its that time again?

Yep...you guessed it...the 6 month annual cleaning at the dentist tomorrow. UGH!!! Even though I absolutely LOVE our dentist office, I am dreading it like you wouldnt believe. I hate teeth. Mine are overly sensitive and prone to cavities. I hate the drill. Just the very sound gives me goosebumps. Tomorrow morning I have to put on my happy face, though, because it is Hudsons first cleaning! YAY...(sarcasim sensed?)...oh well. I will push through it but I just had to put it out there that when this time of the year comes around...I dread it.
I cannot believe that Christmas is just two measly months away. Can you believe it? I actually LOVE the entire anticipation of Christmas. I grew up with so many family traditions for Christmas and I have carried on each one with my own children but this year I think I want to make our own. There is a place in our area where you can go on a horse and buggy ride, get hot chocolate, and cut down a real Christmas tree. It will definitely be different to have a real tree in our house...hoping I can get the gumption to keep my favorite white tree packed away. I love the music and the warmth of our cozy homes and the baking and just everything about it. I really cant wait!
On another note: I attended "mommy and me" night at Hudsons preschool tonight and we had a blast! We made many crafts, ate pizza, and played with his friends.  The teachers did a little interview with the kids about their moms and posted the answers on the wall.  Hudson says that I have brown eyes, I read books about flowers, books to him and I read my own books...If I was an animal I would be a caterpillar bc I was adopted...I take him on date nights to dunkin donuts and to the mall...and he loves me because I take him places and we go on dates. So cute but just to set it straight...Im not adopted. haha. not even remotely. I want to adopt...maybe he got confused. Lol. It made me feel really good that the one message that I want to send to my children means a lot to Hudson as well and I think he gets it. I constantly remind my children that God made them special. Our dates together reiterate that fact and I just hope that we will have many more dates together. I love that boy.

Well...Im pooped. Headed to bed! Goodnight!

Audience of 1

Who am I blogging for...I mean, who really reads this? I guess I will never know. From here on out I am going to use this blog as a place to vent and ramble. Everytime I sit down to post, I have a hard time thinking about something that is worthwhile.  So for now...I am sitting on my big comfy couch covered up in a veggie tales fleece blanket and I can honestly say that I love life right now. The weather is a bit chilly at times but the smell of fall is amazing. I love the beautiful leaves changing color and the pumpkins and the apples and the trips to the pumpkin farm. Work is going well and cheerleading is taking up just enough time to get me out of the house once and a while. The boys are thriving and growing bigger and bigger every second. Hudson is becoming an absolutley delightful little boy...and a mighty prayer warrior might I add. This boy can PRAY! He has already asked Jesus into his heart (as much as his little mind can understand it at 4 years old). Even our dinner prayers are blessed with some "come into our lives Lord" and "please make me always do good things and not act bad" and "live in my heart Lord" etc. He is just adorable. For the first time tonight as I prayed for him before bed, he was agreeing with me in prayer; nodding his head and saying "mmm hmmm". It was precious! And I have to add that he tells daddy that he wants mommy to pray because I'm the best prayer girl. :) What a compliment to get from your son! I thank the Lord for his compassionate heart. He still says he wants to be a missionary. Preschool is going great for him as well. He is having a blast!
Brody is doing wonderful as well although him and Hudson are like night and day! Brody is sweet...but dont make him mad! lol. As the little brother he is going to make himself known! :) But thats not a bad thing...he is actually HILARIOUS! My mom and I always have great "brody" stories! He is seriously funny!  A little comedian and I just love it! I love that he is so different from Hudson and I will continue to encourage that as much as I can and channel it into a positive direction :) I think that when we come across a "strong willed child" sometime we can quash their "leader" type attributes and actually do more harm than good. We will see!
I have to say that something that the Lord has hard pressed on my heart lately is Adoption. I feel this overwhelming desire to adopt a child. I ordered some bubble bath and roll-on bath paint from Avon recently and tonight I busted them out for my boys. They love bath time but tonight was extra special. Hudson got out and said "man...that was a pretty bubbly bath!" It just made me think...some children NEVER get to have a bubble bath. How sad is that??? Something as simple as a bubble bath and there are children who would be lucky just to have a bath. It hurts my heart so much and I know thats the Lord speaking to me. I can help one child...I can have my girl at the same time. Then the selfish (Satan) voice inside me says "but can you handle NEVER being pregnant again?" and I seriously dont know the answer to that. That is my biggest struggle. We dont want 4 children. We couldn't adequately provide for four children and we dont have room for four. Three is perfect. So what do I do? I am listening to the Lord...and patiently waiting on that one.
I think that is my stream of consciousness for tonight...and it felt good to get that off my chest! Stay tuned...

