Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all had as wonderful of a day as we did. We woke up this morning to a smiling happy baby, and the day just seemed to get better and better. We all got up and got ready for church and headed out. After church, it was back home for me to hide Austyn's eggs for him. This was the first year in many that he actually wanted to color eggs. I think he forgot how fun it was, because when we finished 12, he said..."that's it"? haha. We had a lot of fun together. So, Andrew dropped me off after church so I could get them hidden. Austyn is aware of the Easter Bunny situation, but he still has fun looking for eggs, and presents!

When we got all done with that, it was time to start my first attempt at a "formal" Easter dinner. I have mastered Thanksgiving, but had never done Easter. I have never cooked a ham. And I know, they are already cooked, but you still gotta "season" it and throw it in the oven. I am not a huge fan of ham, but Andrew is, so that is why I cooked it to begin with, and I wanted it to turn out good. And..... it was DELICIOUS! A success! I am quite pleased to say that I am turning into quite the good cook. :) Along with the ham, we had... redskin potatoes with butter, garlic and herbs (YUMMY!!), corn and biscuits. It all turned out very good, and was done right on time. I also made an "Easter basket cake". Which, 1. I forgot to take a picture of, and 2. not that sad that I didn't get a picture because, of course, it didn't turn out quite as pretty as the picture in the recipe. But, isn't that always the case? Not really a cake decorator either, not really my thing I guess. Oh well, it tasted good, and that's all that matters, right? (it wasn't THAT bad, I just am not satisfied with my work unless it's PERFECT, that's just me, though.)

We had our neighbors over for dinner. So, there was 8 of us total. Hudson slept right through dinner, which was actually kinda nice, especially since he gets around pretty good now. I was able to eat all of my dinner at once, while it was warm. :) Jen, our neighbor, brought me a beautiful Easter Lily, pictured below, and I loved it! I used to buy my mom an Easter Lily every year at Easter, but have never gotten one myself, so it was really nice, and kind of extra special for me since it brought back the memories of Easter with my mom that I have missed out on since I moved up here.

After dinner, Jen went home along with her oldest son, and Andrew and I took her two youngest kids on a walk with our family. Hudson absolutely loves to be outside, he just can't get enough. He smiles and screeches and coos, it's so cute! We walked up to the school and let the kids play at the park for a while, then did a little loop back around to our house. The day was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the kids were so well behaved, I really could not have asked for a better day. So, again, I hope you all enjoyed your holiday as much as us. Please enjoy a little taste of our wonderful day with the pictures below. :)




My beautiful Easter Lily. It smells wonderful too!!



Hudson in his Easter outfit. Too cute for words really!




Our family photo before church this morning. Thank goodness for self timers!

Spring break, vacation and a half birthday...

Wow, spring break has come and gone. It kinda snuck up on me this year. I guess we have been pretty busy, between working full time, getting settled into a new house and taking care of a new baby, things go by pretty fast I guess. It's all been great though, and I have no complaints. Most people I have talked to say that the winter dragged on and was too long. I usually feel the same, but this year it seemed to be very mild compared to most winters, and it seemed to go by fast. Here we are, into spring, heading towards summer, and I am EXCITED!

First things first, AUSTYN GOT ALL A'S ON HIS REPORT CARD!!! We are so proud of him. He always does well in school, but ALL A's?!?! I rewarded him with $5, and I was thinking I should take him to get a book or see a movie also. I really want to encourage good grades, studying and working hard at school. It's important to me that he understands how important it is to do well in school.

We went downstate for spring break, which seems to be our "thing" the last few years. The weather wasn't great, but not that bad either. It was what was to be expected for the first week of April in Northern Michigan I guess. I don't mind at all though. I get to see my family, for a whole week, which I love. It's really tough living so far away from them. I have always been very close to my mom, so my week at their house for spring break, no matter what the weather, is very important to me. We didn't really do anything to specatular or exciting, but it was fun in any case. My mom, sister and I did some crafts. (to prepare for the craft show we will be a part of in May at the Superior Dome.) We did some shopping, I got a lot of great deals at second hand stores for Hudson's summer wardrobe. My brother came over just about every day to hang out too, which was awesome. We all just hung out, grilled out and chatted. It was a really good time.

