, he is in heaven.

Our boys love you so much. I know that they are going to cherish these special memories of their daddy. You make their childhood special, and that's all I could ask for.

We love you so much.

And Happy Father's Day to my daddy! You're the best dad and Papa we could ask for :)

10 months

2010-06-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

Seriously, how is this happening so quick? My baby is turning into a toddler before my very eyes. Hudson is crawling like a mad man, and wants to stand up on his own so bad. I think he loves that he can keep up with Parker now.
I have never swept and vacuumed so much in my life!

Ready for the Camera

2010-06-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

Our friend and photographer, Samm sent this adorable little shirt with an old school camera on it for Hudson.
Obviously we had to take a few pictures of the model. :)

Showered with Love

2010-05-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of being my best friend, Katie's, Matron of Honor. Seeing as it is probably the only time in my life this will happen, I was so excited to throw a bridal shower that was all Katie.
Katie and I can be very different, but exactly the same, all at once.
It was amazingly fun to plan a party for someone else. I didn't just throw something together, I put so much thought and effort into making it perfect. It was so refreshing to hear Katie talk about all of the little details that probably only her and I noticed, but then again that's why we're best friends :)

All of the baking, decorating, planning and shopping was so worth it for my dear friend to have a shower all about her. We had so much fun talking, laughing, playing a little game, and opening presents.

I hope you had an amazing day, love <3

10k

2010-05-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

This momma is going to be fit!
My best friend and I signed up today to run the Morro Bay rock to pier 10k in July. And my brother's girlfriend, Ellie decided to join in on the fun, too!
We have been running, and are almost done with our 5k training. Then it takes us about 6 more weeks to get to the 10k level.

I have never been a runner (except for soccer in high school), but I am actually starting to enjoy it. I don't love it at the time, but I love how it makes me feel after. And I feel my body getting toned, instead of my mushy post baby-ness.

I have always wanted to love running, I just never thought I could.
I'm hoping by June, I will honestly be able to say that I love it (not just because I'll be able to wear short shorts again... but that's a pretty good reason).

time to get some good songs on my iphone...

Mother's Day

2010-05-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous Mother's Day. My amazing husband let me sleep in uninterrupted Saturday night (first time in oh, about 9 months!). I was awoken by little pitter patters running in to bring me a chocolate donut and a card... couldn't be anyone but Parker :)We headed down to Santa Barbara to go to lunch with the whole gang at Enterprise Fish Co. I had the best Blood Orange Margarita (okay, I had 2). We hung out and ate and had my mom open her presents. I know that this is by far the hardest Mother's Day for her since she doesn't get to celebrate with her mom anymore, but we tried to make it as special as we could. I wasn't even looking for a card, but I stumbled across the sweetest card that had a mommy giraffe kissing a baby giraffe. It was just so right. Like Nana is looking down on all of us giving us a kiss. We got my mom a necklace with a "d" on it, and a pearl to represent Nana. Nana was so classy, and I remember on my wedding day she came in and asked me which necklace she should wear. I told her the pearls, and she said "that's what I was thinking, pearls are my favorite". And she wore them beautifully.

All of us somehow forgot our cameras, but we took these on my phone. Love these people <3

Grams and her grandbabies (if you click on it, you can actually see Parks)

My babies :)

Family Photos

2010-05-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun taking these. We kind of got to get away and have some fun, despite the very hard time we were (and are) having with Nana's passing.
We went to Old Edna, which is the cutest setting ever! It was so funny because Samm (our photographer) said she had a spot in mind, and when she mentioned where, we remembered that we had been there with our friends Katie and Wes to wine taste, and we said how adorable it would be to take pictures there! There are so many cute little spots all within a little backyard garden, we loved it.
And after we were done, we came back and took one under our favorite tree in front of our house. It turned out so sweet... and so special since it is our first house as a family of four.

It is so nice to have someone else taking the pictures, for once!

*pictures by Samm from thesproutingimage.com
-who also did our pictures about a year and a half ago with Parks. We love her! :)

Brothers

2010-05-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

This was totally Parker's doing, I said nothing.
THIS is what being a mama is all about.

And Hudson cracks me up in this one. :I don't think so, Parks:

2.5

2010-05-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Parker is 2 1/2 years old today. It is SO cute to see him put up his little peace sign on his fingers and say "I 2 an a half".
We just booked our hotel for Disneyland for his birthday. He brings it up at least once a day, and wants Grammie and Papa to go so bad!

Here is the little goofball eating Scooby Snacks for you viewing pleasure.
And wearing mama's leopard headband. He knows I want a little girl so I can do their hair, so he just lets me get my fix with him :)

9 months old!

