Tall Tree & Me

my big boy

2011-10-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

I just look at this little boy sometimes and think "wow, you look so big." I don't notice until I really just stop and look at him. He's growing up so fast-wearing size 3t clothes, talking in sentences, sleeping on a nap mat (never thought that would happen!). I fall more in love with him everyday, that's for sure. Days are tough with a strong-willed toddler, but at the end of the day, when you see some fruit from all your work-or when he wants to read "God's book" or asks to say a prayer or wants me to rock him, it's all worth the "no's" and the constant fussing. I have to remember that this age is hard for him too. He wants to communicate better and do more. It's so fun because he is suddenly paying attention to EVERYTHING around him. I talk to him and tell him something once, and he remembers! He's very teachable-they all are at this age. I love seeing him learning. I started putting Sawyer down for bed earlier and Hudson later. This way, I get some sweet one-on-one time with just Hudson. It's just like old times =) We read tons of books, and sing songs, and he does lots of stalling haha! He is a gift, and I thank God everyday that I get to be his mommy and love on him.

27th birthday

2011-08-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

eating at Ruggles Green wed. night-some of the best desserts in town

my little fam

dinner with friends at Brio

it's weird to think that i'm in my late twenties. i never would have thought i would be married with two children at this age. i'm sure i hoped i would be. i am truly blessed! thanks for the phone calls, texts, & fb wall love. my sweet mother came into town tuesday afternoon to hang out. i always spend my birthdays with her. we always drink lots of starbucks when she's here, and just hang out at the house. i get some nice breaks from the babies too. it was another great birthday! xo

park mornings

2011-08-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

i feel like i've been telling Hudson that "we can't go outside because it's too hot" forever now. poor little guy. this morning we were able to get up and ready and out of the house before 9 to head to the park. we went to a little, quaint park tucked in the beautiful neighborhood of west u. the park was completely shaded and had lots of grassy areas to have a picnic-so we did! did i forget to mention that we stopped by crave cupcakes on the way there to pick up some "breakfast cupcakes"? we did, and they were amazing! the park was a little outdated haha, so i'm not sure we will be going back anytime soon. all it was missing was one of those merry-go-rounds!check out the vintage playground equipment

delicious cupcakes

3 months with Sawyer

2011-07-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I want this blog to be more like a journal that I keep in order to help remember the precious moments I spend with my little boys. I don't want it to feel like something I have to do. It may be that I only post something once a month! So, here we go!
(note: nothing I write on this blog is meant to come across as bragging or prideful. I never want to sound like the mom who brags about her baby sleeping through the night or her toddler being potty trained at 2. anything I write is simply to share. and if my children are doing those things, it is all the Lord's good grace!)

Baby Sawyer is such a sweet blessing! He is our laid back, easy baby. He sleeps well, eats well, and is usually content. He can get pretty worked up when he is hungry though. He smiles a ton and has great cheeks =) Here are some facts about Sawyer:

.height/weight: check back at 4 months
.nurses 5-6 times a day
.wears size 3-6 months and still some 0-3 months
.sleeps anywhere from 6-11 hours straight at night
.loves riding in the car and stroller
.nickname is Kewpie-as in the Kewpie doll:

See the resemblance?

I have really enjoyed the last 3 months with this little man. I am so very thankful for that. I think a lot of moms would agree that the second time around is much easier. The challenge comes more with learning to take care of two. And even that gets easier everyday.

xo

looking back

2011-06-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

we tried to upload this video almost a year ago but could never get it to work. he hasn't danced like this since. turn up your volume! oh and i hope to get back to this blog as soon as i can =)

i phone pics

2011-03-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

walking to church

cupcakes for miss Sarah's shower

finally mastered the straw

sunday brunch with family

fresh flowers from Jason when i was sick

new found love for ketchup & mustard

being sneaky

Babymoon

2011-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

just some shopping

starting the trip off right

baby Cole @ 1 month

30 weeks pregnant!

sporting Jason's giant fleece and a latte =)

enjoying the gorgeous view of the hill country

This past weekend Jason and I had our Babymoon!
We also got to visit with my sister Meredith, Mark, Asher, & new baby Cole!
It was so fun getting to chat with them & eat good food together.
We stayed at the Westin @ La Cantera Resort, which is gorgeous!
It was such a sweet time together just the two of us.
Our last getaway before we are a family of 4.
We had lots of good meals (did I already say that?)
We shopped and relaxed and just chatted about life!
I love my Tall Tree!
Thanks for such a sweet weekend.

around the house

2011-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hudson has been playing lots of cars lately. We also put up his cloth alphabet
panel from PB kids up so we can learn those letters! Of course, he loves to pick out the pictures of the banana, truck, and van the most. He also has grown super attached to his duck, turtle, and blankie. He likes to feed the animals gold fish. One day last week, we greeted Dada by wearing his size 13 basketball shoes. It was pretty hilarious! And that's what we've been doing on the random freezing days. Besides baking banana cupcakes with cream cheese icing and dark chocolate brownies =) On pregnancy updates, I am feeling great! A little achy sometimes when I've been on my feet too long or when I try to run..oops ;) I'll try to take a bump picture soon. I go to the doctor next week for my 30 week checkup. I can't believe it! But-at the same time, it seems forever away that I will meet this sweet baby boy. I want to savor every moment with my baby Hudson for the next 3 months.

see this face...

2011-01-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's the face of a little guy who Knows that his picture is being taken. He also knows we think it's cute when he does this. Here he is putting moma (monkey), du (duck), doggie (makes panting sound), & tu tu (turtle) ni ni (night night as we call at this house). So precious!

our little Christmas

2010-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

as most of you know, we all got sick at the worst time possible-the week of Christmas! a week before x-mas, I started getting a scratchy throat, turned runny nose/yucky cough-sunday, Hudson starts coughing, and then Jason starts feeling icky the 23rd. these yucky colds don't just last a day or two either! anyway, we weren't getting better and Hudson was highly contagious with a respiratory virus and ear infection. we decided we could not go anywhere. don't get me wrong, we love spending time together just us 3, but it's ALWAYS just us three! we wanted to be with family! we stayed home and decided to make the best of it! my sweet mommy told us she wanted us to go to Central Market and buy whatever we wanted! ahhh! so, i drove up to cm with the rest of Houston at 9am on Christmas Eve and had me a good ol' time! Christmas Eve, we watched movies, munched on cupcakes, and a cheese ball (it was gormet, so it was ok =) ), drove around looking at Christmas lights with coffee!, and played yahtzee. Jason and I had a nice little dinner after Hudson went down. The next morning, we had a yummy breakfast and opened stockings and gifts.

we rested all morning and even video-chatted with everyone at the George's! after talking it over, we decided that Hudson and I were well enough to make the drive to Austin to surprise everyone! Jason felt ok too. So, that's what we did!

Christmas at Janie's

2010-12-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

we had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas with my mom's side of the family Saturday the 18th! almost everyone was there-we missed you Whitney, Johnathan, & Will-Mere, Mark, & Asher, and Meg, Steven, Addie, & Emily! Whoo! Lots of babies in this family! we dined on paper plates, had Rudy's bbq and a Chick-fil-a nugget tray, and lots of yummy sides! definitely a preggy girls kind of meal =) here are some family pictures from the day.

his name will be

2010-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Sawyer George

we are still working on the middle name! but our top runners are Benjamin, Jacob, & Daniel.

we can't wait to meet our sweet little boy and baby brother!

first haircut

2010-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

so we had put off Hudson's first haircut for months. i think we both didn't want him to lose his baby look and also liked the longer hair. lots of women have referred to hudson as "she" in public. it always makes me laugh because i don't think anyone would dress a little girl in what hudson has on! i'd rather have a pretty little boy than a girl who looks like a boy though! anyway, the mullet was getting to be too much for me to handle. we took him to a precious little children's boutique/hair salon called "little lords and ladies" yesterday. he got to sit in a "carrr", which he loved and had his first piece of candy-a blue dum dum sucker. he was pretty into that hence the blue drool ALL over his shirt. he surprised us both with his perfect behavior! no tears or fits!

my babies

2010-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

this baby is nothing but trouble =) waking up at 5:30 all of a sudden, screaming for everything he wants, pushing and hitting, and it goes on and on! we were not ready for this so soon! but he's precious and loves giving kisses and snuggling. and i think he will love his baby brother-eventually.

this little BOY warms my heart already. just knowing that "it" is a he makes him so much more real to me. i've been feeling little flutters here and there for a week now and it's so exciting! the greatest news is that all his organs look perfect-and that the tests were negative for downs syndrome and some other major birth defects. our little boys will be best friends at just 22 months apart. and i already have their vintage cowboy room with twin beds in my head =) i think this profile picture looks like Hudson's-no kidding.

