the birth of Eloise Claire | part 3

Around 12:30 or 1am (it's blurry) I get my epidural.  The nurse checks me and I'm about 6cm dilated.   With my last 2 epidurals I felt nothing of contractions, even when I pushed.  This time, I kept feeling pressure.  Like, why am I feeling pressure?!?  

After my epidural was all set, Ryan came back in and Jaclyn, the photographer was there as well.  I felt relieved knowing I had drug relief and Jaclyn had made it before I delivered.  

My contractions subsided after about 15 minutes and Ryan went to get something to eat while I relaxed/rested/chatted with Jaclyn.  

LeeAnn stopped down to visit around 1:45.  Shortly after that, I think around 2, I started feeling a lot more pressure during contractions. The nurse checked me again and I was 7.5cm.  She said she would catheter me to see if that helped dilate me the rest of the way and get my bladder out of the way.  Everyone left the room and as soon as my bladder was empty I felt a huge amount of pressure.  This all freaked me out because I have always felt totally numb.... nothing.... During my last 2 deliveries. (With Porter I pushed for 2.5 hours so I don't remember much of that, but I don't remember feeling this much pressure or pain that's for sure). 

The nurse checked me again and sure enough I was 9.5cm.  They called the doctor in and Ryan and Jaclyn came back in.   It felt like a bit mush of chaos.  I was starting to freak out because my sweet nurse took away my epidural button and I was not dealing with the pain too well.  I felt like I was going to split apart.  

I started to feel a huge urge to push and knew that if I did she would be here as quick as that.  I watched the doctor sit on his stool and take his time putting on his hat.  I wondered why they weren't rushing faster.  Maybe they were but I was too panicked to realize.  I don't know.  

Everything else was kind of a blur.  I remember thinks (or maybe saying) that I couldn't do this.  That I needed more drugs.  That I was going to die.  I remember wanting to just shake myself off the bed and be done.  I remember holding someone's hand and gripping hard.  I remember my sweet girl entering the world quickly... By the 2nd push they laid her on my chest and there she was.  So tiny and perfect and complete.   

I remember gasping for air and feeling so relieved that it was over, and so overwhelmed that she was finally here.  This little one, she was the one we were waiting for.  She was the unexpected.  The one we didn't know we were missing but now, now she completes us.  

Eloise Claire

5lbs 15oz

19"long

Born 5.24.15 at 2:16am

[photograph by Jaclyn Michele Photography]

The birth of Eloise Claire | part 2

We left the Clemons' house at 9:47 (I was somewhat timing contractions but not really because well I'm the only sober adult remember?) and by the time I got Amelia's bag packed and Heather picked her up, and got some of my own things placed, it was ohhhh 10:30 when we were ready to leave.  Oh, and Ryan had showered.  I already instructed him on the way home to shower because alcohol.  At this point I was afraid my contractions were too uncomfortable for me to drive so holy mother of Mary, Ryan drove us to the hospital.  I was a littl worried that this was going to progress fast.  With Hudson and Amelia, the doctor broke my water a few hours into labor and they were born within 2 or 3 hours.  Gah!   

We got to the hospital and Ryan is all wanting to drop me off.  No. Just park.  I can walk.  He finds a spot and decides he should BACK THE YUKON IN.  Oh my word.  He made it, luckily, but way to irritate me.  We go in the ER entrance bc they lock up the front entrance to the hospital.  I was instructed by the l&d nurse to just head up to the 4th floor.  Ryan, however, is insistent I need a wheelchair even though I'm about to waddle my ass away from him and leave him there talking to an ER nurse with a wheel chair.  The nurse comes at me with the wheel chair and I'm all "I AM JUST FINE I DONT NEED A WHEELCHAIR!" (Seriously I am fine.... I can walk and breathe through my contractions. I am, however, highly irritated that my husband is making a big deal of this.).

We get to the 4th floor and I tell him just to shut his mouth and not talk... I've got this under control and I don't need to be any more irritated by his half drunken stupor.   A sweet nurse, Libby, takes me into a room to make sure it's amniotic fluid (hello.  Contractions are 3min apart and I'm like don't talk to me during them so I can breathe. This is labor if this isn't my 4th kid...)

