a letter to my 11 month old

Hudson,
You're beyond awesome.  Each day I'm amazed at the love I continue to have for you and how it grows with each moment.  You've had ups and downs and we've survived them all.  Ear infections have been our biggest hurdle, but you're such a tough cookie.  I tell you what... I hate it though. I want nothing more to fix any pain you have.  You're so independent, opinionated, and a momma's boy.

Your laugh is unlike anything else and it melts my heart. I just adore it and I am enjoying the honest joy that pours out of you.  You laugh at me and your daddy; you laugh at Mister; you laugh at the ceiling fan; you laugh when you sneeze. Your joy is what makes my days worth living.  I pray each night as I lay you to sleep that you wake up with the same joy for this world that you went to sleep with and that as you grow older you continue to see the good in even the smallest things.  It's a crummy world... but with the light of Jesus living inside of you, you can continue to see the beauty in the middle of it all.

One more month and you'll be a year old. I'm soaking it up. I'm hugging you tight and I'm letting you grow.

At 11 months, you:
- give the best real hugs
- dance
- babble like a mad man (starting to say Dada, "that?", stop... but not sure)
- throw (and chase) your toys
- LOVE bath time; you get so excited just by us turning on the bathroom light
- are getting two new teeth... at least. Your bottom right one is officially through the skin.
- climbing in Mister's kennel nonstop

Good gracious child, I love you.
-Momma

post bath mohawk

LOVES bathtime. He's holding a toy Honey got him.
It shoots water... or hides his business. 

Jan 17th - 11 months old

SO BIG

Where'd Mister go?!

love 

"Mom, seriously?" - Mister

Christmas - yay!!!

Hudson's first Christmas was amazing.  He loved it and has thoroughly enjoyed having new "big boy" toys.  Kyle and I had to reflect upon how blessed we truly are.  We have a great little man in our life and we owe all the glory to our Heavenly Father who continues to provide more than we need or ever deserve.  We, of course, traveled all over Louisiana and, even though its tiring, we loved every minute. At each stop, we were showered with love and our little Hud-stud soaked up all he could! There's not much commentary... just pictures.

Blessed. Thankful. Abundantly provided for. Non-deserving.

Now that I'm a mother, I see so much more. During the Christmas season I found myself rocking my first born so much and thinking of how Mary could've done it. She held that little Jesus knowing he'd do more than she could ever imagine.

My dearest Hudson,
Always be grateful. Never be greedy. Know that Jesus is always the reason, not just for Christmas, but daily life.  He provides the grace that you can never earn and never deserve.  You were born to do great things... do them!
love,
momma

because every kid needs a tonka truck - from Granny Jo and PawPaw

Gramma Terrie building her castle with JR and Nora

Aunt Robi and HudStud out at the pond

BLOCKS!!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve jammies

Santa came!

Hudson and his Granddad

first present of the season - from MawMaw Sasser
We messed up... he didn't want to open anything else! haha. He loved it! 

first family Christmas

he was excited... but then he found the puffs in his stocking and it was all over

Grandpa Ball and Honey

Great Friends and Happiness

Kyle and I are blessed with amazing friends that we have held on to from all of our "times in life".  We are grateful for each person that loves us and that we are close to.  Hudson's best friend belongs to one of our favorite couples that we have grown so close to here in Pineville.  We've made a few good "couple friends" and this family is definitely one of our must haves.  

Hudson and Evan are six weeks apart. (you can't tell by size though!!! haha) Evan's gonna be defense and Hudson will run the ball.  They go to the same daycare, too and just enjoy each other's company. Evan's older sister is 4 and full of life. I love me some Kamri Rose. 

ten months... and a new cousin

November brought exciting things for our family!!! My sister, Randi, had her beautiful baby girl Sarah. We all made it to Stonewall for Thanksgiving on Wednesday and Randi called to let us know she'd be induced on Thanksgiving day.  Baby Sarah Elizabeth was born that Friday, November 22nd.  She was healthy and happy and after a few days in the NICU to get rid of an infection, they all go to go home.  She is beautiful. (excuse the lack of pictures - respecting momma's wishes) Just know that she looks exactly like Randi - dark hair and eyes and lips that are perfect! We love her.

Hudson has grown a LOT! He's turning into a little man right before our eyes. Ear infections are still the plague around here, but we're all surviving.

10 months:
Can clap happily
Has started eating some finger foods
Is having to be told No (often) and now looks to you before doing something "wrong" and grins. OH NO, what am I going to do?!
Has hit the 20lb mark!
Pulling up to standing on his own

doing it a week later all on his own!!!

Dad helping him stand up

His shirt says "Ladies Man". Enough said.

preparing for the flash

Dec 17 - 10 months old and on the way to the doctor's
for verification of another ear infection
(#3 or 4, can't remember)

after this doctor's appt (on a Monday),
Wednesday we went
back and learned that he had RSV 

he likes that momma's new phone lets us look at ourselves.

Halloween, LaTech Homecoming, and 9 months old

From October 17th - November 17th, it was busy busy! There were as an ear infection (or maybe two), Halloween, headed to Ruston for Homecoming, hanging out with cousins, a trip to the camp... and just good ole hanging out!

Halloween was so fun in our house! We didn't do the normal trick-or-treating because we had a baby boy with an ear infection.  We went to see family and he loved it! He absolutely loved to see himself in the mirror in his costume!!! And, I must add, we thought he was the best little monster EVER.

Hudson and Kyle 

my monster

The first weekend in November was Homecoming at Louisiana Tech. We braved it by splitting a room with our good friends Hunter and Angie and their daughter Arabella. That's right... two munchkins, two pack-n-plays, two tired mommas! But oh the fun that was had!!! I didn't take near as many pictures as I'd hoped I did. It was so great to see all of our friends and be together again as the "crew" that hangs out where "the trees are sparse.

Arabella...AJ...Bella... whatever, it's Hudson's girlfriend

this stud did amazing... lots of stroller time!

can't get enough

Got some much needed time with the old roomie - Megan

Someone asked me, "How long do you think y'all will do this?" My response (trying not to say Duh!), "Every year."

And the rest of these are just some favorites... 

favorite beanie ever... gah, I remember this day! We were
at Casey's house waiting on her and the kids to get home.
He came and hung out in the front seat with me and
LOVED IT!

Awesome clothes from Lauren Anthony! 

hanging out with cousins - Nora said, "Aunt Rachel, take a picture of me taking a picture". Love that kid.

John Ryan just loved that Hudson was finally wanting to really "play" with him.  This was Hudson's first Lego experience and he had a blast with his older brother! 

having so much fun at the camp! (sidenote - he's gritting his teeth)

why do we take pictures of our children crying? 

Stats:

The top two teeth finally cut, look like little stubs

He loves the new daycare room - he plays and sleeps great! 

Hudson has officially found Mister... and attacks him

Weighing about 8 1/2 pounds. 

Wearing mostly 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers