A Beautiful Fall Day

Although our little one did not make his grand entrance today, (his due date) the sun was shinning and it was a beautiful day.

I got a little craftin' in, had a wonderful midwife appt., picked up a few new fall wardrobe duds for Hudson and enjoyed a pumpkin ale before calling it a day.

It was a good, good day.

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Lookout Johnny Lang

Hudson blows a mean harp.

Little dude reconnected with his harmonica over the weekend and hasn't put it down since. Our little blues rocker. 

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Nesting...

Maybe just a little bit.

Hands down, up until this point, the most stressful idea about our home birth plan is not having the house in complete order when labor begins.

It's driving me nuts! It's making me nuts!

I've even gone so far as to make Jack a quick 'to do' list in the event I'm not able to get everything in order when hard labor kicks in. Oh Lord, peace be with my crazy self....

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Meeting Cousin Phillip

Hudson met baby Phillip for the first time on Friday. If his reaction to his new baby cousin is any indication of how he will receive his baby brother, we might be in serious trouble!

He is absolutely in LOVE with his baby cousin. During our entire visit all he wanted to do was hold, touch, kiss or swing the baby. Not even coaxing with pizza tore the little squirrel away. Oh sweet, sweet boy.

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Our Week in Pictures

Thursday, Sept. 27th

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous the last few weeks - highs in the mid 70's. Crazy to think fall has over a full week under it's belt and the forecast still shows sunshine and high 60's-70's well into next week. With only five more days until our sweet little one's est. due date I joined the boys for what could possibly be the last evening walk to the park as a party of three.

Tuesday, Sept 25th - 39 Weeks

Countdown has officially begun! Holy smokes are we really just days away?! Before heading off to school this morning, I asked Jack to snap a few pictures to mark our last days.

What's that baby brother?

Tell mommy you'll be here soon? 

 Sweet! I can't wait to meet you baby brother! 

Sunday, Sept. 23rd

Almost three weeks early, Laura and Jesus welcomed Jesus Phillip into the world and our hearts! Happy Birthday little one! 

Saturday, Sept. 8th

Love, love, love these ladies! Laura hosted a beautiful brunch to celebrate our little one's arrival. It was a perfect afternoon with dear friends.

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Dry as a Bone

 

Tuesday was a big day for lil' dude. Hudson stayed dry ALL DAY at school (and home) in his new Buzz Lightyear underoos! Way to go little buddy!

Last Friday I got a phone call from his teacher asking how we felt about diving into the full time underwear vs. diaper route. Without hesitation I jumped on the idea. (Especially when chances are they would doing most of the dirty work.) She thought he without a doubt ready and had hopes for a successful transition. On his second day, no accidents at school. Hooray!

As a reward, Jack took him to the store after school to pick out a 'special treat'. For the last two days Ironman has not left his side...literally. I snapped this photo at 10.30pm before heading to bed last night. Asleep for three hours and his new friend is still by his side. Silly, precious little boy.

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A Wonderful Sunday.

Without a doubt I'm pretty gosh darn blessed with some amazing women in my life. A few weeks ago, our midwife commented that I had some pretty awesome friends (in response to a facebook post Jack made). Jack immediately agreed and followed up by saying that he didn't think I realized how lucky I am and that I shouldn't let my insecurities shy me away and I should spend more time with them.  His comment surprised me and hit home hard. How true and right he was. Over the past few years, for some crazy reason I've let me silly self get the best of me and have shied away from putting myself out there and fostering deeper friendships. The hiccups I've had during the last few weeks of this pregnancy have forced me to come out of my shell, and ask a time or two for help. (Such a hard thing for me to do!) Over the last few days, for the first time in a long time, I realized that I truly do have a wonderful circle of AMAZING friends. True friends. Friends I can call on. Friends I can share with. And friends I can get crazy with.

Yesterday afternoon was a wonderful confirmation to that. A few weeks ago, Angie reached out to see if I would be up for a Girl's Day. Just a few friends, no presents, no hoopla, just a day of pampering and fun.

