Eight Months

Copeland Peter. Ah, I just love saying his full name. What's with that? When my mom called me by my full name, I didn't like it. Now, I hear mom's doing it all of the time. And I do it. And I love doing. That's his name. His sweet, innocent name. Ah, I just love saying it. (I think I've figure out why mom's do it.) You are EIGHT months, big boy! I cannot believe how fast you have grown. You're ahead of Hudson in all of your mile stones so far. I'm sure that's because you see him doing everything and want to join in. I could snuggle you all day long. You're just so yummy. I have loved all the time we've had so far together. You make me feel so needed. When I enter the room and you see me, it's like I'm the only one there. You're smile is huge and your eyes are full and welcoming. I just adore you. New to Copeland: When we hold you, you somehow adjust yourself so that you look like you're hanging on us, like a little woodland critter. I just love this, especially because of your big, blue eyes. You really do look like a little critter. A cute one, of course. When we hold you, you like to press your mouth against our shoulder while making a "mah-mah" sound. You do this over and over. And, if our shoulder is exposed you like it even more. You can almost hold yourself up in a crawling position. When you do this you start swaying forward and back. I'm sure you'll be crawling next month. You have two teeth! And you haven't bit me, yet. I'm nervous about that day, but maybe it won't happen if it hasn't already. (Crossing my fingers!) You love your big brother. He can make you laugh better than anyone else. You also love smiling at him when he's crying. Usually he's yelling at you to "stop laughing, Cope!" which makes you smile even bigger. Speaking of smiles, everyone says we have the same one. I love this because all I ever hear is how much you and Hudson look like daddy. Finally I can claim something! You love bath time. Your sleeping habits are better than ever. You're almost sleeping through the night. And I couldn't be more grateful. You have a sweetness about you and a kindness that I can already see. You're full of light and you bring us so much joy.

Catching Up

I'm sad at how long it's been since I last posted. Thankfully, we have Instagram. That has become my shortened version of blogging. Much has happened for us in the last 8 months. We moved to San Antonio Texas to begin a 4 year Optometry program. We also had an addition to our sweet little family. Copeland Peter Evans. And he is, truly, the sweetest thing ever. (I'll post about his birth soon. I want to catch us up before I write that.) Texas is different from anywhere I've lived. It's even the last place I'd ever choose to live. Which is probably why we are here. The Lord seems to always help me in that way. So, what ever you do, don't say, "I'll never..." because if you do, whatever your "never" was, will happen. But, I am slowly coming to enjoy this huge city and all it encompasses. When I sit here to write, truthfully, it all seems like a blur. With baby finally here and then Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and no sleep it's all been such rush. I feel like we just got here. With the start of the new year, we've been trying to do new things, to get to know the area. For Jordan's Spring break we traveled to Corpus Christi. We met friends from school there and spent the day on the beach. Hudson loved it. I thought he'd be nervous about the water, since he still hates the bath water on his head, but he couldn't get enough of the ocean. Thank goodness for life jackets! And Jorgan was such a sweet daddy. He stayed in that water the whole time, playing with Hudson, doing whatever he asked him to do. Copeland slept for most of it, but when he was awake, he smiled the whole time. It was a sweet little get away. Just what we all needed. We've also traveled up to Waco (TWICE) to see Magnolia Market. I'm obsessed with Fixer Upper, so, naturally we'd drive 3 hours just to see their shop. And it was so worth it. If I were a market, I'd be that one! The boys take up most of my time right now. Actually, they take up all of it. and I love it. 2 is definitely harder, but in ways I didn't realize would, And then easier in ways I figured would be harder. Copeland is now almost 5 months and loves smilling at Hudson. Hudson loves making Copers laugh, and Copers does it a lot. When Hudson isn't trying to crush Copeland with his massive (but juicy and adorable) body, the boys are really cute together.

Cheese Heads for the summer

From now til July we live in Wisconsin while Jordan works. I already love it more than Oklahoma (only because it's not as humid or hot! AND there's water. So it's kinda like the northwest coast. Kinda!) Today we ventured out to the Milwaukee zoo and we had a blast! Hudson is crazy about animals, right now. He has many (too many) animal toy figures and he knows them all. I love this so much about him especially because he goes around growling at everyone and everything. Today he got to actually growl at the appropriate times :) (like when he saw the bears and a tiger.) One of my favorites is his monkey impression. "Ah ah!" Is all he says :) it was also super cute to see his reaction when he saw the cows. They were the first up close animal we saw and he 'bout died. He was so happy! The smell was... But it was worth it. His face was priceless! AND for the first time, he stayed in his stroller and was OK with it! Alleluia! He just sat and watched. It was such a fun day! 