now, i know this is a strange picture but i was Christmas dress shopping and i thought this was a good bump picture! not much i know =)

fall festival

2010-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

on Saturday, we dropped by our church's fall festival! mainly, we needed a reason to dress up our little guy! he was curious George of course! i was hoping there would be some fun activities for Hudson, but there really wasn't much for a 16 month old to do. he did try to throw some beanbags into a hole and then took some plastic ducks out of a baby pool to put back in again. Hudson just wants to run freely right now and it's almost always to where he's not supposed to go. so, we let him run free a bit and also let him look at (not touch) some loovely goats, llamas, and a weird horse creature.

afterward, we went to redeem our free Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich with some french fries and a PEPPERMINT SHAKE which is amazing by the way. ah i'm so pregnant. *sigh

some excitement

2010-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it's kind of feeling more like fall around here! Either way, I've still been enjoying pumpkin treats, hot lattes, and maybe some Christmas music a few time =) And I'm wearing my leggings, and boots, Oh! and my brand new J. Crew flats that were a STEAL on Ebay-they are sparkly. and I might sorta look like a five-year-old in them, but I don't care! All of this to say that, when the weather starts to change, I'm just in a better mood all around! Jason seriously wants to put up our Christmas tree on November 1. I just think we would seem strange to people if we did that. I will go for before thanksgiving though! Some excitement these past weeks has been a nice change to the often monotonous weeks of a stay at home mom!
-My sweet cousin Meg gave birth to her second little girl, Emily, a week ago! She has quite an inspiring birth story, and we are so proud of her! I'll post some pictures later.

-My sister, Mark, and little Asher came to stay with us last week for a couple of nights and it was so much fun. It was relaxing and fun to show them some of things we do around here and the places we go.

-I met up with my friend and her adorable little baby for some coffee and muffins and we chatted about motherhood while strolling and browsing around stores. I have so much fun with her!

-Had yummy treats with Liz and good playtime with our tots. They apparently think carpet is really hilarious to play on?! Maybe I'll carpet Hudson's room.

-Some friends from college came into town for a quick visit. In less than 24 hours, we stuffed our faces with Liz's amazing cooking, chatted non-stop, traded recipes, & lounged. I miss these girls!

-Sunday, Jason and I tried a new Sunday school class. We loved it! It felt like a perfect fit for us and the stage of life that we are in. Everyone was so friendly and inviting. We can't wait to see what's in store for us there!

-And lastly, Jason is home today! He deserves this break for sure. He is such a hard worker. We are proud of him for making it through another busy season.

-Oh, yeah, I keep forgetting I'm pregnant (except for my muffin top and squishy tummy) but I do feel really good now! I think the nausea is gone.

Happy Monday!

15 months

2010-10-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

My baby is getting so old! I absolutely love this age! It's so neat to be able to communicate with Hudson to some degree. Thought I would share Hudson's latest stats and what he's liking, doing, ect.! We went to his ped. last week and he is doing wonderful. He had 3 shots and his finger pricked-poor little guy.

Height: 32 1/4 in. (82 %)
Weight: 26 lbs. (78%)

Favorite foods (lately): berries, bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, ravioli, cheese, peas, spinach quiche, macaroni

Favorite activities: playing outside (with sticks and leaves-he's Such a boy!), going strolling, dancing and marching, playing at indoor play lands, train table @ b&n, climbing, putting things in baskets, playing with his barn & cars, running around and exploring freely

Sleep: 12 hours at night (usually)- naps: whatever he feels like that day

Clothes: 18-24 months-his new gap jeans look so cute on him paired with converse sneakers and a mini boden tee-I hit the jackpot on this brand at a resale shop here in Houston!

Words: not a ton, but this last month he has really started imitating us and picking up on things-
mama, da (daddy), more, all done, car, tree, teeth, sheep, hi

Ok, I am going to stop being that parent who talks about ALL the things their child is doing!

Little man is sleeping, so I think I may too =)

hello!

2010-09-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

We are here! I know all of my followers (hehe) have just been waiting for a new post! Jase (I just started calling him that!) had been working a lot up until September 15 and then will continue working a little more than usual until October 15. So, our handy man has not been around to do manly jobs in the house. But we are getting started again this week! I am so ready for my little house to feel cozy and finished! We are hoping to start painting the kitchen this week. What do you think of my Barbie Dream House kitchen?

I am contemplating the silver sage cabinets, but J isn't so sure ; / I absolutely adore this kitchen! Anyway, we have to get our guest room in order as well because we are having some folks coming to stay with us in the next few months! So excited! Plus we will be welcoming another one of these in late April-

Hudson-brand new

Surprise! I know most people already know this even if I didn't actually tell you yet =) We are so happy and blessed and praise the Lord for the precious baby growing inside me! I recently heard our pastor say (in a sermon on infertility) that a baby is not a woman's right but a gift and a blessing from God and I have thought about that many times during this pregnancy. I have just been in awe that He would bless us with not just 1 but 2 babies! This pregnancy has been a little different than the first. I have felt pretty good for the most part. I have some nausea in the mornings and am EXTREMELY tired but I eat EVERYTHING. It's pretty gross actually. Maybe it's because I am too busy with Hudson to sit around noticing how yucky I feel? Anyways, I am about 10 weeks along and go to the doctor next week to hear the heart beat!

I'll have to do another post with some Hudson updates but I have to leave you with a picture of Hudson's very first fort built by his Dada...

some favs

2010-08-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pictures of Hudson!

He's a lefty, we think!
(coloring while waiting to try on shoes)

Amazed at some fish in the fish tank.

Playing with leaves outside.

Nap on the couch, so sweet.

Riding to church
He looks so grown up!

Hudson was 14 months last Wednesday and became and official walker that day!
I never thought the day would come!

Hudson

2010-08-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

is almost 14 months!

has had some first steps, but decided he preferred crawling

stayed with Grandmommy and Granddaddy for 3 whole nights

loves a good game of peek-a-boo

enjoys playing hide and seek with mommy

love his "push push" (as we call it) and uses it as his main transport around the house

has been sleeping 12 hours straight at night (thank you, Lord)
loves his cow milk!
has been weened for 2 whole weeks
has 2 new teeth
needs a haircut
tried on his first pair of jeans today (so big boy!)
thinks he might like his blankie afterall
climbs on the couch, plays in the pillows, claps for himself
dances when you sing to him
reads his books
hates to shop
had some cupcake to make up for his first birthday
makes us laugh and smile, makes us (me) cry
melts our hearts!

so far...

2010-08-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

We've installed all of the new kitchen appliances- I love them all and cannot wait to use them! We also purchased some additional storage pieces. The kitchen cabinets will eventually be sanded and painted but for now I am sticking with the "old farmhouse" look. Some of our furniture has been moved in so that we can sit every once in awhile and eat at a table-oh and sleep on a bed! We are finishing up painting woodwork and cleaning and hope to move on to some bigger, more exciting projects soon-like installing a new front door and hanging new fixtures. Last picture is our awkward green bathroom. Jason and his dad installed a new vanity and a new toilet (gotta have new, fresh toilets =) ). It looks SOOO much better! So far, I love our little house! It's perfect for us, and I feel like all of our furniture looks good in it. I'm very happy with the way the paint color turned out too. Hudson likes his swing, but is still getting used to his new room. I'll get back with more updates soon!

house update

2010-07-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA from the blog lately! Truth is, we've been so busy going back and forth from the apartment to the house. We got the keys to the house last Thursday! It's been mostly stressful for me and a little fun too. That's because I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to cleanliness and organization. If it could happen, I would have my house looking like a magazine in a couple days. I'm getting better though- since you can see improvement already! We have had lots of help from Jason's parents and sister-and from our sweet neighbors, The Larkins! Thank you all for spending many hours helping us make this our home-we appreciate it more than you know! I don't have any "before" pictures like I had planned-oops! I'll try to take some soon. I do have some pictures of what we've painted so far!

(top to bottom: new fridge moved in! old stove leaving soon =) , first coat of paint in eating area, living room walls painted)

This week, Jason and I have been taking turns going over to the house at night. We don't want to keep doing this, so we are trying to get the house into a livable state so that we can half way move in to finish up painting, cleaning, ect. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we can fully move over there. These folks did not like to update y'all OR keep things very clean apparently. Can't wait to share more pictures!

one

2010-07-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had such a good weekend celebrating Hudson's first birthday, spending time with family and friends, and even getting a night away in downtown Austin-without our little guy! Our precious boy is no longer a baby, and it brings so many mixed emotions. On one hand, I wish the year had gone by slower and that I savored the baby moments more. I miss the early stages where Hudson slept in his car seat all the time and when there was really no "bedtime". I miss tiny onesies, pacis, and his breastmilk poops (I know some of you appreciate this!). Each stage of his life gets better and better though. It's so fun now that he's moving around and learning. It's precious the way he only wants me right now, is pleased at his tricks, plays and explores, and delights in the smallest things.
A big thanks to Jason's parents for allowing us to have the big birthday bash at their house! Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate. Mister Hudson knows he's loved!

oh my!

