Mannequin

Sometimes Hudson likes to pretend he is a mannequin at Old Navy. He fools quite a few people.

It's Off!

Elle was so excited and happy to get her cast off. That is until she saw the pins in her arm. Then she wanted it back on. She didn’t want them to take the pins out of her arm at all. She thought they looked scary, and she was sure that it would hurt to take them out. But after a pep talk, and holding her hand tight, Elle let them take the pins out. And, to her surprise, she found that taking them out did not hurt at all. She still had to wear a brace for three weeks afterwards, but now she is as good as new.

I am so sad that my sweet, little girl had to break her arm, but she handled everything really well. And now she has found out all that she can do with her left hand.

Hudson Writes His Name

A little before Hudson’s birthday, he started showing some interest in writing his name. So, with a little help, Hudson wrote his name for the first time. I think this is such a neat accomplishment for kids. It is exciting when they can write their own name. Hudson is very proud and excited with his new-found skill.

California

Our trip to California in September was so much fun. Even the 9-hour drive was not too bad. Emerson took three naps, and Elle and Hudson watched lots of movies. Much better than I anticipated. Traveling with infants is never a sure thing. I never know what to expect.

Once we arrived in California, we did nothing but play and visit. We were able to spend Hudson’s entire birthday at the beach in Monterey. The weather was perfect, and we loved playing in the sand and splashing in the waves. We were there for over six hours, and no one wanted to leave. I had to practically drag Elle to the car—she could have danced on the beach well into the night. But after some clam chowder bowls, and a walk down Cannery Row, we headed to the hotel for the night.



The next day brought Elle’s first trip to the American Girl Store. She was so excited. She got to eat with her doll, shop, and look and touch all of the things she usually only sees in the magazine. Elle loved every minute of going there. It was something she absolutely loved.



Then we had rehearsal dinner, and the actual wedding. Elle got to be the flower girl (lucky little girl has been one twice now), which she loved. It was a beautiful wedding, and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely.



Finally, we had the long-drive home, but the kids did great. All in all, it was a wonderful trip, and we are always happy to visit family in California.

5-Year Well Visit

Hudson had his 5-year well visit two months ago. He is doing really well, except in the weight department—he is a little on the skinny side. But what can be expected of a kid who doesn’t enjoy eating? It is practically a battle every time we sit down for dinner. But skinny or not, he is healthy and growing well. We sure love Hudson and all of the joy and fun he brings to our family.

His growth percentiles are:

Height: 3’ 6.5” (41%)
Weight 35 lb 6.4 oz (13%)

Turning Five

Hudson turned five in September, and I think I am in a little bit of denial (I seem to be in denial with all of my children’s birthdays). Five is quite a big age, and although I am excited for him, I am having a hard time accepting the fact that he is growing up. I want him to stay my little boy, but, alas, he has to grow.

I did ask him before his birthday if he would be willing to stay my little boy, and not grow older. He told me that he would. And then, of course, I felt bad and told him that growing up is good and I am excited for him.

Hudson is very into motorcycles (anything with an engine really), and so he requested to have a friend motorcycle party. It was Hudson’s first friend party, and he loved every minute of it. From the play dough, to the piñata, he had so much fun. Plus his friends brought him presents, which is always a huge hit.

Then, for his actual birthday, we were in California, so we hit the beach. Hudson loved spending the day having a picnic, finding seashells, building a sand castle, and jumping in the waves. One wave did take him out, but other than that, he loved playing at the beach.

All in all, I think Hudson had a really good time turning five. He told me it was the best birthday ever! And even though I am in a little bit of denial, I am so happy that Hudson turned five.