Austyn got to take his BB gun and get some target shooting in, which he was excited about. My mom has chickens and ducks, so Austyn was in charge of collecting the eggs in the morning and evenings for her. I think he liked it, it made him feel helpful. :) Which he was. After the first day, he asked if we could get some chickens. I don't think we really live in an area that is, uh, chicken friendly. haha. But, if we ever move to a farm, I will keep that in mind. Hudson was quite interested in the chickens and ducks as well. We took him out to see them, and he would just stare and stare, not really knowing what to think. It's fun to see him check out all the new sights and sounds.

On our way home, we stopped in St. Ignace to stay the night in a hotel with Dewey and Susan. The boys got to play in the pool. Which, this was Hudson's first time, obviously. He didn't really know what to think at first, but then he seemed to be enjoying himself quite a bit. His little legs were just kickin' away under the water. It was cute. :)



The stay at the hotel was pretty nice, it broke the long drive up nicely. We came home on Sunday, early afternoon, and that was convenient. We had time to get everything unpacked and put away, and get all of our laundry done. Then, since it was so nice out, we decided to take a little stroll. Austyn was finally able to get his bike out from the winter storage, which he has been dying to do, and Hudson got to relax in his little stroller while daddy pushed him along. He was having a good time. We walked up 7th, and through the cemetary. I really love the location of our house, it is soooo convenient. We are both so close to work, Austyn's school, the park and the beach. We have all kinds of "routes" to take for family walks. I LOVE it!!

As the title mentions, Hudson is 6 months old now!!! Time is just flying by! I can't believe how fast the first 6 months have gone by, maybe a little too fast. He is getting so big, it's just crazy. He hasn't had his 6 months check up yet (that's tomorrow), but when he was sick a few weeks ago we took him to the doctor, and he was almost 20 lbs! He is a big boy. He is trying to crawl now, he can get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth, but so far, no forward moment to speak of. He can scoot backwards, but it usually just makes him mad because he is getting further away from his goal. It's cute though. He is still such a good baby. He giggles and smiles all the time and it just melts my heart. He seems to be interested in everything now. He grabs at things, and looks at everything so intently. We all just love him so much, he really is a wonderful baby and a joy to have in our lives. I am the luckiest mom ever to have the 2 most handsome and smart guys for my boys! :)

These are a few of my favorite pictures from spring break. The one on the top is Hudson checking out the chickens. haha. You can tell he doesn't know what to think of them. (p.s. that is the hat my mom made for him and its absolutely ADORABLE!) And the one on the bottom is, well, just perfect! What a great smile. So.So.Cute!

Mid-Winter Fun

We are about half way through the winter, and I think everyone is getting a little cabin fever. This last week was VERY cold, the coldest days of the winter so far, but it warmed up nicely for the weekend. It was a nice change.

Hudson had his 4 month check up on Monday, and shots :( , but did well. He is a healthy 15 lbs, 10 oz and 25 1/2" tall. He has over doubled his birth size. The doctor was very pleased with his growth and development, and so are we. He is so fun, and such a good baby. He sleeps through the night now, for about 10-12 hours at a time, and that is awesome!! We are so lucky to have such a healthy, happy baby. Not to mention how absolutely adorable he is! ;) I think the picture above is hilarious, his face is so funny. He is full of expressions, all of them so fun and cute, there are just too many pictures to take and share.

So, on Saturday, I was in the kitchen doing stuff, and I heard Hudson start to fuss a bit. So I went into the living room to get him and he wasn't on the floor where I had left him. I looked at Austyn in the chair and was about to ask where the heck Hudson was, and saw this perfect moment. Austyn has picked him up and put him in the chair with him to watch some you tube videos. It was so cute. Hudson is always amazed with Austyn and loves to watch him all the time. If Austyn is in the room, Hudson stares and stares at him, distracting him from anything else he is doing. I love it.


