HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON!

My sweet summer boy is 5 today.  One whole hand. I have never been “sad” at my children’s birthdays.  A birthday means they are here and alive and thriving. It also reminds me of how much they have grown and gives me excitement about all of the new things they will soon learn. I am grateful for that. I feel like 5 is a milestone year. He is no longer a toddler but now a big boy. And I’m perfectly OK with that. Each year of Hudsons life has deepened our connection and taught me so much. It’s true that moms and boys have a unique bond. This kid can make me mad and upset. But oh, This kid can melt me ten times more. He loves fiercely. He is kind and he makes friends with everyone. He is inquisitive and has the most wonderful imagination. 

Most importantly he is growing in his relationship with our Creator. A couple of days ago, he showed me a picture he made at school. There were 4 “stamp” men on a poster board amongst red and orange colored fire. He quickly told me who 3 of them were and said “but do you know who that number 4 is,mom? It’s God. Because He stays with the men in the fire to help them. They got put in there because They didnt bow down. And you know what else???  God stays with US too.” 

The Lord knew I NEEDED to hear that reminder from Hudson. There is so much fire on Earth right now. It is unsafe. It is unknown. And it is scary. But God is with us in this fire. 

My little boy knows this and I pray he continues to develop a solid faith in the gospel. I pray he knows the Lord is always Good. 

Hudson Webb, you light up my world. Happiest Birthday to you! Take on the next year with bravery, curiosity, and laughter! And know that your mom will always be right here learning from you.  Alllllllll my love and hugs and kisses and popsicles. 

Moma. 

Josie Grey 2.9

Josie Grey, I was fairly good about documenting your big brothers first couple of years on here but I’ll admit I haven’t been the best with you. You’ll understand when you have children. You are 3 months from age 3. You have almost mastered this potty training thing. But in true girly girl style, poop still terrifies you. I always thought you would have more of your dads quiet and reserved personality. And you do when we meet new people or go new places. At home, however....you let that sass roll. You boss us around and very clear about what you want! Your vocabulary has grown exponentially the last few months. You love to play with melmo , Minnie Mouse, and all the babies. You call your baby “your sister” and say Hudson is the daddy. And while that’s for sure a bit weird, it’s kinda cute right now :) Two weeks ago you went to your first big girl Sunday School class. You love your friends at school and tell me what y’all did that day when I pick you up. Tonight you put yourself in time out after not picking up your toys and then picked them up. Loving that self discipline, girlfriend! You still are obsessed with putting your shoes on the wrong feet and for some strange reason have removed all of the insoles out of your shoes. When asked what you did with them, you say “put them in the twash”....greeeattt. You call your brother “my hudson”, me “moma Sam” and your dad “Daddy boy” . You love to sing let it go and pretend youre Elsa. Last week you told me to "Go Away Ana!" when I came in your room...(thanks Frozen for teaching her that one!) This past weekend, BB asked you, who is a pretty girl? and you exclaimed “I are!” And you sooo are. You are my future best friend and the little piece of pink glitter that lights up our home. We love you Josie Grey Webb! Love,
Moma Sam

New hairdos, gallbladders, weird foot things, and life at the Webbs

I thought it was about time to make one of the few blog posts I do in a year! I mainly write all of this useless information down for myself. I have a feeling when I'm old and gray, I'm going to want to remember these extremely hectic toddler days so I can laugh at all of the ridiculously crazy moments we Webb folks had. Life around here has been really chaotic. So  chaotic that Ive locked myself in the bathroom and taken several two hour baths to regain my sanity or what's left of it. About 5 weeks ago, I started having severe abdominal pain. I have had this pain before a few times but always choked it up to being a stomach ulcer or virus. This time, I was in so so much pain, I knew something funky and crappy was up. After a completely pointless ER trip, a trip to the urgent care, and 2 more expensive scans later (but huge thanks to my radiology friends), my gallbladder was determined to be useless. No gallstones. Just not working. Blah. Blah. So out it must come. And don't let anyone trick you with "oh it's a quick surgery in which you'll be up walking around the day of..." .........It's NOT. And it HURTS. And I was a Big Baby.
But even post surgery wasn't the worst part. The worst was the aftermath of two to three weeks of complete chaos around here. I couldn't pick up the kids. And y'all, not picking up a three year old and a 17 month old is IMPOSSIBLE. Getting them to daycare, giving baths, etc. etc. but With a lot of help from BB, Nana, and GAM, we have survived and I'm generally back to normal. Cue all the praise hands!!