2010-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mug Cake...5 minutes?! I have never heard of such a thing! While everyone else in Houston is going nuts over the opening of Sprinkles Cupcakes, I will be microwaving away!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

found here.

stroller outing

2010-06-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we headed to Rice Village to stroll around in the heat. We weren't too miserable since there was a little breeze. Hudson loves strolling when it's outside, but not inside. He knows just what he wants! Love his pink cheeks!

eleven

2010-06-06T20:29:00.001-07:00

Hudson has changed so much this past month! This is definitely one of my favorite stages in his little life so far! It seems he grew into a little boy overnight and it's so fun! Here's an update on what he's doing these days:

Height/Weight: not totally sure since he won't go to the doc until a year. guessing 25-26 lbs/30-31 inches long

Foods: still nursing! trying to cut back, but it's hard. and painful. mainly eats table food now.
Loves fruit and chicken! not a picky eater yet, but has been tossing his veggies on the floor some lately. hmm

Tricks: crawls pretty fast, pulls up, cruises some. can clap his hands when you ask him to. has started waving hi and bye bye.

Activities: Loves dancing to music, strolling (outside only), climbing and exploring, playing rough with dada, watching cars outside the window, swimming! we are going to our first little gym class tomorrow-I think he will love it!

Hudson has gotten his 2 bottom teeth in the last month! I think his top 2 are not far behind.

Sorry, I'm slacking in the picture department. I'll try to do better =)

confessions

2010-06-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think I am the only person who blogs on the weekends.

Last night, instead of working out, I went to Central Market to pick up desserts : /

I like to eat my baby's yo baby yogurt-apple's my fav!

I saw SATC2 solely for the interior design and fashion-promise.

I want Carrie and Big's apartment.

The fashion was hideous though-minus the Halston Heritage pieces.

I purchased these yesterday.

I think Anthropologie's dresses are too long (is that kinda skanky?)

I've never had a massage or been to a spa-I think it's about that time!

I want another baby-yes, I know!

Have a sweet weekend!

house

2010-06-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, did I forget to tell you all that we bought a house? Yep, we are homeowners. Right now we are actually landlords. I cannot even tell you how bad I want to get in there and start ripping it apart-I mean, make it look nicer. Not until July 15 though. We are very excited! So, here it is:

Our little old yellow house

Once we move in, I hope to share the renovation process with all of you. There's not much more that I like than some good before and after pictures.

5.19.10

2010-05-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

If you are just looking for some new pictures of my almost toddler,
here they are...

mother's day

2010-05-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

It was my first mother's day, and because of that, it was very special! I felt so honored and loved. Jason made us truffled egg-white omelettes with tomatoes, havarti, & avocado on Saturday night. We had a quiet evening together and sipped our version of mimosas (chardonnay w/ pineapple juice). Sunday morning we woke up early and went to breakfast at one of our old favorites, Empire Cafe. I had another omelette (this time with mushrooms) and a carrot and raisin muffin. I want to find a recipe to make those by the way! It was a sweet time, and Hudson did pretty well. We went to church at 11 and there was a symphony orchestra to honor all mothers! It was so pretty. Later that afternoon we went to Nordstrom so that I could pick out a gift with my gift card from Jason and Hudson. I ended up getting a cute little french press from the Nordstrom E-bar. Random I know! But we have been wanting one and this one caught my eye recently. I'll post a picture later =) I feel incredibly blessed to get to be a mother-and one to such a sweet, happy baby boy at that.

park playtime

2010-05-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

Ten

2010-04-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet Hudson,

You are ten months old today! I can hardly believe it. It has flown by so fast just like everyone says it does. I (we) love you more and more everyday. We cannot imagine our lives without you. You have such a sweet personality. Lately, you have grown quite attached to me. You used to never let me just hold you and rock, and now you rest your head on my shoulder and snuggle. I'm trying to take it all in because I know that someday you will be embarrassed of me. You love to laugh and smile, but you are also very quiet a lot of the time. Lately, however, you have not been as quiet because you have learned the power of fussing. You love strangers, and they love you! Everywhere we go, you smile at people, and you get so much attention.

I really didn't want to bring this up, but your sleeping right now is making daddy and I very..um sad. We are not sure what's going on, but I think that maybe you would rather be crawling around and pulling up on everything in sight than sleeping in your crib. We just keep reminding ourselves that it is just a phase.

Back to crawling. You have started following me from room to room. It is so sweet. You try to pull up on most everything, including walls. You are very close to cruising, I think. It's weird to think you could take your very first steps in a month or so! It's so fun seeing you get so delighted when you've pulled up or figured out a new trick. You LOVE watching Baby Einstein, especially when there are real people in the video. I love that little grin. You enjoy playing with you big blue ball and dancing at your music table the most right now. You still love being outside and riding in the jogging stroller. You have been babbling a lot more recently. Your main sounds are still "DA DA", "NA NA", and occasionally "MA MA".

You still do not have any teeth, which is why you may look so much like a little (big) baby to me. But you have learned to gum lots of foods. You have started eating pieces of chicken, green beans, and chunks of fruit. Your little mouth looks so cute when you are eating. You definitely let us know when you want another piece or when you are finished eating. You have become quite the little man who knows just what he wants. Sometimes my feelings get hurt when you push my hand away, but I know I'm still your #1. You are so big! You are probably pretty close to 25 pounds and are around 30 inches long. Your hair is not super blonde like we thought it would be. It is getting longer. A first haircut may be quickly approaching.

We love watching you grow and develop new skills. It has been the greatest Joy to be your parents. I am so thankful and blessed to get to do what I've always wanted to do. I am even more thankful that I get to stay home with you all day. We pray for you everyday, little guy.

We love you.

Mama and Dada

wear your room: first edition

2010-04-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I had fun creating an outfit inspired by this quirky, mismatched sea green sitting room.

Find me on Polyvore

then and now

2010-04-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

4 weeks

9 months

pie-licious

2010-04-14T14:10:00.001-07:00

Check out this PRECIOUS site that I came across via Elements of style blog!

www.magpielovely.com

But first..

easter

2010-04-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter with Jason's family at their lovely New home in Austin this past weekend. It was a short but sweet time as always! We had a baby shower for Sarah on Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed chatting with family over cupcakes, brownies, and punch while watching Sarah open lots of fun gifts for her sweet baby girl (due in June). Saturday night all of the 20 somethings got to go out for dinner without the babies. We ate at a quaint Italian restaurant called 360 Uno Trattoria & Wine Bar in Westlake. Jason and I discovered this place a couple of years ago, and try to go every time we are in Austin. We had such a good time together and wish we could do that more often! Easter morning we had kolaches with coffee and all attended the Easter service at church. After was a delicious lunch of stuffed pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, and asparagus. We were sad to say goodbye to everybody but hopefully will see them again soon!

George women

Sisters

Abigail, Hudson, and Casey

baby rooms

2010-04-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

I came across these absolutely precious baby rooms when browsing Odeedoh, and just had to share!

love all of the unexpected things about this nursery

this one's for boy or girl

i like the colors used in this room

a little vintage for a baby boy

if I get to have a girl one day, this will be her room

(from Serena & Lily)

Love Spring

2010-03-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things about spring include but are not limited to:

1. Dresses! this one's Elizabeth and James.

2. Adorable sandals. Belle by Sigerson Morrison.

3. Flowers to wear. totally in love with these from Emersonmade.com.

4. Peonies. find gorgeous selections at Central Market.

5. Cadbury Minieggs. I hunt these down in January.

6. Picnics. with Jason and Hudson in a precious little park by Jason's office downtown.

9 months

2010-03-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hudson has changed A TON over the last couple of weeks! First off, my baby finally started crawling on March 19, and I never thought I could get so excited! For over a month I watched him work at it and get so frustrated, so I am so happy! He is so mobile now, and it surprises me everytime I see him doing something I did not think possible. He moves from laying to sitting then on to his knees to crawling, ect. He also likes to bear crawl (think downward dog). I found him kneeling over his wicker toy basket the other day picking through his books. He definitely wants to start pulling up now, so I am constantly trying to better baby proof the house. It is So much fun watching my baby grow!
I took him to the Ped yesterday, and she said he is doing great.

