First Snow

Hudson played in real snow for the first time this past weekend. I think he liked it. He kept wanting to lay in it and I didnt have his snow outfit on yet and I didnt want him to get wet. But he stood in it, touched it and even sled in it all by himself.

Counting Steps

Hudson took NINE steps in a row today! He did a couple sets of SEVEN, but NINE was the most! He is getting brave and starting to do it more and more. He is so proud of himself and gets so excited that after he falls he claps for himself. And of course, I have no pictures or video of this because I cannot find the charger for my camera. We busted out the big recorder tonight, so hopefully we will get some footage.

Vegas

This past weekend I went to Vegas for my cousin's 7th annual 21st Birthday Celebration (yes, we have been going for quite a few years - even before he was 21). I had a ton of fun but I am definitely done with Vegas for at least awhile. We acted like high rollers driving around to the clubs in stretch Hummer limos, drinking lots of alcohol, eating good food, and paying for it all the next morning. The worst part was that our flight home on Sunday was cancelled because of weather. Terrible. We were scheduled to fly home at noon and they rescheduled our flight for 9pm. We ended up renting a car and driving home. (America West: Just because you changed your name to US AIrways does not mean you are not still the Worst).
The weekend did end on a very good note with the best welcome ever -- Hudson jumped into my arms and gave me tons of slobbery kisses. My face was soaking wet but it was the absolute best.
And, of course, Hudson got a new hat:

Saturday Soccer Fun

Hudson got some pointers at his cousin's soccer game this weekend. He is also taking steps -- though I wouldnt call it walking quite yet. He is definitely brave; he lets go, and gets a couple steps in before falling over. He is also opening the childproof gate. He is literally lifting the handle (that many adults cannot figure out when they come over) and opening the gate and getting through. I will get it on video soon.

Gaggers

This post is not for those with weak stomachs or those that dont want to hear about poop. Just a warning...
When I was pregnant, I remember reading a friend's blog about poop. In fact, she was soliciting stories from others about poop - let me be clearer - funny stories about children's poop. Well, at the time, I was pregnant, and didnt have any stories. Then, just the other day, a friend with a new baby told me she got pooped on in the middle of the night. Hudson did the same thing when he was younger - pooped on my chest. To this day I am not sure how the poop shot so high but it did. And it did to my friend the other night.
This got me thinking about the other night a couple weeks back... when Hudson had a blow out (when poop cannot be contained by the diaper and therefore gets up the back or out the sides). When I began to change him, I put a clean diaper underneath - but because of the blow out, I got poop all over my hand. I called for JR to come help because it was getting hard to hold Hudson in place and because I couldnt do much with one clean hand. I thought it would be easier with help and since JR was there, I called for him. Well, JR has a weak stomach and started gagging over the trash can once he got close, smelled the situation and saw what was going on. I started laughing so hard that I let Hudson go... He immediately rolled over, crawled away - naked and with poop all over his back. He crawled over to his leap frog toy and stood up - then plopped down - stamping the alphabet mat with his pooped covered butt. I was crying I was laughing so hard. And yes, I still had poop on my hand. And yes, JR was still gagging over the trash can (in his defense - Hudson's poop STINKS now that he is eating solids).
Fast forward to tonight - we were changing Hudson before he got in the bath and, yep - another blowout. JR came over to help because there was poop everywhere and of course - he started gagging again. And of course, I started laughing again. Now this type of thing has happened a few times when I am home alone but as Hudson gets older it is hard to keep him down long enough to change such a dirty diaper (and of course he gets a bath right after something like this - but you still have to get the poop off before the bath, otherwise he is bathing in his own poop). But I am not sure (and yet also cannot wait to see) what would happen if JR were home alone with Hudson when another blow out occurs.... I am laughing already at the thought of him gagging while Hudson crawls away with poop all over his back/butt.

30th Anniversary

Last Friday night (of my Big Weekend) my parents had a 30th Anniversary party. It was at the place JR and I got married (because they are so great) and everyone had a ball. My dad surprised my mom during his speech and asked her to re-marry him again. Don Johnson (who married JR and I and also my brother Ryan and his wife Catt) appeared to perform the service. The night was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what the next 30 years brings my parents. (Also, we did buy all the photos, I just couldn't wait to post them and copied them off her site for now).

Making Daddy Proud

Like father like son -- Hudson is already chasing soccer balls around.