#firstworldproblems

Let me just say how much I love my nails getting done. (That, and my eye brows being waxed.) I always feel better when I look down and can see that at least one thing on me looks nice for the day. For Valentine's Day my mom was super sweet and sent my sister and I gifts to get mani's. And it was way fun. I've wanted acrylic for a while but always knew that I wouldn't be able to keep them up (always filling them) because we're still students and aren't in a position to be spending money on that. It's definitely a want not a need, for me anyway. But I took the plunge and got them. It was so great to always have nice looking nails. Once I had them, though, I realized how much I actually did around the house and that those pretty ladies couldn't keep up! And on top of always be worried I might scratch hudson I feared, I mean feared with a capital "F," that i'd some how get poop under them when I changed his diaper!!!!! Ahhhh, can you even imagine??? Total torture for me. Not to mention it being super gross! The whole idea of getting anything under them was yucky for me. With all I noticed I do around the house I was constantly washing my hands and scrubbing under my nails. I won't list everything I worried about after i touched something but it was annoying, especially when I knew I was about to then go play with and handle hudson. 

Blah blah blah  long story short... I took them off last night (took a good hour) and it's been heaven! I'm glad i got them and maybe later in life I'll get them and keep them but for now I'll just paint them and keep them pretty myself! 

The Many Faces of Hudbug Jay

This kid and all his faces. Hudson has ALWAYS had personality, but lately it's been through the roof and i'm completely in love with it! (And his chubby cheeks definitely help!) He talks non stop; like has serious conversations with me and I know nothing of what he's telling me. Yesterday he got my phone and I turned it to video in hopes that he'd record himself, which he did (and he also took some photos of himself)! He's the sweetest... and a little loopy... and I definitely helped him out, but listen to dat voice...

(Sorry for his chapped cheeks, that's Idaho for ya!)

Along with this huge personality, and so many smiles, he's very bold about telling me "NO," which is my favorite. Not! But, it's still cute. What else...

Everything is a "ball." Everything. 

Scares other kids with how excited he gets

He's still a terrible sleeper. 

He loves giving kisses. 

And is so snuggly... with me. He always pushes Jordan away when I'm around. Don't tell J, but I secretly love it :)

Eats like a champ! A champ!

He always folds his arms right as I set his plate on his high chair. 

When he sees his toothbrush he runs opposite of me yelling "no no no."

He hasn't pooped on the floor in a long while!!! Hooray!

And he knows candy when he sees it... even when he's never tried it or seen us eat it. (darn that first piece of candy on Halloween.)

This whopping 32 lbs stud is my very favorite!

Bows & Arrow: Let's sell some bowties!

Last semester I started making bowties for Hudson. When I shopped for them, they were always a little pricey and never had quite what I was looking for. And let's be honest, it's basically their only accessory, so I wanted a lot of them! Eventually I decided to make more and sell them, and they were a hit! [[Turn's out I wasn't the only mom looking for an affordable bowtie for my little guy!]]

They're cute and simple, with a little clip on the back to quickly place, or remove, from our little men. They're $3 each or 2 for $5 and fit infants to young boys. Right now I'm just selling to those who know about this. I don't have a store or shop, yet. If I did, I'd name it Bows & Arrow. I just thought I'd share what I've been selling. Hope you likey!

Bows & Arrow: Bowties for our little guys!

A Week of First's

Let me tell you! This week was two first's for us..
Hudson was invited to his first birthday party. And it was adorable! Any mom can relate when it comes to seeing their kid in a situation they've never been in and loving it. Like it's truly the only thing on the planet. Their smiles are ginormoous and their eyes are everywhere, like a ball in a pinball machine. Boom, Boom, Boom. And it's so happy! I think you get the picture. This was basically pure joy for him. And me, watching him.

Can you say, "Arcade bliss?" Oh, this kid. 

Another "first" was hair cuts!

