Hudson_week 5

Hudson had a busy week! We had a visit from Grandpa Johnny, Auntie Michelle, Cousin Michelle + Jimmy, who snuggled with Hudson all afternoon. He is really getting strong and holding his head up more and starting to focus on people and items. And of course he had his first trip to the ski slopes at Mt. Hood Meadows. He can't miss a powder day! Randy and I only got to take a few runs each taking turns, but something is better than nothing!

Still learning to deal with the lack of sleep, the need to do something in the short windows between feedings and the overtake of baby stuff coating the house. But watching him change is the best part!

Look at me, I can hold me head up!

We love to play in the snow!

Dad makes sure the car is all cleared off.

Mom is happy that she got to make some turns, while I stayed in the lodge warm and cozy.

Family time is fun, especially meeting new people and hanging with Grandpa and Auntie!

Dzus (the dog) loved meeting me...

And Cousin Michelle knew how to hold me just right!

Hudson - Week 4

Holy cow...it's been an entire month since Hudson was born. Time sure flies when you are sleep deprived, feeding and changing diapers. We sure are proud of him and he is such a good baby! He loves to play during the day and we are getting a lot better at sleeping at night (which we are very thankful for). We got out for some walks and a hike in the Gorge, been trying to make it to a restaurant here and there, and Hudson learned to take a bottle, so Randy can do a feeding a night. Every day is something new. This is the ULTIMATE test of patience!

Big yawn!

I think I need to poop...

Going for a hike in the Gorge.

Dad gets to feed Hudson.

Check out my new quilt that my Aunt Pat made me...Thank you!!!

And Sarah knit me this cool frog hat!

I dance during the day.

I cry when I am sooo tired.

I like to be cute.

And blow bubbles.

And of course sleep, so mommy and daddy can rest!

Hudson - 3 weeks!

At three weeks, we have a growing little boy here who is very good at eating, sleeping, staying awake for long periods of time and of course is a total poop-master! We are learning all about the endless nights of sleep deprivation, but enjoying his cuteness and smiles. Hudson has been gaining weight like a champ and growing stronger every single day.

There is so much to learn from Hudson, especially with his helplessness. We feel really lucky to have such a wonderful little boy. There is so much that no one tells you... we now know why!

At Multnomah Falls

Sleep deprived, and passed out together!

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Hughes family!!!

Hudson Hughes - 1 week old!

Hello all!  We're finally finding a few minutes to relax and are settling into a new routine at home. We couldn't be happier with our new little addition to the family!  It's been a whirlwind week and a half, but here's an effort at catching up:

Julie woke Tuesday morning, December 13th to a little bleeding, so we took her in to get checked out.  We never did find the cause, but in having some blood work done, found she also had a low platelet count.  (low platelets indicate blood may not clot well, and also precluded an epidural to help Julie with pain later in labor.)  We were within a few days of her due date, and everyone agreed it was best to help get labor started to limit any risks that could get worse with time.  Julie responded well to the Pitocin they started early Wednesday, having mild to moderate contractions all morning.  Her water broke around 1pm, and the contractions were instantly more intense!  About 6:30pm, Julie told us she felt something had changed and she had a strong urge to push.  We rounded up our doctor (in a hurry!) who confirmed that it was time!  Hudson joined us at 6:56pm on the 14th.  We owe a special thanks to our doula, Heather for her coaching through labor, Julie's mom for her support, and all of the wonderful nurses and staff at Providence Medical Center in Portland.

We rested in the hospital for two days, then came home Friday afternoon.  It's hard to believe a week has passed already since then!  We've been blessed to have Julie's mom, Judy with us since just before we checked in to the hospital.  Her help and support has made this time even more special for us.  Hudson's aunt Heidi visited in the hospital before he was even a day old!  His grandpa Howard and "grammie" Sandra made a weekend trip from New York, the grand-Hughes' drove from Seattle, "Grandie Sandie" came for a day from California, and many more visits from extended family from the local area have kept us plenty busy this week.

Happy holidays from our whole family!

Meet Hudson Alexander Hughes!

Hudson Alexander Hughes was born on Wed., December 14th, 2011 at 6:56 pm. He weighed in at 8lb 7oz, and is absolutely perfect!  We are in LOVE!!!! We are proud parents and will have our story to share in our next post when things settle down. We are thrilled, exhausted and have a revolving door of family and love!!!

Baby Bump - 38.5 weeks and waiting!

Well, down to the home stretch, hoping that this little guy will come around 40 weeks... Keeping our fingers crossed he is not super late. We are ready to meet him and have lots of sleepless nights! I am feeling as good as I think I could feel at this rate. Every pregnant woman has their "issues," in which I have surrendered to them and it is what it is at this point.

Wish us luck as we hurry up and wait! Hopefully our next post will include some baby pix!