Mental Pictures

We are currently in the process of weaning Hudson. The last three weeks he has only been nursing at night and JR and I realized that he is waking up with the hopes of nursing more and so we thought it was about time to try to stop. I thought I was ok with the idea of stopping since nursing is very demanding and Hudson is getting older but I recently realized that I enjoy this personal time I spend with Hudson and this is definitely going to be sad for me and harder than I thought.
This morning when he woke up, I nursed him with the idea that it was possibily one of the last times I would do so.... I got a little sad and took a mental picture hoping I would always remember. We sat in the rocking chair and I rubbed his head and put his hair in place and he held on to my shirt like he always does. And when he fell asleep, I let him because he was so peaceful. When he started laughing in his sleep, I took another mental picture.

When I put him back in his crib asleep, I walked out the room realizing that I would have to start accepting the fact that he is growing up. I am so not ready to do that!

Smarty Pants

Last week I started asking Hudson questions about his flashcards. I was shocked when he got them all right... I had no idea! This video isnt that great because, of course, I am shooting the clip and asking the questions... but you get the idea. He can pick out the dog, the cat, the bird, the baby, the turtle and the balloon - even when there are more than two options. Actually, those are the only animals/things that I have tried, so maybe he can recognize more. These babies are smarter and take more in than I realized!

Ducks at the Park

We found a park nearby with a small little 'lake' and lots of ducks. Hudson and I have gone a couple times this week to feed them in the morning.

Brunch

We had a very big weekend (30th Anniversary party for my parents on Friday and 30th Birthday party for a friend on Saturday) but I dont have time to post all of that now -- that is to come. In the meantime - we went to brunch today and we sat by a fountain - Hudson's favorite. He had a great time:




Gianna is giving her cousin Hudson a kiss here - he doesnt quite know what is going on but he went with it.

9 Month Check Up

Hudson had his 9 month check up this morning. He is weighing in at 19 pounds 5 ounces (in the 25% percentile) and is 29 1/2 inches long (75%). It is now time to start introducing meats - though for some reason that seems weird to me.
Hudson also got another tooth yesterday. He got the top four teeth in the last 3 weeks. I hate teething and would love to check the box for "No teeth, thank you though" if that were an option. Teething has been so hard on Hudson (and mommy and daddy) and it is so sad for him to be in so much pain (and yes, we have tried everything).
I must say though, he is pretty darn cute with a mouth full of teeth - it definitely makes him look older!
Also - here is the voting for Hudson growing bigger than Gianna. It hasnt happened yet!

How soon before Hudson is bigger than cousin Gianna?
	June
	July
	August
	September
	October
	November
pollcode.com free polls

Introducing....

~~ Kaylee Kathryn Ritter ~~
Born 1/6/08 and weighing 6pounds 13 ounces.
Congratulations to mommy and daddy!
Another girlfriend for Hudson!!

Happy Anniversary!

Today JR and I celebrate our second anniversary... how time flies! It feels like just last week that I got married but so much has happened in that time! I graduated from law school, took and passed the bar exam, got two dogs, got pregnant, had Hudson, went to lots of weddings, watched tons of my friends turn into mommies, and started this blog (haha). Wonder what the next two years has in store!







My parents anniversary is also today! Happy 30th Anniversary to them!

Hats and Shoes

Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a thing for shoes (and lipgloss) and that thing for shoes extends to Hudson. Every day I try to put shoes and a hat on my little man because I think they are so darn cute. This is one of the ways to combat ALL the cute clothes for girls out there and the limited stuff for baby boys (seriously, boy stuff takes up only about 10-25% of a store and it is usually in the back corner. What's with that?). He has started to not like shoes. He is kicking them off, including the socks. I dont know how he does it but that just means I put them on his feet even more now. Plus, it is cold outside, so he needs something on his feet -- and head.



As for hats, I have been putting hats on Hudson since the day he was born -- back when he couldnt get them off. And for the most part, he still leaves them on even though he can get them off now. He does take them off when he is in his carseat... or when he is mad. Here is a look back at some of his best hats:

And here are his newest hats. Yes, a Harley Davidson do-rag.



This one is a bit too big - but will be cute soon!


And a baseball cap:

2008

We said goodbye to 2007, New York time. We relaxed in the jacuzzi and drank some champagne before we went to bed at 930pm. I am not at all sad about not staying up until midnight. In fact, I know more people who celebrated 'New York Style' than West Coast time.