Some foreign doctor comes in, Dr. Rashandwa!?, and starts asking really dumb questions like "what brings you in here tonight? So, you think you're in labor, correct? And is asking me questions during my contractions.   I'm staring at the ceiling thinking.... This can't be happening.  I have a drunk husband, this is my LAST BABY.  My LAST DELIVERY.   And thus doctor is also incompetent and I'm highly irritated with everyone in this room except sweet Libby.  Can Libby and I have a baby together?!?

 Luckily, he is not the delivery doctor.   By this time it is 11:30pm.   He checks me and I'm 4cm and 80% effaced.  I can't remember what this is supposed to mean but I know that I'm in more and more pain by each contraction and I'm paranoid I am not going to have time to get an epidural.   I text Paige back to give her an update as I last left her hanging with a phone call about leaky water.   My husband has been on am his phone typing quite a bit so I'm sure he's half drunk face booking and half updating everyone in the world with our riot of a birth story progress.  

I get into a delivery room and the next hour is kind of a blur.  I remember being pretty calm and collected during contractions, and then suddenly realizing that it usually takes what seems like forever for the anesthesiologist to come in and starting to panic that I'm not going to get an epidural and I will have to deliver in horrific pain.  I start to cry instead of breathing during contractions and beg my nurses to just get the epidural here.  The anesthesiologist comes in and I'm watching every move he makes, wishing he would hurry the hell up.  

the birth of Eloise Claire | part 1

Well, we ALMOST got our 23rd of the month birthday baby.... Almost!   Hudson's birthday is 5/20, porters is 2/21 and Amelia's is 4/22.  We were rooting for 5/23 for this little one but we missed it by 2hrs and 16 minutes.  Although..... if she were a west coast baby we could have made it haha!

This past week had been a rough one.  Is been feeling pretty depressed and withdrawn, just done with the world.  Done being pregnant.  Done being huge and uncomfortable and grumpy.  Our house had been torn apart to have new floors put in, so that was irritating me (having furniture in all the wrong rooms and nowhere to walk comfortably through).   

Saturday, Ryan and the boys went over to a friends house to help put a railing on their deck. Amelia and I stayed behind, cleaning the house and we took a nice nap in the afternoon.  After our nap, we went with Jamie and the boys to play putt putt golf.   It was nowhere near as fun or relaxing as i had imagined.  Amelia was either a hole in front of us or behind us, or in the middle of the boys' way.  Hudson just wanted to putt putt and have fun (he'd only gone one other time), and the 3 older boys argued most of the time about keeping score and who was cheating and what not.  After golf, we took all 5 kids to Meijer (mind you I already needed a drink by this point) and then headed back to Jamie and Tony's house to grill dinner. 

The evening was relaxing... Us girls chatted, the guys had some drinks and grilled, the kids played in the yard.   Great evening.  Around 8 or so noticed I was leaking fluid a little.  It wasn't like I was losing my bladder.... I've been dealing with that crap for the past 3 months.  I called Paige and asked her what to do...  She suggested wrapping it up there and heading home soon.  I didn't think it was that urgent of an issue.  I just rolled up some toilet paper to soak up and little leaking and voila haha!  Around 9 I started having some mild contractions.  Mind you, my husband had been drinking all. Freaking. Day.   So he was totally lit.  It's a long weekend, we've been with friends all day.... My due date isn't for 2 more weeks.  All of a sudden, I started just gushing water on the floor.  Holy embarrassing.  It was quite hilarious as well... All the kids are like "why are you peeing on the floor?!" Haha!   

Luckily, Jamie and Tony offered to keep the boys (well actually all 3 kiddos but I wasn't sure if Amelia would stay in a strange place), so I texted my sister to have her pick Amelia up.  At this point I was just wanting to get home so I could leak fluid in the privacy of my own home, not with our friends bath towel stuck between my legs in a crowd of people.  Imagine, though, my drunk and overly concerned husband freaking out about me driving home.  Our friend Mike was insistent he would drive us to the hospital.  Kids are running all around, wondering what the heck is going on.  I'm trying to find Amelia, waddling through the yard with a bath towel between my legs, growling at Ryan and Mike that I am So Fine To Drive Myself Home.  Hahahaha!  It was a hot mess.  

We finally got on the road (we only live about 10 min away) and by the time we got home and I had thrown some random clothes and necessities in a bag (why do I never have any idea what to pack??), my contractions were getting pretty strong and uncomfortable.  I texted my birth photographer (who was 2 hours away) and let the hospital know we were on our way. 

Stay tuned for Part 2.  

Hudson's Birthday WEEK!

