Catching Up: The Last 8 Months

Well, I almost gave up on blogging but decided to give it a try one more time and see if I can maintain it a little better this time!  So I'll start by touching on the last eight months of our lives. These have been the best eight months! 

February:  My last post was on February 18.  Seven days later, on February 25,  Hudson Kolby came!  It was one of the most bittersweet times of my life.  If you have ever had a baby you understand why it was bittersweet.  The bitter part (actually delivering) need not be explained.  The sweet part is just that...sweet!  The first time I laid eyes on my baby boy my heart melted.  I love him so much!  We went to the hospital on February 24 to have our weekly stress test to make sure he was still doing ok.  His heart rate was going down so my doctor immediately induced me.  I wish I could say the rest went so quickly but it did not.  Nineteen and a half hours later, he finally arrived.  We were kept in the hospital for the next few days and were visited by many different friends and family members.  After we left the hospital, I stayed at my parents in Coalville so I could recooperate and get some help.  Kolby had to get back to work breeding the minkies so it was nice to have people around to help! 

March:  March brought me back to Logan and back to real life- a little different real life than before.  Taking care of a baby is hard work! Bottles, diapers, baths, as well as the norm of cleaning and cooking.   However, I absolutely love the time I have to stay home with him and wouldn't trade it for anything! 
At the end of March, I reluctantly took my one month old baby to Disneyland to watch my sister at cheer nationals.  I was nervous the entire time I was there, making everyone sanitize their hands constantly while I was lysoling everything.  My sister Candace, my mom, and I left a few days early and drove.  We stayed in Las Vegas one night and then arrived in Anaheim the next day.  My dad and sister Cara flew and met us there.  Kolby had to stay home and work.  All in all, I had a great time at my favorite place!  Hudson was able to go on a few rides, It's A Small World being his favorite.  His eyes were so wide as he watched the colors and listened to the music.  I bet when he's older and I tell him that was his favorite ride, he won't be as happy!

April:  Because I am writing this so far after the fact, I can't remember much exciting going on in April.  I basically just stayed home with baby Hudson, dressing him up in different outfits a few times a day.  We decorated eggs for Easter, which I'm sure Hudson had a blast doing ha!  We had Easter morning in Coalville.  Hudson got his own Easter basket, which I'm sure he appreciated.  Later on we went to Oakley to eat Easter dinner.  It is so nice to just spend time with family.  Hudson gets spoiled wherever he goes so that is nice too. 

May:  May brought Hudson's blessing day.  He was blessed on May 15 at his grandparents house in Oakley.  There were so many family members and friends there to celebrate with us.  Kolby gave a wonderful blessing and I was so proud of him for it!  After the blessing we ate sandwiches, salads, chips, and cake.  And of course we visited!  It was a very memorable day! 

A few days later Hudson had his first airplane ride.  Kolby had to go to Seattle for some business so Hudson and I tagged along.  He did so good on the plane and everywhere else that we took him.  While Kolby was in meetings, Hudson and I drove all over finding places to shop.  When the meetings were over, we all went to Pike Place Market and walked around, making sure to get some clam chowder on the way.  Even though it was a short trip, it was one I will always remember.

June:  When summer finally came I was so excited!  Our neighborhood is full of kids, including two babies around Hudson's age, Tate and Tytan.  It was fun to sit out with friends and chat for a few hours everyday.  I did manage to get my housework and errands done in between though.  Hudson went swimming for the first time as well, first in his own little pool and then at the Logan Aquatic Center.  He loves the water!

Hudson, Tytan, and Tate

At the end of June Kolby had more business in New York City, so once again Hudson and I tagged along.  We also brought Aunt Aubrey and Grandma and Grandpa Smith.   The plane ride was very long, with a layover each way, but once again my sweet baby was fantastic.  When we got off the plane in NYC, the stewardess said to the people around us, "I bet you didn't even know he was on board!"  He really was that good!  Anyway, when we arrived in NYC I immediately remembered why it is one of my favorite places in the world.  There is so much going on and so many people.  I just love it! We stayed at a hotel right by the United Nations.  The UN was in progress so we saw all of the flags up and the cars of many dignitaries rolling around the streets.  Aub and I strolled baby Hudson all over the Times Square area.  We shopped til we dropped and then shopped some more.  My parents joined us the second day and we went on a few tours around town.  We also went to see The Addams Family on Broadway.  I'm not one for musicals but if you have not been to Broadway you should go.  It's like a movie in real life.  To top it all off we went to a Yankees game, one of the funnest things I've done!  The stadium is amazing and the view from the stadium is even better.  I loved watching a baseball game with a view of the city.  New York City brought us some great memories that I hope we can relive every year!  Once we arrived home, we said goodbye to Kolby's brother, Brayden, as he set out on his mission to Peru.  It was very hard but we are so proud of him for doing what he felt he needed to do! 

Shopping at Macy's

Yankees Game

July:  One of my most favorite holidays, July 4th, was celebrated in Oakley.  We went to the parade, ate lunch at the PK, went to the kid's rodeo, watched Carter get drenched by the firetruck, and ended the day at the famous Oakley rodeo.  Grandma Lesa bought Hudson his own rodeo shirt so he was in style.  The weather was great and the rodeo was even better.  Before bed we lit some fireworks as the finale of our celebrations.  July is simply my favorite time of year! 

At the end of July we took Hudson to the rodeo in Preston, ID which didn't disappoint.  Preston is a cute little town with a super big rodeo.  We enjoyed celebrating the 24th there. 

August:  Fairtime!  Another favorite of mine!  Even though we don't live in Summit County anymore, we still had to go back to the fair.  We went to the derby, rodeo, and parade.  I thought the derby would be too loud for Hudson but he watched with amazement and enjoyed every second.  On Saturday Hudson was able to put on his rodeo garb again, this time adding a new cowboy hat.  He didn't like the hat so much but we sure liked it.  So cute!

At the end of August we took Hudson to get his six month pictures.  We had a great local photographer take them at the park and they turned out adorable! 

September:  To celebrate my 24th birthday, Kolby took me to lunch and then bought me an Ipad.  He is so good to me!  Later we went down to Ogden to meet my family for dinner.  Even though we were celebrating me getting older, it was still great to be with family.  The next week we went to stay in Salt Lake and go to the zoo.  We took Hudson swimming at the pool and just relaxed.  The next day we met Kolby's mom and brother at the zoo.  Hudson and I rode the train and carousel together.  He loved the rides as much as the animals! 

October:  Today is October 4, so I have finally made it to the present.  I'm sure I missed lots that happened these past few months but at least I hit some high points.  On Saturday we went to Lagoon with Kolby's family.  It was a great day and not too crowded.  Hudson was able to ride one ride, the carousel.  The rest of the day he got passed around while we rode ride after ride.  I left for a few hours to go to my friend Stephanie's bridal shower.  Stephanie and I have been friends since preschool and I'm so excited that she is getting married!  It was so fun to get together will my friends and catch up.  We try to get together once a month and it's always fun when it's to celebrate!  I finished out the day at Lagoon and a dinner at Outback, getting home late.  On Sunday we just relaxed and watched General Conference, spending some good quality time together!  I love my little family!