SaNtA BaBy!

Ho! Ho! Ho!
Meeting Santa
December 5, 2010

We took Hudson to meet Santa yesterday after church. I was shocked. He did so good! Didn't cry a bit. Actually, I think he sort of liked Mr. Claus. And this was a real looking Santa Claus, I tell ya. So Micah and I were really excited their meeting went so well and bonus! We got it all on video. Haha! I know he's going to hate me later for this!

Santa pinching those sweet cheeks:)

I feel like Hudson was telling him what he wanted for Christmas this year:)

Picture taken by the photographer there.

Look how happy Santa makes him!

Thanksgiving 2010

So very thankful....

We celebrated this year at the Millers. It was so nice to have the whole family in town. Dianna, Josh, and the kids came up from Dallas for an entire week and Mrs. Miller's brother, Mark, and his son, Jared, also joined us from Little Rock. So yes, we had a full house.

Dianna's kids and Hudson posing for a pic

The spread...

Martha Stewart was there too - in the form of Mama Miller - who made ALL of the food. This woman is nothing short of amazing. It's ridiculous. I like to remind Micah that I will never be able to do all the things his mother is capable of...I wish I could but let's face it. No one is quite that talented. The woman can do anything.

Really. She can do anything. I am incredibly thankful for her and the example she sets as a loving, Christian wife and mother. She is awesome.

I am also thankful for my husband and all that he provides for our family. He has made a HUGE sacrifice this year letting me stay home and take care of Hudson. I miss GES, my teacher friends, and the kiddos of course. I mean, I love teaching. I really do. But I also really love being a mommy. It's the toughest job I've ever done but definitely the most rewarding and fulfilling. So I am very thankful I get to be a S.A.H.M. (stay at home mom) this year.

And of course I am thankful for this guy. He has blessed my life in ways I can't even explain. He is such a good, sweet baby and I am honored that I get to be his mama day in and day out.

My little Pilgrim baby:)

Hudson's Dedication

Hudson's Baby Dedication

Central Church

November 21, 2010

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

We dedicated Hudson at church on Nov. 21st. This was such a memorable and sweet moment for our family. Granna and Papaw were there of course and I was so thankful Dianna, Josh and the kids were able to be there too. And to add to that, so many of our friends came to support us which again, made the day so very special:) Hudson is incredibly blessed and loved by so many people!

Our friends from Sunday School - The Lancasters - have a boy that is a day older than Hudson. Josh was also dedicated the same day so it was nice to share this experience with our friends. Josh and Hudson have had several play dates together since they were born and we look forward to many many more! Look at these crazy boys!

The Miller and Palmer crew after the dedication (minus Hallie and Zacher)

Sweet friends that came to watch buddy get dedicated. 1/2 of this group is pregnant!

Our family

I am comforted knowing God has big plans for our little buddy. My biggest prayer for Hudson is that he comes to know Christ at an early age. I also pray that Micah and I give him the Christian upbringing he deserves and that God will guide us and direct us along the way.

Jackson's Baby Shower

Baby Shower for Jackson Ross Hopkins

-JRH-

We hosted a baby shower for Mekenzie and Dusty and their soon-to-arrive bundle of joy...Mr. Jackson Ross Hopkins! There were about a 100 people it seemed like at AJ's house. Most of the dudes stayed outside and the girls of course watched Mekenzie open all her gifts. She looked beautiful as always. Even at 8 months pregnant! Can't wait to meet the little man soon. He'll be here at the beginning of December we hope. Congrats Mekenz and Dusty!

Me and the Mama to be!

Mekenz and her Mama

All the hostesses

6 Month Checkup

6 month visit...shots, shots, and more shots

sitting up like a big boy

Slacker blogger here.

So at our 6 month appt (last month) Hudson had the joy of getting 3 shots plus the flu shot. He did good though. And as you can see he was in a good mood, sitting up and enjoying looking at himself in the mirror.

6 month stats

Weight: 15 lbs 9 oz - still 25%

Height: 25.75" - 50%

Head Circumference: 43 - 50%

I think I've been in and out of the pediatrian's office like 50 times in the last month and a half trying to figure out what the awful looking stuff is on Buddy's face. 4 different doctors and they all have something different to say about it....drool rash, eczema, imentigo, folliculitis, superficial bacterial infection, and the list goes on and on. Poor buddy. I've put a million different creams and ointments on his sweet little face in hopes of the "rash" going away but alas, it's still there. The last doctor told me to just let it run its course and leave it alone. So yeah, awesome. I just pray that the Lord who is the ultimate Physician will heal my little love chunk b/c it looks like no one else can:(

Hudson's 1st Halloween

Halloween 2010

We headed to Zoo Boo on Friday night with all the kiddos. We of course had never been before, it was fun. Very cold. Very. Hudson just kind of looked around at everything. Most of the zoo was blocked off to the public but they had activities for the kids, rides, trick or treat stations, and the best part was that everyone was dressed up. Well, the kids at least. (And Alicia - haha) It was fun getting to see all the costumes. I think Hudson might enjoy it better when he's a little older. But again, fun times with our friends and their children...