Since the weather was so nice this weekend, we decided to get out of the house for a bit, and enjoy it. We figured it was even warm enough to take Hudson out to see the sights of winter. It was his first winter outing, other than the occassional trip from the house to the car for trips to the store and such. I am not sure how he felt about it, he just looked around. I think we had him bundled up pretty good, so I don't think he was cold. He didn't like the wind in his face though. He just hung out with daddy, watching Austyn sled down the hill at the park next to our house.

His little face is so cute, all chubby and packed into his snowsuit.

When we got home, Austyn and I decided that we hadn't had enough of the outdoors yet. We wanted to soak up all the "warm" weather we could while it was here. Besides, it was perfect snow for making a snowman. So, that's what we did. We didn't have carrots and coal for the "normal" snowman making, so we used pine cones and branches. And we decided instead of a hat, we would give him hair with the bare branches left over from his arms. After the picture taking of our wonderful snowman, Austyn decided to take him out. So, he was soon just a smashed up pile of snow and pine needles.

After the snowman, we decided we wanted to make the biggest snowball we could. So, here it is. That thing was so big, and heavy, it got to the point of being impossible to push anymore. This picture is of Austyn trying to give it one last push, to add as much to it as he could. After we got to that point, he told me that I should go in the house with Hudson, and send Andrew out to help him finish our massive snowball. Since Andrew's muscles are bigger. :) It was a lot of fun, and turned out to be quite impressive in my opinion. That is a huge snowball!!

All in all, it was a nice weekend, with lots of family fun. We enjoyed our time outside, but I think its safe to say we are all ready for winter to be over and springtime to get here. We can't wait to be able to spend more time outdoors, without the cold, wet and bundling involved in it now. Not much longer, hopefully. :)

Hello 2011

Well, 2010 has come and passed, and it was a very good year for us. New baby and a new house, we couldn't ask for more or be more grateful. We are so lucky to have such good things happening in our lives, and all of the great people that are a part of it as well, it really is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling. I am excited to see what the new year brings! :)

I didn't remember to have my camera out on NYE, which was a bummer. Although, Austyn was at a friend's house, and Hudson is too young to care, and wasn't even awake, I still wish I would have documented it with a nice little picture. Andrew and I stayed home with Hudson, and I made a few little snack trays for us to enjoy. The last of the holiday junk foods, then on to healthier eating for all of us.




This picture of Hudson was taken on New Year's Day. He is in his new snowsuit he got from his Aunt Richelle for Christmas. He already outgrew the other one from Uncle Chad and Aunt Libby. He is growing so fast. He is 3 months old exactly in this picture. His first picture, and first outing of the new year. We were on our way to Dewey and Susan's for New Year's Day lunch, which was a delightful assortment of chinese. Yummy!! I couldn't resist the picture, he is so darn cute in his reindeer suit. :)


The picture below is Hudson, in his baby's first Christmas outfit, on Grandma Hoxie's lap. He was having a great time, getting so much attention from everyone. He is such a smiley and happy baby, and I think this picture captures that perfectly.

Christmas for us was busy, eventful and fun. We did Christmas with Dewey and Susan on Thursday. We had dinner and exchanged gifts with everyone and just had a nice, low key evening. Very relaxing, just the way I like things.

On Friday, we went to my dad's house, and unfortunately, I wasn't feeling good. I didn't have my camera, and really was in no shape to be out and about or visiting with anyone. When I got home, I was bummed to still be sick, because my family was here to visit for the holidays as well, and I just went straight to bed. Austyn and Andrew were not too far behind, with both of them coming down with the flu late that night. I was feeling a little better Christmas morning, as was Austyn, but unfortunately, Andrew was not, and was laid up in bed until Sunday morning. :( Not many pictures were taken, again, because I was not feeling well and was pretty busy. So, it was not the greatest Christmas, but we were thankful to have family there to help, and that Hudson did not get it!!

