Introducing... BRIELLE!

Brielle Wright joined our family on August 29, 2013 at 1:55 pm weighing 7 lbs 2 oz and 20.5 inches long. WELCOME TO OUR CRAZY FAMILY! We have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little peanut. So far, we have adored every minute with her and we are SOOO happy she is finally here safe and sound. 

To briefly debrief on the birth-day...Thomas and I went in for the induction Thursday morning at 7:30 am where Dr. Hartman broke my water at 9 am and the nurse, Nicole, put me on a small amount of pitocin to make sure my body would start the labor process. Apparently my body was ready to do its thing because it took only a minimal dose to get things rolling. Because of our lengthy experience with Hudson, we were planning to be in that hospital labor room for the whole day---even on through the night. GRATEFULLY that was not the case with this labor and delivery! After my water was broken and my body was having regular contractions every 1 1/2 to 2 minutes the intensity began to increase in strength. I was warned beforehand that the contractions would be much more intense/feel different (or stay peaked instead of a gradual rise and fall) with the pitocin and this helped me mentally prepare a little bit better for what was ahead of me. We decided we wanted a better after birth experience with this delivery so I really wanted to go without the epidural. Just when I was about ready to check out entirely, emotions were running high and I told Tom to ask the nurse for an epidural, the doctor came in and told me that we were ready to push and get her here. YEAH!!! What relief to know that we were so close to meeting our little girl.

To cut to the chase... Brielle was born 5 hours and three pushes later after Thomas helped me survive the intense back labor by applying heat pad and counter-pressure during each contraction. It was a team effort for sure. Complete bliss when we were able to experience the arrival of our sweet baby girl---FINALLY holding her in our arms after waiting nearly two weeks past her due date. Thomas even got to cut the cord this time around! His shirt, pants and face were proof of it:)

Here's our little gal day 1 1/2. The cutest dimples in those ever so kissable cheeks. 

Leaving the hospital Saturday morning in her plush pink suit.

Our little sunning mammal. Brielle loves basking in the sunshine that pours through our bedroom window. She's her Mama's girl.

In celebration of MY labor day, we went to the beach and enjoyed a little picnic with my Mom on the legit Labor Day. Yes, it was all apart of my recovery. My Mom was so great to come out and help for a week and a half cooking meals, cleaning, manning Hudson and being amazing emotional support. She and Hudson did some major bonding as Grandma took my place as Hudson's best bud and partner in crime. She definitely earned her room and board in our front room on a luxurious blowup mattress. YOU'RE THE BEST OF TROOPERS MOM!!!

Our peach fuzz covered baby girl. She is sooo much fun with all the cute sounds, looks and miniature features. I feel like I'm playing with my favorite doll all day...except for the nursing side effects, black circles around my eyes and weight gain. I can't remember that being apart of my 4 year old experience.

Brielle's first doctor's appointment and back to her birth weight. Good job girly. I vowed I wouldn't put a satellite dish on my child, but here we are. I guess I forgot how small babies are when they are first born. She'll eventually grow into all the cute bows and headbands we've got for her:)

To Wait Is To Waste

Sydney's due date came and went as of last Friday...we are still awaiting this baby girl! SO! We decided to go camping in Wisconsin with our friends, Jess and Brian Francom. No sense in wasting a great summer weekend around the house:)

Hudson refused to go to sleep until after midnight... That night we also successfully cooked some delicious tinfoil dinners and managed to slam two bags of candy. Party animals? The worst kind.

Nothing like being a kid that absolutely loves trucks and is completely surrounded by rocks, dirt and bugs to load up into his dump truck and run over with his bulldozer. Now we're campin'!

Proof that we went camping on my due date! It was fantastic to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. The only problem was that wailing baby in the middle of the night that went on for nearly an hour like a forlorn coyote, all the while, sending me into contractions. Talk about a nightmare as I frantically tried to set a game plan for if things continued down the path they were going. YET---we survived the night! 

Morning came and we went to the lake where we went around the lake on a kayak with Jess and Brian. Hudson was LOVING the whole experience and nearly launched himself out of the boat multiple times. It was also really fun to watch a ski team that was doing their little acrobatics and formations on the lake while we were there. It made me feel like we were in an old movie:) Proof that I need to get out more...

Hudson is crazy about boats and every time we go down to the beach by our house he is the first to spot the motorboats and sailboats that pass by. Actually going around in a little boat of his own made his wildest dreams come true. 

We forgot to bring a swim diaper with us so by the end of our swim around, we had a 10 pound increase in Hudson's body weight. That thing was nasty and soaked as all get out! If not already proven before, we are officially a white trash family.

Oh, What Do You Do In the Summertime?