Us walking into the zoo

Our little Germantown Red Devil!

All the mommies at Zoo Boo

Saturday we just hung out. Micah went to the Ole Miss game with friends so Hudson and I just had a low key day at home. We took advantage of the nice fall weather outside and took a few pics with the pumpkins we never took the time to carve. Maybe next year...

Buddy with the pumpkins

Sunday was Halloween and we went over to Granna and Papaw's to trick or treat first. Hudson had a hay day with all the candy. Somebody already has a sweet tooth like his daddy. Hum, that's weird. Afterward we went over to Hayley and Keith's for dinner and to trick or treat in their neighborhood. Hudson was such a good boy and enjoyed all the scenery I think.

On Granna and Papaw's front porch

Sweet tooth much?

We had a fun Halloween 2010! Yay!

Getting Big

Somebody is growing up way too fast!

Look at all the new things we can do at 6 months!

getting ready to eat in my high chair

sitting up at the park playing

Last week was Fall Break around here so we got to spend some time with friends. Monday we took our first trip to The Big Back Yard at Memphis Botanic Gardens. And yes, we will be going back. I'm hoping to make a second trip when Dianna and the kids come up for Thanksgiving. Although Hudson isn't quite old enough to really enjoy it, I think he still had a good time. Tuesday we went to Daddy's final game against Arlington. G'Town lost:( But on a positive note, football is finally over and we have Micah back! Woo-hoo. That is reason to celebrate I tell ya. Wednesday we met Natalie and Addie at the park and hung out. Addie loves "Baby Hudson" so much...it really is adorable. Thursday was bible study at church like normal and Friday..well I can't really remember what we did Friday. Oh yes, another afternoon at the park. I'm taking advantage of the milder temperatures while I can because I know it won't last forever! Saturday we hosted a get together at our house for our Sunday School group. It was a lot of fun. We cooked out and had a bonfire, made smores, and watched Tennessee get murdered by Alabama:) What else is new? Haha. That's about it. Now we're just gearing up for all the fun Halloween festivities next weekend. Can't wait!

me and mommy at at The Big Back Yard

Addie loves him!!

Riley and Hudson are best friends:)

Halloween Bunco

Another Fun Bunco Night...

our creative costume - we were bunco!

Hosted by Debra at her beautiful home! It was Halloween themed of course, being that it is October:) And as always, I procrastinated in finding a costume and didn't really want to spend the money anyway so Emily, Natalie, and I went as "Bunco" - for those of you who do not play bunco is played with dice, 3 "die" actually. A roll of three 6's equals Bunco (Big Bunco for some) and there you have it. Cheap, inexpensive, and creative I must say! It was a fun night. I didn't win anything sadly, but Natalie was the big winner with a grand prize of $90.00. Wow. Can't wait for next month:)

cortney, me, nicole, and alicia

big money winners!

Fun, Fall, and Five Months

I realize Hudson is actually almost 6 months old and needless to say, I have been a slacker when it comes to keeping up the blog. I blame it on my ridiculous, only works when it wants to, outdated Dell computer. Which is why a MacBook Pro is on my wish list:)

Anyway, we've been quite busy these last few weeks. A trip to East TN to visit family, Julie's wedding, the Delta Fair, introducing rice cereal and oatmeal, play dates at the park, and even Hudson's first trip to the Memphis Zoo. The weather has been so nice - a little too hot for October if you ask me - but overall we enjoy getting outside and strolling over to the park at least once a day. Just me, Buddy, and ol' Riley girl. It's our new tradition. Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. And we still have so many fun things to look forward to in the next upcoming weeks.

But for now, here are a couple pics of our recent happenings. Enjoy!

He discovered his feet and LOVES them!

Sweet baby boy likes to swing

Playdate at the park with Hudson's friend Josh

Trying rice cereal for the first time. What a funny face!

First trip to the zoo - Teton Trek was amazing!

Julie's Wedding

Julie & Jeff's Wedding

September 25, 2010

Me with Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey David Pitta

Well, it's official.
Julie is now a Pitta.
It was such a beautiful wedding and a weekend of lots of fun. I LOVED getting to see friends that I hadn't seen in a while and of course getting to share this special time with Julie. She looked...so amazing! Prettiest bride award for sure.

LBH, me, and Ashley at the Rehearsal Dinner

All the girls:)

Side note: got to meet my Lindsey's new beau, Bryan Kelley, aka "BK". All I have to say is super awesome and studdly guy! I am so happy for her and approve 100% of this guy. I think he made a good impression on the rest of her family and friends too:) Yay BK!

BK and the ladies - love this guy!

Dara's Garden was a beautiful spot to host a wedding. I had never been there before but was really impressed. The rainy weather held off luckily so it made for a nice day - a little overcast and not too sweltering hot. The ceremony was outside and the reception was under a huge tent.