2010-05-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hudson has now officially been outside of my belly longer than he was in it (that's not saying much, since the cutie decided to come out a little early).
I can't believe my little baby is 9 months old. I realize I say that every month, but he is just turning into such a big boy!
We think this is going to be the week he starts crawling. He rocks on all fours, and is SO close.
I need to figure out what to do for his birthday party. I hear Etsy calling me...

We love you, little guy!

Best Nana Ever.

2010-04-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

Nana went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 18th. Friday, the 16th Nana fell while walking Carter. Later we found out that it was due to a massive stroke. We are so happy to know that she didn't suffer the night she fell, and the days she was in the hospital. The day she passed, she seemed so peaceful. It was so nice to have our family there with her and surrounded by love as she entered Heaven.
Her heart took it's last beats as Papaw told her how beautiful and perfect she was, and how much he loved her. It was amazing.

Nana's memorial service was on Saturday, April 24th, Nana and Papaw's 68th wedding anniversary. It couldn't have been more perfect. She was and is loved by so many people, and made such a huge impact in all of our lives.

Beautiful Nana. Everyone says I look like her in this picture. I'll take it :)
The gorgeous service, taking place on the front porch; Nana's favorite spot in the world.
A giraffe just for Nana. She loved giraffes.
An anniversary arrangement to celebrate what would have been 68 happy years together.
It was amazing how many people sent flowers and cards. Dozens upon dozens.
Papaw and his kids talking about Nana.
The giraffe that Nana gave to Parker when he was in the NICU as a baby. Parker gave this to her when she was in the hospital to "make her feel better" (in P's words). Now it resides on her bed, Parker insists.
Papaw and his two youngest great grandsons. He loves them so much.

Nana, you will forever be in our hearts. I am so happy that my babies had the opportunity to meet you. I will talk about you to them all the time and keep you in their memory. You were such a special Nana. So beautiful, kind, loving, funny, sweet, and giving. I pray that I can be as fortunate as you and Papaw in life and love. This weekend has made me realize that I want my little family to be big, just like yours is. You started an amazing family, and we are so lucky to have you in our lives.
We love you. You truly were the best Nana ever.

8 months

2010-04-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot Hudson was 8 months until bedtime last night. First time I've forgotten... so sad! We had a little photoshoot this morning, and he was cute as ever :)

Happy almost Easter! Cutest bunny around...
My little model babe

Someone's getting into trouble...
Parker's new favorite pastime: construction site in the backyard

This cracks me up. Parker is having a fit, and Hudson just smiles at him :)

And now, he's done.

I'm a big kid now!

2010-03-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Parker is potty trained! This isn't recent news, I just forgot to post about it... probably because I am running to the bathroom with him every 5 minutes.
I did the 3 day potty training with him, and it worked so well. He has maybe had a handful of accidents in the past month and a half, and is doing so well. He wears his big boy underwear all day except nap and bed time. It gets kind of challenging when I'm by myself with both boys, and have to run Parker to the bathroom while trying to fit the double stroller in there.
But it is so worth not buying and changing two sets of diapers!
Here's my big boy. I can't believe how fast he's growing up!

Double date without babes!

2010-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Grammie and Papa so nicely watched the boys on Saturday so we could have a little date afternoon/night. We went to Tolosa since Katie and Wes had never been there, and then to Sextant since none of us had been. It is so stinkin cute... perfect for a photoshoot!
We had the most amazing dinner at Ciopinot. That was our second time going, and it is definitely one of our faves!

A Parker quote from that night when my mom was trying to get him ready for bed:
Grammies: "Parker, you ready to go put on your pj's and brush your teeth?"
Parker: "no thank you, gram"
At least he has manners... :)

7 months

2010-03-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

My little man is getting so big! He thought he'd celebrate by getting his second tooth. It's stinkin adorable!
Things he's doing: tripod sitting, giggling, rolling everywhere, trying to scoot, grabbing everything, and is SUPER into food.
He tried Parker's sippy cup, and loves it. We have another little water baby.
Oh, and speaking of water, we took the boys swimming 2 weeks ago at a little mommy and me swim class (Garrett was the only guy, hahahaha) and they loved it. Hudson is a little natural, and flirted with the instructor. What's new? :)

All better!

2010-02-22T08:25:00.001-08:00

These past few weeks have been kind of crazy!
Hudson got RSV (from Parker's cough), had to be on steroids and albuterol through his nebulizer for about a week, all while starting his new acid reflux medication.
The steroids (we think) caused him to wake up for the minimum of 12 times a night. It was absolutely terrible... especially since all of this was going on during my 3 wisdom teeth getting taken out and recovering. That was one of the most sleep deprived weeks of my life, and the one thing about my surgery I was looking forward to was being able to get some sleep. I've never been more wrong.
It's okay, we're all better now.
We are having issues with Hudson going into his crib because we brought him into our room after his choking incident, and now he can't stay asleep in his crib. Any tips are welcome!

