Amy Jackson's Sprinkle

On June 14th, I went to Amy Jackson's sprinkle. She is having her third little girl! Her first isn't much older than Hudson so it is hard to wrap my brain around the idea of three when I can barely handle two at the moment, but I know she will be amazing at it. Nadia hosted the event at her mom's house and it was really nice. They had a gorgeous brunch of waffles, nutella, parfait station, donuts, etc. Everything was delicious! We painted mini canvas squares for the baby's room. Then we watched Amy open up her gifts. It was a really fun party and I'm glad I was able to help celebrate this beautiful new baby and her mama. (5 out of 10 of us from our freshman cheer squad were there, which I thought was pretty cool-myself, Jillian, Amy, Nadia and Stacey)

9 Months

On June 9th, Luc turned 9 months old. He weighs about 20 pounds 7 ounces. I usually use nicknames for him and here are some of my favorites: Luc-ey Poos, Luc-ey poo, boo boo bear and bubbas. I am not really sure how to write Luc-ey (Lukey if we had spelled his name the traditional way) without it looking like Lucy, haha. Luc holds onto the back of Hudson's bike while Hud rides and crawls as fast as he can to keep up while Hud peddles. Luc is reaching up and pulling things off counters now. He loves being outside. He is starting to let go and travel between objects like two chairs. He is trying to dance now, bobbing up and down. He waves.I'm not sure if it is because Hudson never had baby soft skin due to his eczema, but Luc has the softest skin ever and I am obsessed with it. At night after I nurse him I just rub my face against his cheek. I know that makes me sound so creepy, but his skin is amazing and I can't get enough of it. I adore this sweet little boy so much!

39 Weeks

On June 9th Luc hit the 39 week mark. Luc is letting go and balancing for a second now. He pulls up with one hand. He always stands holding toys in his hand. He his using his voice more. He did the deepest belly laugh in the car at Hudson. He is walking really fast holding onto his car and the puppy dog. He started bananas this week and didn't really like them. He has been waking every 3 hours overnight. Sometimes every 2 and very rarely every 4 so I am pretty tired. 

Backyard Art and Playdoh

On June 8th, I set Hudson up to finger paint in the backyard. He loved it! 

If you are wondering how I remember so many details from a year ago, it is because I keep notes throughout the year on my phone. I try to write down funny things the kids say or do and milestones they meet, but I rarely record the negative. I came across this picture in between painting in the backyard and playing with playdoh (all 3 events occured over the course of a 2 hour period). I don't know the exact situation because I didn't write anything down, but I would guess that Luc was having a hard time napping, he was overtired and needed some help getting to sleep. Meanwhile, Hudson wanted my attention, wanted to help me with Luc and generally was just curious about the situation. This was a very normal occurance for me, but it was still always a challenge. Trying to stay calm, trying to meet both kids needs, trying to cut everyone, myself included a little slack, just trying to survive. It is crazy to remember how in such a short period of time I could experience such a range of emotions and have such high highs and low lows. Now looking back at this picture, I see and feel something totally different than I did in the moment. I see so much love! Even when I was moments from totally falling apart, my love has always been bursting for my boys. I really think those challenging moments brought the three of us so close and the love we all have for each other is so strong because of moments like this one. 

Here is Hudson playing playdoh after we got Luc down for his nap. 

DIA Meal at Lazy Dog

On June 7th, I met with some friends from DIA for lunch. We have been making an effort to get together every year since our friend Erin Barbagelata passed away. We don't see each other often, but when we do it is always a lot of fun. 

Jennifer, Dana, Erica, Amber, Crystal, Shannon, Celena, Lindsay, Sara and Aya

Kim's Shower

On June 6th, I drove down to Orange County for Kim's bridal shower. It was a gorgeous day, with delicious food, mimosas, beautiful decorations, fun games, and great friends. Amy, Carlie and Miri all came from my sorority so it was great to spend time with them. Kim and I have been friends since college when we did the New York Satellite Program together. Kim is an amazing friend and I am so excited for her and Sean to tie the knot! 

