Three

Today, Tucker and I are celebrating our three year wedding anniversary. I can't help but make the connection with the letter three this year; we have been married for three years, and Hudson will make three humans in our family. (Bandit is an honorary human. :)) I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year. He has already blessed us immensely, and he has given us the best gift of all, a child.

I am dedicating this blog to my husband, Tucker. Three years ago, I married my best friend. I know many people say that, but in this case it is absolutely true. I would rather spend a day with him over my very best girlfriend any day. He gets to see a side of me that no one else gets to see. I think every one knows I can be a bit silly and goofy at times, but he really gets to see it. Sometimes I feel like he is the only person I can truly be myself around. He understands me better than anyone else, and the best part is that he joins right in with me.

He also gets to see the ugly not so nice part of me (yes, even I have a bad side). He loves me despite my flaws and anxieties. He lets me be a backseat driver, listens to me complain about him playing golf too much, and does his best to keep me cool, warm, and fed! Ha! He is also the sweetest and most thoughtful person I know (other than my mother-in-law...I wonder where Tucker gets it?) He even gets up with me in the middle  of the night to eat a snack when I'm hungry. Not many women can say that about their husband, but I'm lucky because I can!

I know he is going to be an amazing daddy to Hudson! I can't wait to see the look on his face when he lays eyes on his son for the first time. We have such an amazing journey ahead of us! I would not change one thing about my life. I am so happy! Happy is not even the word...it's pure joy. I feel pure joy in my heart. Tucker and the sweet baby boy I'm carrying are the main reasons for that joy and happiness.

Tonight we will enjoy each other's company at a nice dinner. It will probably be one of the last times we get to do this before Hudson's arrival. Then who knows when we will have another opportunity! Therefore, I'm going to soak up every last minute with my handsome husband. Here's to many more happy years together!

Amanda

Preparing for Baby

Labor and delivery classes.... check, lactation class....check, hospital tour....check. Yep, we are preparing for the arrival of Hudson. He won't be here for another 9 weeks, but when he gets here, hopefully,we will be ready. We have another labor and delivery class tonight. We have decided to sit in the back for the rest of the classes. Tucker and I got into a little trouble at the first class. We knew there would be the possibility of a video, and I had forewarned Tucker and talked to him about being a mature adult. Little did I know, I would be the one cracking up and getting us into trouble. The video came on, and I was intensely uncomfortable. Next thing you know, I'm like a kid in church trying to suppress a giggle. And we all know what happens when you try to suppress a giggle....more giggles! Then Tucker started giggling because I was so tickled.

I could feel the cold, icy stares of our peers. They were judging us. They decided right then and there, that the Boswell's were not mature enough to bring a child into this world. They are probably already praying for our child. Tucker and I just think they are too uptight. They will probably die early from stress and lack of fun in their lives. Ha! We shall see how things go tonight:)

A few weeks ago, my sweet friends Virginia and Elizabeth (and their husbands Andy and Lofton) hosted our first baby shower. Tucker and I are so blessed to have friends that care enough to do something like that for us. We can't wait to return the favor someday:)

 Love the invitation :)

 My precious friends, Virginia and Elizabeth.

 We were so excited that some of our family got to attend!

The diaper cake Virginia made.

It was such a fun night, and a great way to start this busy month. Looking at these pictures, I've realized that I've gained about 10 lbs in my face alone! Ha! Like I said earlier, we only have 9 more weeks, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if Hudson wanted to come about a week earlier ;) Have a great week!

Amanda

Baby Hudson

A few weeks ago, I went for my 4D ultrasound. I can't believe what they can now do with technology. It's amazing! Hudson actually looked like a real baby! Yes, I know he is a real baby...you know what I mean :) He was so funny, too! I made sure to eat plenty of snacks before I left so he would be good and wiggly. And while he was wiggly, he wouldn't move his hands from in front of his little face. The ultrasound tech tried her hardest to get a good picture without his hand being in it, to no avail! What can I say...my child is a stinker! Ha! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree :)

 He was using both hands to cover his face in this shot!

I can't believe we only have 11 more weeks until he is scheduled to arrive! I am so ready to meet this little one! I have to admit that pregnancy has started to wear on me a bit. Aches, pains, and sleeplessness have set in, and I spend most of my time being very uncomfortable. But it will all be worth it very soon! I would not take away one ache, pain, or sleepless night, for my reward will be greater than my suffering! Bringing a child into this world is one of the best feelings in the world. I love to feel those jabs, kicks, and hiccups everyday. I love this little one so much, and I can only imagine the love I will feel for him when I see him for the first time.

Amanda

Lake Renovations

Tucker and I are so excited about the renovations taking place at the lake. The house is getting a complete overhaul, not that it needed it, but we did need a little more space with our growing families. Before, there were only three bedrooms and two and a half baths. After the additions, we will have five bedrooms and three baths, plus a sleeping room complete with bunk beds for our growing kiddos. It is due to be finished in April, right on time before the lake season begins!

Tucker and I visited the lake last weekend to see the progress that was being made. Phyllis, Al, and Mymama were meeting with the builder to make some final decisions on some things. I was really impressed with the progress that had already been made, considering they started the renovating in January. It was also exciting to imagine the final product. Hudson and I may be spending most of our summer at the lake:)

 The view when you drive up. The right side of the addition will have a fabulous patio.