Last Monday, I picked Hudson up from school and he runs to me saying "moma moma Billy Bob put gum in my hair!" I can't say his real name on the Internet, so we'll call this kid Billy Bob for now. I of course look immediately to find that Hudson in fact had a huge chunk of hardened bubble gum on the top of his pretty blonde hair. We rush home, and He flips out when I try to rub peanut butter all in it, so I had to just cut it. It looks REALLY nice now and he loves to tell the story. Just Ask him about it. If you are wondering why Billy Bob and Hudson had gum, it's because they found it on the gym floor.....and I just hope Billy Bob and Hudson didn't chew the gum before putting it in his hair! 🙈 Hudson says "it was just a assident, moma!"

The next day of the same week included a rush trip for Josie grey to the dermatologist because of  a huge hard infected gross looking cyst found on her foot. I called every dermatologist in the golden triangle to  get her a quick appointment, so that her foot wouldn't rot off. But by the time I get her to the dermatologist at noon, the "cyst" had popped out on its own. 🙄 The jolly old doc said "looks good to me" and out the door we went as quick as we came. I mean could she not have kept IT on her foot for thirty more minutes so I didn't look like a complete nutcase of a mom!? At least she's really clean. She is. It's weird. She loves a washcloth. When they are taking a bath, Hudson yells "Josie won't quit wiping me!, and stop Josie grey, I don't want soap!" Then she will die out in laughter. She has the whole bug your big brother thing down to an art.

 Amongst all of our crazy, we have also had really sweet moments including Hudson telling me all of the awesome things he has learned in Sunday school, his first time in Davis Wade, first dove hunt with Daddy, Josie grey learning how to say the cutest "uh huh" you've ever heard, and Pete seriously swooping in and taking over the role of mom and dad when I was sick. He was awesome. I sure hope I don't forget all of the crazy laughable moments, but I want to remember the sweetness of their childhood even more! They are growing very quick and learning new things everyday. They keep us on our toes and make this momas heart so full.

9/26/18
O

Hudson age 2

Hudson,


You are now almost 2.5. My most favorite age! You are learning so much and soaking up everything. You are so funny. Like super funny. I just love everything that comes out of your mouth (except those NOs). Lately, if we correct you even the least little bit or say anything remotely negative to you (or anyone for that matter), You promptly tell us "don't say dat" or "dat not nice". You love attention, but also can easily occupy yourself. Your sister thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced bread but you aren't really into letting her play trains with you just yet. We just came home from a week of Christmas travels. I'm still recovering. But you have handled it pretty well. I can't believe you're getting so big. I try to kiss you at least 300 times a day. Sometimes you ask me to stop. Sometimes you kiss my cheek first and say "I wuv you" , and I turn into mushy mush mush in the floor. Everyday I can see my little toddler turning into more of a big boy. Soon you will want to do more and more big boy things like go to deer camp and work outside with daddy. Right now, you still want to be with me a lot and when I leave the house without you, I hear "I coming moma! I coming!" Most mornings, You like school aka "the castle" and you talk about your "fwiends" and if they were nice or not that day. We're struggling a little bit with the potty training thing. But this weekend...it's on, dude! Potty dance time! Anyway, I just love you so much. Watching you grow is my favorite thing in all the world! You're the best Hudo ever!






Love, Moma.