Potty Training

Potty training sort of happened by accident. As I was touring preschools, I kept saying of course he will be potty trained by fall, but I really didn't want to force Hud into anything and fall seemed to be creeping up with no sign that we were going to tackle this potty training thing. For some reason, diapers just seem so much easier and more convenient, so I was hesitant to push for potty training. We always let Hudson initiate and up to this point the extent of it was placing him on his potty before baths at night, with an occasional pee and poop in the toilet. On June 4th, Hudson asked me if he could have a starburst and without thinking I said if you go potty in the toilet you can have one. He immediately ran to the toilet and tried to go. He couldn't so he drank a bunch of water and kept asking to try. So without meaning to, I had begun our potty training journey. I put Hudson in his first pull up because I again wasn't fully ready to commit to this whole thing yet. I had Jake form Jake and the Neverland Pirates on it and he was very excited about his big boy underpants. He didn't pee in the toilet all day and seemed upset that night before bed. He kept trying over and over and over again and was getting emotional. I told him I love him when he listens and when he doesn't. I told him I love him when he is good and when he is naughty. And I told him I love him when he pees in the toilet and when he pees in his diaper. I love him no matter what! He thought it was funny and laughed, but he also seemed really relieved and calmed down after I said it. *On a side note, we moved Hudson's books so he can reach them when he wakes up from naps and in the morning and told him he was allowed to read in his bed quietly while he waits for me to come get him. During his nap today, he took Snowy Day, tore it into tiny pieces and stuffed the pieces down his diaper. So that was the end of the book reading in his crib, lol.*

On June 5th, Hudson woke up and the first thing he said was, "I want to go peepee in the toilet" and he did! I had a feeling that it was bothering him the night before, but didn't expect him to wake up so determined. He got a sticker and a starburst and I decided that I needed to take Hudson's lead and fully commit to this, so I put him in real underpants. He went the whole day without an accident! He didn't do a poop all day, which again was frustrating him because the reward for pooping in the toilet was an oreo, but he peed 7 times in the toilet! I was so proud of him! What a big boy!!

On June 6th, Hudson was playing in our bathroom in his big boy underwear and peed in our bathtub. He looked stunned. I think it snuck up on him because he was having so much fun and it was his first experience peeing in real underwear. Luckily for us, it was no big deal to clean up because he chose such a convenient location (thanks Hud!). Right after that accident, he did his first poop in the toilet. That day, Aubrey came over to watch him because I had a bridal shower to go to (obviously if this had been planned ahead of time I would have made sure I was home all weekend). He had a poop accident in his diaper while I was gone. He did great the rest of the day though.

On June 7th- June 9th Hudson had no accidents! Yippee! I was shocked at how easy this seemed to be. Finally, something that causes most parents trouble was going smoothly over at our house! It was a miracle! 

June 10th, was a big milestone in the potty training journey. It was our first big venture out of the house. Hudson had his Gymboree class. I was so nervous. Of course, we get to Gymboree and the bathroom is flooded and out of service. I was nervous the whole class and asked Hudson about 15 times if he needed to go to the bathroom. He did need to go about half way through class, so I ran him over to Lyfe Kitchen to use their bathroom. 

June 11th was another big milestone. We drove up to Mammoth for Justin's graduation and Hudson had no accidents on the drive. I put him in a diaper just to be safe, but he waited until we stopped at the gas station to pee. 

Fast forward a few weeks and Hudson has only had one more pee accident. It seems like when he is with other people he gets nervous to tell them he needs to go potty. Other than that though, he has been awesome. Even while we have been out at the pool, over at people's houses, etc. he has asked me to take him to the potty when he needs to go. 