 The sleeping room for the grandbabies.

 A much bigger bathroom.

 This hallway separates the new addition from the existing part of the house. There is a door on each side. Let's hope the kiddos don't try to escape! Ha!

 New bedroom

 Second new bedroom

 New Bathroom

There used to be a screened porch here, but now it will have windows. 

The lake is our home away from home. It's truly one of our favorite places to be. We are so thankful to Phyllis and Al for making this place even more enjoyable. This will be a place that we will enjoy for a lifetime, and so will our children and grandchildren someday. I can't wait to get little Hudson's toes wet! I can just see him in his little swimmies and floppy hat now, with his cousin Prudence right next to him. This summer is going to be fun!

Amanda

A Diva in Training

I loved playing with dolls as a kid. I hate to admit this, but I played with my Barbie dolls until I was fourteen. My favorite thing to do with my dolls was to play dress up with them. Now that Prudence Rae is here, I have a living and breathing doll to play with!

Phyllis, Emily, and I had a mini photo shoot with little Pru this weekend. One of Emily's friends made the most adorable tutu's for Prudence, and we had matching headbands! We were in heaven! At first, Prudence was not a fan. Our little diva demanded a bottle before her performance :) Us girls completely understood! It's hard to work on an empty stomach! And even though Prudence was a little grumpy then, I know someday she will thank us.

 Our little ballerina

 Shug and Mommy giving Pru a pep talk! Being beautiful is hard work!

We had to bring in the reinforcements! Daddy had to come sing to his little girl :)

 My favorite :)

Future Auburn cheerleader...I think so!

It was so hard to leave this little girl. I just love her to pieces, and I can't wait for her to meet her cousin Hudson. They are going to be best friends! 

Amanda

Another Year Younger

This weekend Tucker and I went to Calera to celebrate Phyllis's birthday and to visit the sweetest little girl ever, Prudence Rae! Saturday, Phyllis, Emily and I had a girl's day out. We had a delicious lunch at The Tavern in Birmingham, then we were off to see the play "Billy Elliot" at the BJCC. It was one of my absolute favorite days, full of some of my favorite people, doing some of my favorite things. 

Later that night, we had a to die for steak cooked by the Andy Fuller. Only he can make a well done steak taste delish! Then we brought out the cake, opened presents, and celebrated our sweet Phyllis!

Us girls before the play.

Happy 26th Birthday, Shug!

I can't tell you how fortunate I am to have this woman in my life. She is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and genuine people I know. I hope to be half the mother to Hudson as she has been to Tucker and Emily. She is my ultimate cheerleader, and I love her dearly. I feel so blessed to love my mother-in-law and have the great relationship that we have. 

We love you, Shug!

Love,

Tucker, Amanda, and Hudson

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Wow! This month has been busy! I feel like I have barely been able to take a breath. There is so much going on in our little world lately. First, I have an intern and a lab student this semester. Surprisingly, I have enjoyed it. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to let go of the control, and I'm still working on it, but I'm doing pretty good so far. My intern is fabulous, and with her help, I have been able to get so much accomplished. So far, we have left everyday this week at 3:30. That almost never happens. My lab student will come every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I met her on Monday, and she seems eager to get started. That's one quality I'm definitely looking for. Having this help really comes in handy when you're pregnant. Being able to go to the restroom any time I want is amazing, plus I get to rest a little:)

Tucker and I have been busy every weekend this month, and I know we are only going to get busier the closer we get to Hudson's due date. Last weekend, we went to Montgomery to celebrate the engagement of our sweet friends, Reese and Jenifer. We are so excited for them! The weekend before that, Tucker and I registered for our upcoming showers. That was a daunting task in itself! Thank goodness I have a wonderful sister-in-law who doesn't mind me calling her several times in an hour! Ha! I also have amazing Mommy friends that recommended products and brands that they liked and were pleased with. I can't thank them enough for their help!

Hudson has diapers!

Tucker and I at Reese and Jenifer's engagement party. (25 weeks)

We had a great time visiting with old friends!

On top of all of that, Tucker and I have tried to work on the nursery here and there. I saw on Pinterest where a woman made book shelves for her child's bedroom using a pallet. Following her directions, (well, most of her directions), Tucker made them for Hudson's room. I was a little skeptical at first, but they turned out great. Thank goodness I have a handy husband that's good with his tools! This weekend, our goal is to hang curtains in Hudson's room.

 Before (Tucker had already cut the pallet)

 After

It's almost ready!

On another note, Tucker and I have decided to join the First United Methodist Church in Opelika. We will officially join this Sunday. We have been visiting for several weeks, and we feel like God is leading us there. It has everything we are looking for in a church home. They have a traditional Sunday school class, and they also have one for young adults in our similar situation. Fortunately, we already know many of the couples attending, and most of them have just had a baby or are due soon. We are excited that Hudson will have so many friends, and he will have a loving church family.

In a way, I'm glad that we have been so busy and will be so busy. It makes it seem like time is going by faster. I can't believe little Hudson will be here in 15 weeks (more or less)! We can't wait to meet him!

Amanda