The picture below was one I got of all the family that was here to visit, (besides Nick and Chicory), gathered around my table playing some cranium. I didn't play, I kept Hudson occupied and visited with Nick and Chicory, but they all had fun, and it was nice to have everyone here and having a good time. I wish we could do these things more often. We got a nice little surprise, 2 actually... My Aunt Tina and Uncle Jeff came up for the holiday, and we got to skype with my brother Chad on Christmas morning. So, despite the flu, I think everyone had a great time.



Ahhh, and lastly, Austyn, with his pride and joy Christmas gift. Aunt Richelle really nailed it this year, and I think his face gives it away. He loves his nerf gun, and is now planning on starting an entire arsenol. So, that should be fun! haha. My mom and sister also made us handmade stocking, and mittens. They are AWESOME!! Oh, I got a really cool apron too. They made really nice handmade gifts that I absolutely love. So crafty. I wish I had those skills.

All in all, I think everyone was happy and had a great time and wonderful holiday season. 2010 ended well for us, and 2011 started out just as good as 2010 ended. We are eager to see what the rest of the year brings for us and to start working towards our personal family goals for the new year. Happy New Year everyone!!!

It's been almost 2 months already!!

First I want to start off with a little "update" on Austyn. The picture above is of his flag football game. That's him catching a scoring pass! This is the second year he has played flag football and he seems to really like it and does very well. This year the weather was really nice for it too, not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. Maybe next year he will be playing tackle, but flag is good for now, makes me less nervous! :)
He has adjusted well to the new school and made lots of friends. He is quite the popular guy these days, always on the go. It's been pretty much non stop with birthday parties and sleep overs, busy, busy, busy. It's ok though, we are glad he is so well liked and seems to easily make friends. He is doing very well in school, as usual. All in all, I am very proud of him and feel very lucky to have such a well behaved, smart kid. Guess I'm doing something right. ;)


Hudson is almost 2 months old now, it seems to have went by fast. He is getting bigger by the day, and of course, cuter! He is such a good baby, again, I feel very lucky. above picture is daddy and Hudson playing "baby in space". Andrew likes to hold him up and "fly" him around while singing his own little song about him being in space. It's very cute, and funny. I think Andrew enjoys it more than Hudson at this point, but I am sure in the future it will be a favorite for both of them. It's so fun to see them playing together.

He is quite the smiley guy these days too. He has started smiling when you talk to him, instead of just the random smiles in his sleep or from gas. It's soooo cute. He is trying to "talk" too. He recently starting making cooing sounds trying to be part of the conversation, I just love it. He has also rolled over twice already!! He like to move around and kick his legs, he is a busy body already. We finally got him sleeping in his crib instead of the basket, which is nice. He doesn't quite sleep through the night yet, but only gets up once usually, which isn't so bad. I am pretty excited for him to sleep all the way through the night though.
He really loves his bath time, which is nice. I would hate to have to struggle to get him clean. His likes to eat too!! At his 1 month check up he was up to 9 lbs 8 oz, quite a leap from his birth weight, over 2 lbs! He's a very healthy, growing boy!

A rare occurance, a picture of mom and baby! Usually I am the one with the camera snapping all the pictures. I wish he would have been smiling, but he is still cute as ever!

All in all, both of my boys are healthy, happy kids, and we couldn't be happier about that. Hudson has been a very good baby, and an absolute joy. We are so happy about our growing family, and are enjoying every minute of it!

Hudson Tyler Jones, born October 1, 2010

Well, it's been a while since our last posting...and for Hudson Tyler Jones, it's been a lifetime, literally. We were blessed to have our little boy born on October 1, 2010 at 7:58 a.m. Sabrina had a heck of a time going through labor, as Hudson gave her her money's worth for about 16 hours. He weighed, as you can kind of see below, 7 pounds 2 ounces. and was 20 inches long.




This picture above is one of our favorites and was taken about a half hour after he was born.

Here he is taking a little power nap. He still sleeps a lot, but is staying awake more and more and getting a little more personality to him. His three main moods seem to be crabby, serious, and curious.


This is his *robe*. So far he loves taking baths, and looks very relaxed in the tub.