I am so proud of Hudson and so relieved that he was able to do this on his timeline. I love that he initiated it and it never felt forced. I think the fact that he was ready and wanted to go to the bathroom in the toilet made the whole process so much easier. Especially after hearing how horrendous it can be from some of my mom friends, I am very thankful that we finally got to have an "easy" parenting experience for a change. It is funny how much going to the bathroom, pee and poop get talked about when you become a parent and it is especially funny to see how excited your kid going to the bathroom in the toilet can be. I honestly never thought I would get so excited about poop and be running from the other room to check it out and high five my little man, but honestly these have been some of my proudest parenting moments these last few weeks and watching my little boy transform into a big boy right in front of my eyes has been a bit emotional. Way to go Hudson, mama and dada are so proud of you!!

Kisho Dinner

On June 3rd we went to Kisho for dinner to celebrate Tyler's birthday. His girlfriend, Alexs, joined us, along with Sabrina, my mom, Nic, Hudson, Luc and myself. It was a lot of fun!

38 Weeks

On June 2nd, Luc turned 38 weeks old. Luc weighs about 20 pounds 8 ounces now. I've only ever seen Nic when I look at Luc (unlike Hudson who always reminded me of Justin that first year), but lately Luc has been looking different and reminding me more of my side of the family (particularly the Farago side). I think he looks more like my side of the family than Hudson now. He is getting much better at cruising and walked with the fisher price puppy dog. He hit his head while cruising along the coffee table and seems to be having lots of accidents these days. 

Watercolors

On June 2nd, I pulled out Hudson's watercolors. He really liked painting, his favorite part was watching the colors come off the brush into the water, and I enjoyed watching him create a beautiful piece of art.

Play Date with Stephanie

On June 1st, Stephanie and her daughter Daphne came over for a play date. It was really great to catch up with Stephanie and the kids had fun playing together while Luc napped. We even got a little visit from a neighbor's cat. 

Coleman's Pool Party

On May 30th, we went to the Coleman's pool party. Because of naps, we got there late so we didn't bring the kid's bathing suits, which was a big mistake. It was still quite hot and everyone was still in the pool, so we borrowed a swim diaper and let Hudson go in. He was loving it! We didn't stay too long because of bedtimes (and because of the heat), but it was a lot of fun and it is always so nice for the Colemans to include us. 

Gymboree

On May 27th, I did a gymboree class with Hudson in the morning, then took Luc to a class in the evening. I love being able to spend that one on one time with each of them. In Hudson's class, they are really doing a lot of imaginative play, which is cool to see. They also do this dance at the end that Hudson loves! They pretend like they are asleep, then they jump up and start dancing again. It is so fun to watch! It was Hudson's teacher Ashley's last day. Hud really loves her so it was sad to say bye, but we wish her the best. In Luc's class, he just likes to sit around and chew toys. He was cracking me up in this class with that ring toy in his mouth. He is such a little character. 

On May 28th, we went to the park. I can't get over how big Hudson seems all of a sudden! That evening my mom came by to visit. 

Before bed, Hudson was being so silly. First, he insisted on trying on my headband. Wouldn't he make such a pretty little girl? Then he was modeling and dancing around in his underwear. I swear, this kid makes us laugh so hard!

On May 29th, I found Hudson playing so nicely by himself. He was very proud of his line of cars so I took a picture for him. That night, we met dada at Gymboree for free play. When Hudson was little, Nic would come to the evening classes with us, but with his current job, he rarely makes it to classes, so it was nice for the boys to show off everything they have been doing in class. 

Date Night

On May 26th, Nic and I grabbed dinner at Bricks Burgers. When Hudson was a baby we used to meet at the gym once or twice a week to work out. This time around if we ever have the opportunity to spend time just the two of us, we usually end up trying a new restaurant instead of exercising. oops. It was nice to talk and the food was pretty good; I especially liked the shakes!

37 Weeks

On May 26th, Luc turned 37 weeks old. He is getting really confident with pulling himself up and standing. He stands up on flat surfaces like walls now and lets go with one hand. He can sit very controlled from standing. He loves clapping, he loves his mama and he wants to do whatever Hudson is doing. 

Disneyland

On May 25th, we took the kids to Disneyland. 