At 11am yesterday afternoon, five crazies pulled up to the house blaring the horn....

Those crazy gals had that limo fully stocked and loaded with every drink imaginable and the best food, fruit and sweet treat spread possible for our pretty nails and toes adventure. Without a doubt it was a memorable and wonderful day.

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Summer Highlights

Because Lord knows I can't keep a blog updated to save my life, a few of our summer highlights and happenings via the random photos I've taken on my Iphone the last few months..

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WHAT?!  WE OFFICIALLY HAVE A PRESCHOOLER.?!

The second day of Preschool! Oh this little boy is melting my heart these days. A few weeks ago we received word from the director at Hudson's school that they thought he was ready for more a little more advanced curriculum and environment then his Toddler 1 class. Hooray for little dude! So on Tuesday he jumped Tod1 and Tod2 and joined the big kids (3y.olds) and started Preschool. Crazy!

On the first day we took pictures at home before we left. (They're on my big camera, so the likely hood of me actually posted them here is sadly slim...ugh.)
However, after seeing all the kids having their picture taken in front of the school the day before, Hudson requested his front door photo opp too - complete with his apple.

Oh my goofy, goofy boy.

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LOVE MY SISTER

A wonderful full Saturday spent with my dear sweet sister. It had been too too long since we had the chance to catch up one on one. A few hours at the kitchen table chatting, a few hours at the Ram in Tacoma, a few hours playing with Hudson and few hours with Jack back at the house. 

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NEW CAR - NEW CARD

On the 29th we sealed the deal on a new car. My good ol' Element served me so very well the last six and a half years, but with precious babe #2 just weeks away it was time turn turn ol' faithful in for a bigger ride. Our new Pilot will be arriving any day now - just waiting for the call that it's been delivered to the dealership. Hooray for grown up big kid exciting stuff.

Days before we went on the big car hunt, I realized I had misplaced my drivers license weeks (and weeks) ago. 1 1/2 hours spent at the N.Bend DOL on a sun shinny Saturday morning scoring a new pic and i.d. Silly me.....

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SUMMER DINNER W/ FRIENDS ARE THE BEST KIND OF DINNERS 

The previous Saturday, (just days before their precious little one was scheduled to arrive) dear friends John, Ashley and Little John came over for a 'last supper before we are all a family of four' dinner. Fresh goodies from the Farmer's Market were the perfect to our grilled salmon dinner.

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OUR LAST HOORAY BEFORE BABY

Jack and I were able to sneak away for a few days for a much needed break from the whirl wind action. We spent three days at a beautiful cabin in Index on the Sykomish river. The view, the relaxation, the food Jack prepared, the weather and the s'mores were all absolutely perfect.
*Thank you Mom for watching Hudson!*

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SISTERS WITH BABIES 

Laura and I at her friend baby shower hosted by Megan.

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SUMMER SUNSETS ON THE BACK PORCH

It's been such a beautiful August. While Hudson played in the pool one evening, I snapped pictures from my perch.

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HOW CAN IT BE? 

What happened to my swaddled baby boy?! He's now becoming a independent toddler.

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DEAR FRIENDS. TRUE FRIENDS

A MUCH NEEDED afternoon and evening spent enjoying and catching up with Gross family. Love our time spent with them. Love it!  Norah and Hudson enjoying Popsicles on the back porch.

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CELEBRATING THE THIRD TRIMESTER

Welcomed the third trimester with a much needed walk in the woods. Oh Mt. Peak, how you do a heart and soul good.

 

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FUN FRIENDS

Our friend Ozzie celebrated his fourth birthday in true cowboy fashion - and Hudson loved every minute of it. Horse rides, farm animals, cowboy grub and delicious cupcakes. 