"Life is good." That company logo tells the truth. Although summer has been rainy, and somewhat chilly here in Chicago, we have managed to enjoy every minute of sun we are allotted. To recount a few important milestones: Hudson continues to prove to be the energetic, enthusiastic, independent two-year-old that we love so much, Tom finished boards part #1!!! YEAH! And we are eager to meet our new little girl in the next few days!!! To stray somewhat from the adored primary song...another few things we have been doing this summer include:

We still go to church...even though we live in Illinois:)

We have delightful naps---some of us more than others.

Mommy makes crib bed skirts (and brakes her sewing machine working on a baby quilt...awesome.) while we wait for the arrival of baby sister---any day now!

We go to Six Flags with our dear Indiana friends, the Navarros...whom we really miss!

We swim in the pool, to keep ourselves cool...*Note: Hudson ate the pavement the day before so he looks like he got sucked by a vampire on his forehead. Love gravity.

We sport our super HOT pink and purple jeep, just like real men do:)

And even spend countless hours at the playground with his best buddies, Carter and Owen.

Play Hard, Sleep Hard

A couple months ago, we tried to get this wild little guy to stay in his crib that we decided to transition into a toddler bed...it turned more into a hangout pad/bouncy house and it was somewhat of a nightmare for Mom and Dad! It was a long two weeks of no naps and several waking episodes in the middle of the night. But, we're no dummies:) Just as quick as we took that front crib bar off, we slapped it back on and decided to wait a titch longer. We weren't ready to give up sleep!
Now (as of last week) we went ahead and got an official "toddler bed" that Hudson completely loves. Amazingly enough, he has taken a whole new approach to this bed. He feels like such a big kid AND he sleeps!!! BAM! Win for all. Hopefully Hudson now won't feel that his little sister is taking over his bed once she starts sleeping in the crib. It was an exciting realization as we raised the crib mattress for our baby girl that is coming next month!

On the 4th, we got together with our ward and had a BBQ and played games. Hudson was absorbed in the bubble station for at least an hour of complete bliss.

In hea-ven...

We forced Dad to take a break from studying from boards part one to have a little relaxation time. Although we were a bad influence on his study habits, we lived it up and were happy to have had the afternoon to play together!

Later in the afternoon, we went down to our beach with our best friends the Tranters. This is Emily and Hudson embracing if you can call it that... Yes, she totally wears the pants in this relationship---nearly having a year on him:) I love these two.

We finally got Dad down to the beach after his strict study/school schedule this year! After this Wednesday we are hoping to be able to get more time with him at the beach. Fingers still crossed!!!

Hudson is crazy about his trucks, along with the water and sand combination that the beach presents. It is a recipe for filthy dirty and it has his name all over it. We can't escape without every inch of his body, hair, face, and every crevice being completely caked with sand. It somehow turns into glue on his skin. Don't ask me how. Our car is quickly becoming a sandy beach of its own, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We are loving the beach weather that has finally hit.

These two were difficult to capture on camera given they were racing, jumping and rolling all over the beach. It was soooo fun to enjoy a beautiful beach day!

Hudson slept hard that night upon returning from fireworks close to 11 o' clock at night. Hudson loved every minute of the firework display to say the least. He was running around, jumping, yelling....the excitement was just too much for one little body to hold in. We had a great time munching on freshly popped popcorn that I popped before we left---something Thomas claims my Dad would have gone to the work to do:) Of course food makes everything a better experience. Even if it is just popcorn. Happy 4th!

Baby, I'm 2!

Hudson turned 2 this month and we are so grateful for all the happiness he has brought our family the last two years! He is full of sunshine and joy:) We love you BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

The night before Hudson's birthday, his crazy Mom stayed up for an extra two hours blowing up balloons (a kicker to the cheeks!) and decorating the house with birthday paraphernalia. I think it was totally worth it for Hudson to wake up to a room filled with colorful balloons! He was in heaven. He didn't stop kicking, bouncing, popping and playing with them all day. Pretty exciting stuff.

Nothing like some good ol' syrupy waffles and ketchup with eggs (no, I didn't mix that order up) for a birthday breakfast on the "You are special today" plate:)

Hudson is crazy about BIG construction machines so I decided to make him this construction site birthday cake (with the contractor expertise of Dad, of course). Each machine had it's special placement on the cake and it was fun to make the cake much less than beautiful. Digging holes in the cake... throwing Oreos here and there... smashing up Crunch bars... hammering out Butterfingers...that is what I call making a cake!

Hudson was sure the cake was part of the gifted toy experience. When we took the toys off of the cake to start eating, he was so confused and kept asking for the cake only to put the machines back on it to continue construction as usual:) "What Mom??? We are supposed to eat this dirt pile and I can't play with my trucks on this thing tomorrow??? What a joke."

Along with some fantastic clothes and a cool DJ radio from Grandpa and Grandma Montague, Hudson got several SA-WEET model cars. I don't know who was more excited about them, but I'm pretty sure Dad was a close second.