Here are a couple pictures of my little angels.
And a bunch from wine tasting on Saturday for Rob, and his friend Ty's birthday :)

Tooth

2010-02-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hudson's first tooth popped through yesterday! I can't wait to get a picture... he's so stinkin cute :)

In other news: he started his nebulizer breathing treatments last night. He got a cold/cough from Parker, and it is making him super wheezy. The poor guy hates it so much and cries the whole time. Hopefully we'll only need to use it for a couple more days.

Oh, and our insurance approved Axid, so he doesn't have to take his nasty tasting Zantac anymore. He is already tolerating it so much better.

scariest night ever.

2010-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I put Hudson down in his crib, he woke up about an hour later and was crying. I went in there to pick him up, and then he started choking. I turned him around and tried to put pressure on his belly so he would throw up whatever. He spit up a little bit, and then started turning blue/purple. I started walking with him and trying to kind of hymlic maneuver him, and I ended up sticking my finger down his throat, and it all finally came out. Garrett walked in the door about 2 minutes after this happened, and I was shaking so bad so I gave Hudson to him. He seemed kind of lethargic, and wouldn't really cry or make much noise. About 10 minutes later I took him and we were walking around, and the same exact thing happened. This time Garrett stuck his finger down his throat, and he spit it up (never actually threw up, just mucous). He wouldn't cry again or anything, so Garrett called 911. Luckily we can see the fire dept from our front door, so they were here in like 30 seconds. They had to put oxygen on him because his was really low, and he was super pale. We went in the ambulance to the ER (Parker got to play in the fire truck for a few minutes after Hudson and I left... so he was STOKED! lol), and after xrays, blood work, and rsv test, they concluded that he has reflux. I had a suspicion this was going on because he was screaming every time I layed him down (in my arms, on the couch, in his bed) to go to sleep. But I was just waiting for his 6 months appt next week to ask about it.

They gave him zantac before we left and he threw it up, and I just gave him some this morning and he threw that up too. He keeps his food down, so I think it must just taste nasty. So we are going to the pediatrician in a couple hours to see if we can get something else for him.

I am so happy I went in to get him when he woke up crying, I can't even imagine what would have happened if I hadn't been there.

And I am so thankful that he is okay. My little sweet angel baby is going to be fine.

6 months old!

2010-02-01T11:32:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it? I feel like I just gave birth to this handsome little cutie. My little sugar is 6 months old... does that mean I can start planning his first birthday? :)

Parker and I made Hudson this cake. Parker insisted we sing "happy birfday to you" to Hudson. Daddy gave Hudson a little lick of frosting, but we got to eat the rest :)

And Hudson had his first meal in the high chair, which meant Parker sits in a booster seat at the table with us. So big!

Mom, these prunes are sick

Rolly Poly

2010-01-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

Little Hudson (who is almost 6 months, BTW!) is a little rolling maniac. He started rolling tummy to back around 4 months, and has just recently (at 5 1/2 months) started rolling back to tummy. He rolls around everywhere now. I guess sitting and crawling isn't too far behind!

We spent the weekend at Rob and Jen's house. We had a little "potty party" for Parker since he is doing amazing with potty training. I used the 3 day potty training book :which I highly recommend:
He has only had a handful of accidents in over a week. He is 100% diaper free during the day, and just needs a diaper for overnight. It is so nice to not have to change him all the time, and it saves SO much money!

Anyway, we had so much fun at Auntie and Uncle's house, even including the 1 am jump party Parker decided he wanted to have in the living room. Thank you guys for having us... we love hanging out with you! Parks and Huds got spoiled like usual :)

Parks got sprayed by the water at the mall. Oops!
The creepy chocolate bear
This dog isn't loved at all... poor thing! :)
Love

KoKo the model

Little angel
Our family minus little sleeper boy
Parker's present from Auntie and Uncle

Uncle Rob and Parks playing Wii

Feeding the ducks a few weeks ago

Swinging in our yard

Littles

2010-01-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot going on around here lately! Parker (or I am?) doing a 3 day potty training program with him. I modified it a little bit because I don't think he is ready to give up diapers during naps and night time. But he is doing awesome! Other than pooping (sorry, I'm such a mom), he has been fab. No accidents in almost 2 days. He is an underwear wearing boy :)

Hudson has just started rolling over from back to belly. He could do belly to back a while ago, but just mastered this yesterday. He absolutely loves his jumperoo, and could spend all day in there. I can't believe how grown up he's getting... he has started to hold his own bottles! And I think within in the next month or so will be sitting up. He is my strong little guy.

