5 Months {Hudson James}

Happy 5 Months Hudson James!

It is so hard to believe that it has been 5 months since you came into this world with a bang.  I will never forget the horrendous storm that night when my water broke. The fact that I went into full on hard labor within 15 minutes. And that I had to wait almost 2 hours for the anesthesiologist. And then another 2 hours in the operating room where my spinal would wear off (ouch). And then the joy of toting a catheter around for a week. Fun times!

But if I have to say one thing you are totally worth it!

Every time I see your sweet smile or look down at your face I can't help but think how much I love you and how blessed I am to be called your Momma. 

I'

I love how you just go with the flow of things. Not that you have much choice with a brother & sister.

What we're up to:

• I'm guessing you weigh in at around 16 lbs (can't believe you were 6 lbs just 5 months ago)
• This past week you have mastered rolling from your back to stomach. This makes you mad though because I think you hate your stomach.
• You went to the beach for your 3rd time which is your 4th trip!
• You love sucking your thumb, no more paci's for you.
• Wearing 3-6 months
• You love to talk & coo
• Wearing size 2 diapers
• Sleep around 12 hours/night & 2 naps during the day
• Love to eat! Nursing every 3 hours
• You LOVE rice cereal & get so mad when you see us eat. Baby food is right around the corner.

2 Months Already {Hudson James}

A tad late post but Hudson turned 2 months on the 12th. Time has flown by so quickly & I would be lying if I said that I was happy about it. With Hudson being my last (most likely) I already miss him being the little 6 lb 12 oz baby I held in the hospital.

As of last week we were weighing in at 12 pounds 12 ounces & 24 inches long!
The doctor is still completely amazed at how much weight you've gained.

• Still nursing every 3 hours
• FINALLY started sleeping through the night. Up until then you were getting up around 3-4 AM for a feeding. You would immediately go back to sleep though so I can't argue too much about that
• Can roll over from stomach to back
• Love the paci
• Despite taking Axid the reflux is still bothering you. You often have coughing spells. We're working on finding something new to help with that
• You love to smile & coo
• You love to be held & cuddled. I LOVE it!

Kolcraft Cuddle N' Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper Review and GIVEAWAY

~Sponsored Post~

I was provide the below mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. 

We all know it but newborns get up during the night A LOT, and even though Hudson isn't truly a newborn anymore at 2 months old he still gets up (sometimes). So, instead of hiking upstairs to his room every time he cries he sleeps in our room. In fact the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends room sharing to reduce the risk of SIDS.  And well, our room is a tad cramped with our king bed, dressers, etc.  Not really enough room for a crib So, we opt to use a bassinet in the beginning. Not to mention the fact that a crib swallows them whole in the beginning or even at 2 months old for that matter.

As a Kolcraft mom we recently had the opportunity to try out their
Kolcraft Cuddle N' Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper
A mouth full but honestly it's so much more than a bassinet. With all of it's features it deserves a title like that.

Features:

• Incline sleeper attachment for babies that need their head elevated

Like many infants Hudson has reflux and wakes up coughing & gagging at times. So, to us the incline sleeper has came in very handy. It has allowed not only him to sleep better but us as well.

• Incline sleeper attachment removes easily for use as a traditional bassinet

The incline sleeper simply snaps into place which makes it easy to transition back & forth. Within the next week or so I plan on transitioning him to the regular bassinet so he will hopefully be able to transition to his crib easier. 

• Light vibes electronic unit includes classic music, nature sounds, vibrations & soft-glow check light

I absolutely love this feature not only for the music & sounds but for the light. LOVE not having to turn on the overhead light to just check on him. I'm sure my husband appreciates this feature as well,

• Easily converts to a rocking bassinet
• Locking casters for room to room mobility
• Canopy mobile with three hanging soft toys

• Large storage basket for all baby's needs

Most definitely another important feature. I can not even count the number of times I've had to go searching for a change of outfit or blanket during the night due to an "accident". Thankfully, I'm able to place everything I need down below for easy access.

We're definitely loving our bassinet here at Houghton Happening's. It is the perfect height for looking into from our bed. Our favorite features are the incline sleeper & the soft glow check light. The only thing that I personally feel could be improved is that Hudson tends to slide down on the incline sleeper. It does come with straps to buckle him in, however we still swaddle for nighttime so at this time I'm unable to buckle him.

I also must add that it was super easy to put together. In fact I did it completely by myself within 15 minutes. Now that's saying something for this "mommy brain" and not to mention that I had 3 little ones "helping" me.

I also love the gender neutral fabric. A purchase that can be used with each child whether boy or girl.