That night Hudson refused to let any of the 5 construction trucks out of his arms. That has got to be comfortable sleeping on a dump truck, digger, steamroller, front loader and bulldozer. This little guy didn't see himself sleeping any other way.

All in all, it was a completely successful day! We got to play with Hudson's best buddies, Carter and Owen at the park while eating donuts and juice. Hudson got to kick balloons, watch some Curious George, play with his cake and new toys and have his way--- the whole day. Life is good when you're 2! We love you!!!

Round #2 Anyone?

This month, we were lucky enough to have both Grandma and Grandpa Montague make it out to see us here in Chicago! Grandma Lisa has seen us since we've been out here, but this was Grandpa Terry's first time so we were pumped to show him a good time. It was such a great few days. We were able to spend our time playing at the park, going to the Shedd Aquarium, flying kites, going for picnics and hikes, playing at the beach, and letting my parents enjoy our adorable City of Lake Forest in all its charm.

My beautiful Mother and Hudson's Grandma:)

My Mom finished and brought out with her this awesome quilt that was covered in pockets from jeans, jackets and corduroys I wore during high school. She had a great idea to make a game out of it for Hudson so we hid a bunch of toys in the pockets and let the hunt for goodies begin. I think Hudson was wishing there were more pockets!

The first evening my parents arrived in town, it turned out chilly...imagine that? Cold. Chicago? We managed to get out anyway and let Hudson run around with the soccerball, pop bubbles and explore the playground he so loves. My Dad was so cute with Hudson as he got a kick out of all the little things he does. 

It was a riot to watch Hudson's enthusiasm while at the aquarium! His volume was 110% the ENTIRE time:)

Oh my gosh Mom! Seriously, you never told me fish were this COOL!!! AHHHH! This is the BEST!

He couldn't resist. This little tornado was going 100 mph throughout the whole aquarium. Nothing was too bland or even semi-oridanry to him. I think the people around us were thinking, "Shoot, you really gotta get your little guy out more often..." We all concluded that watching Hudson was well-worth the steep price of admission:)

Just had to try out the penguin suit. As it turns out, Hudson is a complete natural and would have run away from home to join the penguins if we hadn't dragged him away from the scene.

Hand on the hip. Relaxed stance. Cute-a-licious smile. Hudson had soooo much fun having the extra eyes to watch him as he played and laughed hard.

Grandma absolutely spoiled this boy while she was here. He was doted upon in every way, cuddled, kissed... you name it and the "Grandma-of-the-year" catered to this little man's every wish.

Since the news of our baby girl coming in just a couple months (we're soooooo excited!!!!), I have been looking forward to making bows with my Mom. We got busy and were able to bust out quite a few! It was a blast to have work alongside her skills and creativity. Couldn't have pushed through without you Mom!!!

My Mom also has some serious skills in a lot of other areas---wreath making to name just one more. We whipped this little beauty out in a little over an hour and I am proud to take my tiny portion of credit for it:) It is so cheery and has made the entryway to our home so happy and inviting! Thanks for all your help and expertise Mom!

Mama's Day, Her Way

I can't believe how much I love Mother's Day. It has become one of my favorite holidays. Thomas is super sweet, appreciative and helpful:) (not that you aren't always just so Tom...), Hudson just keeps getting cuter, and we couldn't be more excited about our little girl coming in just a few short months. Now that I'm entering my last trimester, I am feeling like it's game time whether or no we decide to put on our gear, pads and helmets---put us in coach!

Thomas is in the final week of his second year at Rosalind Franklin University Medical School and we are pumped to say ADIOS to another year! Not to mention, this has been an absolute beastly year...Thomas has been swamped with every minute consumed by school obligations and we have missed him at home more than we can say. Once he takes boards in July, we will feel a huge weight lifted and hopefully get to see more of his cute face. Way to go Tom! One step closer.

Speaking of cute faces...Hudson has become a camera "ham". He was enjoying a smoothie one minute and then he is cheesing it for the camera the next. I love that I don't get the deer-in-the-headlights look from him anymore when he sees the camera.

This is anything but attractive, but look how proud he is of himself. Exploring his little-boy body. We are quickly noticing that Hudson loves to tease. He does things to make us laugh and then adds it to his repertoire of jokes to cycle through. Did anyone say, "almost two"???

As I used to say, while sticking my head out the car window as a little girl, "HI TO ALL MY FRIENDS!" This is our presently active, happy, social little boy. He has made quite a few comrades at the playground and has initiated himself as one of the big kids. It is really quite comical to watch as a group of 11 year old boys flock around him. The change in weather has given him an extra boost of energy (I frankly didn't think I could imagine any more energy) and he lives to run, jump and play outside. We are sleeping a little more soundly these days.