Ode to a 3 Year Old!

Happy Birthday, Hayden!!! It's hard to believe that 3 years ago today, I became a mommy! Wow...it's definitely been a wonderful 3 years, yet stressful at times learning to become a parent, and then learning how to be a parent to 2 children! Once a co-worker told me, "You're not really a parent until you have 2 kids." I was a little offended at first, but I'm sure what he meant was that you have to really juggle yourself and your time in order to get it all done. One is easy, two is tough, but once you get to three, you can handle anything. (Right, Kelley??)

Hayden is very full of life, and questions, and energy. Lots and lots of energy. We've had a ton of family in our home over the past couple of weeks and he's enjoyed playing with them. He has aquired the Meredith love for games. I hate playing games but Hayden instantly became a fan of playing "Go, Fish" this weekend with his 1st set of cards.

His speech has become so clear and he talks all of the time! He asks so many questions that I have to start giving him really big answers, just so he'll have to stop and think for a minute. The best question of the week was today, "Mom, why birthdays"? I responded with about a full minute's answer on they were a day when mommy's got very sentimental about their babies, and did all kinds of crazy things for their special day...needless to say, he didn't ask another question for a few minutes. Josh had a good laugh at my answer and tactic.

So, sweet Haydenman, we love you so much and love all of the excitement you bring to our home. We love that you are so full of life and energy. Thank you for loving your brother and welcoming him into our home with open arms (and lots of kisses) even though his crying (& screaming) may get to you. We love you so much and can't wait to see how God uses you and
continues to teach us about His love and grace.

Here are a few pics from the big day:

Licking a little icing from the Lightning McQueenn cake

Hayden & Daddy in the pool (looking a little Leo-ish, from Little Einstein's)

{When Hayden found out his birthday was coming, he asked for a birthday hat. Apparently, you can't have a birthday, without a hat. So, the hat made several appearances throughout the day.}

Momma & her sweet Birthday Boy

Mommas have to get excited over every gift...

Hudson got to try out the birthday hat

Even Ginger got to wear the famous birthday hat

Atlanta Getaway with Funny Stories...

We took the boys to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. We were in need of a little time away and we had a great time. Hayden loved seeing all of the animals, especially all of the ones with tails (story to follow). He had a few huge gasps as we passed animals that he liked, but was especially excited to see "Nemo", the alligators, and the sharks in the underwater tunnel. {We were all in awe of the underwater tunnel.} It was a great time to go, since admission for Hayden is free for a few more weeks.

Funny Stories from our trip...

1. Randomly, Hayden asked me on Wednesday before we left: "Mom, you got a tail"? I was a little concerned where the question had come from, so after verifying, he assured me that is what he asked. I told him no, and that only animals had tails. He then asked, "Does Dad have tail"? I said no, Dad was a person, and therefore didn't have a tail. We continued to have a lengthy discussion about who were people and what were considered animals. There were a few exceptions (monkeys & apes, thanks to the Veggie Tales for pointing that out) but we hoped to avoid those. So, we were excited to see tails on the animals at the aquarium.

2. We put Hayden to bed the night before we went to the aquarium and alluded to the trip to Atlanta the next day, saying we were taking a "road trip". He woke Josh up the next morning at 4:00am asking if it was time to go yet. After riding in the car for a while and still not knowing where we were going, he asked, "Dad, we go to Africa today"? (He's been talking about Africa & looking at our pictures lately.) After we controlled our laughter, we said no. He retorted, "Maybe later"? Well, maybe someday....

The largest manta ray in the US

Beluga Whales

The Fish School as you enter the aquarium

Hudson enjoying the underwater tunnel

Happy 5 Month Birthday, Hudson!

Wow...time is flying by! It's hard to believe another month has ticked off the clock. I can't believe that I've already been back to work for 2 months. Hudson is maturing, I can't quite say growing, because we're still quite the "small fry". He's truly earning his nickname, "Tiny". At his 4 month check up he weighed 12lbs, 15oz, in the 15th percentile for weight. I was quite shocked, since Hayden always exceeded his percentile charts. So, I was a little bummed when we were sent home to start adding a little rice cereal to his diet. He can stay as tiny as he wants! He's much easier to carry that way.

We love you Hudson! We are so thankful that God has blessed our lives with you. Thanks for being such a sweet guy. Did I mention how beautiful you are??? Oh, and your brother is in love with you too!

Sweet Pics of the Week

Hudson was in an exceptionally good mood last night, so Josh and I took advantage. Isn't he beautiful?
Hayden was already asleep or he'd be in more pics as well. Maybe another day.