BROTHERS!

Hudson loves his baby brother. He loves to hold him and kiss him. The first thing he does each morning is run into our room and ask "where did my baby go?". He quickly learned that babies don't cry because they are sad. When Bennett cries he asks me the 3 things that I told him...does he have a dirty diaper? Does he need milk? Or does he need night night? He is a wonderful big brother!

Bennett Vincent Cowan

Checking in at Evergreen

Bennett after his first bath

Mommy and daddy ready to take Bennett home!

Going home to meet big brother Hudson

On October 1, 2010 the day began at 6:00 am. I was up and ready to head to Evergreen for my induction and to meet my baby. We were scheduled to check in at 7:00am, but because the hospital was busy they called and asked us to come in at 8:30 (this was a blessing). Now that we didn't have to leave so early we were able to have breakfast with Hudson and say goodbye to him before we left. I felt so emotional leaving, even though I know he would be more than happy with Grandma and Grandpa. We arrived at Evergreen checked in and headed to our room. I was thrilled to meet my first nurse Robyn she was outgoing and fun to talk to. Since I was being induced I most likely had a long day ahead of me. Around 6:45 they check me and said I was at a 6 and that John had plenty of time to run and get some dinner. Soon after he left I felt I was ready. I told my nurse and she looked at me in bit of disbelief, but checked. Sure enough it was go time! I called John and told him to get back as soon as possible and hung up. He came running in the door 10 minutes later at 7:50. Bennett was born at 8:28 pm. He was 8 lbs 11 oz and 21 inches long...perfection!

Here is the Video of Hudson meeting Bennett for the first time...

Ready!

I'm due in 3 days and I'm so ready to meet my baby!

Preschool

Ready with his new backpack!

Hudson and Sloan

This is my favorite picture...so cute how they are listening to the teacher.

We are so excited about preschool this year! Hudson is going to the Northshore Community Cooperative preschool in Bothell. Last year he was in the 1-3's class one morning a week and I was with him. This year he is in the 2-3's class and going two mornings a week. I leave him one day and stay one day. On Tuesday he had his first drop off day. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. We got there early to take pictures, he found his BF Sloan and they both started coloring at the art table. I told Hudson that I was going to leave with Emily to get coffee and he gave me a kiss and said bye. I was in shock! Wait...aren't you suppose to cry and ask me to stay? I was so proud, yet a bit sad that it was that easy. Emily and I went to the closest Starbucks assuming that we would be getting "the call" to come back. Well, neither of us got "the call", in fact when we got to school for pick up both Hudson and Sloan were as happy as can be. Hudson came right out of his classroom and said "mommy, I did it", he was so proud and so was I. I'm so glad that we started slow with preschool last year. I know that made all the difference in the world. He is in the same classroom, with the same WONDERFUL teacher, and many of the same kids. My little boy is growing up and doing such a great job of it too. I couldn't be more proud to be Hudson's mommy.

*Thank you to Jodee for taking pictures!

Country Village

For the past two weeks I have been trying to give Hudson the choice of one fun thing to do each day before his baby brother arrives. Last Monday he wanted to feed the ducks at Country Village. He also talked me into getting him a cookie at The Village Bean. It's hard to say no to this boy...he is so darn cute!

Happy 1st Birthday Olivia!

Birthday Girl!

Shelbi, Olivia and Dustin

Yummy!

On Sunday we celebrated Olivia's first birthday. She had a fabulous fairy themed birthday party. Shelbi did an amazing job decorating and Olivia even had fairy wings! As usual Hudson was the only boy, but this never bothers him at all. He adores all of his girlfriends. He especially was in love with Hailey that day. He also loved driving Olivia's new pink car!

Dear Hudson...

Dear Hudson,

You are my first born and you changed my life forever. From the first second I saw you I was a different person. You look at me and I melt. When we first brought you home from the hospital I could just sit and watch you sleep and tears of joy would fill my eyes. From that day you have continued to make me proud to me your mommy. The way you look into my eyes and say “oh mamma” tells me that you know that I am here for you now and forever. When I’m gone from the house for an hour or so and I come home you come running to me and squeal in delight as if you haven’t seen me in days. That melts my heart every time. When I talk to you about your baby brother coming you make it clear that you still want to be my baby. You will always be my first baby. I promise to give you one on one time and individual attention no matter how busy I get. For the Past two and a half years we have spent 95% of our time together and that won’t change. The only difference will be that your baby brother will be with us as well. He is so lucky to have you as a big brother. You are sweet, gentle, kind and thoughtful of others feelings. Now that I’m 9 months pregnant you ask me “okay mommy?” when you can see I am uncomfortable. You are very caring. You love to give your friends a hug when you see them and when you say good-bye. You are the first one to share and love to laugh. You are gentle and kind with all the people in your life. You are going to be such a wonderful role model. You love to follow the rules, clean up after yourself and help me keep the house in order. You are an AMAZING little boy. Please remember that mommy loves you and will love you forever, no matter what.

With all my heart,

Mommy

Brian and Carrie's Wedding

This past (hot) weekend we went to our good friends wedding. Brian and Carrie were married at St. Joseph's in Seattle and they had an amazing reception at Brian's parents house in Madison Park. To say that his parents have a nice view is an understatement. The view is AMAZING and the reception was fabulous. I think the best part was spending time with my husband and many of our good friends. It's very rare that we get out for an evening without Hudson. With the baby on the way I know those nights are going to be even more rare. I even stayed awake until 11:00 pm. If you know me, you know that doesn't happen often.

Maternity Photos

A few weeks ago we had a maternity photo session with Debra from Brand New Soul Photography in Kirkland www.brandnewsoul.com. She was wonderful with Hudson and very creative with the photos. There are so many good ones that we are having a hard time deciding what ones we should order. This is our favorite, mostly because it includes all three...or should I say four of us.

Love This!

Sleep Sheep
http://cloudb.com/ssandf/sheep.html

I received this as a gift for the baby and I love it so much I think I need one too!

Happy 2nd Birthday Madelyn

Yesterday we celebrated Madelyn's 2nd birthday at Ella Bailey park in Magnolia. What a beautiful day for a birthday party! The park had a amazing view of the city. The kids all (except Hudson) loved the pinata. I'm not sure why, but Hudson wanted nothing to do with it. They ran around, ate lunch, had cupcakes, played with sidewalk chalk and everyone was wiped out and ready for a nap when they left. A perfect party!

Summer Fun

We have had some beautiful hot summer days lately. Hudson has been enjoying lunch on the deck, time in his pool and playing in his water table. I think his favorite part of this was being naked!