Little Swimmer: Week 4a

This was a short week of swim lessons for Hudson because the lesson was canceled yesterday due to the storms and both the lesson tomorrow and the one on Monday are also canceled because the instructor will be out of town for July 4th weekend. Therefore, we only had two lessons this week, Monday and today. The rest of 'Week 4' for Hudson will be made up next week. Hudson is doing very well this week. He's getting more confident and not crying during most of the lesson. You can tell that he's concentrating on trying to learn what he needs to. I really think that working in the pool with him on Sunday helped a lot because that's when I noticed him begin to relax more during his float. He is also starting to kick and swim to the side using his arms and legs. We have plans to go swimming this weekend a few times with some friends, so that will give us a chance to practice some more.

Floating at the beginning of his lesson

Swimming to the side

At the end of his lesson Hudson held Cinderella and Belle while floating. These are the instructor's toys that she uses to play with the kids during their lesson. She also has toys for boys, but he chose those. Already going after those girls!

The instructor informed us that the younger the swimmer is the easier it is to teach them. She said the best age is between 6 months - 1 year. Well, one of Hudson's friends proved that today! Little AnnaBelle is 9 months old and is doing fantastic! She had her clothes test today, which Hudson will also do at the end of his lessons. This is when the instructor throws the child in the pool fully clothed (including shoes and all) and they should float and/or swim to the side. This is for survival, in case a child falls into the pool. Here are a few pics of AnnaBelle during her clothes test today.

Brothers: 2 Months Old

Hudson

Luke
Here's a picture of Hudson on the same day showing his hair at 2 months old. He was practically bald all the way around except for a little on top.

Two Months Already!

I am sad at how fast Luke is growing up! It's amazing how quickly it's going by this time around- He's already two months old! I just want to freeze him for a while, so I can spend more time enjoying each stage! He is so fun! I am really enjoying watching how different he is from Hudson. For example, he is definitely a lot more generous with his smiles and squeals than Hudson was at this age (Hudson was much more cautious). I am really enjoying this because I would have to dance around making silly noises attempting to get a grin out of Hudson and still wouldn't succeed. On the other hand, Luke just started cooing; whereas, Hudson was cooing in the hospital soon after birth. Also, it looks like Luke might have dark hair because he is keeping it much better than Hudson did. When looking at pictures of Hudson at this age, he had lost all the hair on the sides and only had some on top. I think it would be fun to have one boy with dark hair and the other with dirty blonde.

Here are a few things we'll remember about Luke at 2 months old:

- He is now cooing, squealing and gurgling. Once he found his voice, he likes to make noises and listen to himself. This has pretty much replaced his fussy stage. Now instead of being so fussy in the evening, he is talking and cooing.

- He can bear some weight on his legs.

- Last week, he started wearing some of his 3-6 month clothing. He can fit into the one piece outfits, but most of the two piece ones are still too big for him.

- Luke is a happy boy and LOVES to smile!

- He has a constant rockstar hairdo. There is absolutely nothing we can do with it except just let it stick straight up (at least until I decide to cut it).

- He loves to sleep on his tummy. Of course, I only let him sleep like this during the day when I can watch him, but he'd do it all the time if I'd let him.

- He can now blow bubbles, and he also blew raspberries for the first times last week.

- Luke loves his changing table! Almost instantly every time I lay him on it, he will start to grin, squeal, and move his arms and legs excitedly! He especially loves to look at the black/white toy bag right above him.

- He definitely is on a day/night schedule now. I've noticed that he starts getting tired, wanting to go to bed around 10:00 at night. He is sleeping between 7-8 hours most nights, waking up anytime between 5:30-7:00 to eat and then going right back to sleep until around 9.

I absolutely love him and am enjoying watching his personality emerge!

Here are a few shots of Luke having fun on his changing table! Staring at the toy bag over his head

Whata Wonderful Weekend!

We enjoyed three super fun days this weekend:

Fountain Fun Friday
Sizzlin' Supper Saturday
Six Surprises Sunday

On Fountain Fun Friday, we joined Sarah and Jessica with their boys to play in the fountains at Highland Village. Hudson had so much fun running through the water with Chase, Jaxon and Tyler. In fact, we were having so much fun that Mommy forgot to take any pictures! Sometimes, it's better that way! Afterward, Jessica, Jaxon and Joshua came with us to McDonalds where Hudson had his first Happy Meal (he usually just shares with Mommy) and played on the playground with Jaxon.

Sizzlin' Supper Saturday started out with Matthew and I going our separate ways to attend two events. Matthew took Hudson to Trevor's 1st birthday party while Luke and I went to my cousin's bridal shower. Hudson had a blast playing on the bounce house at the birthday party. When we got home, Matthew headed to play golf with my cousin, Daniel, before meeting everyone else for Supper Club in the evening. Sizzlin' doesn't only describe the food for Supper Club that day but also the extreme heat that Matthew and Daniel endured during their golf round. This month, Supper Club was at our place, and we served Taco Salad. As always, we enjoyed the company of all our friends!

