All smiles these days. Life is good!

Blog, I’ve missed you! Nothing like a contentious election, a trip to Mexico and Thanksgiving to really derail the ol’ creativity. But I’m back, with so much to share! I never did get around to that three month update on Hudson, but since we’re heading into 4 months in just about a week (what?!) I’ll combine all of Hudson’s latest favorites and feats into one update then.

I’m heading back to work part-time tomorrow and every other minute I think I am either totally ready to go, or that there is no way I am ready to close this chapter of snuggly days at home with Hudson. One thing I do know for sure is that I feel incredibly fortunate that my awesome employer gives new moms a generous maternity leave and as much flexibility as possible (i.e. coming back part time!) upon return. I think of mamas that have to leave their babies after just six weeks and I want to cry. Did you know that our government offers less support (in terms of paid leave) for new mothers than any other country in the world except for PAPAU NEW GUINEA? Pretty appalling, isn’t it?

I’m also incredibly fortunate that we have family in the area to support us. My awesome mother-in-law is basically a professional grandparent and will be coming in to the city a few times a week to watch Hudson while I’m at work. I know he’ll be in the best hands and having a lot of fun while I’m gone—and let’s face it, it’s good for him to see more than my face staring at him 24/7.

So, while times are changing, I really couldn’t ask for a better situation. And I’m excited to wear real clothes again a few times a week 😃

On to the pictures. Here’s a few of my favorites from my camera roll over the past weeks!

Mexico

The pier where we got married in March of 2015!

Mexico deserves its own post but in short, it was glorious. Before I left, I was totally freaked out about being away from Hudson. But as soon as J and I were on that plane with a celebratory mimosa in hand, I was just fine. It felt great to remember what it was like when it was just Jason and I… and it felt even better to come back to our happy little guy.

 

Thanksgiving

Hudson’s first Thanksgiving was, as they say, a great success. Except now I’m bummed that I didn’t buy him an embarrassing turkey outfit to wear. Thanks, social media. There’s always next year, right?

Huds stayed with his grandparents while we were in Mexico (his first “vacation!”) so J and I came straight from the airport to their house to camp out for a few days and celebrate the holiday. On Wednesday night, we attended a local party called the Turkey Testicle Festival—not joking. Sadly, no photos from that one! You’ll have to take my word for it: unbelievable people watching. And actual buckets of fried turkey testicles being passed around, which officially made a liar of me for for my promise to always try every food at least once. Couldn’t do it! I think I’m okay with that.

Thanksgiving Day was perfect: J and his dad watching football with Hudson, food prep, a few glasses of sparkling wine and a great dinner with Jason’s extended family. Hudson played quietly in his swing for most of the dinner and then joined us at the table at the end like the little angel baby that he is!

It was my first Thanksgiving not spent with my own family and I missed them tons, but everyone had fun plans of their own and I’m excited that we’ll all be together over Christmas.

We are so fortunate and I love Thanksgiving for the reminder to count our blessings. This year, I’m feeling more gratitude than ever before.

 

Life

I was talking with Jason’s parents over the holiday about the little moments, and how they’re really the special times. It’s easier to recall the big things, like holidays or vacations. But, my sappy heart knows that when I look back over these first months of Huds’ little life, I’ll think of the snuggles, walks in the park and playing in his nursery.

My pile of boys! And Blitzen fighting to reclaim his turf, little by little. Despite his face, he loves his brother, I swear.

The squishy lips <3

I remember when he was born wondering why I’d ever freaked out about getting his nursery done! Thankfully, we’re spending a lot of time in there playing these days.

My heart! Big and little 🙂 (Note Blitzen’s unamused stare in the background.)

Crashed out after too much fun from a visit from Nana!

My little bear/giant baby!

Hudson the elf, what’s your favorite color? 

We’re in full-blown holiday mode around here. One of the things I love most about Jason is our shared excitement for the holidays, and we’re more into decorating and celebrating than ever since it’s Huds’ first Christmas! I think we’re basically living in a fishbowl with all of the lights in here. Our fellow high-rise dwellers with a view of our place must think we’re nuts. I still have some finishing touches to put up later today, but I’m hoping to document this madness to show Hudson later when he can actually appreciate our efforts 😃 But I will say he seems to like the lights!

Whew. This was all over the place, but that’s life, right? Cheers friends. Hope your holiday season is off to a great start!