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TAKING TIME TO SLOW DOWN 

Early into this pregnancy I made a promise to myself that no matter how busy things got, I would make the time to get out and remain as physical as I could. Not just for my physical health but for my mental outlook as well. Without a doubt my trips to Mt. Peak, Deep Lake and the gym have been my saving grace.
On a stroll around the lake one Friday morning...

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AROUND THE YARD

The boy LOVES that hose. 

 

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FUN FRIENDS. FUN BIRTHDAYS 

Summer birthday fun in the 'hood. MV came by and surprised Colette on her happy day with fun visit and happy birthday wishes. So much love. 

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YOUNG LOVE

A trip to Remlinger farms with Auntie Laura and Nicole's daughter Rayna.Oh these two....

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SUMMER FAMILY PHOTOS

Taking my own pictures during our summer family photo session. 27 weeks along.

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HAY, HAY!

Little boy lovin' the hay jump at the farm.

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My Sweet Love

Last night while Jack was reading Hudson his last story before bed, I came in one last time to kiss the little boy good night. I was about head out and let them finish, when his cute little voice stopped me. Hudson patted my stomach and asked if he could hug and kiss his baby brother goodnight.  I sure love this little boy and his sweet affectionate nature.

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Test, test...is this thing on?
Holy smokes! January 21st?! Good gravy, I've completely dropped the consistent record keeping gig.
So much Too much has happen over the last few months I don't know where I could even begin to start. So in a small attempt to play catch-up I've downloaded all my Instagram iPhone photos. And maybe just maybe, I'll be able to post again before June. Heehee.

 

: I hosted my first Maple Valley - Make It- Take It at the shop in mid February.  15 local gals, 21 bottles of booze and 42 craft projects completed. It was a great night! :

 

 : End of January. The beginning of the firefighter phase. :

 

: A weekend getaway, just the two of us to Long Beach.: 

 

: Who doesn't love a little foosball?! Game night at Kristine's. :

 

: Thirty five, pregnant, and rockin' the fauxhawk. :

 

: Central Park, New York. : 

 

: Top of the Rock. Rockefeller Center, New York. :  

 

: Subway line to cousin Jeff's apartment. : 

 

: Bathroom on Liberty Island, NY. : 

 

: Mac and Cheese at  B.B. King's, NY :

 

: NYPD, Times Square :  

 : Times Square at night:

 : A dream come true. Amazing. :

 : Desert in Little Italy :

 : Shopping at the original Macy's. :

 : Manhattan from Ellis Island :

 : China Town, NY :

 : China Town :

: Our little family is growing! :

: Lunch date with my favorite little boy. :

 : A wonderful brunch with wonderful friends. :

 : My first pregnancy craving. :

 : Lots of love in those arms, Great Auntie Franny 84yold. Hudson 20mo. :

 : "Love my cousin Connie!" :

 : Pre-Easter fun at Grandma's in AZ :

 : Looks like a great day for a quick round. Caddy load up my clubs :

 : My first round of golf in three years. Shot a 86. I was one happy camper! :

: A mountain of AZ sun bleached diapers makes for a happy mom. :

: Wildlife Zoo down the road from Mom's :

 : Phx via Sea :

 : Even when called home from school for getting sick, he's still a goofy happy boy. :

 : One of my most favorite Etsy purchase. Prunella handmade soap. :

 : Easter brunch with Auntie Carmel in Everett. :

 : Easter boat tour. :

 : My sweet boys :

 : Serious business. Serious cash. :

 : An evening walk around the 'hood. :

: Up with the chickens and gettin' crazy on a Saturday morning. :

: Happy Second Birthday Sweet Babe! :

 : My fondant skills failed. My chocolate melting skills rocked. :

: Spring is here, hooray! :

A walk around the neighborhood

: Fresh homemade blueberry muffins on a Sunday morning. :

: My gorgeous boy. : 

: I LOVE broccoli! : 

: Sunshine on the water, makes me happy. :

 : Weekend spent at Mary and Larry's Whidbey Island home. First speed boat ride. :

 : Cruising on the water. :

 : Super Moon from the Jacob's deck. :

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