Ashley Bradberry Photography

Dosie Gay

Dosie Gay,

Often your big brother still calls you baby girl, but lately he will refer to you as Dosie Gay. So cute, right? You love him. You want to play with all of his toys. Forget the dolls, Give you a tractor and a choo choo any day and youre happy! Youre almost 9 months (2 weeks to go). Sheesh! How did that happen? Im not one of those moms who gets all weepy and says oh I want to keep you little forever. Because….Im totally happy  that youre growing and thriving. And while I will totally miss this stage of your baby goodness, I also rejoice in the fact that youre getting bigger and learning. I do wish I could bottle up that baby giggle and keep it forever though. You now have two teeth and maybe one or two more about to bust up through there. You still love to eat. Which is evident in those chunky squishy thighs. I am weaning down from pumping milk for you. Exclusively pumping for you has probably been one of the most difficult things Ive ever done. And, one that I am most proud of.  I have totaled about 375 hours hooked to that thing! It was hard, it was tiring, and it was completely worth it. We just finished up your first Christmas. Ill be honest, it was a hard one for me. Traveling around the state for a week with 2 small kiddos is …well… exhausting. Top it off with my elevated mom anxiety and …..you get me doing a whole lot of repenting, praying, and needing a major nap J  It was still a wonderful Christmas full of special presents, you eating a lot of wrapping paper, and a new baby cousin being born. You also have become really good and really fast at moving. You are one of those silent trouble types. If I turn my head for one second, you’ve climbed somewhere you shouldn’t be, crawled and hid behind a curtain, or tried to eat a leaf. You love to say “dada” but want me to hold you. I am still so thankful God sent me you baby girl. Youre the best Dosie Gay ever full of trouble, giggles, and sweet baby rolls!

Love, Moma

Josie Grey 6 months

My sweet little dumpling,

I don’t know how, but you are 6 months old!. Time has slipped away from me. Obviously, since youre 6 months and I haven’t even written since birth. Please forgive me. Im just a WEE bit busy and life is so crazy hectic. But our busy life is so so wonderful.  So wonderful because youre in it. Your birth was “relatively” smooth and Im so very thankful for that.  At one time after birth, It took a couple of people to help me realize that you in fact DID have two eyes. I may have been a little out of it after delivery. That’s another story for another day J. When we brought you home, your brother looked at you with complete awe, gave you all of his tractors, and immediately gave you the name “baby”. And “Baby” you are still. Your personality has came out recently and youre so easy peasy lemon squeezy. Just like your dad, you go with the flow, and rarely fuss. Speaking of dads, I can already tell you have stolen Pete Webbs heart. Your face lights up when he enters the room. Youre now eating lots of food and gobbling it up. You are my squishy smushy chunky thigh baby and I just want to bury my head in your fat rolls. ( ok, maybe that’s a little weird, but you get the point.)

Its almost time for your first Christmas, and I cant wait to watch all of our family love on you and your brother. You are also getting a baby cousin soon. I know you will have loads of fun keeping Hudson and Harrison in line and making them play tea party with you. You go girl! 

Im loving playing dress up with you. How could I not???, you look adorable in everything. Particularly a bonnet, and your BB and Granna Nana  tell me you look like “Little House on the Prairie”. I don’t care because I absolutely love Little House on the Prairie. I own every episode on DVD. Ill let you borrow one day if you can find a DVD player in 10 years. 

Basically, I love every single inch of you. You are my surprise gift from the Lord, whose plans are so much greater and wonderful than you or I can imagine. You, my dumpling darling, are a blessing! Happy 6 months of Life!

Love, Mom.

To Josie Grey..

My dear sweet girl, 

It's very weird to say that. Girl. I have Immersed myself in all things boy since your brother was born. He is all boy. He loves choo choo trains, mud puddles, and being a growling monster. I love those things too. But I'm very excited, and maybe a little nervous, to enter the pink world. I can't wait for us to share that special mom and daughter bond. I have a really good teacher who taught me how to do it. I can't wait for you to be here. When we found out your brother was coming, I wrote down some things I wanted him to know one day so I'm doing the same for you. 

Telling daddy about you: 

It was a total random week night in August. He got home late from work. He knew I had taken one pregnancy test a few days earlier and it had turned out negative. 2 of those little stickies come in a kit these days. I was about to throw the other away until I thought oh well why not just take it too.....