I was able to convince him to have a painting party for his birthday instead of ANOTHER Lightning McQueen party (it would have been the 4th year in a row!!).  He does love painting, so it worked out great.  However, I didn't escape his birthday completely unscathed from Lightning McQueen paraphernalia.  He wanted so badly some McQueen rain boots.  I had to hunt those down and, typical me, did it the night before his birthday.   Thank you, Walmart!   He was also due for a new bike, as his 12" bike was getting a little short for him.  I considered choosing something non-character for his bike but I knew his heart would just explode to get a McQueen bike.  So, god-awful McQueen bike it is!

Oma started a tradition this year of taking the kids out to lunch and shopping for their birthday present.  Hudson was giddy as all get out for his "date with Oma".  He had his clothes all planned out... matching, of course... down to his red undies and his McQueen socks.  I just love his style.  HAHA!  The went to the Toy House (where he somehow finagled a Bruder cement mixer out of Oma) and then to his FRAVORITE place to eat- Subway!  I love that he gets to do these special things with Oma.

Later that day my mom came over and gave him his bike.   He was so so excited!   He kept telling me "This is the best day EVER!"

His birth-day was pretty low key.  My mom brought the girls over and we had KFC for dinner, then let the kids run through the sprinkler.  We're saving all the fun for his party on Saturday!

This week was a pretty big week for him- full of so many milestones.  He turned 5.  He went to his last day of Pre-School and he had his Pre-School graduation!    I'm so glad I decided to take the kids' pictures on the first and last day of school.  It is amazing how much they change in one short school year.

I'm not sure Hudson knew what to expect from his graduation.  He mostly sat kind of stunned in the chairs in front of the crowd.  When I walked into the gym and looked at the pictures on the walls of the kids throughout the year, I got so choked up.   I was certain I was going to bawl.  I did pretty good and held back- probably because I was focused on trying to video and take pictures at the same time (with my Mark II).  

His teachers gave out awards to the kids for things they were interested in during the year and how that would translate into a future career.  Hudson's award was for being a Future Doctor because he always loved to play with the doctor kit.  Interesting!   I wouldn't have guessed that. 

First Birthday High Chair Makeover

A few weeks ago I found a picture of an adorable old high chair (painted) with a banner hanging from it.  Perfect prop for a one year birthday.  So I began the hunt for an old high chair for Amelia's birthday.   

Within a week I'd found one... in Blissfield.  It was old.  It was in rough (cosmetic) shape.   We drove an hour to get it and then I put the boys to work washing it down.  

 I sanded it, and then painted it.  And then sanded it again.   And finally it was ready.   I still have yet to take her outside to do an "official" birthday shoot with it (with a prettier background than the siding of our house) but you get the idea....

Amelia Jane | 1 year

Your first birthday.  Your first birthday letter from mama.  How do I write you a letter when my heart is so full, and my words, so few?  This year has flown by faster than the blink of an eye.  One year ago today you completed our family in the most perfect way ever imaginable.   You see,  I've always dreamed of having a daughter.  I've always prayed and hoped I would have a little girl to dress up and do girly things with and give her pigtails (soon, baby girl, soon!) and when we're older go shopping and gossip and bond and do mother/daughter trips.   I'd always pictured our family with 2 boys and a little girl.  When I was pregnant with you I dreamt and prayed you'd be a little girl.  First and foremost, I wanted a healthy baby.  Please don't get me wrong.  But my heart ached for a little girl.   And when I found out you were a girl, I was in complete disbelief.   I was lucky to have a good friend who was a sonographer and could scan me weekly if I wanted- and believe me, for about a month I went in every week "just to make sure".

The day you were born was so, so surreal.  I couldn't want to see you.  To hold you and kiss you and be able to say "my daughter".   I couldn't believe you were really here, and you were perfect and tiny and utterly adorable.  You've had your brothers wrapped around your little finger from day one as well.  Don't let them tell you otherwise.  I know someday you'll be their pesky little sister but believe me, they love you to pieces and I pray for mercy on any boy who breaks your heart in the future.


You’ve grown from a helpless little bundle in my arms, to a willful, vivacious little girl.  I love who you’re already becoming at just one year old. Your thirst for life astounds me. Your sense of determination intimidates me and your cheerfulness warms my heart.  You are everything I could have imagined you would be a year ago and so, so much more.