This year seemed to fly by... 2007 will always be important to me because it was the year Hudson was born. In fact, looking back, 2007 was all about Hudson and not much else...

I dont do New Year's resolutions, but I am looking forward to a few things in 2008... My second anniversary (next week), my parents 30th wedding anniversary party (next week), a trip to Vegas in a few weeks, Hudson's 1st Birthday (in 3 months), mine and JR's 30th birthdays (June and May respectively), a few good friends' weddings, and possibly some discussions about baby Reynolds #2.

Lots to look forward to.... In the meantime, little Hudson is 9 months old today. He is turning out to be such a Mommy's little boy:

(wearing Auntie Rose's glasses).

Hudson's First Christmas - Part II

Having a full house in Big Bear was tons of fun, even though I was sick and Hudson was teething. We filled our days with eating, drinking, and shopping at the best store ever.

Hudson and Daddy.


Opening presents...



The babies fighting over Grandma B:



Here is a short clip of Hudson kicking and dancing with his legs (at the beginning of the video). He is like "Lord of the Dance" ... or whatever that guy is called.


Family photo...


Mommy and Hudson


Hudson still loves his bathtime.


Mornings with Hud... haha. Just kidding, he is actually a morning person but this photo is funny.

Hudson's First Christmas - Part I

We did an early Christmas with JR's side of the family since we were going to be in Big Bear on Christmas Eve. We had so much fun and the kids went crazy over all the toys. I got a video of Hudson opening his gigantic present from his Aunt Kelli, Uncle Jack and cousins Zack, Auggie and Ana... he got a little help from his cousins!



Here is a photo of him riding the train after Uncle Jack put it all together!


All the cousins! I cant get over how big Hudson looks and how he fits right in playing with his cousins!

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! Our little family is up in Big Bear and the weather here is beautiful. Crisp and cool but with the sun shining. Unfortunately, Hudson and I have been sick and he is teething, so it has been a more difficult weekend with very little sleep but there have been some great moments as well. On top of getting his top 3 teeth this weekend he also said "HI" for the first time and is waving at people like crazy. He likes to clap and he is standing longer and longer and will be walking in no time -- it is crazy to see a little baby stand. I had no idea he had such balance. It is also also a little scary with him becoming more daring. He has no fear -- he will stand and let go of whatever he was holding and reach/lean for something that is nowhere near (he hit his mouth/teeth twice this week when falling).
I will post pictures from this weekend when we get home...some with Hudson's cool new Christmas presents (including a train that he can ride!) but for now, here are some photos from a few weeks ago:

The Weekend

JR had his annual work Christmas party on Saturday night. I was in charge of planning it and I was very worried before we got there because the restaurant was not very good at communicating with me and everyone I talked to there said something different. The night turned out great. I was pleasantly surprised and I think everyone had a good time.


My grandparents recently arrived from New Mexico and are thrilled to spend some time with Hudson and Gianna.


And here is a photo of me (as the new Britney Spears) driving with Hudson on my lap... Before I get comments about how dangerous this is.... The car was not on, we are not moving and it was for two seconds while I grabbed my purse. But Hudson did like the steering wheel...


And lastly, I got elfed... or, actually, JR and Hudson got elfed.

Last Post About Sleep

I feel that all I talk about is sleep... or lack there of... And even though I know just how important sleep is based on not getting any, I am sick of writing/thinking/talking/reading about sleep. So this is the last sleep post...

Before I stop talking about sleep, I have a bit of sleep advice. I realize that I am probably the last person that should be handing out baby sleep advice seeing as my baby has many sleep issues but 1) things seem to be getting better, 2) I feel I must have learned something during my quest for better sleep, and 3) I have hindsight. Looking back, there is something that I would have done differently and so I thought I should share.

Things are getting better:
We started Ferber again (letting baby fall asleep on his own but checking on him, without picking him up, at increasing intervals). We had some really bad nights and some bad days. I honestly almost went in his room and picked him up so many times. As a mom, you convince yourself that your child needs you when they are crying -- maybe it is his teeth, maybe he has a fever, maybe he hit his head on the crib, maybe he has a poopy diaper...etc. But I didnt give in -- I let him cry in the hopes that he would learn to fall asleep on his own. I kept going in his room to calm him at increasing intervals without picking him up. To say it was hard is a major understatement. Now, I dont like to hear my baby cry... but it got to the point over the past few weeks and months where he was crying at all times of the night and no one was getting any sleep. JR and I realized, sadly, that he was so used to having us pat his back, hold him or nurse him to sleep that he couldnt fall asleep on his own without those aides (and each night, it would take longer and longer to put him to sleep because he knew we would pat him and then leave as soon as he fell asleep - so he would try not to fall asleep in order to get us to stay). I am happy to report that the past couple of nights he slept from 8pm to 5am without waking up. Oh the joy - words cannot describe.