I feel like everything is changing around here! Parker is going to start in his big boy bed pretty soon since he escaped last week, running into our room after a huge thump saying "momma! I did it!"

The things that have been coming out of that boys mouth lately are hilarious.
After licking his tractor, he looks at me and says "my excavator's spicy!"
And holding Hudson's hand, he politely says "momma, can I bite him?"
And today I asked him for a kiss and he rolled his eyes at me and said "BUT MOMMA!!!"

Too big. Too fast.

5 months old

2009-12-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is almost a half a year old. Hudson's baby months are going way faster than Parker's. Why can't I just freeze time? We talk about maybe stopping at 2, but every time we think this could have been our last newborn stage we say we definitely need a third :) Who knows!

And Parks' graham cracker face... just because :)My happy guy on the swing

Our Christmas

2009-12-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

Most people celebrate Christmas on December 25... not us. Poor Garrett got the stomach flu really really bad on Christmas Eve as we were getting ready to go to his parents' house. I ended up taking the boys over there for a little bit to eat dinner and open up presents. Parker got a very cute John Deere trike that he is learning to ride (no pics... I couldn't handle 2 kids AND the camera :)). It was so sad, Parker kept saying "where's babe?" I didn't know what he was saying until I said "where's who?" and he said "where's babe? daddy!" :(
I was hoping Garrett just had the 24 hour flu so that he would wake up Christmas morning and feel fine, but instead I ended up with it too. Not nearly as bad, but I did not feel well. My parents' came and got the boys Christmas morning. I immediately started crying after they left because I was so devastated. I just wanted to see Parker's face Christmas morning when he woke up to all of his presents and the lit Christmas tree. Luckily he had no idea what was going on this year. He and Hudson were very well taken care of at Grandma's house though... I've seen pictures, and Hudson didn't get put down once :)
Luckily I felt better Christmas night, so I got to go see my babies and the whole family. Saturday morning we finally got to have our Christmas as a family. I hope that never happens again, it was so not the same without Garrett by my side. The only good thing out of all of this is that Garrett and I got to take a really long nap together on Christmas, that NEVER happens!

Hudson checking out his stocking
His most favorite toy/chew toy
Obviously he had to have tractors...
Looking at his stocking stuffers
Oscar the Grouch
So many goodies!
Parks' Radio Flyer Worm, or "horm" as he calls it :)
Silly swinging boy
Ty Ty and Huds
Momma and Parks

Cousins eating dinner together in their pj'sLittle snuggle
Momma's baby love
Parker being silly as usual
Momma and Huds
Grammies (love your juicebox, mom :) )
Sicky boy Jen got kind of mad that her slinky got bent. :)
LOVE
Brett and Ty
My little Addy May
We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and a have a great New Year!

Disneyland!

2009-12-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Servando and Maria invited us to Disneyland for their daughter Sarah's 9th birthday. It was SO much fun! We have been to Disneyland a lot, but never when it's decorated for Christmas. It was seriously so beautiful. The castle was amazing.

We went to Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast, and Parker loved it (until Goofy came over to say hi). He had Mickey Mouse waffles, got to have a little dance party, and watch the characters while he ate his breakfast.
Seriously, thanks for traumatizing our kid, Goofy.

Chip
Mickey waffles!
The happy birthday girl
Sarah and Parks
Daddy giving Hudson a driving lesson
Little beauty
Sleeping through breakfast. He was a little mad all he could eat was a bottle.
Disneyland time!
Parks favorite ride. The spaceships
Where did Parker go?

This is how the cool boys eat their lunch.
And... OUT.
My two monkeys in the tree.
Maria and Cecilia
practicing being a big boy.
Momma's little bug.
Nemo!
Such a pretty Christmas tree.
Carousel... riding the horsies.
"Bandos and Murria"
SO PRETTY.
We are so lucky to have such great friends to go on a mini vacation with. I can't wait till Hudson and Cecilia can go on the rides! :)

Baby boys

2009-12-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Brothers. I love them.

Seriously... could they be any cuter? When they hold hands, laugh at each other and give kisses it melts my heart. I could not be any luckier.

4 Months Old

2009-11-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast the time is going! My little newborn is not looking like a newborn much anymore. He is getting to such a fun age where he loves to laugh and talk and squeal... it's adorable. I love how Hudson's face lights up when Parker talks to him. THIS is why we had two kids :)

Christmas Parade

2009-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is by far my favorite time of year.