I love watching you explore.  You're the most inquisitive, brave little girl I've ever known.   I can literally see the wheels spinning in that little head of yours as you transfer the pile of unmatched socks into an empty cardboard box as if you're working on some complex mission.  

I love that you love animals- Ella especially.   You grin when she enters the room, and when she's not in the room you'll call for her "Allah!" and go searching for her.  The poor cat puts up with so much- the patience she has!   You love to crawl up to her, ram your head into her, and snuggle up.  You lay on top of her and bounce on her like a horsie.   It's so cute, but it is a wonder she puts up with you!

I love the shape of your head–that it once  fit perfectly in my palm and is now heavy on my shoulder.  

I love that you grin and say "hi" to everyone in the store- nonstop until they acknowledge you.  

I love your petite little hands and your finger that is pointing and questioning everything–  “Sthat?”. 

I love that you love your "pretties", and try your hardest to put your play necklaces on, and beam with pride when you do.  

I love the way you try to share your binky with me, and giggle as if it is the funniest thing ever.   

I love that when you smile, you smile with your whole face.   Your nose crinkles.  Your cheeks round up, and your eyes turn to half moon slits.   It is so infectious, and everyone comments on what a smiley baby you are.  

You're quite the mamas girl, and there are many days you ONLY want me, and I'll be honest- it is exhausting at times.   There have been many days I want to toss you to daddy and go hide, but I try to remind myself that these days aren't going to last forever.  These days are the ones I need to hold onto tightly and cherish while they're here. 

You've also become quite the drama queen as well.   You are pretty opinionated and are not afraid to let everyone know.   You've begun throwing little tantrums, and whining A LOT.   If this has any bearing on what your teenage years have in store for us, I'm terrified.  

Fearless.  This is one word that describes you to a 'T'.   You'll climb any staircase, flop off the couch, wiggle out of your high chair and onto the countertop, climb stools to sit on desks, and finagle yourself into spaces you aren't meant to be in and then get frustrated because you're stuck.  

This past year has been amazing.  I feel so incredibly blessed that God has changed the direction of my career and I've had the courage to follow His lead.  You're my last baby, Amelia, and I've been so blessed to be able to stay home with you and be the one taking care of you every day.  I never, ever thought this was something I'd be able to do- I'd written off staying home a long time ago, and had accepted that I'd always be a work-outside-the-home mama.   I've loved seeing your milestones, being the one to hold you when you cry, to rock you before naptime, to feed you your bottles and to see your grinning face when you wake up.

I'd be lying if I said this past year was completely perfect.  While it has been filled with so many blessings that I never imagined happening, it was also filled with many struggles.  Thank you, sweet girl, for hanging in there with me.  Financially we had a really rough winter.   This was my first year making photography my full time career and winter was slow.  This stressed me out and made both my and your daddy's minds worry about things that weren't necessarily in our control.   It was hard for me to find balance while working from home and taking care of you and your brothers.  I know there were times I was not as good a mom as I should have been.   It has been trial and error, and I try to remember that you and your brothers come first, before work.   I hope that you'll know I've always tried my best.

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Happy Birthday, my brave, wild, precious daughter. You have made our lives so very, very sweet. I carry your heart, little girl. I carry it in my heart.

Porter's 7th Birthday Party | Army Style

Porter REALLY wanted a Mario Kart birthday this year, and while I typically like going all out on decor and treats and goodies and all that stuff, the last year or so I've just been bleh..... let's buy some plates and napkins and call it good. Ok, so I DO still kind of do a theme, but I'm just finding the cost that goes into it is kind of silly when I can do something simple and its still just as special.   

I also have been such a slacker on planning these things.... I first went from wanting to take Porter to a waterpark over the weekend instead of having a party.  Make it a "family fun" thing.  Then we were going to have it at the Bounce Castle, but then I decided I could do it cheaper at home even though that meant cleaning up after 5+ kids.   

His party was Friday.  On Thursday I had to pick my mom up at the airport, so I planned to hit up the Party City store near the airport.  Well, turns out they don't have Mario Kart.  Or Mario anything.   So I was torn between Lego and Army and Detroit Tigers.  I settled on Army theme and Porter LOVED it.  

I made army cupcakes with green frosting and little army men on the top, and the kids got "dog tags" as their little party gift.  Voila.  HAHA!   