Height: 29 inches
Weight: 23 lbs 13 oz

My very talented sister, Meredith, took these pictures while we were visiting last week. I'll post more later!

Dallas Arboretum March 2010

a wedding and other stuff

2010-03-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we attended Jason's cousin Marie's wedding in Richmond. It was Hudson's first wedding, and he seemed to enjoy himself.

It was nice seeing all of Jason's family again! It had been quite a while.

After the wedding, Grammy and Aunt Sarah came to stay with us! We had such a fun time. Hudson loved the company. We did some baby shopping and ate at a restaurant called Yard House. It's an "upscale" sports bar at the City Centre. The food is yummy. If you ever go, the BBQ chicken salad is sooo good!

gingham + dinos

2010-03-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

Little Hudson was being so cute this afternoon, so I grabbed my camera! These pictures capture his personality so well. This "Jon Jon" belonged to my cousin's little boy ten years ago. This classic style never goes out for baby boys and tots-I love it! And Hudson just melts my heart in it!

Spring Trends

2010-03-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

I love the spring time for many reasons. One being the fashions that grace the runway. This year, I am loving the neutral, earthy tones worn with just a pop of color. Bring on the warmer weather!

(Top to Bottom: Paul & Joe Sister, Lanvin, One Vintage, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler, J. Crew, Alice+Olivia)
all found at Net-A-Porter

mother nature, huh?

2010-03-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dear What To Expect The First Year,

I found it weird, actually completely absurd, when you made this bold statement in the chapter about the 8th month of a baby's life. "If it feels good, humans do it (true). Which is what Mother Nature banked on when she created genitals...." What? What you said is true about genitals (ew), although I hate your word choice. Let's be serious, I think most people, Christian or not, believe a God created people and He was not a She. I know you were trying to be all PC, but that's just lame. I've heard people refer to "mother nature" in the context of weather, and I just blow it off. "When she created genitals", really? I'll be honest, I don't like you as much anymore. Too bad you have sold 7 million copies or something. Let's just not let it happen again.

No longer your fan,

Steph

mother nature

family portraits

2010-03-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Salado, TX November 2009

da da da

2010-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hudson's first sound was "na na na na". Then, he added "da da da" to his vocab. He pretty much dropped the na nas completely and constantly says da da now. I never get sick of it though! And neither does Jason who thinks that Hudson is actually calling out for him. We spent last week in College Station with my parents. The best part about being there was getting to enjoy the snow for a day! I didn't take Hudson out in it because he doesn't have a coat. Maybe next year we'll get some more snow.

grandmother's house

parent's house

backyard

playing with granddaddy's beard

homemade cocoa

relaxing on the couch

just cute

Hudson is so close to crawling. He can get on to all fours from his tummy and from sitting. Then, he rocks back and forth. He gets frustrated really easily and starts crying. It's really pitiful.
We had stopped playing in our jumparoo when we got a walker. Last week, we brought out the jumparoo again and it was like it was a new toy. He jumps really high and fast while squealing and smiling. Well, I guess he gets tired really fast because Twice now he has fallen asleep while jumping. I won't realize it though because from the other room I can hear him bouncing. But he's asleep! It's hilarious. So, I get him out and put him in his crib and he stays asleep.
And we got a big boy car seat (about 2 months overdue)! My mom got us the Britax Marathon just like cousin Will, Asher, and Addie have. He likes it ok. I think he just needs to get used to it. Hudson has expanded his diet since my last post. He likes his squash, sweet potatoes (also with turkey or corn), mixed veggies, bananas, pears, apples, blueberries, peaches, apricots. He did not seem to like avocado the first time I tried, but we'll try it again.

That's all on Hudson updates. We are all doing great here. Jason is busy at work, but doing very well. I'm already counting down until April 15 and crossing my fingers for a beach vacation.

da da da + Georges acheive WARP SPEED in tiny apt**

2010-03-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, the 28th of February, in the year two thousand ten, tiny Hudson Gray George became the youngest human ever to acheive warp speed. The events unfolded during a routine diaper change. The aforementioned Hudson Gray George, hereafter known as HGG or Huggy, capitalized on his da da's momentary lapse of continuous attention on Huggy. HGG was laying on his back, receiving his usual diaper change treatment, and enjoying the laughable moments of having his tummy blown on. THEN, in less than a fraction of a thought of a nanosecond, laughter was suddenly fussing. The transition from laughter to fussing was unnoticeable to the naked eye or ear. But da da, equipped with his patented "What happened?"© gauge, recorded Huggy's transition. Since the patented technology employs a proprietary unit of measure, I won't bore you with the actual measurement - but be assured, it was definitely warp speed. When compared to the amount of time it took for the light from the light bulb in Huggy's room to meet my eye, I declare with confidence, its definitely FTL* status. It may not be official because there weren't any Guiness Book witnesses around, but let it be known that the George's, more specifically Huggy, have achieved warp speed.

Some have asked, "What motivates a young strapping lad like Huggy to push his raw talent to such a degree?" Why spend countless diaper changes focused on achievement, thereby squandering an otherwise excellent tummy blow? If Huggy had spent more time working on his talking and/or typing skills, he'd tell you he's trying to get an early start on rewriting the pre-K record books. Now that he's become the youngest to achieve warp speed, he's shifting his focus to stinkiest diapers - eating only sweet potatoes, squash and lentils. With only a few cousins considered to have the similar genetic advantage and drive to compete, he figures his chances are good to stake his claim on stink.

That said, da da needs to work on his proprietary stink gauge - so til next time.

*faster than light
**Disclaimer: While Stephanie has not granted consent for the above text, the undeniability of Huggy's claim has led us (corporate speak for 'me') to pirate her below picture post and set the record straight. Furthermore, there was a small leak as to the content of above text prior to hitting the press, and the opposing party has issued a blanket disapproval on the grounds that this claim is stupid and that stupid was allowed far too much liberty with the contents of this post. WE obviously disagree.

my love

2010-02-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

My sweet hubs made us reservations a month ago to one of my favorite restaurants here in Houston-Ruggles. It's a special place to us because we had dinner there on our honeymoon before departing to Maui. Located in the heart of Montrose in a little old house, dim lights, eclectic decor, to die for desserts. We had a lovely time together and actually only talked about Hudson once. It was nice because we did not feel rushed by the staff and ended up spending almost 3 hours there. The restaurant was not all geared up for V-day with cheesy decor and a set menu either, thank goodness.

I know what some people say about Valentine's. That it's commercialized and silly and that your husband should love you and shower you with chocolates year round..blahblahblah. Well, guess what? Mine does. We just used the day as a fun excuse to get dressed up and go out to a nice dinner! And you know what else? I waited 22 years to have a date for Valentine's, a rose, or for a guy to even like me. I waited 22 years for a boyfriend. He was my first and my last. And he is now my husband. I am so thankful for the way the Lord protected me all that time. Jason is amazing. He loves the Lord with all his heart, works so hard for his family, serves me so well, and is gentle, patient,kind and wise. Watching him with our Hudson is precious. So, to my first Valentine. I love you, Jason!

just for laughs

2010-02-02T14:37:00.001-08:00

My Son, the Narcissist

2010-01-28T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hudson is sitting on the bed with me and we're hanging out while mommy is working out - she'll be back soon. Meanwhile, the hanging out and playing with the musical table turns into fussing. And for no real reason. He shouldn't be hungry, its not naptime, he just got up from a nap an hour ago. So I start holding him up and talking to him...lifting him in the air and talking to him. Fussing the whole time. Pretty much the whole time. Then I lift him up in front of the mirror and he stops fussing instantly. I take him down from in front of the mirror and he starts fussing again. I put him back up in front of the mirror. He stares deeply into the mirror, laughing coyly at himself...thinking, "I'm so good looking." So I take him down to test - fussing ensues. I put him back in front of the mirror and he reaches out to touch his reflection (just like in the story of Narcissus I think, minus the reflective pond) and when he does he smiles. Then he says to himself through his facial expression, "I am the most handsome 7 month old to ever grace this town" (of several million). So you see, my son is a Narcissist and I didn't teach him that. Some call it self-discovery and recognition. That might be true if he wasn't fussing all the other times he wasn't able to stare at his chubby little face (I say that in love, I like his chubby face - though not as chubby as once before). He's fussing in my lap as I write this. I'm sure when I turn the screen off and its black, he'll be able to see his reflection a little and all will be well again.

Jason

1 load 3 cycles

2010-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

That's how many times it has been taking me to dry a load of laundry. I usually set the dryer to an hour cycle on high. This has been going on for several months, but I have just been dealing with it. The dryer is brand new, so I figured maybe I just needed to read the manual or something. After starting the same load in the dryer for the THIRD time last night I had a thought. Oh. my. gosh. I have never in the last FIVE months cleaned the lint off of the vent thingy. Not Once.