Your daddy walked in hudsons room while i was putting his pajamas on. I said "check out that chalkboard on the wall" I had written "baby Webb #2...." On it. Your daddy just grinned and said well alright! You see, daddy remains very calm and collected in all stressful or shocking situations. And then later on when he is by himself, I'm fairly certain he freaks out a little...or a lot! He is so excited about having a girl now. He's been working very hard at getting your brother to say "Josie" and he makes comments like "Josie Grey is never wearing that", " she can go hunting with us", and "I'll be ready to scare some boys away". So I apologize way in advance if you have to go to prom dressed in a sack...

Telling your BB and the rest of the crew: 

I wanted to tell my whole side of the family together but I just can't keep secrets from bb. I've tried. It doesn't work. So after lunch with some co workers mid week, I called her. She can always tell something is up in my voice.   She just responded with laughter (and a little shock)! She and your aunt Mallory are super pumped to welcome another girl on our shopping trips. The rest of the crew was told fairly quickly after because well I don't keep secrets well from Big daddy and Mallory and uncle puddin either. 

Telling Granna and Paw: 

I was lucky enough to catch their response on video. It's pretty cute. They came to Starkville for a visit pretty soon after that random week night. I bought Hudson a shirt that  said "big brother Hudson". Granna immediately picked Hudson up when she walked in the living room door. She began talking to him and admiring my new piece of furniture...oblivious to hudsons shirt. So finally I said " hey read his shirt!!" Ha! The look of utter shock on her face is priceless and I will never forget it. 

Cravings and moods: 

Well I'm pretty certified crazy this go round that's for sure. I do silly things like drive up to the chic fil a window and ask them " do y'all have any chicken". I put a roll of frozen sausage in the pantry earlier tonight. And I cannot remember that there are wet clothes in the wash. Dont think your dad is not loopy too In the last few weeks, I'm certain that he has bought enough bacon for ten years worth of meals. Our freezer drawers are just full of packs of bacon. I don't know why. You'll have to ask when you get here. 

I've drank about 100 strawberry limeades in 8 months. Taco night is my favorite. And butter beans are seriously awesome. Yesterday I cried because Strombolis put meatballs on my spaghetti instead of just sauce. Your sweet dad took it back to the restaurant and I'm sure he said my wife is pregnant crazy and cries at the sight of meatballs. 

Your name: 

Josie was your paternal great grandmothers name. And Grey is a family tradition name that was given to like five generations of women before you on your dads side. It's Grannas middle name, and Great Granny's middle name, and cousin Amanda's middle name,etc. We would like for you to stay Josie Grey please. So don't let anyone call you "joe" or "jay gee" or any other craziness. Except for Hudson, right now he calls you "baby" and that's perfectly adorable. 

Josie also means "may jehovah add" in French. And the Lord so wonderfully has added you to our family. I am so overwhelmingly thankful for our new addition. You will most definitely be a light in our world. We pray that you will learn to love all people, seek God in all that you do, and be a blessing to all who meet you. 

We love you oh so much Josie Grey! See you when you're ready! 

Moma 

P.S. Hope you like bacon. 

Photos by Kate Spitz Photography :) 

I blinked.

Paul Hudson,

I did what everyone told me not to do. I blinked. I blinked.....and now you are 9 months old. You are crawling everywhere, pulling up on furniture and demanding everyone's attention. You are saying bye bye and dada consistently, but refuse to say mama. Ill just tell you its driving me nuts. Every time I model "mama" for you, you respond with "dada". And yes, dada is eating it up, of course. You have had ear infections recently, and want to be held and snuggled more, and I happily agree! However, that means our new house work has been neglected. Your B.B. quickly reminded me that a dirty house will always be there, but you wont always be in it. So, for now I will hold you for as long as you want! And if you never want to leave my house, that's perfectly fine with me too! :) I started a new job and we have moved to Starkville. You are loving having more room to crawl and chase Meeko. Your uncle Adam and Aunt Alysca are loving having you down the street as well. You have a great babysitter right now who has 3 girls, and from what I can tell, youre totally the ladies man. Such a flirt! You love going to Senatobia to visit Granna and Paw, Big Daddy and B.B and Aunt Mal and Uncle Puddin. They all adore you and you never want to sleep when we are there because you're having too much fun being spoiled. Everyone who meets you comments on your bright blue eyes. And I cant disagree with how wonderful they are, I love when you look at me. Every day, I wonder how my heart could get any bigger, and then you make it grow even more. Sometimes I want time to slow down, and then I think about all the things God has in store for you, and I cant wait to see you learn, grow, and love. Hudson man, you are such a big blessing in our family! I cannot believe that out of all the mothers in the world, I got picked! Oh how I love you oh so much! Happy 9 months of life!