He definitely has a serious side to him, or at least some serious faces. It always makes us laugh.

Here is one of baby and mommy shortly after they were "reunited" after the surgery. Sabrina is breastfeeding him so far, and he took right to it. Even though he is so little and cute, he can definitely get some serious gas...loud gas.

Austyn came up to the hospital to visit the day he was born. He has been a very good big brother, and as far as we can tell, he loves the new guy.

And here is proud daddy, taking a nap with his son. We like to play together, but most of the time when I hold him, he seems to avoid eye contact with me, and focuses his eyes on some inanimate object to my right or left (like a lamp or curtain). It kind of ticks me off, but I don't think that's his intent. Haha.

So, we have certainly had our hands full for the last month. It's been such a great time having him around, after all those months of anticipation. We feel very fortunate to have had such a healthy, cute little guy, and are looking forward to helping him grow and develop. We appreciate all the support and help we have received from our family and friends; it has made the experience so much easier.

Quick little update...

Alot has been happening this summer, and I haven't had a chance to update our blog. So, here is a quick overview...

Andrew and I moved into our new house in mid July. We LOVE it!! It's so nice and quaint, and we love living in town. It is very convenient living in town. We are both only a few blocks from our jobs, a few yards from the park, and 2 blocks from Austyn's school. Not to mention, closer to the hospital, for our upcoming visit there! :) We have managed to get all settled in for the most part, and are getting used to being in town and having much more needed space.

My baby shower was at the end of July, and it turned out fantastic. Beth, Angela and Susan did an excellent job, and I was very pleased with how well it went. Connie made the cutest cake ever also, and I just absolutely loved everything. We received a lot of nice gifts for our little man on the way, and we couldn't be more grateful. After that was all over, I was finally able to get the last few things for the nursery and get it all set up. (That wait was KILLING me!!) Of course, pregnancy brain has gotten the best of me this whole summer, and I forgot to bring my camera, so I have no pictures of the shower. I will work on that.

We have been able to spend lots of time at the beach, especially being closer, which has been nice with how hot of a summer this has been. Of course, the summer that I am pregnant, it's unbearably hot!! I think this may be the first time in my life that I am looking forward to the end of summer. I have enjoyed the sunshine and heat (well, for the most part :) ) but not the sweating, swelling, shortness of breath and exhaustion that the combination of summer heat and pregnancy bring. I have to say, I don't like to complain, but this summer and pregnancy has been pretty hard on me and I am ready for it to be done. We have 7 more weeks to go, and I am seriously counting down the days. We cannot wait to meet our little man. He is growing right along and is already a very active little guy. He likes it when Andrew sings to my belly. Austyn finds it comical, but I think it's sweet, and really cool. He usually moves right up under where Andrew's lips are pressed against my belly, and when he stops singing, the baby starts kicking. :)

So, for the pictures in this blog, (that I did manage to remember my camera for)....

First up, the "belly" picture this time is a shadow picture. haha. I didn't have a recent belly shot, but I did have this one I took of my own shadow, so that is gonna have to do for now. Besides, I am not that fond of pictures of myself, especially at this size. ;)

This is our kitchen in the new house. Which is also my favorite room in the house. This picture doesn't even really show how awesome it really is.

And this is our living room. I love the fireplace, although we aren't sure we will even be using it. At least not this year. We need to have it swept out and make sure its safe for use first, but it looks nice for now.

So, there are a few pictures, of the new home. Austyn finally came home from his dad's after 6 LONG weeks, and loved exploring his new house, and loved his new room, which is in the basement. I think it gives him a sense of independence and maturity that he likes, being down there by himself, almost like his own little apartment. He has already made friends with the neighbor kids across the street and has adjusted to the move well. I am sure he will adjust just as smoothly at his new school. He is a very likeable kid, and gets along well with other kids. We are just glad to have him home for the last little bit of the summer, I really miss him while he is gone. And worry!!

Well, so much for short. Sorry I didn't have more pictures. Maybe next time. At this rate, the next time I post, it will be about the birth of our newest family member!! We will keep you all posted.