Learned Something:
I started re-reading the Ferber book again and this time, I read an account of a baby with sleep habits identical to Hudson. Baby would fall asleep easily, nursing or with someone patting him on the back. He would sleep good for 3-4 hours and then between midnight and 4am wake up countless number of times. As Hudson started getting up more and more, I just started nursing him each time because I was tired and I knew it would stop the crying and it usually put him back to sleep fairly quickly. As he started to wake more, he realized that if cried he got to nurse. So he woke up more. And more. And more. And then he got to the point where he couldnt go back to sleep on his own if he woke up (and babies wake up all the time at night - so they need to know how to fall back asleep without you).

Hindsight:
Just a couple weeks ago, I told a friend that, if I could go back, I honestly didnt know what I would have done differently for Hudson's sleep. We were putting Hudson to bed awake and he was falling asleep... but in August something changed, he woke more, and I started reacting and created bad habits. Looking back, the week he started to sleep poorly was the week he got two teeth and we were in Big Bear. Both teething and traveling can negatively impact a baby's sleep. So, in hindsight, I shouldnt have reacted by getting up and nursing each time or patting his back each time. I should have suffered through a few bad nights and then got back on track by putting him to bed awake rather then helping him fall asleep each time, night after night, which was just a temporary-quick fix anyway.

Advice:
My advice, which should be taken with a grain of salt since all babies are different and I am clearly no expert, is to put your baby in bed awake (tired, of course, but awake) when they are around 3-4 months as much as you can. I know it is easier to place baby in his crib asleep because no one wants to hear their child cry. But your child will be crying later. And later, your child will be standing up in the crib or walking out of their bed and then it is really hard to change these sleep habits.

Working

A lot of people know that I did a little bit of work from home after Hudson was born but havent done much since. I am not really sure why that is. I know it would be good to get out of the house for a bit but some days it is hard to find time to shower or make the bed or get to the grocery store much less organize a sitter, get ready, think and act properly in an office of adults and actually work. It has been a while since I did anything law-related and so I was a bit nervous going back into the office on Thursday to pick up my newest assignment. The firm is nice enough to contract with me on an hourly basis so that I am not working full time and I can also work from home. It is mutually beneficial as they do not want to hire a full time employee but they do need more help when they get busy. I came home with piles of paperwork that I somehow need to find time to go through and I feel exhausted looking at it. When I got the work, I was a little excited. It felt good to talk about a case again but then I got home and immediately worried about how I would fit that into my current mommy-job. As I was leaving the office, one of the partners said, "It is far easier to come into the office then it is to stay at home with a child." And you know what, I think I agree. I dont think I agreed with that statement before I had Hudson and I am sure many of you out there wont agree with me now. I am not saying it is easy to work or be the 'breadwinner' but it is definitely not Oprah and eating bon-bons on the couch staying at home either (at least not with Hudson). So, I am not sure what is in store for me in terms of working. I think this set up could be good but I also have my doubts as to whether I can still turn in a good work product (especially on as little sleep as I have gotten over the last few months). We will see...

First Words, Dancing and a New Tooth

I knew Hudson's first word was not going to be mom, mommy or momma. Everyone says that dada is easier and so I didnt even get my hopes up. Hudson has been babbling dada and other similar noises for awhile but I am not so sure he knows exactly who dada is when he says the word. Well, now he is saying DOG. And he knows what a dog is. He says dog and looks at the dogs or sometimes points to a dog. If you say dog, he looks around until he finds one of our dogs. So.... I think his first real word is going to have to go down in the books as being DOG.

Check out this video of Hudson trying to eat a balloon. There is some crazy funny dance he does in the middle...

And here is his newest tooth - finally broke through on the top. I think he is getting two others very soon. Not fun but I cant wait to see him with more teeth.

8 Months Old

Hudson is weighing in at 18 pounds and 14 ounces... still over a pound less than Gianna! He feels heavier so everyone thought he would outweigh her but not this month!

Hudson and Ronan