You can purchase the Kolcraft Cuddle N' Care 2-in-1 bassinet & incline sleeper at many online distributors as well as Buy Buy Baby Stores and Walmart for $159.99 

Kolcraft would also like to give

ONE LUCKY FOLLOWER

the chance

TO WIN

A KOLCRAFT CUDDLE N' CARE 2-IN-1 BASSINET

& INCLINE SLEEPER

WANNA WIN?

**Open to US Residents ONLY**

*Please use rafflecopter form below*

Ultrasound's & Such

I mentioned in Hudson's 1 month post about his hip "click" which can be a sign of hip dysplasia so yesterday we traveled to the hospital (aka Momma's work) for his ultrasound...

Waiting for them to call us back...

Doesn't he look so big :( 

Needless to say he was getting a tad hungry so it made it a tad interesting but they were able to get all the necessary shots

And all looked well!

No hip dysplasia for us. His hips looked perfect.

Happy 1 Month Hudson James!

Holy Moly, Hudson is already one month old! They truly grow way too fast.

What We're Up to:

• Still wearing newborn clothes & diapers
• Weighing in at 9 lbs 10 oz (already gained almost 3 lbs = crazy) = 39%
• 22 inches long  = 66% & head circumference 37.3 cm = 47%
• Nurses every 2- 3 hours including nighttime. Will occasionally go 4-5 hours & ONCE went 6 hours. 
• I do believe our eyes are going to be blue
• Brother & Sister adore you. They LOVE to hold you and "rub" you. Yes, I believe they have been around too  many animals but they do ask "Can I rub him?"
• We went on our first trip a few days before you turned 1 month. 4+ hours in the car & you did great
• You love the pacifier
• Your right hip has a "click" so we will be going in a few weeks for an ultrasound 

And this is pretty much what you thought of taking pictures today

The doctor was amazed that you had already gained so much weight.

PUSH Delivery Gowns Review

~Sponsored Post~


Perhaps Hudson's birth didn't go quite as I had planned, as you read about HERE. But, one thing that I was happy to have was my own hospital gown. Especially being I was stuck with a catheter ..because pants of PJ pants wouldn't have been an option.


For those long time readers, you may remember when I wore my own gown with Emma

It made me feel "good" to know that I wasn't in the same gown that everyone else had worn. Not to mention how unflattering the standard one size fits all hospital gowns are.

I was so excited for the chance to work with Ashley, the creator of PUSH! Delivery Gowns once again. 

Ashley, the mother of three herself has been through her share of labor & deliveries. After looking back on her pictures she thought, they really should make hospital gowns a little more flattering. 

Coming from a family of seamstresses & creativity she decided she would do just that...make a hospital gown that is functional for the stay at the hospital as well as one that looks beautiful in all of those first family pictures. 

All of her fabrics are picked with that in mind. Fabrics that will look good in the photos. High contrast for the black & white photos as well as colorful for the beautiful color photos. 

All of the PUSH! Delivery Gowns are made to fit mommy, with expanded belly room for the day of delivery!

The gown is closed with snaps down the back to provide full coverage and less hassle with the standard ribbon closure. The cross over bodice and shoulder snaps provide ease of exams, as well as, breastfeeding while you enjoy your hospital stay.

Ashley sent me one of her gorgeous Brody delivery gowns which so happens to match Hudson's navy chevron nursery. And talk about perfect timing because it arrived the very day I delivered.

The thing that I love most about her gowns is the cross over front. Not only does it look flattering it makes breastfeeding easy. No need to unsnap the shoulders which can be quite difficult if you're still hooked up to IV's and can barely move.

I know that a personal hospital gown isn't a top priority for everyone but for me I want to be able to look back at the photos and not cringe when I see the standard gown. It's a priority for me!As a nurse I see what happens to those gowns & yuck. Not to mention giving birth to your child is one of the most special & memorable days of your life. Why not pamper yourself with your personal gown.

Not only can you purchase your PUSH! Delivery gown through the website but they are now offered at tons of maternity shops all over the United States.

And to stay in the loop be sure to check out her facebook page!

Thanks so much PUSH! Delivery gowns for making Hudson's delivery so perfect!

{Disclaimer: I was given the above mentioned product(s) for my review. I was in no other way compensated. The product itself didn't persuade my personal beliefs or views}

Meet Hudson James

So, I realize I'm probably the only one that truly enjoys seeing this & reading Hudson's "birth story". Well, maybe there's a few of you that find it interesting, or at least enjoy the pictures. But in fear that I will forget pieces of it & the fact that I would like to be able to look back and read it again I'm going to share.

