Thanksgiving at Grandma Jean's

We had our annual Thanksgiving visit at Grandma Jean's in Brooksville. Everyone enjoyed meeting Hudson for the first time, and I think he had a good time too. Madison loved playing with her cousins and staying up late. As usual we all had our fill of turkey, stuffing, ham, pie, cookies...you name it, we ate it! We relaxed, shopped and had a couple good scrabble matches. We always have a great time with family. We truly have a lot to be thankful for this year!!

Hudson has a lot to say!

We've been telling a lot of you that Hudson is really vocal, so I thought I'd let you see and hear for yourself. He's so much fun to talk to because he can really carry on a conversation. He loves to sing (squeal) along to "Head, shoulders, knees and toes", and "Patty-cake, Patty-cake". He talks to people sitting around us at church (during service) and he's already even talked back on the phone!

A Trip to Sea World

We decided to take Madison to Sea World this year for her birthday. I wasn't sure if I was crazy to take a 2 month old and a 4 year old to an amusement park, but it was really a great trip. Fortunately we had Grandpa and Grandma with us, the weather was beautiful and both kids were amazingly well behaved. What made it even more special was that one of Brian's old friends works there, so she set up for Madison to receive special attention at the dolphin cove. We had our own personal animal care provider teach Madison how to give the dolphins commands, hand feed them, pet them and even hug one. We had to coax Madison into hugging one, but once she did she loved it! Although she didn't get to sit on Shamu like I did as a child (they no longer do that), she certainly enjoyed her special day. Fun and educational! Thanks a bunch Candy!!

On our way out of town we stopped at my cousin Meghan's house. Madison and Hudson got to spend some time with their cousins Mason and Julia. Madison enjoyed playing with both of them, and said she can't wait for Hudson to be as big as Julia, who is 6 months old.

Hudson is 2 months old

Our big boy is growing like crazy. Not only is he growing in size, but in personality and strength. He is rewarding us all with big, bright-eyed smiles, gurgles, coos and squeeks. He is really alert and communicative....especially when it comes to Madison. Its truly special to see how he lights up for her and to watch them "talk" to one another. It's like they have their own secret language already. He is also very busy these days exploring his hands. He'll hold them up in front of his face and just watch them move. I don't remember Madison doing that, but its funny to see. He is now stretching out his nightly sleep about 5-6 hours in a row, then 3 hours after that. One of his big accomplishments this month is rolling from his tummy to his back. I thought it was just a random thing, but he's done it three times in the last week. So he may be BIG, but he's got strength to go with it. People will stop me and tell me he looks like a little football player....we'll have to wait and see about that! He's latest stats at his 2 month check up were:

Weight: 13 lbs 6 oz (95th %)

Height: 23 1/4 in (55th %)

Its amazing to me how with your first child, you tend to anticipate and want to rush to the next milestone, and now I just want to slow both of them down. Time goes by too quickly these days, and I am trying to cherish and remember all of them. Despite the hectic days and lack of sleep, I truly love being a Mommy. I couldn't imagine my life without Hudson and Madison. Sometimes, its all surreal, and feels like I am playing house with Brian, but then I thank God that this really is my life!

Happy Birthday Madison

I can't believe that Madison is four years old today! Where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital. It's truly amazing how much she has changed in just four short years, and how big her personality has become. While it would take me too long to highlight each year that has passed, here's a brief look at how she has grown throughout the years.

This was our little burrito baby in the hospital after she was born. The other picture was what we used for her birth announcment.

Here she was at 5, 6, and 9 months old. What a cutie...even if she had no hair!!

By her first birthday, there was no doubt she was the princess of the family. She thouroughly enjoyed that first birthday cake, and was already willing to share some with us.

At 2 years old Madison was like a mini me. She had on my shoes, my purse and was talking on my cell phone. This year she started going to preschool, and has loved it ever since. Finally, she figured out what she liked and didn't like and was able to express it. Look at that pout face!

From her third birthday until now has been quite fun. She has learned and accomplished a lot this year. Here are a few of her highlights:

She learned how to write her name and a few other words.

She likes to count, and can count up to 50.

She had her first dance recital, and took her first gymnastics class.

She learned how to swim, and went down her first water slide.

She graduated into a big girl bed.

She learned how to ride a bike.

She had her first crush on a boy in her class named JJ...she thinks she's going to marry him!

She also became a big sister...and is a super one.

She's still extremely loving, empathetic, sweet, fun, and giving.

She enjoys and is eager to pray when she has the chance.

She has a memory like you wouldn't believe...so, if you ever tell her you're going to do something later, you better follow through!

She loves to make up dances...our favorite is the robot!

She still loves the Disney princesses, but also enjoys Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake.

She also loves to make us laugh. Can you tell?

We are truly blessed to have this special little girl in our lives. She teaches us things all the time, and amazes us by the person she is becoming. We are so proud of her!

Happy 4th Birthday Madison