I accidentally bought trick candles and it was quite hilarious watchign Porter try to blow them out.  I didn't know they were trick candles until he blew them out for the 3rd time.   At one point Eian, Nathan and Donnie were all trying to help him blow out the candles.  I'm pretty sure that cupcake had a nice coating of spit on the top.   Yumm.....

Interview with Porter @ 7 years old

How old are you now?  7

What was your favorite birthday present?  Skylanders

If you had $100, what would you buy?  A real shotgun

Who is your best friend?  Eian

When you are big like Mommy and Daddy, what do you want to do for a job?     Be a cop

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? go to the store

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?  go to movies

How do you help Mommy and Daddy?  I help with laundry

What do you want to learn how to do?  drive a dirtbike

What is your favorite thing to do with our family? play outside

Where is your favorite place to go?   The store  Why? Because I can buy toys.  With what money.  $153 

What is your favorite thing to play with your brother?   wrestle with him

What do you love most about your brother?  He lets me use a dollar of his to buy at toy if he has two dollars.  

What do you like the least about your brother?  He’s mean.  He punches me and hits me

What is your favorite thing to play with your sister?  play with her

What do you love most about your sister?  She’s really nice

What do you like the least about your sister?   nothing.  i love my sissy.  

What do you like to play at home?  Minecraft on the tablet

What do you like to play at school? Cops and Robbers at recess

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Disney World.  

Thirty-One

Thirty one seems like an insignificant year. It really is. It isn't the age you are allowed to legally drink. Nor the age that takes you out of your forever young twenties Nor is it the age that sends you over the hill. It's easy to forget thirty one.


My husband, however, did not. What I thought was an unsuspecting annual "birthday buddies" dinner with the Huffs (Don and I, along with Heather Morrison, share December 10 as a birthday) turned into the results of a month long conspiracy between Katie and Ryan to surprise Don and I for our birthdays!

Sure, There were a few instances where I wondered if something was going on... My sister mentioned my mom was going to be in town (and then insisted she was just overtired and losing track of the date), and then the fact that we were going to a different restaurant than normal, in which Ryan blamed it on each of us as an excuse (he told me I picked the restaurant last year and Don wanted Buffalo bBQ wings- even though I was so craving a chocolate thunder for my bday I kept my mouth closed for the sake of compromise). And there were a few other things that made me think hmmmm but for the most part I was clueless. I blame today on being uuber cranky and missing lots of signs. I was dreading dinner.... Was grumpy and irritable and just wanted to hole up at home.

We picked don and Katie up (should have been another clue... We normally meet up), and Katie was impatiently texting me "where are you?? Mamas hungry!!" And on the way there we got into a deep Disney vacation conversation.

When we got to the restaurant I saw Adrian, and it still didn't register until we walked around the corner and there were family members and amazing friends all gathered to celebrate with us!! My best surprise- my mom flew into town!!! I was floored. Could not believe they pulled it off and that they thought to do something like this. It sure makes thirty one seem a lot more significant. Thank you to everyone who came (and thank you to those who couldn't make it but I know you wanted to be there!). And even more thanks to Ryan and Katie for showing Don and I how loved we are, and that thirty one (and thirty six) don't have to be as insignificant as they seem.

Interview with Hudson @ 4 years old

How old are you now?  4

What was your favorite birthday present?  Uhm... I think the uhm... automoblox were my fraavortie. 

If you had $100, what would you buy?  Uhm... a hundred of automoblox. 

Who is your best friend?  I think Addisen

When you are big like Mommy and Daddy, what do you want to do for a job?     I don’t want any jobs.  (asked again) At a race car work.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Play with you.

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?  Work

How do you help Mommy and Daddy?  I do train work.

What do you want to learn how to do? Build transformers

What is your favorite thing to do with our family? Work with you

Where is your favorite place to go?  Mc Donalds and Target to get a car. Okay? 

What is your favorite thing to play with your brother?  Go outside

What do you love most about your brother?  I like to play with him.

What do you like the least about your brother?   When he throws stuff at my new Gator McQueen car

What do you like to play at home?  I like to play the Wii

What do you like to play at school (Miss Marleen’s)?  Barbies

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?  I want to get Automoblox. 

Hudson Turns "4" | **another** McQueen Birthday!

Big surprise.... third year in a row that Hudson has chosen his birthday theme to be McQueen.   I was all McQueened out of cake ideas so we went the easy route.... Sam's Club!  Hudson was so so excited to pick out a mini cake and cupcakes (he got to choose between that, all cupcakes, or a sheet cake).   Cheesy store bought cake, yes.   But he was so thrilled with it!

