Spring Break

Why does spring break have to end?!?! I'm passionate about teaching, and I love my 19 school kiddos, but I also love being home with Hudson way more! We had such a fun week hanging out together. Friday, I was a little weepy. I realized it was my last day of spring break with my favorite little person. I'll be a mess tomorrow night, and I know I'll have to drag myself to work on Monday. I so treasure the days I get to spend with my Hudson.

We kicked off the start of spring break with a trip to the lake. Big Al had some landscaping he needed help with, and we all know that's not Shug's strong suit. Big Al, Andy, and Tucker worked on the landscaping project while everyone else played with Hudson and Prudence. Those two are already the best of friends. It's so sweet to watch them play and communicate with one another. Those two will keep us on our toes this summer for sure! We decided to stay the weekend to just get away and relax. It was a much needed little getaway.

I really wanted to do something fun over the break, so I planned a trip to the Birmingham Zoo. Shug, Mymama, Hudson and I met Andy, Emily, and Prudence for lunch in Birmingham. Then us girls plus Hudson (Uncle Andy had to go back to work. Bummer.) headed to the zoo. The weather was perfect for strolling around and checking out the many animals. Hudson's favorites were the monkeys and the Lorakeets.

The rest of the week was spent sleeping late (My child sleeps till 8; don't kill me!), running errands, and meeting our favorite UPS man for lunch. It was the best week! I've already started my days till summer countdown. I can't wait to spend this and every summer with my best boy!

Amanda

9 Months

The past 10 months have been the most joyous of my life. I say 10 months, because as of today, I'm officially one month and one day behind. I commend those moms that are able to keep their blogs updated. Unfortunately, I just don't have much free time anymore, but that's alright by me. Being a mom to my sweet boy is the best way to spend my time!

A good friend of mine just recently had baby number two, and it has reminded me about how truly special this time is. I was holding that sweet, precious newborn in my arms remembering that my angel boy was once that tiny. Seriously, where does the time go? I already find myself regretting not savoring every single moment of that precious time. Time I will never get back. Now, more than ever, I'm reminded to slow down and just be. Just be with Hudson. Enjoying his giggles and coos. His whines and cries. His smiles and silly faces. I just want to memorize him and his every move. I want to tuck these sweet memories away, so that one day, when he's too big for kisses and snuggles, I can pull them out and remember when he was my baby.

Nine months was a huge month for my H man. He is now a baby on the move! He started with what I call a military crawl. He was basically using his arms to drag himself from place to place. After about two weeks of that, he started crawling on his hands and knees. There's no stopping him now! He is getting faster and harder to keep up with, and of course, he's into everything!

Hudson has also reached another HUGE milestone. No bottle! We switched him to the the sippy cup, and there was no turning back. He took to it without any problems! I was excited, but sad at the same time. Every milestone he reaches is another reminder that he is growing up.

Hudson can now applaud for himself. He learned to clap this month! It's so much fun to watch him get excited and clap for himself. He also tried many new foods this month. He no longer eats "baby food". He mostly eats right from the table. This month he tried mac n cheese, watermelon, and cheese. So far it seems he's not going to be a picky eater. And if you've seen him lately, you can tell he doesn't miss a meal!

 This boy loves being outside!

 This is the only still shot we were able to get!

 On the move already! I love his silly faces!

This boy has stolen my heart!

Amanda

Twenty-nine

I can't believe I'm 29! I remember thinking when I was 18 how "old" 29 sounded. Now that I'm here, it doesn't quite seem so old! Ha! When I was 18 I had several goals that I wanted to achieve by the time I was 30. I was going to get married, get a good job, and have two children. And of course, live happily ever after. After a few bumps in the road, I have achieved most of my teenage dreams. 

My life is so full! Full of joy and happiness!  I wake up every morning thanking God for my many blessings. Two of those blessings are Tucker and Hudson. I love those boys to the moon and back! So on my birthday, I played hooky from school and spent the day with my two favorite people. 

My birthday included a fancy brunch at the Waffle House, nine holes of golf with my main squeeze, and a night out with my girlfriends. The next day, I was treated to a day of pampering at the spa. I can't think of any other way I'd rather celebrate! 

This was the best birthday ever, because it was my first birthday with this little dude! 

I can't wait to see what's in store for me this year. It's hard to imagine that it could get any better than this. Here's to the last year of my twenties!

Amanda