We went to California Adventure first. We went on Monster's Inc., then we did Bug's Land-flik's flying adventure and the ladybug ride. Hudson and Nic did the tuck and roll bumper cars and we stopped by Cars Land to see Lighting McQueen.

After that, we went over to Disneyland. We got to see a special performance in front of the castle, then we went on the Toon Town roller coaster a few times before heading home. I love mornings like this with my family.

7 Year Wedding Anniversary

On May 24th, Nic and I celebrated our anniversary by going to Magic Mountain. We have spent anniversaries everywhere from Venice to Maui to San Diego to Key West to Dana Point (where we got married) to Lake Mead. This year we weren't really able to go anywhere, I guess that is what happens when you have young kids, but we did still spend the day just the two of us getting an adrenaline rush in on some crazy rides. It was packed so we bought a skip the line pass and as we were entering our first ride, it broke! We spent our first hour at the park walking in circles and waiting around getting our thing fixed, but as an apology, they added a free ride on X2 so it was all worth it. We also went on Tatsu, Lux Luthor, Buccaneer, Batman and Scream twice. For dinner, we went to Mr. Sushi. It wasn't our fanciest anniversary celebration, but we still had a blast. After 7 years, I'm still so glad to be on this crazy ride of life with him!

Saturday at the Park

On Saturday, May 23rd, Nic and I took the boys to the park. The boys love being outside and we always have so much fun with them at any of our local parks. Luc is really enjoying the swing these days and he of course wants to do everything Hudson is doing. Hudson loves the basketball court at this park and had a blast with dada making baskets.

Hudson's PT Evaluation

On May 21st, Hudson had his pt evaluation. He got to play on all sorts of equipment and really impressed me. The only thing he hesitates with is climbing up structures-he goes slow and only steps with his right foot first. Other than that, he did awesome. He jumped off things, tossed rings onto a stand, rode a bike and a scooter. The therapist said to just encourage him to climb up stuff at the park, but she wasn't concerned at all. (I thought I had taken pics and notes, but apparently I didn't).

That night, the boys took a bath together. They can be so sweet together!

36 Weeks

On May 19th, Luc hit the 36 week mark. Luc has been sleeping a bit better this week. He has mainly been doing 4 1/2 hour stretches, with one 6 hour stretch one night and one 5 hour stretch one night, so that is a big improvement from the 2 1/2 stretches from the week before. His schedule has been more predictable too. He wakes up around 7:30/8. Takes his first nap around 10. Wakes up around 11:30/12. Takes nap 2 around 2/2:30. Up around 3:30/4. Bedtime around 7. Luc bit me while nursing for the first time before bed. He chomped down hard. I yelled no and unclenched his jaw, then he just stared at me. Luc did his first let go from standing this week. Hud gave Luc puffs so he tried those. He also tried prunes and peas.

Park Day

On May 18th, I took the boys to the park. Both boys are always happy to ride in the stroller there, but on the way home, Hudson insists on pushing the stroller. This always makes the walk home take an extra long time, but it is really cute how he wants to help and be a big boy. In fact, Hudson is seeming so much older all of a sudden. He went down the big slide, climbed up the older equipment and pretty much did every component of the big structure. Luc was loving the swing today!

That night Auntie Beena came over to watch the Bachelorette. She read Luc a few bedtime stories before we enjoyed cupcakes and reality tv. 

Celebrating Dan and Meeting Sebastian

On May 17th, the Kappa Sigma's of UCI held a tribute to our friend, Dan Fredinburg. It was a sad occassion, but nice to see so many familiar faces from college there to show their respect. Leslie was doing quite well given the circumstances and myself, Jen, Amy, Jody and Ashley did our best to provide her comfort. We spent most of our time at the Kappa Sigma house, but we had to make a quick trip over to the Tri Delta house to visit our old stomping ground too. It was a really nice event and it helped bring a little bit of closure and peace.

Afterward, I went to Chris and Miri's house to see Miri and meet Sebastian. He is so precious and Miri and Chris are doing so well in this new role as parents. I am so happy for them!

