babysitting Hudson...

Over the weekend Lauren and David had an engagement party to attend and asked Uncle Tison and Aunt Lindsey to babysit! This was the longest time either of us have spent with Hudson one-on-one ever! I was a bit nervous about entertaining him from 2-8. I had mommy friends on call, I made lists of things to do, Lauren even made a list for me too. I think she sensed my anxiousness. I don't know what I was so scared of though! Hudson was the most precious, calm, and curious little boy I have ever had the privileged of spending time with- the entire time {except when I got soap in his eyes during bath time.} I'd say I've improved a little since this time babysitting, don't you?

 I tried to document our few hours together. I captured just about everything but the hour we spent on the couch reading together- he, nuzzling up under my arm turning the pages, me, swooning over his sweetness. I could have sat there with him forever.

Hudson just loves to be chased. We got creative with the water sprinkler. Tison and I had so much fun with chasing him around. I mean- look at that smile!

{The new cool thing to do- put your finger in your belly button.}

He's the next Picasso.

Since water and chasing were making him giggle, I decided to blow up this water toy. When he showed hesitation in approaching it, I knew I was going to have to go in and play. He was very interested in how the little tikes ball squirted out the water. After awhile, we were both soaked and were ready for inside games.

After we changed clothes, we sang songs, read books, played games, and ate dinner...

...to my surprise, it was time for a bath and a bedtime story! I couldn't believe how fast the time had flown. Lauren and David, thanks for letting us play. He's such a peach. I can't believe you're about to have another little one running around in less than a month!!! xoxo

Hudson-sitting...

I have to say I am not your typical girl that goo's and gahh's over babies. Yes, babies are cute, sweet, and innocent. Yes, I think little baby clothes are precious, but when I start thinking about being responsible for a little person FOREVER... I get a little freaked out. I mean the feeding, the cleaning diapers, making sure they have everything they need-WOW, moms out there, I mean wow. I can barely keep myself together!

I am so impressed with my sis, Lauren, who handles mommyhood with such grace and ease. Some might consider me the more dramatic sister {stop laughing mom} and maybe I am, but I catch myself starring at Lauren with Hudson and asking, "How do you DO it? How did you know that's what would make him stop crying? You are so good at this mommy stuff!" Honestly, I am so proud of her. Last week when David and Lauren wanted an evening out they asked me to babysit. Oh, no big deal to most of you, right? Well, I was more-than-concerned about him choking on something when I looked away, or falling and hitting his head, or god forbid having a dirty diaper!!! When I showed up, to my surprise (and delight) Leslie, was there to help out. As a team we conquered Hudson-sitting like pros.

 The highlight of the night for me was feeding Hudson his bottle and rocking him to sleep. He is such an active baby. He always wants to be moving, so having him "cuddle" with me for 30 minutes was bonding - even emotional. I swear he gets cuter ever time I see him. As we rocked back and forth, I watched his little baby face relax, those eyes settle into a slumber and a wave of peace fell over me. "I can do this," I said to myself kissing Hudson's forehead, "I can do this."