Christmas trees
driving around looking at lights
Christmas parades
presents
boots/scarves/sweaters
friends
warm drinks
family
love
Christ. That is what it's all about, after all.

There is such a magical feeling in the air.

Tonight we went to a Christmas parade with our friends, Maria and Servando (with Sara "Surrah" and Cecilia "Cereal" as Parks calls them)
So much fun :)

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing day at my parents' house. We had great food, family and so much fun. And I finally got to see my cousin Lindsay's baby bump... I can't wait for little Peyton to be here! :)

We had an amazing day at my parents' house. We had great food, family and so much fun. And I finally got to see my cousin Lindsay's baby bump... I can't wait for little Peyton to be here! :)

This was the last day we spent at my parents' old house. Parker loved the dolly, and thought it was so fun to ride on it. He found a pile of leaves that kept him occupied for hours. It was so fun to just watch him find something new. I am really really going to miss the house I grew up in.

Don't worry, bout a thing...

2009-11-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

Happy/Sad Hudson

2009-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

He is just getting too cute for me!

ELMO!

2009-11-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Parks had SO much fun at his bounce house/Elmo party. He still cannot stop talking about the bounce house... it was his favorite!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

2009-11-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe you are 2 years old already. You have brought us so much joy these past two years. You are our first child, and we are so proud to say that we have started to raise an amazing little boy. You are the sweetest thing, and oh so polite. We couldn't have picked a better baby, er, child. You are so grown up, but you will always be our baby boy.

Parker, WE LOVE YOU!

This morning he woke up to a brand new Jeep. I'm not sure who was more excited, Parker or Garrett. I'm going to spoil him today, and can't wait for his party this weekend! :)

Giraffes and Dragons

2009-11-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

Parker got two rounds of trick or treating this year. We took the boys down to Farmer's Market on Thursday to have their picture taken in their costumes, and to do a little warm up trick or treating. Parker started getting the hang of it, and was SO excited when Halloween actually came.
We were actually eating lunch at Chili Peppers, and Parker goes up to a lady who's eating and says "trick or treat!". LOL.
He and his baby friend Riley (the cupcake) had so much fun... and so did we.
I LOVE seeing how happy Halloween made him, and how much fun he will continue to have throughout the years. It really is so amazing being a parent, you get to see the excitement and joy through a child's eyes.
Now I can't wait for Christmas!! :)

3 Months Old!

2009-10-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!
Hudson is 3 months old today! Our little love bug is getting so big and so so cute :)

Brrrr!

2009-10-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this weather! Sweatshirts, scarves, boots... my time of year.
And Parker looks particularly cute in his new hat that he wore on our walk yesterday :)

Paci Monster

2009-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Parker knows that he loves 2 things that go hand in hand.
His ni night and paci are like peanut butter and jelly. They just belong together.
For the past 2 years (minus 1 week) he has used a paci on every long car ride, nap, and bedtime.

We always said we would take away our babies' pacis before their second birthday. Seeing as his birthday is a week from today, we didn't give ourselves too much time! But Parker has now been paci free for 4 days. He went around the house and put them all in a box to give to Hudson. He was so happy and proud about it, it was precious. He has had a few withdrawls, but we are easily able to distract him. One of the last little pieces that made him a baby is gone. He is going to be 2! If we hadn't just had Hudson, I would be having some major baby fever right now.

RIP Paci's
You will be forever missed

Paci outtake

Squishy

2009-10-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just want to squish his cheeks and eat him up!

So grown up!

2009-10-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was getting really sick of trying to cut Parker's hair evenly while he played in the bath tub telling me "done? done!" so we took him to Salon Lux for his first real pro haircut by Jordan (she's did awesome!). I just couldn't bring myself to take him to a kiddie place. I am obsessed with his long locks, and I would probably cry if his hair got butchered!

Here is the big boy :)

Fish Update

2009-10-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

We give up on fish... fyi.
We have recently gone through "Finn" number 1, 2 and 3. And "Fish" number 1. This is getting a little expensive, and a little sad.

Since Garrett got a little excited and bought a tank that lights up and has a waterfall, we might get a beta or something that lasts longer.
I just can't go into Parker's room anymore and find fish floating, it's heartbreaking!

Slacker

2009-10-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

I guess it's true what they say... the second one kind of gets the shaft when it comes to pictures. We were taking pictures of Parker all the time when he was a baby, but now that we have Hudson AND Parker, it's hard to get out and do that as much. So I have made it a point to start taking more pictures of the little guy. He is way too cute not to :)

Parker usually ignores the camera, until today. He was getting a little jealous of me taking Hudson's pictures, so he sat on the couch and just started laughing hysterically so that I would take his picture. It was pretty precious.
And I LOVE how much Parker loves Hudson. And Hudson gets a smile on his face every time Parker is around. They are the cutest little brothers I've ever seen!

