Bragging Rights

It's been 3 nights in a row that Hudson has slept from 10pm to 3am (last night till 4am). Hudson, you little rockstar you!

Ryker, you rock too! You've been sleeping all night in your big boy bunkbed for over a week now.

Bless you boys!

Brotherly Love

Everyone always wants to know how Ryker is adjusting to his new little brother.  While I don't have anything to compare him to, I'd have to say that he is adjusting perfectly.  In the beginning he was rough with him and I expect that to continue.  They are brothers, of course.  But as we continue to teach him to "be sweet", he is learning more and more how to love on "Baby Hudson" (which is what he calls him).  My favorite is when he waves at Hudson and says "Hey, baby Hudson". 

Don't get me wrong, he does get a little jealous.  For instance, when someone is holding Hudson or I'm nursing him, Ryker will say, "I wanna hold you".  He loves kissing Hudson's feet, patting his head and giving him tight hugs.  It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. 

Hudson meets Houston

With my birthday coming up and the walls drawing in at the house, it was time to get some fresh Houston air.   Justin and Mamma agreed to take good care of Ryker while we were gone. 

Cozy and ready for his first road trip!

Pretty girls at Uptown Sushi

Handsome Hudson at Uptown Sushi

Getting some shut eye at Lovey's.  He was a trooper!

Tummy time! Relaxing from long day of shopping

Manis and Pedis

My sweet boys back home.  I got this picture from them with the text "we love you mommy".  I missed them so much! Wednesday to Sunday was a long time to be away.  Although my girls spoiled me on birthday, I didn't like being away from my boys on my special day.

Birthday dinner at Jill's apartment - balloon, wine, cupcakes and candles.  Love.

Sent by text: "Morning Mommy"

Excited to see me, but more excited about his prizes!

My boys

Ryker meets Hudson

This was special. Mom and Mamma brought Ryker to the hospital where me, Justin and Hudson were anxiously waiting for them. It would be Ryker's first time to meet his baby brother Hudson.

Ryker was all smiles when he walked into the hospital room. Looking handsome in his long sleeve striped polo. I think he was just as excited as we were. He quickly hugged me and (to my surprise) was not at all bothered by me being in the hospital bed. I would think most 2 year olds would be apprehensive about seeing mom in that unfamiliar room, but he didn't seem to even notice. He was more focused on baby brother than he was on me. He never stopped smiling as we asked him questions like "Who is that Ryker?" pointing at Hudson to which he responded "Baby Hudson". He kissed him on his foot and told us "He's going to get me. He's going to get you too Mamma". I understood this as he's going to play with us. It was so sweet. Priceless.

Ryker is going to be such a great big brother. I can't wait to watch these two grow up together! We promise to cherish every waking moment.

We were so captured by Ryker's reaction that we couldn't work the camera fast enough. So although we don't have as many pictures as I'd like (or video for that matter), it will forever be embedded in my heart and I will never ever forget a second of this special moment.

Ryker entering the hospital room, taking it all in.

Seeing Hudson for the first time

He was jumping up and down on the couch holding on to Hudson's bed. Made Mamma just a tad nervous! I think Hudson will have to get used to this.

My big boy!

My favorite part of the day

My favorite part of the day is after bath time, before bed. He loves his big lamb (and being naked). He runs and jumps on him and gives him kisses. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

(Giving me sweet eyes - I had to throw this one it)

He's a Keeper!

There was no doubt in my mind that Justin would be a great Dad. That's one of the reasons I married him. But nothing could prepare me for the joy I would feel when I watch him with our baby boy. He's been a confident Dad right from the start. He handles Ryker all on his own and doesn't need (or want) me to tell him what to do or how to do it...he knows. Being a father has come naturally to him right from the beginning.

I love listening to the conversations they share. One-sided of course, but Ryker stares at his dad and listens intently, as if not wanting to miss a word. I know Justin will be a hands-on father and offer our son the guidance, love and support that can only come from a good dad.

Thank you Justin for being our rock. We love you!

Here are some of my favorite father/son moments in their short 3 1/2 months together. May God continue to bless us with many, many more.

My Boys!

And a special shout out to Papa Chet and Poppy. We know that you will be much more lenient on Ryker than you were on the two of us!!