Christmas in Texas

We drove back from Oklahoma the morning of Christmas Eve. We made it home just in time to change and head to the Christmas Eve service at our church. Now, in years past we have always gone to the candlelight service, but we decided to go to the 5:00 family service this year. How things have changed! The sanctuary was FULL of children and instead of a sermon our pastor had all of the children come up to listen to the "Story of Christmas." It was so fun to watch all of the children head up to the front and listen to the true meaning of Christmas. Hudson slept through this part, but next year he should be able to go up front. (Probably with Mommy or Daddy though!) The service still ended with the lights out, candles lit, and singing of Silent Night...that is my favorite part every year! After church, we headed to Kelly's sisters house to celebrate. The next morning, we had Christmas at home with Noni too. It was such a wonderful Christmas this year. I can't wait for the years to come to watch Hudson grow and celebrate this season. Talk about a miracle this year...Hudson!

Leaving for the Christmas Eve service at church.
Hudson with his stocking made by Great Aunt Fern.
Opening a present.
Getting the hang of tearing off wrapping paper.
Trying out his jumper from Noni.

Christmas in Oklahoma

We went to Oklahoma the Thursday before Christmas to celebrate with family there. We had such a great time...it even snowed on Saturday!! Hudson got to hear Twas the Night before Christmas from his Paw-Paw, just like Mommy got to hear it every year. I'm not sure who loved it more...Paw-Paw or Hudson, but either way it was really sweet. He didn't know what to think of his stocking and his presents...he liked feeling his stocking and trying to eat a teddy bear from Great Aunt Fern the best. The stockings were so big that I couldn't resist putting him in one for a photo-op! It was such a wonderful Christmas...we are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and I know Hudson will love making the trip to Oklahoma for years to come.

Hudson sitting in a stocking! :)
Nana, Aunt Shani, Mommy, Uncle Geoff, Great Aunt Fern, Paw-Paw, Daddy, and Huson at dinner.

More Christmas in Oklahoma

Paw-Paw reading Twas the Night Before Christmas
Hudson next to his stocking and presents in his PJ's.
Hudson in his new Exersaucer
Examining his stocking
Aunt Shani kept saying she wanted Hudson in her stocking for Christmas, so mommy put a picture of Hudson in a little stocking for her! :) Sorry Aunt Shani...you can't have him!

Catch Up...4 Months!

Hudson had his four month check up on December 18th. He weighed 13 pounds, 12.1 ounces (24%) and was 24 3/4 inch long (39%). All in all, Dr. Cook said he looks great! He got the green light to start rice cereal that night. As you can see, he didn't know what to think about it. He still doesn't! It is hilarious watching him eat it! The next day Leslie and Griffin came over to keep us company. Griffin wasn't in the picture mood that day! :)

Goodbye Old Friend...

For those of you that have known me a long time, you know that our first son had 4 legs, weighed 96 pounds, and was extremely hairy! Yes, our first son was Chopper, our precious Rottweiler. Kelly actually got Chopper when he was a puppy and loves to tell stories of how he tore things up. That is hard to believe for those that knew him later because he was possibly the most well behaved dog I have ever known. I have been Chopper's "Mom" for over 8 years now...he was 13 years old this December which is just crazy in dog years...especially for a big dog. His health started declining over these past few years and recently got really bad. We took him to the vet on Tuesday and found out that cancer had spread all over his body and into his lymph nodes. You can figure out what happened next. It was probably the hardest thing that Kelly and I have ever had to do, but we had to put him to sleep. It has been a rough few days, but things are slowly getting better. I know that in time we will just laugh at funny stories about him instead of tearing up when thinking of him. I had to smile this morning when I was getting ready and found a "Chopper hair" on me. I'm sure that will happen for some time now. He truly was "Man's best friend" and the best dog anyone could ever ask for. My dear friend Kristy sent me a poem that I thought was beautiful. I know that many of you are dog lovers and would appreciate this.

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

"When I am gone, Release Me, Let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You musn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love, You can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now its time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
Its only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, Call, and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say:
"Welcome Home!"

We love and miss you Chops!

4 Months!

Four months already!! WOW! Hudson is four months old today and I actually got smiling pictures. :) This month he has become somewhat obsessed with his hands, holding them together, playing with them, and most of all trying to fit both of them in his mouth whenever he gets a chance. He also holds on to his pacifier when trying to go to sleep, but doesn't realize that he gets his fingers in between the pacifier and his mouth. This of course causes the suction to break and the pacifier to fall out. Then, he gets mad! He also sometimes pulls it out and can't figure out how to get it back into his mouth. It is quite comical to watch! He has also started sleeping in his crib this week. It has gone better each night...he isn't sleeping through the night yet, but we are getting there. He started sitting in his Bumbo seat this week too ~ I actually forgot about it until I read it on someone else's blog. I'm not sure he knows what to think about it. I got a few pictures of him in front of the Christmas tree in it this morning. He was more interested in playing with the minky blanket though. Of course! He continues to be an absolute joy and that smile just melts my heart! :)

Catching Up

I sure have a lot of catching up to do…I feel out of touch. Since I have had the blog, I haven’t ever gone this long without posting. Anyway, we are back from a rough week. As most of you know my Uncle Wayne passed away last Monday ~ it was hard, but we all know that he is in a better place. I know that he is up there tinkering around and just having a ball. I was fortunate enough to spend the week with Aunt Fern. Hudson and I were quite a distraction!! There were so many little old ladies that stopped by to see Aunt Fern ~ Hudson just fell in love with them. He had ten days full of non stop attention!!! He did so good. I think he has missed being held by his Aunt Fern today. Poor little guy! Kelly and I took him tonight to get his picture taken with Santa. He did great. We couldn’t get a smile out of him, but he didn’t cry either. He will be four months this Thursday…check back soon to see his pictures by his pillow. :)

Mommy and Daddy with Hudson
Hudson and Santa

Jet, Aunt Fern, and Hudson

Paw-Paw teaching Hudson how to use a remote!
Napping with Aunt Fern and Jet
Playing with Nana