Mama

My Baby.

My sweet Paul Hudson,

You are 8 weeks old tomorrow. Your birth and first weeks of life have come with a wide range of emotions including "oh my gosh! I will never ever get through another day without sleep" to overwhelming feelings of love to the point of tears. I will admit I was/am a pretty paranoid first time mom. Part of that not sleeping came from me waking up every 10 mins to make sure you were still breathing..but with God's help and the "snuza hero" we have gotten a lot better about that obstacle.

You are so precious. Seriously. I know all babies are cute, but you're reeeaaallyyy cute :). You are getting close to doubling your birth weight. YOU LIKE SOME FOOD. and you like to tell us when its time to eat. You can hold your head up when you want to. You're an excellent kicker.  You very much enjoy strolling, riding, swinging and anything that moves. You LOOOVE music, particularly Norah Jones and James Taylor, which of course are very nice choices. You cry when the music stops. You have already earned yourself some nicknames... Chubs, Hudo, Jethro, Budderoo, Catfish, Snoot. Most of those coming from your daddy.

Speaking of Dads.. I like yours. I like him even more now that you're in the picture. He is quite funny with you. You are his new best friend. Ya'll have educational deer hunting chats in the recliner. He is already planning your first deer camp adventure. Which I will be tagging along on until you are at least 10 years old. Daddy is very helpful...he offered to hold you when you pooped in the tub. He said he would let me take care of the rest of the clean up, of course. He wakes up with you at the crack of dawn before he goes to work and I'm sure that is when most of the man bonding goes down. (Hudson, please please be a late sleeper like me and not a rooster like daddy.) He gives us kisses in the morning before he leaves.

 You have met so many wonderful friends and family. Every one that meets you falls in love. If possible, I fall more in love with you every morning. I love that I make you smile the biggest, only second to the ceiling fan. I love your chubby cheeks. I love your morning sounds. I love your tiny little pants. I love you in a hat. I love your eyes. I love your snuggles. I love that you want to be swaddled in my arms. Hudson, you are the picture of God's grace and perfect timing. You are God's gift to me. You are my baby. 

Mama. 

Showered with lots of Love

A few weeks ago, our growing little family was showered with the most wonderful baby shower EVER. No seriously. It was. We received tons of great baby items,and I absolutely loved seeing all of the people I love most come to rub the giant belly and wish us well. Lots of people sent gifts that couldn't make it to the shower and that was so thoughtful! According to Ms. McKellar... "it was a shower right out of Southern Living! :) I have never been in a house with so many influential women of my life all at once...all loving on my sweet baby. Thank you to all of the hostesses, family, and friends who made the day so special!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Paul Hudson Webb, you are one loved little boy!

Favorite Moments

I thought it was time to maybe start the blog back up, since of-course...our lives just got a little more interesting...

Dear sweet Paul Hudson,

Were overjoyed that you're on your way. You are now the size of like a head of lettuce or something.That's what the pregnancy app and book say :). I think they got it wrong. I look like I ate a watermelon, not lettuce!!! But, You must be an energetic head of lettuce!  Lately, you've been moving around a lot. I love it. There is no feeling like it, and it re assures me you're doing fine and will be here soon! Here a few of my favorite pregnancy moments with you so far:

Telling Daddy:
It was a Saturday. Your dad was cooking breakfast. I walked out of the bathroom with a little stick in my hand, and just looked at him. His response: "I knew it. Youve been acting ridiculous and eating like a goat".  Well, gee thanks, Pete! what woman doesnt want to be told shes ridiculous and goatlike? :) Then he hugged me..... and he didnt need to say another word.