7 months and just adorable

2010-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

In just the last week, Hudson seems so much more like a little boy than a baby. Of course he's still a baby, but he keeps surprising us with the little things he does! Jason captured Hudson perfectly in this video. (excuse the camera angle -and the old school music. the Ipod was shuffling)

Lots of squealing, new facial expressions, and hand motions

On Hudson's special day, his 7 month birthday, we had rice cereal and apple sauce for breakfast. We had coffee outside because it was Gorgeous, we napped, we went to Nordstrom, and then went jogging. Hudson slept during the entire jog. When he woke up, he was so happy to see mommy.

Hudson's new favorite thing is riding in the shopping cart at the store. He bounces his body up and down and rocks his head. Then, looks up and at me and smiles. I'm so in love.
He is getting more mobile, but not quite ready to crawl. He has been eating sweet potatoes, squash, apple sauce, bananas, rice cereal, and pears. Oh boy!

white kitchens

2010-01-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

I absolutely Love white kitchens! I cannot wait until the day when I get to have one. In the mean time, I like to save any picture that I come across that mirrors my dream kitchen. Here are just a few:

all images found at pointclickhome, delightbydesign.

Guys don't know, and that's how it's supposed to be.

2010-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

As we pass by the window at Gap...

J: You would be So hot in those!

Camo pants? I can't believe I even try.

lately

2010-01-19T18:11:00.001-08:00

we have hung out with miss Lily

had lots of outings to Starbucks with mommy and daddy

gone on a walk in our jogging stroller without the car seat

had lots of mommy time (obviously)

and had a photo shoot

oh! we've been working on the nursery too

the end.

sweet 6 months

2010-01-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Little Hudson had his 1/2 birthday on Christmas day! What a special day it was. He tried solids for the first time. He also got some cool new big boy toys from Grandmommy. Thanks Grandmommy, we love our new music table. Hudson had his 6 month checkup today and is doing great!

Weight: 21 lbs
Height: 28 1/2 in

He is still in the 95% for everything. Since we've been home, he has tried rice cereal with mommy's milk, green beans, and apple sauce. He did not like the green beans At All, but that's to be expected-neither does daddy. He sits up perfectly on his own now and rolls over like a champ. He loves when daddy throws him in the air and plays a little rough with him. I often have to remind Jason that Hudson is still a baby, despite his size. Hudson loves strangers. He always smiles and giggles at them! During the day we usually watch baby Einstein, jump in the jumparoo, play on our play mat, read stories, and go on a walk. Once Hudson is 22 pounds he can ride in the jogging stroller without his carseat. I am SO excited about our future jogs together.

The many expressions of Hudson Gray

2010-01-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

I had to take some pictures of Hudson before he out grew my favorite pjs of his.
Good night!

resolution

2009-12-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to be a more dedicated, thoughtful blogger. I am so inspired and blown away by other people's creative blogs. Anyway, I figure I would rather make a silly kind of goal than make an important one that I will feel bad breaking. If only I had more time *sigh*.

Lately I've been browsing blog rolls and discovering some new blogs to read. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. When I get in bed at night I read blogs for a loong time, and my husband does not understand this. Really though, I am saving us money by reading free design blogs, rather than buying home interior magazines that are mostly ads anyway.

I have come across a few wedding blogs that are so fun to look at! These are great if you want ideas and inspiration for your own wedding planning, like photography and beautiful things, or you want to become dissatisfied with your own wedding. Really, why do I look at these? Ritzy Bee Blog and Kiss the groom. I also happen to like these random "inspiration" blogs where girls simply post other people's pictures (usually of gorgeous interiors or fashions), share recipes, or crafty-type projects. Frolic Fancy Free is perfect for satisfying these cravings. My sister-in-law told me about a blog just for the Anthropologie-obsessed called Anthroholic. It's a good place to go if you want some ideas on how to put outfits together or how to mix your Anthro pieces with non-Anthro pieces. The blogger puts up alerts daily on new markdowns and arrivals. Pretty sure this gal owns more Anthro clothing then anyone on earth. A little too much for me actually. I like mine in small doses.

enthralling eyelet cover-up, Anthropologie.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christmas!

2009-12-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

It's good to be home! We had a wonderful Christmas with my family in College Station this year!
Here is a recap of what we did:

Saturday the 19th we celebrated Christmas with my mother's side of the family. We enjoyed munching on non-traditional food (which I loved) and had our annual white elephant gift exchange. The desserts were wonderful and the best part was that everyone was able to be there this year! We walked away with a new set of knives (that my precious husband then gave to my grandmother, Janie) and a Starbucks card!

{Married here almost 2 1/2 years ago!}

{My sissy Meredith. So thankful for her!}

{Sleeping Hudson in the sling.}

During the week we mostly hung out at my parent's house. Jason and I watched all of the Harry Potter movies, which was fun! Jason spent lots of time at our farm helping my dad and uncle build the new bathroom in the farmhouse. They are trying to make the house wife-friendly! My uncle is putting in wood floors and a flat screen! Jason and I had a few coffee dates and a date to Eccell while we were there. It's always so special when we get to do that. On Christmas Eve we went to the Christmas service at Grace.

{We need to practice our self-picture taking skills!}

{Hudson's Christmas outfit.}

{I-phone, not your best shot.}

Hudson practiced sitting up a lot.

Christmas Eve dinner was A-mazing! We had steaks, chicken, and potatoes. Then, Jason and I exchanged our stockings. My dad, bro in law, Jason, and I played hearts. It was so fun and apparently I'm pretty good because I wooped them all - I shot the moon for a come from behind win =) After a pretty good night of sleep (Hudson insisted on a 3 am feeding because it was Christmas) we gathered to exchange our gifts. Then we had omelets and blueberry pancakes!

1. Jason opens his meat grinder! Yes, that is a red-onesie.
2. My favorite Lindt dark chocolate with orange.
3. Hudson's new stuffed turtle puppet.
4. The best Christmas gift ever.

After we had homemade spaghetti and meatballs for Christmas dinner, Hudson had his first Christmas dinner! We gave him rice cereal for the first time. His reaction was expected. He made this face like he was about to cry.

After dinner and cupcakes we put Hudson to bed, and all of the siblings headed out to the farm for a bonfire and a game of loaded questions. We always love these times with everybody.

Grandmommy and Granddaddy loved seeing all of their babies!

Happy New Year!

5 months

2009-12-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hudson was 5 months on November 25! We have had so much fun with him lately as his little personality is really starting to show. He is a very quiet, laid back baby, and he smiles a lot! I would say he is just like his daddy actually! Everyone is saying that he looks like Jason right now too. In the morning right when he wakes up, he is very frisky (Hudson that is). I love it!

We got to see cousin Will and Whitney and Johnathan right before Thanksgiving. It was so fun getting to hang out with our babies together! Will likes giving kisses and wanted to give baby Hudson a kiss. Precious!

Hudson smiling around his pasi!

Lately, Hudson has been practicing his sitting up. He is getting very good at it! He is a strong little guy. He is showing more interest in little toys , but his favorite toys are still his feet! He is getting to be so much fun!

The Explosion

2009-11-18T18:25:00.000-08:00

When you see a title like "The Explosion" on a blog that features majority baby stuff, what comes to mind???? Great, so I don't have to elaborate too much. I got a call at work at around 1pm today that started like this:

Me: "Hey, how's it going?"
Steph: "You...will...not believe what just happened."
Me: "What?"
Steph: "I just spent the last hour cleaning up Hudson, myself, the changing table, the floor, my clothes...it just wouldn't stop coming out."
Me: "aaahahahahhaahaahhah" (it's ok that I laughed, she thought it was funny too)

Evidently, Hudson pooed so much that he wore himself out. Steph said he was recovering in his crib when she called - down for a nap.

I don't know exactly why baby poo is so funny (maybe because I wasn't there to clean it up), but I got the best laugh at work. I think it was the Lord's comedic relief to a trying day at work.

Anyway, that's all we've got for now. After work, I took Steph and Hudson out to Empire Cafe for some omelette and pizza. Hudson didn't like his pizza, so I ate it for him. It's 8:36pm as I write this and Hudson has already been down for about 30 minutes, and without too much trouble. I'm pretty excited to get in bed at 9pm. Parenthood has officially set in.

TT

Scottsdale getaway

2009-11-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

We had a short but sweet time in AZ this past weekend! Jason surprised me and Hudson with plane tickets to Scottsdale for the weekend. He-however, is still there at his annual training for Deloitte. We flew out of Houston Friday afternoon and arrived in time for dinner at the resort. Hudson did so well on the plane ride!

