Potty 101

Since our boy is so smart, and seems to already know where "cucka" goes, we've decided to introduce the potty. While I am well aware that this may be a long process I do not see any harm in getting started now. Tonight we placed the potty in the living room, in front of the TV, so that Hudson could sit on it as he watched Elmo's Potty Time video. Hudson intently watched the show and said "potty" at least 25 times. Although he didn't actually use the potty himself I feel that tonight was successful! He sat for about 15 minutes straight. Once he wanted off I put his diaper back on and then he played with the potty and began trying to sit on it himself! We'll start practicing daily and hopefully it becomes habit once he feels ready!

Watching his Elmo video while on the potty

(*Keeping the picture "G" Rated as per Daddy's request :))

Big Boy Bryce Holds His Bottle

Woo Hoo!! I remember the day that Hudson started holding his own bottle, which was many months later than B-Man, and our lives became much easier :) Way to go, Bryce. Now you know he's Mommy's Boy!

A Very Merry Christmas

This will most likely be the last time that this ever happens... Brian and I HAD TO WAKE UP the boys at 8:45 Christmas morning! They were both so cozy. Hudson only got up because I told him that Sammie was in in his room and Bryce was sucking his thumb when we woke him! Hudson got the hang of opening his gifts and he really took his time with each one. He wanted to open and play with them rather than open more! Bryce could care less about the presents. He just wanted breakfast! Of Hudson's gifts, the CAT dump truck was a hit and he immediately said "touchdown" when he opened his box of sports balls. The animal book was also great. He started making every sound he knows! Now as for that dinosaur...he was afraid of it! I have to admit that it did sound a little scary when it roared.
Hudson was still tired from us waking him and went to sleep as soon as he was done with his presents. He got up just in time to greet our company for brunch. Of course he loved "Gee" (Grace)! He followed her around the entire day, often looking like Frankenstein with his arms straight out trying to grab her for a hug. I don't think I've heard him laugh as much as he did in the past 2 days. Bryce was pretty relaxed all day and got to take a nice long nap during the late afternoon. After brunch, and many, many presents we all chatted and the guys hooked up Jason and Ashley's Wii. After a casual dinner we all tried our hand at Partini...it was so much more difficult than we anticipated but offered lots of laughs! Christmas was just perfect!

A Very Merry Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent at Meredith and Craig's house, as it is every year. The boys were full of surprises...I am so, so proud of Hudson. Meredith has two trees decorated with beautiful glass ornaments, a ceramic Christmas village, and lots of other breakables and Hudson did not touch a thing! Hudson's entertainment was Jackson, the puppy, and one step that leads from the kitchen to the family room. Bryce surprised us in a different way. This boy cried like never before! He's usually bathed and in bed by 7 o'clock and we arrived at the party just after 6 so he had a short window before he became unhappy. Brian was the baby soother this night. For some reason Bryce would relax with Daddy. The boys were both fell asleep on our way home. Good thing they were already dressed in their pj's!

Hudson went right to Meredith's laptop and started typing like a little businessman!

Love this picture!

Meredith, Hudson, Bryce, and Noni

Looking at their reflections in the ornaments

Cookies for Santa

While Bryce was all snug in his bed we made cookies for Santa! Hudson ate his fair share while helping to decorate them. Daddy and I were the "cookie holders" while Hudson was the "decorator". He mostly stabbed and scraped the cookie, but luckily some icing stayed!Maybe next year he'll be advanced enough to try cut outs!

It's the holiday season...

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas a little early with Aunt Debbie, Kelly, Grandma, Gary, Stephanie, Little Gary, and Alexandra. The kids all had a great time and really enjoyed the special stockings filled with gifts that they received. Hudson was very good (even without his usual nap). He hardly touched any of the decorations and tree ornaments. He enjoyed watching a video on Kelly's iphone w/ little Gary. Bryce was his usual laid back self and took a nice little snooze in Grandma's room while we enjoyed cookies, cake, and cocoa...YUM! We had so much fun, but then again, it's always fun at Aunt Deb's!

Bryce rolled over!

Going

Going

Gone!

Bryce rolled from tummy to back for the first time tonight!!

Incredible Adventures of a Toddler

Sitting in the kitchen cupboard
Now Hudson likes to climb all over...here he is stuck between the wall and the back of the couch

Sitting on the back of the couch & "talking" on the phone

*Gotta love the hand prints on the window!

And the latest...Hudson now climbs onto the desk chair and tries to type on the computer. One problem, the desk chair swivels. This could be trouble!

Our past week...

As you are all well aware, Tiger Woods has been mentioned thousands of times this past week for his recent scandal...He has also been mentioned in our own home (but for a different reason!). Hudson would carry around the People magazine, point to Tiger, and say "Dadda"! I guess I can see the similarities :)

On Wednesday Bryce had his 4 month checkup. He weighs 14 pounds 8 ounces and is 24 1/2 inches long. He also had a nasty cough and received his first prescription to help with his congestion. Bryce started cereal a couple of weeks ago and moved on to applesauce.

Saturday was Hudson's final gym/swim class as a "shrimp". The "Y" is on a short break from classes until after the new year and at the time Hudson will most likely begin "guppie" classes.

Saturday night Noni, Papa, the kids, Brian and I visited Stan Hywett Hall to view the Christmas decorations. The home and property were beautiful; however, it was definitely not a child friendly event. I wish the website would have stated that no strollers were allowed because then I would have thought twice about taking the boys! Brian carried Hudson on his shoulders while I carried Bryce. I never made it to the second story of the home...I took Bryce to the cafe to feed him while everyone else finished the tour.

Bryce, looking so excited, at Stan Hywett...

Hudson, just as excited as his brother!

Last week I mentioned that Hudson is not interested in the tree at all. I think I may have spoken too soon! He takes all of the snowflake ornaments off and usually tries to put them in another toy or on the window seal.

The boys seem as if they are getting closer and will soon be playing together. Bryce is unfazed by Hudson's squeezing, screeching, smacking, hugs, kisses, etc.

Yes, this is the only picture I could get of the two of them together on the floor!

Hudson, Hudson, Hudson. Where do I start? Hudson is definitely turning into a toddler. He had his first TimeOut today. He really needs to learn the meaning of "NO"; however, I truly believe that he does and is just pushing to see how far he can get! About that timeout...he did stay put for a few seconds, then he would slowly peek around the corner until I saw him and then he would start laughing and run back to his corner. Oh boy, we are in trouble! I actually heard Brian say "you better cool your jets, my man" today and I started cracking up. I am loving Hudson's little personality, although it's our job to make sure he learns when to use that personality :)

Lazy weekend

Hudson and I both seemed to have had a little bug this weekend so we all lounged around most of the time and even skipped his swimming class; however we did manage to put up the Christmas tree. Much to our surprise Hudson doesn't even care that it's there. He only took an ornament off once and then he quickly set in on a branch. Other than that, nothing at all! Bryce has been his usual happy self and he loves to grab those feet when his socks are off. That's really all of the exciting happenings in our household. Hopefully we have a better week!