My Ordinary Life...

Brody Jaxon Update:

Brody is now 17 months old and he is the sweetest little boy that I could have ever been entrusted with. I can't believe how much he has accomplished in seventeen short months! He walks and talks and keeps up with his brother really well these days. Everyday he says more and more words...and believe me, he makes himself heard! I guess that's what it is about the second child. He  has always had his brother to compete with for our attention. Although I find that whenever Hudson isn't around, Brody is lost. He just doesn't know what to do with himself! They fight over toys...I am actually hearing screaming at this very second. But I am always confident that Brody can stand his ground. He isn't the type of child to just get run over by other kids...he will show them who's boss! I admire that character trait in him because I believe it is something that I lack. Of course I will need to shape that trait so it doesn't get out of hand, lol. On the other hand he also has this sweet personality that makes me just want to eat him up! He is and always will be a true mommy's boy :) Darn!

Hudson's Update:

Hudson has matured so much this past year. My little boy will turn four in August and I just have no idea where the time went. He will be starting pre-school...amazing how time flies! Hudson is at such a fun age right now. We have been so busy lately but I always try to take time to have a "date night" with him, just the two of us. We are long overdue for a date...when the time comes, I'm taking him to the movies! Just about two weeks ago, he learned to ride his bike without training wheels! That was such a big feat for him. He just kept saying "Are you proud of me, mommy?" Always looking for our approval...typical first born (I know from experience). He is sweet and an absolute WONDERFUL big brother! He always is concerned about Brody and hates when Brody has to be disciplined. He loves Jesus and is constantly asking questions. The other day he asked me why Jesus died on the cross?  So I asked him why he thought. He said..."He died to save us." Which is correct but of course I could tell that he wanted more of an explanation than that. So I went on to explain that before Jesus died on the cross, people couldn't just pray to God for forgiveness of their sins. Then explained what a sin was and the conversation just went on and on and on. It was such a blessing to be able to have that conversation with my son. It brings so much more clarity to my christian walk. It's amazing that we technically are teaching our children....but they teach us so much more.

As for an update for our family in general...as you can see, I haven't blogged in FOREVER. I have been working more at the law firm and have been bartending at my dad's restaurant a lot in the evenings. Our lives are busy...I like to be busy but I wish that we could live a bit simpler. Maybe one day :) Cheerleading will start soon and my days at the restaurant will dwindle. I just try not to think too far ahead or it's a bit overwhelming. Andy and I are going to a wedding in Boston this weekend and I am truly excited to get away, just the two of us for a few nights. Not sure how Brody will be but my mom is the next best thing to me so I am going to try very hard not to worry about him and enjoy myself.

I guess that's it for the Ahart's at this moment! Maybe by some form of miracle I will begin to write on here more often ;)

It's bitterSWEET

Well my baby boy is finally completely done breastfeeding and I am so proud that we made it this far! He was to the point where he would only nurse in the middle of the night for comfort but it was really interrupting his sleep habits so I saw it best to put an end to it.  Basically when he woke up in the night and wanted to nurse, I would give him a sippy cup of water instead. He would take a drink and then usually go right back to sleep! Occasionally I would say to him "breastfeeding all done/gone" and he understood.  Within a few days of putting and end to breastfeeding, he began to sleep through the night in his crib without waking up! It's amazing! He is on a 2 night streak so we will see if it lasts but I really hope so! He is getting so big so fast.

Hudson is going through this "baby talk" stage and it really gets annoying fast! I really dont have the patience for it because I know that he can talk properly if he tries but I guess he is just wanting attention. He loves the weather lately and wearing shorts is his favorite part! I cant believe in just a few short months he is going to go to preschool. Amazing.

This past weekend me, Andy and the boys drove two and a half hours to purchase a 2007 Nissan Quest which I absolutely love and have been researching for the past 3 or 4 months. My personality is such that I cant stop searching until I know I got one of the best deals available. It is so annoying but to say the least I am NOT an impulse buyer at all. We drove all that way, filled out some paperwork and the are going to deliver it to us tomorrow. I am sooooo excited! Just to have more room to put stuff and be able to take more people with me when I go places. I know that the gas is going to really stink but I really see a future with this van.  I picture lots of road trips and vacations with our family. I think the most important thing you can do for your kids is create memories.  I was ready for a vacation, like...yesterday!