We had a small family party for him and he was so excited over all his presents.... a skateboard, automoblox, a cars playset, squirt guns and..... a Powerwheels Lightning McQueen!   I knew this car wouldn't last him long as it was only a 1-seater and he was 4.... let's face it, these things pretty much top out at 5 years old.   However, we got a great deal on it at Toys R Us and I just knew he'd love it.  He did!   

As usual, Hudson was bashful when we sang Happy Birthday to him.  No tears this year, though.   I just love this little nugget!

Hudson: 4 Years Old

Dear Hudson,

In the past few months you seem to have suddenly changed from a toddler to a kid and you just seem so grown up to me.  I tell you that you need to stop growing, that you're getting too old and you tell me, "I can't!  I don't have a reverse button!"  Buddy, I sure wish you did.  You aren't my little baby anymore!

You seem to be following in your smarty-pants brothers footsteps.  You are very interested in letters and words and spelling.  You know your ABC's (have for a looong time) and can identify all the letters in the alphabet and know many of the sounds.  You are always asking me how to spell words, and whenever you see words written somewhere you like to read the letters, spelling it out.  There are quite a few words you've been able to sound out on your own, with a little help from me.  This makes me soo happy!  I'm so proud of you.  I hope that reading and spelling come as easy to you as it does your brother.  

You've also been breaking apart words, giving them a very literal meaning.  Its quite funny.  When Amelia came home I was washing her bottles and pacifiers and you said "Pacifier... like we PASS it to people?"  And you tell me that Target is to "GET" toys, because it is Tar-"GET".  Yesterday I overheard you saying to Porter "Do you know why brownies are brown?  Because they're "BROWN"ies!"  

Despite your over exuberance with words and spelling, you're quite a lazy child.  I know this sounds mean but boy, you are lazy!  We recently told you the word "can't" is a bad word because you say it ALL the time.  "I CAN'T get dressed!"  "I CAN'T put my shoes on!" "I CAN'T carry the huge truck back down to the basement even though I just carried it all the way up the stairs all by myself."  "I CAN'T pick up the toys- it takes for a loooong time!"  You love to make messes but hate to clean up after yourself.  Ohhhhhh..... you're going to have a rude awakening because lazy doesn't fly around here.  Unfortunately that means you butt heads with us quite a bit and there ends up being an awful lot of whining (on your part) about having to do things you "CAN'T" do.  We still love you, though, you lazy little toad!

I love the way you are so snuggly and loving, Hudson.  You constantly surprise me by randomly calling my name and when I answer you simply say "I loooove you."  It is so sweet and melts my heart.  You give me kisses all the time, and you LOVE to give Amelia hugs and to rub noses with her and kiss her head.  You're so darn sweet!

You're sweet, and also a crazy comedian!  You have quite the sense of humor and you love to make goofy faces to go along with it.  You also know how to push my buttons and you definitely get that from daddy... being sarcastic and picking on me just to be irritating though YOU think it's funny.  There are so many times you know you're being funny, and also so many times you're hilarious but have no clue why you're cracking us up.  You say a lot of funny things.  I love how you say "I was about to gonna fall off the couch!"  Everything is "about to gonna".  You also say, when things seem like they'll take forever (like cleaning the toy room) that "It takes for a long time!" That always cracks us up too.

You love the color red, and typically any shade close to that.  Much to daddy's dismay, pink is pretty darn close to red.  While you are a total and complete boy, you do love some girly things and I don't try to persuade you otherwise.  Daddy hates that I paint your toenails dark pink (because it is like red, you say) when you ask me to, and that you love your Strawberry Shortcake doll (because she has red hair).  The story behind Strawberry is kind of funny... we went to a resale shop (you love going to resale shops with me and that or Target is always your guess when I ask you where we will be going that day), and you picked out this Strawberry Shortcake doll and asked me to buy her.  Granted, there weren't many toys at this store in particular, but it was funny that out of the toys there you picked out the doll.  And you had flip flops on with your pink toenails.  You were quite the sight at the park that day!  Your lamp recently broke and you keep asking me to buy you the "pink feathery lamp that is at Target."