Little Guys

2009-10-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

My life. Could it get any yummier?
Maybe... when we have our third baby :)

Surgery

2009-10-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

My surgery is scheduled for Friday, November 13th. I am so nervous, but SO happy for this pain to be gone soon. And is it pathetic that when they asked when I wanted it, I said "any time after the 7th"(- that's Parker bounce house birthday party) lol? I have to participate, obvioiusly! :)
So for my birthday I will probably be stuck in bed since I will have just had surgery 3 days before. How fun!

It should be interesting trying to figure out how to take care of my boys since I won't be able to pick Hudson up for about a week, and Parker for about 3 weeks. I am going to need a lot of help!

Fall Brothers

2009-10-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here... which means that winter is almost here! I love this time of year. Bundled up little babies, pumpkin patch, decorating, cozy nights in, Halloween.
And it's about a million times better when you have babies to share it with :)

Oh yikes... he's going to hate us for this!

Somebody decided he would like for the grass to be his plate. Dumped the bag of chips out and enjoyed :)

Melt my heart <3

2 Months Old!

2009-09-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

How is my little baby already 2 months old? And when the heck is he really 2 months old when the 31st doesn't exist every month?!
I just love how he is filling out and getting cuter and cuter!

do you know how old i am?

2009-09-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

80, apparently.
I feel like I'm falling apart! First my Mastitis, second my gall stones, and now I have Shingles! What the heck? Last weekend (Garrett's birthday to be exact) my right thigh started to feel really sore/bruised/achy. Then the next day I noticed a little cluster of raised red bumps. I was convinced I had a blood clot and I was going to die, so I went to the doctor. Good news: no blood clot, I got to live. Bad news: I have shingles. Seriously? I have 2!!! babies at home that have never had the chickenpox. If I touch the bumps on my leg at all and then touch them, they can get the chickenpox. Luckily, I seem to have a very mild version of it... and I'm taking an antiviral medication to make it go away faster. My hands are SO dry from washing my hands every 5 seconds. I am just terrified of Hudson getting them; he's too tiny!

And to top it all off, I gave both of them my cold. Poor buddies!

We have been having tons of fun though. We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium last weekend, went to Yanagi's with friends for Garrett's birthday, and then McPhee's in Avila (overlooking where we got married :) ) for his family birthday dinner. And this weekend we went to Avila Barn with the family.
I LOVE fall! I can't wait for the cool weather, bundled little babies, Halloween, and Parker and my birthdays :)
I have already planned Parker's 2nd birthday party (when did he get so old?). I think I'm more excited for it than my own!

Here are some pictures of my little loves... that's what really matters, right?

So busy!

2009-09-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been so neglectful, we've been so busy this week! I'm sure you've missed pictures of my little cuties :)

Monday we spent the day at Stanford for Parker's post op appointment. Thank God, everything looked good. No more surgery for Parks!!

Tuesday I met with a surgeon to discuss my gall bladder surgery. He highly recommends me getting it out. He said I can wait a while if I don't have any more attacks, but he insisted that it come out before we get pregnant again. I guess it is more likely to flair up when pregnant/after giving birth, and he said that it can cause me to lose the baby if I need surgery during that time. So... it is definitely coming out soon. I go back in a month to check up on things, and then will schedule my appointment (unless I have flare ups between now and then, then he said he will get me in right away).

This weekend is Garrett's birthday. We are so excited! We have a few things planned... pictures of that coming soon.

Here are a couple of our newest little cutie. Enjoy :)

what a week

2009-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

This was just not my week. I am not a doctor person. I only go if I really think something is wrong. I am not someone who goes in for every little thing. I don't usually take medications unless they are necessary. Well, that changed!

Sunday I kept having this chronic watering eye. By the time I woke up Monday morning, it was swollen shut. My first thought was pink eye, but turned out to just be a cold in my eye that luckily didn't spread to any of my boys. That was irritating, but now seems like nothing.