{waiting patiently to board the flight.}

Scottsdale was beautiful and the weather was perfect. It's definitely a tourist town with tons of shopping areas, resorts, and golf courses. It was nice to get out of Houston!

{eating by the golf course friday night. the sunset was gorgeous and the weather crisp.}

{we obviously thought he looked pretty darn cute in his hat. you might say we are obsessed.}

{dinner at the greene house. it was amazing food and a really cool atmosphere.
i had sliders (kobe beef!) with white truffle parmesan & chive fries. jason enjoyed
a bbq pork tenderloin, mac and cheese, and roasted broccoli. we had spinach and
artichoke fondue with flat bread for an appetizer. ohh it was all sooo good-wish we
had one here!}

Saturday morning we enjoyed hotel breakfast (one my favorite things about vacation). Hudson and I napped while Jason watched football. Then we went to a big outdoor shopping area. Christmas decor was up and it was super fun! They have a killer Nordstrom too =) We explored Scottsdale a bit afterwards. Sunday was Starbucks, time by the pool, and Sprinkles cupcakes!
The trip home was another story and a post for another day. Let's just say I will never fly alone with a baby again!
Thanks sweetie for such a special treat!

{jason really liked this and insisted on taking a picture.}

4 month checkup

2009-10-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Little Hudson was 4 months on Sunday! I cannot believe how fast it has gone!

{playing on the table before the doctor came in.}

Everything is looking good. Here are his stats:

Height: 26 1/2 in
Weight: 18.13 lb
Head: 17 1/4

Tricks: holding his toes, holding hands together with fingers intertwined, breaking mom's necklaces while nursing, rolled over once

Favorite foods: milk (extra creamy)

Favorite book: book of baby faces

{he has figured out that he can hold his paci in.}

a jumparoo, a bumbo, and a big boy stroller

2009-10-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our sweet boy is starting to find other activities that he enjoys other than nursing!

{hanging out in the jumparoo! everytime I put him in it , he looks at me and
grins. i think he feels really big and proud.}

{sitting in the bumbo seat. he enjoys watching baby einstein while sitting in the bumbo on my bed. it's pretty cute, especially because he holds on to the sides very tightly.}

{this is right after waking up from his nap. i Love this time. it's so fun going
to rescue him. i always enjoy the 2-3 hours of relaxation (or obsessive cleaning) but get real excited to see him again! i've been finding him propped up with his head up looking around the room.}

{we put him in this stroller (w/o his heavy carseat woohoo) at grandmommy's and granddaddy's this last weekend. he really liked it!}

on other hudson news, he has discovered his feet. he continues sucking on his hands and may be showing signs of rolling over!

more to come after his 4 month checkup!

Thrills (by Jason)

2009-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

"It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill - that is the very worst thing to do. Let the thrill go, let it die away. Go on through that period of death into the quieter interests and happiness that follow. And you will find you're living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker & weaker and fewer & fewer, and you will be a bored disillusioned old man for the rest of your life."
-CS Lewis

OK, I know up until this point the blog has pretty much been about Hudson only, but now that Jason's busy season is winding down a little - he has some non-tax, non-Hudson thoughts. Well, not completely non-Hudson.

The above quote is taken from Mere Christianity. The second half of the quote caught my attention first as I listened to my audio tape of the book the other day. But as I copied the quote down, the first part sank in too. I can't say that I maintain a full diet of spelunking and hang-gliding - that's not my kind of thrill (although if you know someone who can teach me how to do either - I'm game). And most of us aren't action junkies with a need to risk it all to feel alive, etc. So don't think that because you have no urge to skydive that this doesn't apply to you. Its not even that most of us chase the thrill of getting plastered and pullin down ladies - maybe some of us do, but most (of the people who might read this) are already quieter than this. Rather, I think the way that this manifests in my life and the George household is through comfort and convenience and avoidance - quieter thrills. I think the idea behind the quote is that we're prone to have habits and activities where we can just get little fixes here and there to make us happy, content, not focused on what would actually satisfy or on what actually deserves our time and affection. This absolutely includes small thrills too - Starbucks, spending (usually wasting) time online, Solitaire (sting!), movies, music, getting nails or hair done, food/eating out, etc. Its all the things my mind drifts to whenever I get the idea that "this would be a good time to read my Bible or pray for my wife & son". They're the first place I go when I'm stressed/unhappy. I'll check ESPN.com - nothing good, then I'll check the Drudge - nothing I didn't see 30 minutes ago, then I'll go back to ESPN.com without even thinking because I'm in this what else can I read/do to pass time. Thank God, literally, that I only like two websites. Why does an iced latte and a game (or 30) of PDA Solitaire get my attention, time and affection? You know what's funny is that these things are my third and fourth reads - I've already gone through my first two receivers and eliminated them as options (TV and Xbox) - but still I look for others (please excuse the football analogy). Anyway, all I'm trying to say is there is something very true about our thrill-seeking nature taking us over, and it will eventually render us useless if we cling to the thrills to get us by. I think the thrills do fade in their ability to keep us occupied and satisfied - how long can you listen to one song, even one that you love, before you are tired of it and need a different song? We'll even go back to ones that we haven't heard in a while that we got sick of before. Because thrills don't last, we go from thrill to thrill to thrill and never go deep - always shallow and surface. Starbucks (the idea/experience) is not inherently evil (although the particular corporation may be), but where it becomes evil is where we continually rely on a latte to perk/cheer us up and let it or any other small thrill be our default whenever we feel bad/sad. We'll never deal with what is really going on - the fact that we're worshipping things that aren't worthy of worship. What is really going on is that we've allowed created things to usurp the Creator's throne in our lives - we're focused on temporal things instead of eternal things. We'll go on with our thrills until one day we're 65 and we can't identify any real area of impact that we've had that will last beyond the next generation.

This is the part where I say "What we need is more Jesus." While its predictable, its still true. I'm not even trying to evangelize through our blog like we have some high traffic - I bet two people read this post including Stephanie. I say it for two reasons - 1) because I realize more and more that its said so often by preachers and church folk and the like because it has merit. Chase whatever you want, its short-term satisfaction at best if its not Jesus. I need to press into Him and make every effort to know Him more because its the only thing that can slay a heart bent on worshipping xbox, shopping, food, treats, whatever. 2) I say this because solely eliminating these thrills/distractions won't do it. If you identify one or two or three that you continually lean on and eliminate them, others will spring up in their place because it has to do with your heart. I realized this recently. I sold my Xbox because it was too important to me. We decided not to get cable TV at our new apartment because I'll watch it too much if its there. While it was wise to eliminate those things because they were problems, they are only symptoms. What has happened in the weeks to follow? Did I use all that time that I previously spent on Halo and TV to study my Bible and pray with Stephanie like I wanted to do? No. Now I jack around on the internet or play Solitaire on my phone or whatever. That doesn't mean don't get rid of distractions because you'll just replace them anyway - these ultimately become idols and they should be smashed. We should continue to eliminate the things "that rob us of our affection for Jesus" (to borrow from Matt Chandler), and increase the things "that stir our affections for Jesus" (borrowed again) - and pray fervently that our hearts would be fixed on Jesus in every area. I think the Christian who finds himself in this same place of seeking thrills, even small ones, in place of Jesus could probably also point to gaping wide areas in their life where they're not engaging their community and are trying to fly solo. And if we're so often blind to our motives and affections, how dangerous is it to be blind and alone? How are problems ever identified and exposed that they might be addressed? What happens after a lifetime of taking Tylenol for symptoms and ignoring root problems? I think CS Lewis nailed it exactly - "you will be a bored disillusioned old man for the rest of your life."

I said earlier that this wasn't completely non-Hudson - I think about this stuff a lot more now that he's around. I'm fine with whatever the Lord wants to use in my life to bring about knowing Him more. But these things have been coming from so many directions lately - a men's retreat last weekend, time with Hudson, coming across this quote the other day randomly, some discussions with Stephanie - that I had to get these thoughts down in writing.

If you checked the blog because you saw there was a new post and were hoping that there was a new picture of Hudson, I'd hate to disappoint!

Hilarious (at least we think so)

2009-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

We are very vocal these days

In case you were wondering, he didn't go to the bathroom.

My baby is 3 months old!