Representing the JCrew Twist Tank (our dresses)

Beautiful Bride:)

Me and Jules

Micah finally made it to Knoxville just in time! He and Hudson came for the ceremony and stayed for a little while after. I was glad Hudson got to experience his first wedding. And he did so great. Never fussed once. I thought he looked pretty darn cute too!!!

Our family at the reception

Julie & Jeff - we wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for allowing me to be about of your special day.

4 months is so fun!

So far it's my favorite...

at the doctor for a checkup

The 4 month stage that is. Buddy is really doing so much these days. He's really active and showing so much personality. Lots of smiling, cooing, and even laughing! August 14 was a big milestone - he rolled over for the first time. I was so proud! He's definitely keeping me on my toes. The only bad part - nap time has slowed down a bit. He'll take a little morning nap most days and a really long afternoon nap but that's about it! So I have to plan to get the majority of stuff done in the afternoons now - shower, emailing, facebook time, bible study homework, exercising - yep it's a challenge to fit it all in but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am really enjoying getting to stay home with Hudson. I love being able to watch him change and grow. Yes, I am extremely thankful to my husband for allowing me to do this. It is truly a sacrifice on Micah's part. I mean, we only have one income now and that is tough to say the least.

We went to see Dr. Kloek yesterday for Hudson's 4 month checkup and shots:( He got a clean bill of health so I am very thankful for that. He was even showing off a little for the doc...rolling over on the examination table. Haha! Everything looked good even though Hudson is still struggling going #2. The doc says he's fine and should grow out of it. I hope soon b/c this little problem of ours has been going on for 3 months now and it has me really really worried.

His current stats:

• 25 percentile for weight and head circumference (he weighs 13.7 lbs)

• 50-75 percentile for height (the doc thinks he's going to be long on lean! haha, yeah right)

He likes looking in the mirror:)

Here are a few other things going on now at the 4 month stage with buddy:

• sleeping through the night!
  

• 5 feedings a day - usually eats 6-7 oz. when given a bottle


• 2-3 naps per day


• likes tummy time


• rolls over


• smiles, makes cooing noises, and laughs


• loves TV! Especially Sesame Street


• enjoys bath time


• likes to play in the exersaucer and johnny jump up now (although no jumping yet)


• loves his hands - grasping stuff and sticking them in his mouth


• can suck his thumb

Julie's Bachelorette Weekend and More..

Julie's Bachelorette Party and
Hudson's 1st trip to the beach!
Destin, FL

So I took our baby on a bachelorette party. Horrible right?! Well, I didn't have much choice in the matter. See, Julie - the bride to be - wanted to go to Destin for her Bach and we were going to stay in my parent's friends condo. The plan was set and then we found out Daddy had to go on his annual company meeting. Awesome. Well the in-laws work and my parents were scared to keep Hudson since I was still breast feeding and quite frankly I didn't have enough milk stored up for little buddy anyway. I couldn't back out. 1) I'm the matron of honor 2) All of us girls were staying for free in the condo courtesy of my parent's friends. Basically if I backed out then we'd have to reset the plan and I didn't want that to happen on my account.

So we added one more to the trip. Good thing we have a pretty laid back baby. I knew he'd do fine once we got there but I was just a little nervous about the 8 hour car ride. And the more I thought about it the more I got excited because this would be Hudson's 1st trip to the beach. Photo op! Plus, if he was anything like mommy then I knew he was bound to fall in love instantly with the sun and the sand:)

Seeing the ocean for the 1st time

Taking a little siesta under the umbrella.

Julie's bachelorette party in full swing

Overall, I think everyone had a good time. The whole weekend was pretty relaxing. Lots of beach and pool time. Weather was nice. It rained in the afternoons a little but that didn't hold anyone back. Friday night I got a babysitter and we all went out to Red Bar in Grayton Beach for dinner followed by a little Bud 'n Alleys. And on Saturday everyone went to the outlet mall and enjoyed one of our all time favorites - Olive Garden. Haha! Who goes to OG while on vacation? Um, we do I guess. Then we came back and watched Julie open all her lingerie gifts. She got a lot of cute things. She seems ready for the big day! It's less than a month away. Thanks for a fun time girls. It was good to see everybody and I think Buddy had a good time as well:)

Happy Bachelorette!

Wedded Bliss

Celebrating 2 years today
August 2nd

Today is our 2 year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it's already been two years. That doesn't seem all that long to me, but Micah and I were talking last night and we both feel like we've been married for a lot longer than just two years. Not sure why that is really? Maybe because we cranked out a baby so fast? Maybe...

And I know I joke about how hard it is to be married to Micah...yes he's way too picky about EVERYTHING and sometimes his sarcastic remarks go way over the line but overall, he is a wonderful husband, father, leader, coach, and friend. I am so thankful the Lord brought us together in His timing. It really was perfect timing for both of us and where we were in our lives.

So thank you Micah for a wonderful two years of marriage - I look forward to many, many more with you! It's been a fun ride so far and I can't wait to see what all the Lord has in store for our family in the years to come. Here are a few shots of us from our wedding day back in '08.

Zacher, Dianna, me, and Micah posing for a family pic

First dance as husband and wife

The moment it became official!