Then Monday night I woke up to feed Hudson and noticed (TMI) that my left boob hurt really bad. It was hard as a rock, and felt bruised. I figured I must have had a clogged milk duct... so I just kept nursing Hudson hoping that it would go away. I woke up the next morning and was uncontrollably shaking, had the chills and a fever, and had full body aches. Garrett took me to my OB and sure enough I have Mastitis. (DO NOT google image this... just a little tip from my brother who is now scarred for life :) Of course now everyone probably will) It is an infection in the breast that requires antibiotics and through a lot of nursing, works itself out. I was down for two full days. It felt like the worst possible flu I have ever had, PLUS a sore boob. Oh, and I have 2 babies I have to take care of!
Thank God for my mom. She came and took over Parker duty (aka spoiling him rotten) :)
If I hadn't had her to help me, I'm not sure what I would have done. I was literally in tears most parts of those two days because I was in so much pain.
But I am happy to say that I am on my last day of antibiotics, and feeling much better.

That brings us to Thursday night. We ordered pizza and were just hanging out as a family. Garrett was giving Parker a bath while I was picking up the living room and watching Hudson in his little baby swing. I started to get heartburn, but I have had that a lot so I didn't think much of it. No more than two minutes later had my heartburn turned into the most intense pressure/cramping in my lower chest/upper abdomen area. I felt like I was either having a heart attack or my chest was about to explode. I crouched up on the floor next to Hudson thinking that maybe I just needed to lay down, but it didn't help. I yelled for Garrett and told him that I thought something was wrong. We grabbed the boys and headed to the ER. *side note: while Garrett was getting everything ready for us to leave, I was hunched over in pain, and Parker came and put his arms around me and said "you alright?" and gave me a kiss. Then was almost in tears the whole way to the hospital, and kept making sure I was alright. He kills me with his sweetness!*
I couldn't breathe in the car, but I was trying to not freak out too much because it was scaring Parker so bad. I remember asking God to please let me have more time with my babies and husband. I know that sounds so dramatic, and people always say "I felt like I was going to die", but I honestly did.
By the time I actually got into a room, my pain had stopped all together. I felt like such a dork for going in, and then telling them that my pain level was at a 0. But they asked me questions, and the doctor immediately said he thought it was gall stones since my mom had them a few years ago. He gave me an ultra sound right then, and he was right. There were so many teeny tiny gall stones floating around in there.
So... on the 15th I have a meeting with a surgeon to schedule a time to have my gall bladder removed. Until then I am on a very low fat diet (which is NOT helping my milk production at all), because the gall bladder is where fats are broken down. If I were to irritate my gall bladder by making it work overload because of eating fats, it would most likely bring on another "attack" like what I had the other night.
I am so nervous for surgery, but I am more scared of those attacks. I don't want to be driving my babies and have one. It's a scary situation. I can't wait for this to be done and over with.
Oh, and one of the major symptoms for this is heartburn. I should have known something was up. I never get it except for a time or two when I'm pregnant, but it has been terrible the past couple weeks. I'm glad there is finally an explanation.

I think they are going to name a wing of the hospital after us since we seem to live there this year! UGH!

Oh, and my sweet boys had flowers waiting on the kitchen table for me when I woke up this morning. I really needed that :)

Oh a happier note, here are my beautiful babies!

Parker with Finn II (Finn I only made it about 24 hours. Oops!)
Agh, I LOVE this chunky little face :)

1 Month Old

2009-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much he's changed in just one month! He is already filling out so much. I love it!

LOVE

2009-08-31T20:48:00.001-07:00

This picture of my handsome Parks

Due Date

2009-08-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Hudson's due date. The day I had been looking forward to since December 13th when we found out we were expecting another baby.
Instead of waiting for him to be here, I have been snuggling him for the past 3 1/2 weeks. I am so thankful that he is here and safe and healthy.
We are so blessed with our two cute little boys.
I love them!

Look how yummy those cheeks are filling out :)

Zoo

2009-08-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

We had nothing to do today, so we decided to be spontaneous and go to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Parker had never been... but I'm sure we'll be back, because he LOVED the "a mulls" (that's animals, for the non toddler speakers) :)! His favorite was the elephant. I think he could have stood there all day and looked at him.

We didn't get that many pictures because we were busy chasing Parker/ holding or pushing Hudson. It's a lot harder to get pictures with two little munchkins around!

Avila

2009-08-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

We took the little munchkins to Avila Barn last weekend to feed the animals and get some apples.
Parks was a little model as usual, and Hudson slept the whole time.

At no point during this trip did the cow consume the plastic bag... or maybe he did.

Brothers

2009-08-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Parker asked to "hold it" today. This is the first time he has had an interest other than looking at his new brother.
How sweet are they? I LOVE my boys!

Bath Time

2009-08-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hudson's umbilical cord stump fell off at 2 weeks exactly (1 week earlier than his brother!). So today he got to have his first bath.
Not his favorite thing, but he loved being snuggle afterward :)

0 Months

2009-08-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

We decided we are going to take a monthly photo of Hudson so we can compare how much he changes from one month to the next.
This one kind of cheating since technically he's 2 weeks old, but we are going to go with this for his 0 month picture :)

And an out take (he is so adorable even when he cries!)...