Luc's Eye Injury

On May 15th, the day started off so nice. I made the boys pancakes and it was a Friday, which means TV day. 

That evening, though, Hudson threw an ice tray at Luc and it hit him in the eye. (If I haven't mentioned before, ever since Luc started moving, Hudson has struggled a bit with their relationship. I think before he was just this fun little prop who sat there, but all of a sudden, Luc can take Hudson's toys, which upsets him. We caught him on the cruise petting Luc's head while Luc was standing in the baby bjorn, nicely, saying "hi Luc" then when he thought we weren't looking he pushed him over. So we have to keep a closer eye on them together now). 

Poor Luc! It looked awful and of course since it was his eye we were extra concerned. We called our pediatrician (of course it happened on Friday evening-why is it that these types of things always happen after hours?) and they asked us to come in first thing Saturday morning to make sure Luc's cornea wasn't scratched.

I took Luc in Saturday morning and thankfully his eye seemed ok. Luckily, for Hudson he is so cute, it is hard to stay mad at him. ;)

Food Challenge

On May 13th, I drove Hudson down to UCLA Health in Santa Monica for another food challenge. This time we did almonds. I brought almond butter and safe cookies for him to eat it on. Then I made chocolate bark with sliced almonds and chocolate almond milk for him to try there if he passed the challenge. He was acting really silly this time around and wasn't as excited about the "food" as usual, but he passed with no issues and liked the chocolate and milk he got to have at the end. The allergy doctor was really happy with this one because the fact that he can tolerate almonds lowers the chances that he would have a severe reaction to peanuts. She encouraged us to get almonds into his diet as much as possible to hopefully decrease his peanut reaction so lucky little boy will be switching from rice milk to chocolate almond milk. 

While we were there, I also had a skin test done. As you can see from my results (left side is 1-7 and right side is 8-14) I am most allergies to birch trees then soy, then carrots. We actually have a birch tree in our yard, so that isn't ideal. Also, as you can see from the chart the birch is what cause a lot of my other "allergies"

35 Weeks

On May 12th, Luc turned 35 weeks old. He has been obsessed with standing and even stood up in his crib this week. He has been more interested in food lately, and started pears this week. He has been sleeping terribly since we got home from our cruise, waking every 2 1/2 hours. He has had some seperation anxiety, but he has also been much smilier. I guess as long as he is in mama's arms all is great in his world. 

Mother's Day

On May 10th, we celebrated Mother's Day. The boys gave me lots of cuddles in bed and on the couch and Hudson made me a card. 

My mom, sister and I went to the movies then for tea at Elle's Tea Garden. Sabrina planned the day and treated us to the tea (I treated everyone to the movies). They also brought me a bouquet of flowers, which was very sweet. 

When we got home, we took a few pictures in the backyard and Opa even stopped by. It was a really fun day!

8 Months

On May 9th Luc turned 8 months old. Luc weighs about 19 pounds 8 ounces. Luc went out of the country for the first time to Mexico. Luc is obsessed with spoons and is really starting to like food. He has really mastered clapping and does it all the time. He is also really into standing and does it every chance he gets. He started squealing on the trip when happy, angry, anything really, especially when he gets overtired. He is having some separation anxiety and crying when anyone but mama holds him (only if I'm nearby or he can see me) and as soon as I hold him he stops crying. He has been so smiley lately, which we love. Luc's smile lights up the room! We just love this little guy so much!

Ruby's 1st Birthday Party

On May 9th, we drove straight from the cruise ship to the Bell's house for Ruby's 1st Birthday Party. They had yummy sandwiches, cupcakes, a kid's band performed, and they had frozen chocolate covered bananas (Hudson had a plain frozen banana). Hudson, Ruby and Luc played together until Hudson found older kids who wanted to play sword fighting with him. Luc passed out in the carrier during the music performance. Then we all watched Ruby open her gifts and eat her birthday cake. It was a really fun day and we are glad we could be a part of it. We love you Ruby!!