Brother Love

Our kids are nineteen and a half months apart. We always wanted our kids close together. At times, when things are crazy around here, we wonder what we were thinking having them so close! However, most of the time we stand by our decision. We didnt want Hudson to ever know or remember a time that his little brother wasnt around. We didnt want him to be an only child and then try to get accostomed to a sibling. We knew it would be tough on us the first year or two but we thought that the brothers would be best friends and play with each other all the time (and no, we didnt know we were having a boy, so really we were thinking that two siblings would be best friends).

And we think we were right (for US). I dont think Hudson remembers a time when Cannon wasnt around. And he is already fiercely protective of Cannon (despite the fact that he is often beating on him when it is just the two of them). When others are around I notice that Hudson is very concerned about Cannon - where is he, what is he doing and even comforting him.

I went to pick the kids up at the gym Kid's Club the other day and I saw Hudson trying to talk his way into going out of the room where the toys are toward the check out area. Normally, they want the kids to stay in the playroom. I asked him why he was coming over to the door (at this point he didnt know I was coming) and he said because "I need to check on Cannon". Cannon was already at the door/gate (I couldnt see him until I looked down). But Hudson was very aware of Cannon and his whereabouts and was going to check on him.

And when I picked Hudson up from school without Cannon, Hudson's first question to me was "Where is Canny?"

At Disneyland last weekend a little girl was playing with Cannon in line for a ride and Hudson put his arms around Cannon, got between the girl and Cannon and said to her "That's my brother!"

Hudson is also turning into a little helper (or tattler) when it comes to Cannon. "Mommy, Cannon is dumping out his juice on the floor!" "Cannon is eating the sand!"

And the brother love definitely goes both ways. Cannon is OBSESSED with Hudson. They are rarely apart. Cannon copies (or tries) everything Hudson does and just laughs and laughs when it comes to anything Hudson. When Hudson sings in the car, Cannon stops crying. When Hudson plays with Cannon, he soaks up the attention. When Hudson hits Cannon, Cannon copies and hits back. He is learning everything from Hudson.

Two kids in diapers in the beginning wasnt easy. It wasnt easy getting two kids in and out of the car when neither could help or climb in like it was in the beginning. Having Cannon copy some of the stunts that Hudson does has been scary/unsafe. It has definitely been hard at times to have kids this close together but we are so happy with our decision. It's getting easier and it is so nice to see their relationship grow and form. They are brothers and they are close and they truly love each other.

Put a Ring on It

And here is the long awaited video of the kids dancing to Beyonce's song. It is of course better in person with Cannon singing "oh oh oh" and Hudson doing the 'ring hand move' better and of course, Cannon not crying in the background. But here goes:



and:

Baby #3??

We get this question a lot. A lot more than I expected. Two kids is a lot of work but more than that, two kids that dont sleep are a ton of work. I thought I'd give you an example of an average night around here (in fact, I was gonna write down a week of average sleep for me but I thought that was overkill). You'll get my point:

Bed at 945pm
Hudson up at 1015pm
Cannon up at 1215am
Hudson up from 115-330am wanting to go play downstairs
Cannon up at 4am
Cannon up at 6am for the day.

OK, not sure how much sleep I got but I know it isnt a lot. I think I average 4-5 hours a night (broken of course, not 4-5hours in a row. I could live on 4-5 hours if they were in a row!). I know it isnt enough. And I cannot imagine waking up for another child. I cant even figure out when that would be or how that would happen. Last night was probably a little worse than average. I am usually up 2-3 times a night on average. Somtimes 5 or more, but never less than twice. So, NO TO BABY #3, PEOPLE.

The boys in time-out for not sleeping (I kid).


The boys looking well rested, playing, active and crazy even though they were up all night (and Hudson doesnt even nap anymore either).

PlasmaCars

Hudson and Cannon got these VERY cool PlasmaCars for Christmas (thank you Anthony Fam!!) and they LOVE them. In fact, we all love them and you might find JR and I riding them too if you come over.




When we see Cannon speeding down the street, it is hard to believe that he is just 14 months old. He is wild, fearless, athletic and fast at everything he does.
We think this video gives you a little glimpse of a boy that doesnt stop moving:

Big Bear 2010

More snow and another trip up the mountain! We had a great time in Big Bear last weekend. The kids had a blast and the adults had fun when the kids went to bed!

The man-made sledding hill (with JR's finger in the picture):


The kids loved going down (except Kaylee).
Hudson:


Harper:


Ella:


Kaylee (with Jeremy):


Cannon:


Having ice cream:


Having a bath:


Playing in a fort (or "gingerbread house" as Hudson called it):


In the jacuzzi:


Brothers in a box:

Cannon Swimming

We started Cannon in swimming lessons and he is doing great. Crying a lot but that is to be expected, especially given what a Mama's Boy he has been lately. His skin actually looks great after the chlorine which was a big concern for us. Hopefully he likes it as much as Hudson eventually did/does.

Hudson Says

Hudson is sooo funny to us! Here are a couple of his most recent discussions:
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Mommy and Daddy: Hudson, after dinner we are going across the street to get frozen yogurt!
Hudson: Can I have gummy worms on it?
Mommy: You can have one gummy worm.
Hudson: How about two gummy worms.
Mommy: Nope,just one.
Hudson: Then I am going to cut my gummy worm in half and then I will have two gummy worms.
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Mommy (while Hudson is going pee-pee in the potty): Hudson that was a big pee-pee [by 'big' I meant 'a lot' of urine].
Hudson: No, my pee-pee isnt big yet. But when I eat my dinner my pee-pee will get bigger.
________________________________________

Hudson: Mommy, here's some money [pretend money]. But dont put it in the piggy bank though, you have to spend it.
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Mommy: Hudson, make sure you hold my hand in the street because I dont want you to get squooshed by a car. They can't see you but if you hold mommy's hand, you'll be safe because they can see mommy.
Hudson: If I get squooshed, then you'll take me to the doctor and they will blow me back up.
Mommy: That isnt how it works, honey. It will hurt very bad if a car hits you so stay next to me.
Hudson: But if I get squooshed, the doctor will blow me back up and I will be big again.

Disney

Cannon went to Disneyland this last weekend for the first time with Grandpa, Auntie Tracy, Liliana Rose, Hudson and I. I think all the kids loved it. Hudson is a great age to take - so fun to see it through his eyes and hear what he has to say about it. And Liliana was very happy at the happiest place on earth squealing and saying WOW. And Cannon couldnt sit still. Pointing and screaming at everything he saw. He was funniest in the Submarine diving from window to window to see what other people were looking at - he didnt want to miss anything.