Early on in the pregnancy I wondered if I would make it to my scheduled c-section day (April 22nd) but as the weeks approached I convinced myself that  I would. I figured he had held out this long, he was going to hold out. Plus, with the planner that I am...I had figured out who my nurses would be, the doctor, the assisting doctor, the anesthesiologist & even who would be on the next day for the circumcision. I had calculated out my leave time & everything was in place.

I was almost through with all of the finishing touches. I had bought zip lock bags (to label what the kids should wear) & I was going to lay my kids clothes out. The perfect outfits for the days while I would be away. I was planning on doing that very soon.

There were only a few things left to buy (bottle nipples, nursing bra, baby book, etc.)

Well, so much for plans....

It had been a busy week; that Saturday we spent around the house but I had pretty much cleaned most of the day. I worked my last 3 shifts (Sun, Mon, Tues). Wednesday I had taken Maddox to preschool, Emma & I came home to cook for a funeral at church & then my weekly OB appointment. We finished out the evening at families house digging up trees to plant. Thursday after preschool we ran errands for several hours then finished out the evening by helping plant the trees.

Around 2 AM I woke up for my 3rd bathroom trip (I was 37 weeks 6 days). As I sat up I felt a tiny gush but as I made my way to the bathroom I felt a "pop" and it really started to flow. Still half asleep I hollered to Josh that my water had broken. We both knew what that meant, Hudson was coming!

I jumped in the shower because I had not washed my hair earlier that day & it was feeling pretty gross. I knew that it would be at least another 24 hours before I would be able to take a shower again. Plus, I wanted to look half way decent in the pictures.

I managed to take a quick shower & half way dry my hair before the contractions really started to hit. So much for straightening it & putting any makeup on.

We arrived at the hospital around 2:45...keep in mind we live 30-40 minutes away. By the time we arrived the contractions were every 3 minutes and I couldn't talk through them.

Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist was in another room trying to place an epidural which somehow took 1 1/2 hours. I honestly, didn't know how I was going to make it because the contractions soon were right on top of each other. As soon as one ended another would hit. I couldn't answer the questions, I couldn't sign the consents. Being Hudson would be coming very shortly, I was unable to take any meds. Later the nurses (my coworkers & friends) would tell me that they avoided my room because they couldn't face seeing me like that while I had to wait. Plus, they were scared I would end up delivering before I could make it to the OR.

I'm guessing it was around 4:45 AM that we headed to the OR...FINALLY!
Praise God!
I had never been more relieved to get my spinal.

At 5:11 AM Hudson James was born and I cried!
There's something so very special about hearing that first cry. As you're behind the blue curtain & can't see anything...all you do is listen for that cry. And there it was. Honestly, it wasn't much but it was enough for me to know that he was here & that he was well.

All along I thought he would be BIG. Maddox was 7 lb 12 oz at birth & Emma 8 lbs...so I just knew that he would be at least 8 pounds. He had just felt so big in my stomach.
But to my surprise & everyone elses he weighed in at
6 lbs 12 oz
and
20.5 inches.

 Perhaps, I didn't have my makeup on & my hair wasn't fixed. I didn't even have any jewelry on. The kids clothes weren't laid out. In fact I didn't even have their big bro/sis shirts yet. My house wasn't in the tip top shape I would've hoped for. But Hudson James was here & he was perfect!

The funny thing was, I really wanted to deliver on a Friday...just not that one.

As much as we plan, God is the only one that truly is in control and he showed me just that.

Hudson holding his Daddy's finger for the first time!

My one wish was that I didn't get sick in the OR, well I didn't!
However, my bladder did get nicked which would mean that I would be sporting a catheter around for the next 7-10 days.
Plus, instead of the typical less than an hour OR time..I ended up being in the OR for over 2 hours. Yikes!

And I must say spinals DO NOT last for 2 hours! Probably about an hour and half in I started hurting.
 Luckily, with the help of  some drugs the pain subsided & I fell asleep.

In the meantime the hubs & baby Hudson were back in the room getting cleaned up.

So sweet!

Honestly, I don't think we ever slept that day. I dozed off & on from the pain meds but other than that we were pretty much exhausted. And we looked the part but it was a perfect day.

I pretty quickly changed into my monogrammed hospital gown from Posh Pushers. Perhaps I didn't have any makeup on & my hair wasn't fixed but I did have my cute gown!
Hudson wore his coordinating hat & the tie onesie that I had made to match.

We were so excited to show him off to all of our family & friends...

Hudson & Grandpa

GaGa & Hudson

Aunt Callie & Paisley meeting Hudson

Grandpa & Hudson 

And of course Big Brother Maddox couldn't wait to meet him

Maddox & Emma are both completely in love and seem to  be adjusting well

Such a whirlwind, but a great whirlwind!

All ready to head home!