You love anything that is tiny, small, compact or in large quantity.  You tend to be a hoarder.  We often find your pockets filled with 5 or 6 Matchbox Cars.  How that is comfortable, I'll never know.  You especially like to "hoard" tiny little items (even better if there are multiples!).  You love tiny little cars.  When we play Blokus you like to take the tiny one square piece and hold them throughout the game.  You make your Automoblox into the smallest car possible.   When we eat green beans you like to take the tiny "baby beans" out and hold them all in your hand. You call things "Adorable" as in "That's so adorable!" and I think it is so adorable that you do that!

Hudson, you have also amazed me with the way you eased into the big brother role.  We always joked that you have always had the typical "middle child" attitude, and I feared that when Amelia arrived you would not be so accepting.  However, you've been nothing but a helpful, loving, doting big brother.  You tell me all the time "I"m so happy we have a baby!" and you love to kiss and hug on Amelia all day, whether she is awake or trying to nap.  I hope you are always so protective and loving with her!


I love you so much, Hudson!


Love,  Mama


Some of Hudson's favorites:

• Oma
• Cars, especially Mater!
• Riding the tricycle, even though you have a bike
• Automoblox
• 
  
• Your favorites:
• Animal:       
• Color:  Red!
• Movie:  Cars 2
• Person:   Strawberry (Strawberry Shortcake)
• Song:  Rock A Bye Baby
• Food:  Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Drink:  Orange Juice
• Number: 166

Mother's Day

My mom bought our family a Zoo Membership for Hudson's birthday per my request... I know, sounds kind of odd for a gift but the kid needs nothing.... and he hasn't been to the zoo since he was 1. So, we decided to surprise Hudson with a trip to the zoo (Toledo) and Mother's Day ended up working out best for everyone. 

After a rough start to the day.... leaving an hour and a half later than planned, multiple stops to the restroom because Los Tres did a number on Porter's stomach, Amelia crying because she needed to eat and a pit stop for Porter to puke up the scrambled eggs he had for breakfast... we were on our way and attempting to be in good spirits.  

Of course the kids enjoyed the play areas just as much as the animals, maybe even more.  We didn't get to do the train ride in Africa as we ran out of time, but by then we were all exhausted.  It was a good day, and the kids had a great time.  It was a little crazy though, being a weekend, a holiday and Moms got free admission to the zoo!  I'm looking forward to taking the boys-- err kids-- back this summer during the week and hopefully not running into so many crowds.  

Hudson LOVED the carousel.  His face was priceless.

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures of the boys.  LOVE IT.

Celebrating "6"

It sort of felt like Porter's birthday was a week-long celebration of some sort.  I also felt like I was constantly making cupcakes!  On Tuesday morning my big 6 year old woke up to his typical Birthday Morning Balloons and his doorway decorated.  He was so excited to get to school that he was dressed and had his coat and shoes on before I was even out of the shower!   The night before, I had baked his class cupcakes and asked him what color frosting he wanted me to make.  He said "Green!  Oh and pink and purple for the girls, too!"  Such a sweetie.  So, he took green, pink and purple cupcakes. 

That evening we had some family come over- my mom, Dave, my grandma, Aubri and Addi.  Luckily I had a dozen cupcakes leftover from making 2 boxes for his class, so we had cupcakes again.  Porter opened his presents and the kids played. 

On Saturday he had his "friend" birthday party.  We gave him the option to go somewhere fun that weekend (Dundee Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, Chidlren's Museum etc) or have friends over to celebrate.  He chose to have friends over.  I was getting really worried because by Friday we'd only heard back from two friends (one yes, one no).  The other 6 kids from his class that he invited had not rsvp'd.  (What is up with people not RSVP'ing?!  So annoying).  Luckily, he had one friend from class show up and the neighbor came over as well.  Honestly, the 5 of those boys were PLENTY for a 2 hour time span! 

As usual, I had a ton of fun decorating for the party.  I think that's my favorite part! 




We started off the birthday party with a little jam session.  We had bought some blow-up guitars for each of the kids and I had downloaded some rock n roll songs for them.  They were hilarious and had SO much fun!  Porter and Lukas really got into it!

Then we played Rock n Roll Musical Chairs.  Ryan and I quickly found out that 6 year old boys do NOT like to lose and it was hard to reassure them that they would ALL get a prize by the end of the party. 

Then we had cupcakes, lemonade and cheese puffs! 

Of course the party wouldn't be complete without a group photo!  I loove how cooperative they were!!
(L-R) Eian, Hunter, Porter, Lukas and Hudson.