Hudson-ism for the day

The other night when we were out to dinner, Hudson said he needed "yellow ketchup" for his chicken. He was referring to mustard, but called it yellow ketchup. I love it!

Our Day

Here is a typical schedule. It's not any different from any other typical American family with active kids, but it is taking Eric and me some getting used to.

5:45 Alarm goes off. Hit snooze once.

5:54 Alarm goes off. Stumble to shower. Take shower. Get dressed. Do hair.

6:15 Wake Evan so he has 15 minutes to snuggle in our bed. He gets very cranky when he misses out on snuggle time in the morning. Brush teeth. Do makeup.

6:30 Evan needs to eat. I pack three lunches while he eats. Evan gets ready...most of the time without much help. Some days, however, are rougher than others.

7:00 Wake Hudson. Get him dressed and teeth brushed.

7:15 Goal time to be out the door. Rarely make it. Usually pulling out of driveway at 7:22.

7:30 Drop Hudson at Linda's.

7:40ish Reach school.

7:50 Morning prayer with teachers.

8:00 Bell rings.

8-11:30 Teach.

11:30-12 Lunch.

12:00-2:00 Work. Today's project was getting ITBS (standardized testing) materials passed out to teachers.

2:00-2:50 Cooking class. Today we made chicken fajitas.

3:00 Bell rings for end of the day.

3:05 Get Evan so he can do homework in my classroom. No time to do it at home with Scouts and soccer practice. Much quieter in my room without Hudson to distract us.

3:45 Evan heads back to daycare so I can do a bit more work.

4:30 Get Evan. Get Hudson.

4:50 Pull in driveway. Make a super fast dinner of ready-made pasta and meatballs.

5:05 Eat.

5:15 Rinse dishes.

5:30 Leave for soccer practice.

5:50 Arrive at soccer practice. Eric met us there. I took Hudson and went to run errands.

7:00 Get home. Get Hudson bathed. Empty dishwasher. Clean kitchen.

7:40 Evan and Eric get home. Get Evan bathed. Listen to Evan read.

8:00 Kids in bed 1/2 hour late.

8:01 Crash.

Like I said, there isn't anything unusual about our schedule. It's just taking me some time to adjust to two nights of soccer practice, an every other week meeting of scouts, homework and general craziness. Last year we got Evan's homework packet on Friday. I learned very quickly to do as much as we could over the weekend. That isn't the case this year, so it is tricky fitting it all in.

I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like when Hudson is in school and participating in all these activities as well.

In all of this craziness, the one thing that bothers me the most is when we don't eat dinner as a family. The one thing I like the most is knowing we are giving the kids opportunities to learn and grow.

Happy Birthday Hudson!

Happy Birthday Hudson!

It's hard to believe that three years ago this little man came into our lives. It seems like yesterday, and it seems like forever ago.

It's hard to remember life without him in our family.

Hudson,
You are quite the charmer! You look just like your Daddy with your impish little grin and big brown eyes. And while you look and act like your Dad, your heart belongs to Mommy! You've been my little man since the day you were born.

My little shadow. My constant companion.

You sure can be a little stinker, but boy do you make us laugh! You are curious, stubbornly independent, not afraid of much (except the squirrel who lives in our backyard), and very sure about your opinions of the world.

You tend to be our shy boy. It takes you a few minutes to warm up to new situations, but once you are comfortable...watch out! You are the life of the party!

You look up to your brother, but you sure don't let him boss you around. Anywhere Evan is, that is where you want to be as well. Sometimes it's hard for you to stand on the sidelines watching Evan do all the things his age allows him to do. In just a few short years, you too will be going to school, playing soccer and baseball, going to play with friends, and heading to Scout meetings. Very soon, my little chicken.

You started out with the nickname of Chicken. That one will always be your special nickname. However, in the last few months, we have started calling you Allejandro. I'm sure you don't remember, but I was singing the song and you kept telling me to stop. Being the kind-hearted mom that I am, I instead started calling you by the name Allejandro, and it just sort of stuck. Now whenever you hear that song, you stop and listen!

You are my Allejandro Lovebug. You are always willing to give lots of kisses and hugs. Sometimes you are like a little man going in for those smooches! Where did you pick that up?!

I hope you had a great day! You seemed pretty happy to get two of your very own Zhu Zhu pets. You also had fun with the balloon that you and I picked out at the store. Could I get you to go with Scooby Doo or Handy Manny? Nooooo. You chose a balloon with a picture of the world on it! Maybe that means that someday you are going to be a traveling spirit.

We are so proud of you!

We love you with all our heart, Hudson. You complete our family.

Love,
Mommy

Three Years Ago...

Three years ago today I was the mom of one little boy named Evan.

Three years ago today I was anxious to become the mom to a yet unknown little one the next morning.

Three years ago today our life was very different with one child who was our world.

Three years ago today I didn't know that our love was going to multiply and our world was going to be complete because Hudson would soon be in it.

Three years ago today I was crabby, excited, nervous, and wanting to meet our second child.

Three years ago today I wasn't able to go to sleep.

Three years ago today Hudson spent his last night curled up inside me.

Three years ago today we were on the verge of a very happy day.

Happy birthday tomorrow to my little Hudson. AKA Chicken. AKA Allejandro.

And hopefully I'll get my butt in gear and actually take pictures and load them here on Hudson's actual birthday!