2009-09-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that three months have already gone by! Hudson is such a precious little guy, and it's a joy to get to be his mommy! He smiles all the time and loves to coo. He is starting to giggle a little bit too. He is still loving his milk, but has decided that being strapped in his car seat is not his favorite. He enjoys watching his mobile while kicking his legs and is starting to realize that he can hold things in his hands. Oh, and he recently discovered his tongue, so he always has it sticking out. I love watching him grow!

happy birthday

2009-09-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 25th Birthday to my precious husband!

dear deloitte,

when can i have my husband back? i love him a lot you know.

steph

poop

2009-09-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

the only daily routine we have totally established so far.

habits

2009-08-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Kristen wrote a recent blog post about her quirks, and I thought it was quite entertaining. It's fun to see if you do any of the same odd-ball things that other people do. These kinds of things are what make us all unique! Here are a few of mine:

-when I enter a room, I almost always have to comment on what it smells like.

-i often take bites of things from the fridge/counter and put them back that way.

-i like to sleep in my eye makeup, so that i get that smudgy look the next day-and this way when i am in a hurry i don't have to do my eyes.

-i literally get down on all fours and pick hairs off the floor because i Hate hair.

-i cannot have anything that doesn't belong in the car stay in there (i.e. random sweater, empty cup, coupon).

-i prefer vegetarian even though i am not one.

-ever since junior high (my mom would drop me off like 5 min. before the tardy bell rang to avoid this), i cannot show up to events early because i am scared to death of small talk.

- i had my very first steak a couple months ago (this is embarrassing).

-i can't go to bed at night if there's a dish in the sink or shirt that needs to be hung-those kinds of things.

-i love scratches of all kinds (i always ask jason to scratch my back, thigh, calf, arms...i would rather have an hour long body scratch than a massage.

-potato chips (have to be kettle) on peanut butter fold-over sandwiches mmmm

what are your quirks?

Jason would like to add that Stephanie asked him what her quirks were, but oddly none of them appeared above. Hmmm.

all boys

2009-08-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

We had a fun weekend filled with friends, good food, & time for just the two of us! Friday night we had our friends over to hang out. This is a first for us since having Hudson. It worked out great! He had a little trouble going to sleep but Jason and I took turns going in to rock him! Jason is so good at helping with the baby when he is home! The boys went and picked up wine and such and also brought us back our favorite new frozen yogurt from a place called Fresco! It's amazing!

{alex, andy, jim, jason} {our hubs are so cute together - Disclosure: Jason is not picking his nose, despite what it looks like}

Saturday we woke up early and went and got Hudson out of his crib to put him in bed with us! He is so cute in the morning! He always smiles and coos a lot-until he realizes he is hungry! Jason watched him and let me go jogging at memorial! It was beautiful outside with a tiny hint of coolness! When I came home...

Jason worked during the day on Saturday so I met Liz at a precious baby boutique called Mint Baby in Uptown Park. We thought it was very necessary to get Lily, her baby girl due Sept. 26, some mary jane trumpette socks! I got Hudson some new footie pjs that are adorable. We had our iced coffees and chitchatted then I headed home. I haven't hung out with a girlfriend during the day in forever! Later that night when Jason got home from work...

{Hudson's new p j s called kicky pants!}

{they have giant feet that even 15 lb. babies' feet can't fit into.}

{daddy & son.}

Sunday we made it to church! Although I spent most of it dancing around with Hudson in my arms, it was great to just be there and to see our friends! Afterward, the three of us went to our most often visited lunch spot: cafe express. We enjoyed time together during the afternoon while Hudson napped. I miss my husband and cannot wait for his busy season to be over.

2 month checkup

2009-08-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

I took Hudson to his 2 month checkup today, and everything looked great!

The pedi. was very pleased with his eating and sleeping! He's a big boy, like we thought he would be! He has been sleeping anywhere from 8- 11 hours total at night with one feeding in the middle. Here are his stats:

Height: 24 1/4 in. (95th percentile)

Weight: 15.5 lbs (95th percentile)

Head: 16 1/2

{Hudson loves bath time!}

{photo shoot at Janie's house}

{not so sure about this.}

{tummy time!}

my baby boy

2009-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Happy two months to my sweet Hudson!

5 favs: this week

2009-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

So I am being completely cliche right now, but sometimes you can't think of anything new to blog about! I thought I would share five things that I currently love!

{Chick Fil A Diet Lemonade: my sister and sister-in-law told about

this incredible beverage. It's made with splenda, squeezed fresh daily, and is the perfect

combination of sour and sweet!}

{Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolate w/ Cranberries, Blueberries, & Almonds: discovered on a road trip when I said, "Sweetie I need dark chocolate!" He came back with this!}

{Serving set from Neiman Marcus: saw these when browsing the home section. I'm in love!

If only I had registered here for my wedding! Click here for more info!}

{Silk Paisley Dress from Banana Republic: adorable little frock for the fall is def. going on my wish list!}

{Necklace from Neiman Marcus: I love dainty necklaces right now, and this is my favorite color blue. Click here for more info.}

my 25th

2009-08-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

I had thought earlier this summer (pre-baby) that for my 25th birthday I ought to do something really fun at our new house-the house that at the time we had a contract on. I pictured fajitas, amazing queso, good friends, a cute dress, & possibly a margarita. That did not end up happening, but it was still a good birthday-just a little more relaxed.

Tuesday morning my mom, Hudson, and I went and had birthday breakfast at a really yummy french bakery! They have the best homemade almond croissants. She also took me shopping ,and I got some cute fall stuff from J.Crew. My dad drove in Tuesday evening, and we all went to my favorite Mexican place in town: Escalantes. I haven't eaten such a yummy meal since I had Hudson! We had a great time! We went to Whole Food's afterward and picked up several slices of their "fresh" desserts from the bakery. We came back to the apt. and shared bites of key lime pie, carrot cake, and chocolate cake. They were all terrible. I would not recommend their desserts-they look better than they taste.

We celebrated with our friends on Wednesday night at a pizza place called Russo's. Love me some veggie pizza and spinach calzones! Liz made her strawberry cake and we all enjoyed!

Thanks everyone for the emails, wall posts, texts, & phone calls (sorry my voicemail isn't set up )! I felt very special!

Apt.

2009-08-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

We love our new place! The location has been so nice-very convenient to some of my very favorite places (potbellys, cafe express, starbucks, olivine (french home boutique), crave cupcakes, & Nordstroms of course). The complex is basically empty, which is also great!

Oh, check this out:

{hello ikea. i am looking out our window.}

{our little eating area: found the table

at The Guild Shop, an amazing consignment shop!}

{our office space: the "G" from anthro is my

favorite!}

{living: view from the front door.}

{bedroom: Hudson likes to nap here.}

{kitchen: small but the space is used quite well.

really like the cabinets.}

{living: view from the back}

{bedroom: Hudson's cradle is only temporarily

parked here, promise.}

No pictures of baby's room yet! We still have not picked out his crib yet, and the room is a mess!

6 weeks

2009-08-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile! I know some of you want to see some recent pictures of my chubby little guy! He is growing A lot. He has his 2 month checkup soon, and then we will know for sure how much. He loves to eat, and he loves music. Jason will play his Gospel rap really loud and dance around while holding Hudson, and Hudson looks so relaxed & pleased. Sometimes we put the lap top next to him when he naps and play music, and he sleeps great! His favorite is Coldplay. We named "Yellow" his theme song. I'll let you guess why! He really enjoys riding in the jogging stroller, which is great for me! Lately, he has been much more vocal and it is so precious! Oh and he is smiling now- a couple times a day. It melts my heart! He is such a joy and everything really gets better by day!

{about 4 weeks here. he doesn't like

his expensive sling-sad!}

{my favorite picture of him yet!}

{5 weeks-his favorite onesie! he has a matching

blankie.}

{sweet little squirt.}

{6 weeks here-his favorite frog

position!}

{6 wks-his rolly arms are my favorite!}

{he is storing nuts in his cheeks for the winter.}

Burrito

2009-07-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

This video of Hudson is not very interactive I know, but I think it is so cute! I love when he is all content and looking around.

Before Hudson was born people would say, "The first two weeks are so hard, and then it gets better"...I'm thinking the first two months is more like it! I wish I had some sort of update like Hudson is doing this or that but really there is no consistency with him. He may sleep four hours in his crib one night and the next night he won't sleep ten minutes. I am starting to think we have our nights and days mixed up, which I know is a common thing to happen. He has been sleeping almost all day, and when I wake him to feed, he falls asleep. Today, I got to go to target- woohoo! Then, I made it through a trip to Marshall's to look for some things for the new apt. After that, I was able to do some cleaning/laundry. And believe it or not, lastly, I got to work out on the treadmill for half an hour! He is still asleep.

This past week Jason and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary! Grammy came through Houston on her way back from Port Arthur and watched Hudson for a couple hours. Thanks so much Grammy! We ate at Smith & Wollensky's-one of our favorites! What a wonderful two years! I love him even more than the day we married. He is an amazing husband and a precious daddy! Here are some new pictures of our baby!

