hudson true {five years old}

 Hudson True is five years old! 

Or in other words, as someone said at his party...a whole entire handful. :)

He's full of life and spunk and passionate about whatever it is he is doing...or would like to be doing, or is upset about, or you know...just a lot of energy about all things in that little body of his.

So basically, he's smart and fun and also as ornery as they come.

He's stuck in the middle just a little in that the "big kids" often get privileges he isn't ready for, but Ezra and Olive are sometimes not big enough to play his games, so life can sometimes feel hard for him, but I stick to the theory that the marvelous middle is the best place to be (his mama is a middle child too). We can't wait to see what plans God has for you, Hudson True...even though you have already told me that unless you can live with your cousin Hazel when you grow up, you will stay living with Daddy and I FOREVER! ;)

Hudson chose haystacks  and fruit for the menu and opted for oreos and "number 5" cookies with ice cream (and SPrinkles!) instead of cake for dessert...which was simple enough but ended up being kind of a lot of last minute preparation (partly because of my own procrastination, which probably wasn't my best party plan, but it all worked out, and Tessa assisted with the guacamole making).:)

It is always special to have both sides of our family come and celebrate and as usual, there was plenty of help in opening gifts & cousin assistance in playing with the new gifts. :)

 The number five balloon provided decoration as well as plenty of photo opportunities and was well worth the $4.99 amazon purchase. :) Other after supper entertainment included trying on Uncle Jackson's work gear and some fun games of Hide & Seek and Whiffle Ball in the backyard. 

 Happy Birthday, Hudson True!

olive maris [one month]

Sweet Olive, you're one month old and we couldn't love you more. 

I am trying to soak up this tiny baby business because it truly goes so fast every single time.

Maybe it's because we've done this a few times before or maybe it's because you really are the sweetest baby, but you've been pretty much awesome at eating and sleeping so far. 

You eat every 2-3 hours and sleep a lot...and are even doing longer stretches at night (usually 3- 4 hours, but last night slept for 6 hours straight for the first time!), which makes everyone happy. 

You put up with lots of love and attention from your older siblings and seem to do well with lots of noise and chaos happening around you. :)

You are growing so quickly, getting pudgy little rolls on your legs and arms, and have already outgrown your newborn diapers and clothes. You look quite a bit like your older siblings, but have a look all your own as well. 

We chose your name because of it's meaning--a symbol of peace as the Olive Branch, and we think it fits you well already (your middle name Maris is after the baseball player, Roger Maris, who wore number 9---and you are the ninth grandchild on both sides of the family, which perhaps also speaks to your ability to handle lots of commotion!) 

You are a great snuggler and your little baby grunts and noises are so sweet.

We love you so, little miss and we love to watch you grow.

I had this bright idea to get a size 12-18 month outfit and have you take a photo wearing it every month until it actually fits you when you are a year old, but by the time I changed you into it this month, you were kind of over the photo shoot, although honestly, I think you're cute even when you're crying. :) We'll see if I actually keep this up until your first birthday and if I have better luck getting a happy photo next month. 

welcome sweet olive

Our sweet Olive Maris was born over a month ago, and I am finally getting around to posting about her arrival! She came quickly and without much fanfare after a fairly short labor, at the same hospital and delivered by the same doctor as the rest of her siblings and I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude for the safe delivery of our healthy baby girl. The kids were with Justin's parents and came to visit later that evening, then spent the next night at my parents' house and had so much fun with their grandparents while we spent a few days in the hospital soaking up her sweetness and resting before coming home.

Olive Maris :: September 7, 2017 :: 2:38 pm :: 7 lbs 3 oz :: 19.5 inches long ::

Here are few of my favorite photos from her first few days...

A few days after settling in at home, I set up a little "sheets and pillows" nest on the floor by the window and attempted some newborn photos, then a few days later attempted a few outside with the whole crew--with moderate success. :) I can hardly believe now how much she has grown since I took these. 

Olive, you are such a sweet little bundle of love. 

Maybe one day soon I'll catch up on more photos, but I'm not holding my breath. 

These will do for now, I suppose... :)