Telling your BB:
That's my mom. Your BB. I had been on the phone with her the day before. I had cried to her because she and your aunt Mallory were shopping without me 3 hours away and I was super homesick for them. When she called that Saturday, she heard it in my voice. She knew I was pregnant.  Mothers have that gift or something. Her response: laughter and "I knew it, you were acting ridiculous yesterday." ( I dont know why they thought I was being crazy, I'm a perfectly normal pregnant woman! ) Your BB is a good one. Like a real good one. I hope you love me one day the way I love her.

Telling Daddy's parents:
They havent decided on what they want to be called yet. I think they want you to name them :) They were the most fun to tell. It was super hard for your dad and I to keep a secret from them. Your dad was dead set on telling them in a special way. He couldnt wait! We told them at Christmas at their house. After everyone had opened most of their gifts, I told your cute little grandma who was sitting criss cross applesauce style in the floor to open their last present. They opened it and she cried. A sweet little ornament with a stork saying "We're Expecting".

Finding out you are PAUL HUDSON:
Just your dad and I went to the ultrasound appointment. It was a special day. He was convinced you were a girl. We both said gender didnt matter as long as you were healthy. But, I will forever remember the smile on his face, when the ultrasound tech said "Do you see that right there...THAT means IT'S A DEFINITE BOY!"
We told our immediate families out at dinner that next weekend. I ordered white sparkling cream cheese cupcakes filled with blue icing. They couldnt even wait til after dinner to cut into them!

Everyone has been busy trying to get ready for you. Your grandmas have been buying clothes of course. and Your Aunt Mallory stays on the internet searching for cute costumes to dress you in. I apologize in advance if you become her own personal dress up doll.

 Your great grand Pop enjoyed telling me the history of your name. That's who you are named after. Great grand Pop and my dad. I can't wait to see him hold you.

I enjoyed watching your dad put your nursery furniture together. He was serious. He has been the best husband ever during pregnancy, but he says you and I are starting to take up the whole bed at night. ;)
 

I pray for you constantly. That you will be healthy. That we wont be "ridiculous" and we will figure out how to become parents. That you will be happy. and That you will love the Lord with all of your heart.

                                                                            20 weeks

                                                                           24 weeks


I love you baby boy! Now, let's go take a nap!

Weekend Wrap-up

Pete and I had a great weekend together. This was my last weekend of summer before digging in the books again! I tried to relax a little.. and clean a little in between our busy schedule.

On Friday night, we went to Starkville to have dinner with Pete's brother and his girlfriend, Alysca. WE love double dating with family!

On Saturday, We did what we do best..Be LAZY! and I loved it! And ofcourse, my little shadow,Meeko, just had to get in on the outside lounging, and book reading too!

Saturday night, we attended our new church's last "preview" service before we OFFICIALLY launch next Sunday! So exciting! If you're in the Columbus area, and do not have a church family, I highly encourage you to come visit New Journey. And everyone please be praying for God to continue to do big things in this new church on their "New Journey" (haha, couldn't resist).

I taught the 3-4 yr olds on Saturday night. It was my first time with them and I loved it! We learned how God used a cloud and fire over the tabernacle to guide the Israelites and remind them that He was with them, always. The sweet little ones enjoyed making their cloud and fire craft!

Sunday afternoon, Pete and I went to the matinee movie to see "The Butler". It really was a great movie, inspired by a true story! Go see it.

We wrapped up the weekend by grilling, and having dinner on the back porch tonight as the sun set.  BLESSED. 

the cook did not smile for the camera!  

teriyaki chicken with pineapple= yummy!

Meeko enjoyed playing all weekend too!

( Also, there are no pictures of our lab, Abby, because she is at her boyfriend's house. Thats's right! The Webb's may be having little ones soon...)

Hope ya'll have a wonderful week!