Two Weeks

2009-07-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Dad doesn't like the vogue pose he was put in...should have at least given him a ball to hold or something...

This is Hudson's own way of saying he's two weeks: "I am 10 business days old!" Despite his work-week approach, he doesn't recognize the weekends as time off for his mom and dad...

Super Baby! This was cousin Asher's outfit.

After Bath

2009-07-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

For Grandmommy who needs a dose of her Hudson!

George Hudson

2009-07-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently we didn't think this through. At Hudson's first Dr. checkup, we had several workers, including the pediatrician, think his name was George. I was even called "Mrs. Hudson". I guess people think of George as a first name and Hudson as a last name. Looks like he will be getting this for the rest of his life!

His checkup went great! He weighs 9 lbs already and is measuring 22 1/4 inches long! Somebody likes his milk. Things are getting better and better at home. Hudson has been sleeping several hours in his crib at night, and we are so happy. We have almost survived the first two weeks!

Thanks

2009-07-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

We have almost made it through the first week!

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayer.

It has been a hard adjustment, but we are really thankful with

how well things have been going! More pictures and stories to come!

love,

Jason, Steph, & Hudson

Our Baby Boy

2009-06-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

These are just a few pictures we've taken so far! We will add more as soon as we get a chance!

Home is where the heart is

2009-06-12T16:20:00.001-07:00

We are moving friends. After months of house hunting, contracts, inspections, and har.com, we have decided to rent-again. We both feel at peace with the way things have turned out. It would have been cool to have had our very own home to bring little Hudson to, but there are so many advantages with not owning a home. Besides the fact that neither of us are sure that we want to settle in Houston long-term, with renting we will not have to deal with a 45 minute commute for Jason, unexpected maintenance costs, and being tied down (obviously our biggest reason). The apartments are brand new-no one has ever lived in ours! Two bedrooms, two baths, hardwood floors, granite counters, amazing work out room for my post-preg. workouts. My sister and her husband moved into some apartments that are much like these in Dallas recently, and she has loved it so far. She said that she thought if you had to rent, you might as well go all out! So, there is not a guest bedroom but we will keep the handy air mattress! Oh, the location is great for us-right by our church and down the road from our good friends the Larkins! Hopefully, this year will give us some good time to evaluate where we see ourselves long-term and will also give Jason time to think about a possible job change. We both agree that we are happy just being together-where ever our home may be.

On baby news, I'm still waiting! 39 weeks on Sunday! By the looks of my tummy, he is definitely growing. I am going to the Dr. Tuesday, so hopefully there will be some news. I'll keep you updated. I saw a baby boy today at the mall who had to have been only a couple weeks old. He was so tiny and curled up on his mommy's chest. I almost cried because I cannot wait to meet my baby!

15 Days & Counting

2009-06-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

ing. Something that comes very naturally to me. Just ask Jason. I can never dust enough tabletops or iron enough shirts. I have been trying to stay busy, but I am always waiting and hoping to feel that first contraction! The last several weeks have gone by really fast though, so I am thankful for that. I've been going to the dr. each week to check on my progression. Last Tuesday I was told that there was a 50% chance that I would be induced (no need to explain why because I didn't even understand what my dr. was talking about). I just heard the word "induce" and was really excited. I had an ultrasound the following day and Hudson looks perfect and my fluid levels are right where they are supposed to be! His approximate weight is 6 lbs 14 ounces and my dr. said his head is kind of big. That made me laugh! I think all the George boys have sons with bigger heads! I know that it is good for him to keep baking, but I am still hopeful that he will come early.

On house news, we are still searching! We are not sure what is going to happen, and it's so hard to feel out of control. It has been a great lesson on patience and trusting the Lord to lead us and provide. There are so many ups and downs with house hunting. Sometimes we are not sure we are even supposed to live in Houston long term. We are definitely leaving our apartment complex at the end of July though. Keep praying for us!

Before I forget, CONGRATULATIONS to my sister Meredith and brother-in-law Mark on graduating from medical school last weekend! We had a wonderful weekend celebrating with you two and are so proud of what you've accomplished!

Honeydew

2009-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Pick up a honeydew, and that is about how much the little squirt weighs right now! Babycenter says about 5 1/4 pounds. He is growing so much! Here's a picture of Hudson at 31 weeks-I know some of you have already seen it. I think he has such a cute profile, and I really think he looks like his daddy =) Speaking of his daddy, I found these pictures of baby/toddler Jason that I had to share because they make my heart melt!

"First Lady Michelle Obama brings back the cardigan."

2009-05-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Please people. This was an article written in the Houston chronicle that I saw while getting the car cleaned at Mister Carwash today. I'm pretty sure I've been sporting cardigans for like hm 10 years? Michelle could never be the next Jackie O., sorry. It is so funny to me how all the liberal celeb stylists are trying to make her into a fashionista. We all loved J.Crew before she started wearing it! I certainly don't pick up Us Weekly hoping to run across a picture of Michelle for outfit tips, and I hope you don't either.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice weekend! Today marks the beginning of my 34th week of pregnancy! I'm getting excited and trying decide when the appropriate time is to wash all his baby clothes, install the car seat, try out the breast pump (just kidding on that one), & all of those other little tasks! According to all the baby books I've been flipping through, this is the last time I will ever sleep. So, I guess I'll start taking one more nap than I already do each day.

One last thing, for those of you who don't know, we have found a house that we love and have put a contract on it! If everything goes accordingly, our closing date will be June 11. I will share more on that later! But I cannot wait to have our own little home ,and I find myself daydreaming about how exactly I am going to decorate!

Babymoon

2009-05-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

We spent the last three days at the Hyatt Hillcountry resort in San Antonio relaxing, eating delicious breakfasts, and walking (or waddling) around the lovely area. Jason is so precious for taking me on a special trip before the baby arrives! It was neat because we were able to redeem a couple of his applause awards, that he earned this spring, for gift certificates at the Hyatt. They paid for all three nights at the resort. On top of that, the Hyatt was offering a "3 for free" package during the month of May where if you stay two nights, you get the third night free! Included in the package was breakfast every morning. We loved getting omelettes, waffles, fresh fruits, and french-pressed coffee every morning. The resort was empty the whole time we were there, which was really enjoyable. We definitely recommend taking a trip there and cannot wait to take out kids there someday! We decided that we had to have some Mexican food while we were there, so we headed down to the river walk on Monday night. After passing one Mexican restaurant after the other, we stopped in at the Iron Cactus for fajitas. We had such a great time talking about little Hudson and what it is going to be like to be parents! It's weird to think that in a month and a half our lives will be changed forever. We walked on down the walk toward the river center, where I can remember hanging out as a kid. Nothing has changed about that area-the river barges with cheesy tour guides taking you up and down the river, the really bad mall, and the music that sounds like a bunch of recorders playing loudly for all to hear. Needless to say, we left shortly after . Way cooler when you are five. It was fun to laugh about though. I promised Jason that I would not make him shop while on our special vacation together. Of course, that kind of fell through. It was very muggy and cloudy on Tuesday, so we ended up driving 15 minutes to an upscale shopping area called The Shops at La Cantera. He was so sweet for letting us go, and he even let me play in Anthropologie while he sat and played bubble breaker. I love looking in that store, even though right now I cannot fit in anything they have-so sad. We played with fancy coffee makers in William Sonoma and tried out couches in Pottery Barn. The trip was so nice-our last little getaway! We both decided that if we had waited any longer to go, I would have been unable to enjoy it due to my extreme preggers state.

Our very own cappuccinos

2009-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Jason brought out our espresso maker the other night and decided we should try to make our own fancy coffee drinks. One of our favorite things to do together is to snuggle up on the couch and drink coffee. Many may know that I have an expensive habit and that is my daily fix of an iced grande latte from Starbucks (with one splenda & a dash of cinnamon). I decided that I would try to support my habit some at home. We ground up some espresso beans-you should try illy. After pouring in a shot of espresso in each of our mugs, we filled the rest with steamed milk and foam! Jason put a tablespoon of vanilla syrup in each and topped them off with caramel. So yummy! I've had one three days in a row. It's no secret that you can do this at home-I was just really surprised at how much I enjoyed it and wanted to share! I think it would be fun to visit central market or Sur la table and stock up on more coffee supplies! Oh, and I promise it's okay to have caffeine when you are pregnant =)

Blog beginnings

2009-04-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about finally starting our own blog! We have loved reading others' blogs and thought it would be fun to share our adventures with you. With our sweet baby boy arriving in just a few short months, we can keep all updated on his growth and progress. We can't wait to share pictures and stories with you. Hope you enjoy our blog!