I will update with pictures soon :0)

My #1 Job

My boss approached me and asked me if I could work more hours because our work load is so high. Money wise, it has definitely crossed my mind. But then I think about my boys and no amount of money is worth it. I  am trying really hard to make it work because maybe there is some sort of compromise and if there is, Im going to find it! He has always said that I can work from home but in the past I have found that to be a very difficult thing when kids need my attention or there is dishes or laundry to do.  Now, working from home seems like the best plan. My sister will be home in June so I will start taking on one more day a week at the office and then set up my "virtual office" for the rest of the time. It is what I have to do and at least I will be home with my boys. That is what is most important. The best part about it is that I can do my work whenever I want to: Naptime, evenings when Andy gets home, night...etc. The bad part is that I would need a new desktop to make this a reality since the desktop we have now is slower than molases!

In a way I am excited to work more and make some extra money. I just hope and pray that it will all work out with the boys. I never want to take them to a daycare center. Not that daycare centers are bad at all...in fact there are wonderful daycare centers out there...it's just not me. Hudson will be starting preschool this year too so this wont be for forever. Just until my boys get into school.  I thank the Lord that my job is needed and that my boss has offered this to me at a time when the economy is so bad. I am thankful 100% for that. I am just the type of person who has to have a schedule and a routine. Right now this plan sounds a little chaotic in my head and it is freaking me out a bit but hey...Rome wasnt built in a day, right?

Not So Sure...

I sit here typing and my baby boy is in his crib SCREAMING and CRYING. I hate it. Every little bit in me wants to just go grab him but I know it is not going to help him in the long run.  Up until lastnight he would go to bed fine by himself without a peep! Not so sure what is going on here but I am convinced it is just a stage. Lastnight after letting him cry for an hour (with small intervals where I would check on him and tell him that it is night night time) Andy went up and it must have broke his heart because down the stairs he came, baby in hand. I was relaxing on the couch and he placed Brody in my arms and he never opened his eyes again till morning! So precious. Somehow through all of this Hudson is sleeping soundly. We will get through it...but being a mommy is difficult at times. I really look forward to the time when he is two or three and can explain to me what is wrong!  On top of everything, Brody has a very strong-willed personality. He will NOT give up. It has been half an hour now...and he is still going strong!

Anyways on a happier note the weather is getting warmer as time goes on and I absolutely love it! We are already planning out some landscaping for the outside and flowers and screening in our back patio...I just love the warm weather and we just dont get enough of it in NY, thats for sure! And with the warm weather comes overtime for Andy as the college preps for graduation! It makes for long days for me but luckily its only for a month or so.

Ok...Im going to see what else I can do to pass time while he cries and cries...UGH! Please just give in Brody :0( You are tearing mommys heart out!!

One Year Old

My precious baby boy,
 It has already been a year since you entered into this world...where has the time gone? After long anticipating your arrival, you decided to surprise mommy and come three weeks early! I couldnt believe it when the Doctor sent us upstairs to the hospital to have you...I was so not prepared. But nonetheless, you were going to come and I had no idea how much love my heart could hold.  In the beginning we had some rough issues with jaundice and breastfeeding but a month passes and you were an old pro! I could tell right from the beginning that you were truly a mommy's boy...and there is nothing better. The moments we have shared are priceless. The moment you began smiling and saying dada and mama you just lit up our lives in so many ways!
The best part about it all is how much you love your big brother! There is nothing more precious than to see you two interact now that you are getting bigger. You scream when Hudson takes something from you and even though mommy may be in the other room, i know that distinct scream! lol. and of course I rescue you :0) Your brother is wonderful with you most of the time and I can see already that you are going to have a very close relationship. Your personality is something else! You are stubborn and funny and just so darn cute and you know it! You get away with more than your brother did and I just dont know why? You stand up on the couch and I say "sit down!" and you give me the most devious grin and stay standing and all I can do is laugh! Then of course after I laugh, I take the couch cushions off and put them on the floor so if you do fall, you wont get hurt.  What example is that setting??? Ugh! In some areas you have me wrapped around your finger! Ill admit it.  At the same time I realize we need to reign you in a bit :0) or you will give us a run for our money!!
I love you to pieces and you are now officially a toddler! I look forward to enjoying the next chapter of your life and I thank the Lord for sending you to me. There couldn't be a more perfect gift that he could have given me on February 26, 2009. Just as I am constantly reminding your brother, I will tell you everyday..."you're special and I love you"

Love always,
Mommy

Another wedding day...