Our weekend ended with a Bang - Six Surprises Sunday! Hudson has been such a spectacular and loving big brother to Luke, so we wanted to devote an entire day of fun for him. We planned 6 "S" surprises:

1. Souring planes
2. Showtime!
3. Shopping
4. Safari Park
5. Swimming
6. Sugar

1. Soaring Planes - When we woke up, we headed out the door, grabbed a cup of coffee, and journeyed to our airplane watching spot. We have a place right by DFW airport that we go to watch the planes fly. Hudson has been once before, and now that he has an immense passion for 'aplanes', we thought he'd enjoy going back out to watch them. He makes sure to always point at every one that he sees and shout 'aplane!'.

2. Showtime! - Our second surprise was taking Hudson to his first movie - Toy Story 3. We prepared him by renting the first Toy Story for him to watch on Saturday afternoon (this also allowed Mommy some time to prepare for Supper Club while he watched it!). Hudson enjoyed the show and behaved the entire time with the help of Red Vines and M&Ms. Luke did very well also. He was awake long enough to watch the previews and then fell asleep for the rest of the movie.

3. Shopping - After the movie, we ventured to the Disney Store where Hudson was able to pick out any Toy Story item he wanted. He chose the Talking Woody Doll, which is so cute! We also ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe while we were at the mall. Hudson has been there once before and really enjoys it.

4. Safari Park - Then we headed over to the Safari Park. Hudson played some while Mommy signed up to have his birthday party there in September.

5. Swimming - Next, we headed to the pool to go swimming... Something that Hudson is learning to become a pro at! We played and even practiced some of his swimming skills that he did very well with.

6. Sugar - Finally, we ended the evening with something that every day of surprises should include - SUGAR! The frozen yogurt place in Denton is incredibly YUMMY, so we stopped by there and shared some chocolate and strawberry yogurt with sprinkles.

Hudson's day was super packed with all things that he enjoys, and he had a blast! I have to admit, I am completely exhausted from this weekend, and it will all start back up tomorrow with swimming lessons in the morning. Hopefully, I can get some good rest tonight!

Here are a few pics highlighting today's events:

Huds and Luke all dressed for the fun day in their 'aplane' outfits

Mommy and Daddy have some surprises for me!
Lovin' on little brother

Look! Aplane!

Enjoying the view

Having some Red Vines before the show

I got a new Woody doll!

He can talk!

Little Swimmer: Week 3

This week the kids are working very hard, and it's evident by how tired Hudson is in the afternoon. He is taking longer naps and going to bed early in the evening (which is also partly because we are waking up earlier to leave for the lessons). For some reason, Hudson is fighting his float this week. He was floating so good but decided that he wants to be stiff and fight it now, so his floating is not going as well as it was. However, with consistency and work I am confident that he will get it down. Yesterday, during our play swim, I worked on Hudson's kicks, and he was getting the hang of that. For finishing his third week, I gave him a Cars sunshade for the car.

Looking studly wearing the little swimmer vest

I just LOVE that sweet face!

Do you really think I am going to get in that pool with the instructor?Ok, I'm ready!
At least I have my super cool vest on!
Hudson kissing his little girlfriend, Kelsey!

Hudson isn't so sure about jumping in for Miss Kim.

Daddy Day

Today, Matthew celebrated his first Father's Day with his two boys. When Hudson gave Daddy his card this morning he told him "Happy Daddy's Day". The boys took Matthew to the university gear store at the Galleria where Daddy picked out a new Texas Tech cap and a shirt. Matthew loved this! We also went to The Art of Shaving where Matthew got some shaving cream and aftershave. He decided not to get a shave today. Then we ate a delicious lunch at Grand Lux Cafe. After that, we headed over to Matthew's parents house to celebrate Father's Day with Papa and Mimi. Uncle Andy, Auntie Lynne and Megan were also there to hang out with us. Matthew really enjoyed his Daddy Day this year!

Hudson wanted to wear Daddy's new hat

Daddy and Hudson goofing around at lunch

Lucas with Auntie Lynne

Lucas smiling with his Auntie Lynne and Megan

Happy Baby Boy!

Hudson loves his cousin Megan!

Giving Hugs

Papa, Mimi and their granboys!

Daddy and his boys!

Daddy with his newest little boy!

First Attempt at the Crib

Since Luke is now sleeping until about 6-7 in the morning, we decided to try having him sleep in his own room. Our 1st attempt was unsuccessful, but to be fair I must say that we didn't give him much of a chance. Since Matthew has a golf tournament this morning and had to get up at 5:30, after trying for a few minutes we decided that we'd rather attempt it tonight instead. Last night, we put Luke in his crib turned the lights off and played his mobile. Once the mobile stopped Luke started crying, so we tried this again, and he cried again. Therefore, after about 10 minutes of trying, we decided to wait one more night so Matthew could get some sleep for his golf tournament. Of course, as soon as I switched Luke from the crib to his bassinet in our room he was quiet and fell asleep on his own. He just wanted one more night with Mommy and Daddy! We will update you on tonight's attempt.

I got a REALLY cute video of Luke before putting him to sleep. He is smiling away and starting to try to giggle. In fact, after I took the video he kinda giggled for me a little last night! Precious!

Mommy also couldn't help posting all the adorble pics we got in the crib also!

I'm sleeping in my crib!Kinda scary in here!

Laughing

Talking to Mommy

Showing off my Rockstar hairdo