MY BOYS.

2009-08-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love saying that. I have two sweet baby boys... so lucky :)

Parker's favorite boots

Naked booty, playing with BJ

Drinking Mountain Dew (don't worry, just water in there) and playing with backhoe's

Parker now takes my phone and says "my iphone". GREAT
Uh, excuse me mom. That's mine.

Hudson

2009-08-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

We got a little photo sesh of the little one week old. He is doing great! Just getting cuter and cuter by the minute. He is such a good eater, and a pretty good sleeper, but has his days and nights mixed up right now.
Parker is such a good brother. Every morning when he wakes up, he goes and gives Hudson a kiss. He just loves him!
I am doing pretty well. Recovery this time is much much better, which I am so happy about because last time it was terrible. I hope it's like this next time, too!

I feel so lucky to have my three boys. They are all amazing.

Cutest big brother, ever.

A Coffee

2009-08-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

Parker is obsessed with Gramma's iced coffee's, and says it so funny. Apparently drinking coffee gives him a more sophisticated voice.

Jaundice

2009-08-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

We had Hudson's first pediatrician appointment on Thursday. He is doing great, gaining some of his weight back. But, my mom had noticed that he was a little yellow/orange. I asked the pediatrician about it, and she didn't think he looked too bad... but had us go to Sierra Vista to get a bilirubin count. We got a call around 8:00 that night saying that his levels were pretty high and to go to the pediatric ward immediately so they could put him under the lights to bring his levels down. We had to stay there overnight, and in the morning found out his numbers went way down, and we got to go home. I was so relieved we didn't have to stay two nights... that was the worst nights sleep I've ever had!
We go back tomorrow to have his number rechecked, so please pray that it has stayed down, and we are done with hospitals!

Here is our little blue light special, as daddy called him :)
He does look pretty darn cute, though.

Rockin out to Raffi

2009-08-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

This is what Parker was doing while we were in the hospital. :)

Hudson's Birth

2009-08-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

Uh, mom... I think you're ready to push

Our little unexpected surprise :)

Thursday afternoon I went to my 36 week appointment. Everything looked good, but I was only 50% effaced and 0cm dilated. My doctor joked about seeing me the following week because it didn't look like anything would be happening anytime soon.

We were staying at my parents' house that night because I had to take Garrett to his appointment for his elbow, and we had to leave at 5:30 in the morning, so we wanted Parker to be able to sleep in and wake up at Gramma and Papa's.

Fast forward to 2:30 a.m. I rolled over in bed, and felt something wet (I immediately thought to myself "oh cool, Ashlee, you peed your pants). I went to the bathroom to go pee, but I didn't have to. All of a sudden I kept feeling little gushes of water come out. I was thinking that it couldn't be my water that broke, because it's too early. So I just stood around for a while, and more and more and more kept coming. I woke Garrett up and told him my water had broken, and he jumped out of bed. I went upstairs to tell my mom **by the way, sorry about your new towel I sacrificed!** and she didn't believe me. I had to show her my puddles to prove it.

We got to the hospital around 4:00 and I was checked a couple hours later. I was about 4cm dilated by then. I asked for an epidural... which I do not remember hurting so bad by the way! A couple hours later I wasn't having very strong contractions, so they started me on pitocin. They checked me around 4:15, and I was only at a 5. We figured we would be there all night waiting. But I started feeling some pressure shortly after that, and another nurse came in and said she wanted to check me because she saw a significant change on my monitor. I was fully dilated!! They called my doctor, and had me do 2 practice pushes and then told me to stop because his head was right there. I pushed one more time, and his head came out... and then once more and he was completely out! Hudson was born at 4:45 p.m. It went SO fast! I didn't tear this time, which has made my recovery so much easier.

I was asking the nurses and my doctor what normally happens with 36 week old babies since they aren't considered full term till 37 weeks. They said he would have a higher risk of going to the NICU if his lungs weren't strong enough, or if he couldn't eat very well.
I was worried and shaking a lot because I just couldn't handle seeing another one of my babies getting taken to the NICU and not being able to come home with me. Luckily he was evaluated by the head of NICU in our room, and she decided he was just fine :)
He has very strong lungs, and is an awesome eater! My lactation consultant said he was the best eater she had seen in a long time, and much better than most full term babies.

We are in love with this little guy... and so is his big brother. Parker always comes in and says "Hudson. kiss?" It's so sweet.

We are very tired, but it is so worth the love of two little boys.

We are in mommy and daddy heaven.