My precious boy wants nothing more in life but to marry his mom! Yes...some of you may be thinking that is just gross! But hey...he is only three and I am going to enjoy it while I can! Someday he is going to fall in love and I will not be the only girl in his life anymore!

We were on our "date day" about a month ago and I had to go to khols. He saw the table filled with rings and he was So excited! "Mommy!!!!! Look I can get you a ring and we can get married!!!!!!" I just took it all in and let him pick one out and I will cherish it forever!

It just reminds me how pure and untainted our children are! It makes me just want to keep him sheltered and under my wing forever. This is a cruel world...how am I going to do it?

Step by step

We have about three weeks until brodys first birthday!! Yesterday my friend came over with her little boy who was born the same exact day as Brody! It's so fun to see them together! Her little boy was a walking pro!!!! Brody just kept looking at him like "oh....that's How you do it!" Lol it was too cute! My friend got him to take two steps while she was here and he has been trying to figure it out ever since! This morning he took three steps! I'd just keeps standing and trying it! I can't believe the time has come. It's bitter sweet!

Well I better go get caught ur on laundry. Yuck!!!!!

Posting from my droid

I just love this phone and I can't explain it! Maybe I will even blog more often! Lol. I haven't even touched my mini laptop in three days! Everything that I ever got on the internet for I can do right from my phone! Unbelievable!

Anyways...our cheerleaders placed first at competition this weekend so that was exciting! We are now going to compete at the NY state competition in utica on February 27th. I am so proud of the girls!

Brody is going to be 1 this month! I am planning the party and trying to decide whether to do construction theme or farm theme :) taking a poll!!

Hudson is getting so big and is almost three and a half! His age is so much fun, I just can't stand it! Well...I better go:) its so convenient that I could do this all day!!

one too many?

Ever wish you could freeze a moment in time? Right now my boys and my husband are my absolute life and there are moments throughout the day that Hudson will say something absolutely hilarious and grown up or where Brody will smile that new two front teeth grin with the big gap in between and I just wish I could freeze that moment and take it all in and never forget it. Brody is standing by himself all the time now and I am just waiting for him to realize that he can actually take steps from that position. He is going to have his first birthday a month from tuesday! Hudson is going to be going to preschool in seven months and that is unbelievable to me. He is so excited when he can spend the night at dama and papa's and he can articulate every single thought that he has. He is getting into watching movies together and I just knew this time would come but I never realized how fast. I feel like going from one child to two was the hardest thing i have ever done in my life but I also feel most victorious in it. Right now I am waivering back and forth on whether or not we want to have another child. I am by no means considering pregnancy at this time but I am the type of person who must plan ahead. Three? The thought of having three is overwhelming to me. I have this fear that if i have three children to get bundled up in these cold winters in NY that I will be a prisoner to my own home and never go anywhere because it would be that much harder. I would want to wait till Brody is more independent but not too long so that I completely have to start over with everything (now isnt that contradictory?) thats my struggle! I also want to work more eventually and when my children are in school, I will be able to do that. One more child will delay that but at the same time I just cant put that period at the end of our family. Andy, Tristyn, Hudson, Brody and...sounds so much better. I guess I will just have to get on my knees about that one :0) and soon! any opinions? I would love to hear!

Brand New Day

Do you ever feel like life just flies by and you dont know where the time went? 2010 has been reminding me daily to enjoy each day to its fullest and to really take in the time that I have with my family because life is passing us by so quickly. Next month Brody will be 1 year old and I really dont know how that happened so fast. His personality is polar opposite of Hudson. I thought Hudson was a strong willed child...little did I know, the Lord was just preparing me for Brody :0) I dont take it at all in a bad way, in fact, I think its wonderful that they are so different in personality. Brody picks up any object he can find and puts it up to his ear to say
"hellooo" (which really sounds like "ahhhh") the other day it was his jelly sandwich...eww. But Hudson really got a kick out of it. Hudson is a wonderful big brother, setting aside the few times he has tried to tackle him thinking that he is big enough to defend himself. I love having boys...they love their mommies soo much and I really will miss these days.

I usually dont make new years resolutions because I am not good at sticking with it! This year I am just making it a goal for me to cook at home more often. Now that we have completed our kitchen, I actually enjoy being in my kitchen!

My dad has also opened a new restaurant which has kept our family very busy but there is nothing better than seeing my fathers dreams become reality. He is an amazing chef and I could not be prouder. I need to post more often too...I know :) Bye for now...