Hudson had his first hair cut. Ever. First off, there's nothing cuter than a chunky kid in the hair chair, with the hair cape, his hair wet and sleeked back (lookin' like a mullet), eat'n fruit snacks! Can I get an, "Amen!" And, sooner than I realized all 'dem curls were on the floor, (which was so sad), but the mullet/frizz/velcro on the back of his head that collects everything from leaves to fuzz was finally gone :) 

And then it was my turn... Let me preface, I've wanted these for a long time. They're super adorable. Who doesn't like an adorable BANG? I'm talkin' full on, straight across, Zooey Deschanel bangs... at least that's what I hoped for. Question, Why is Pinterest so perfect? News Flash! It's too perfect! After cutting my bangs I realized that Pinterest isn't real, haha. Every bang photo I searched and Pinned is perfect, but mine (which wasn't pinned, obviously)! I can't be too negative, though. They are growing on me, but seriously Pinterest... why'd you make me think my hair would look like you?! Note to self: Real life is... thin bangs, not full and voluminous, and instantly takes you back to 3rd grade when you had them, forgot you looked ridiculous, and now they're back! Okay, my rant is over. And they aren't that bad, it's just a drastic change. But thanks to Pinterest I can now look up inspirational printables that will help me love my hair, haha :)

the beginning of something really great

Sheesh! If you haven't noticed, it's been over a year since my last post. How embarrassing! I could list a million excuses as to why, but instead, I'll just say that this year is going to be much better; I'm going to be much better.

I know resolutions are so last month :) but, one of them I want to blog about, more so to keep me accounted for. I'm a little late in starting it (I started January 19th)..... This resolution is, writing a letter, "thank you" note, "thinking of you" card, etc. to some one EVERY SINGLE DAY this year. I'm sure you're thinking, "that's so much postage!" But, not every note will be mailed. And I'm going to try and blog about some of them as my year goes on, but keep them anonymous. I do want to point out that each note I write will be meaningful. I want each day to be for some one specific, who I think about and then write to. And I have, so far! It's been really sweet and fun to express my thanks to the people around me. I'm definitely an "old soul," which I secretly love, and writing notes is something I really enjoy. And it's a great way to serve each day. So, please wish me luck! (With my track record for remembering things, I'm going to need as much luck as I can get!)

So, here's to a new year, a new computer, a new determination and new resolutions! Enjoy!

Six Months!

Six Months old today!

Hudson Jay Evans: 

21 lbs. 

27 in. long

loves playing with things that crinkle: chip bags

smiles all of the time

not the best sleeper, yet :)

loves making noises & watching basketball

makes your heart skip a beat

brings us so much joy

has the bluest eyes

loves to eat!

can sit up by himself

loves eating oatmeal cereal

oh, and hates naps!

nicknames: hudbug, hudders, hudson jay

That's a wrap! 

Happy 6 months, sweet boy!

Crying it Out?

Tomorrow it will be exactly one week since we started the "crying it out" technique. I have to say, I was really apprehensive about doing it, like REALLY apprehensive. But, it had to be done. Before trying this, I would cringe when I thought about night time and bed time. Hudson was so sweet during the day, and our days were fun, but when night fall came, I wanted it to be day time again. It took me hours to get him to sleep and back to sleep. over and over. never getting a break. And sometimes (more like most of the time) I'd give up and just bring him into our bedroom because it was much easier, and he'd actually sleep there! But, he'd usually end up kicking Jordan out of the bed and onto the couch. Literally, Jordan would wake up with Hudson, asleep, while pushing Jordan's back or kicking it. OR he'd wake us because he would turn his head to the right and then to the left. over and over. still asleep, mind you, but acting like he needed more space and was trying to get comfortable. This kid is hilarious! So, you can see why we needed this, or at least had to try it out.
This process is not fun! not one bit. But has been my saving grace. The first night, after doing our bedtime routine: bath, jammies, nursing and songs, he cried for an hour and a half. Thought I was going to die. It took everything I had to not go pick him up. After that night his crying decreased more each night. fifty minutes, then thirty, twenty, twelve, ten and five. During each cry session I'd always bring up to Jordan how "Hudson probably thinks we've abandoned him and that we're never coming back! and what if the stress of him crying interferes with his brain development?" I came up with every little excuse possible. anything to get me in his room and comforting him. Jordan would quickly correct me. lovingly. About this process. He helped me realize how "crying it out" wasn't just for our sanity, but Hudson's, too. Waking up six or seven times a night for a baby isn't good either. True. Jordan also helped me feel better about this process by relating it to the gospel. [[Loved this thought he shared.]] He brought up Heavenly Father, and how He sometimes gives us hard things because they will teach us and help us grow. And during these hard times He watches us and knows our feelings about them. But, he doesn't take them away. at least not until they have changed us in the way He wanted them to. And that's us right now. Doing a hard thing; hearing him cry, but knowing how great and helpful this will be soon. for Hudson and us. and it has! He is sleeping until almost 4 am every night and is a much happier baby during the day. His naps are even better and more regular.
So for those who aren't too sure about "crying it out," maybe try it? I was scared. oh so scared. But, it saved us. and now I have my nights and time with my husband. and Heavenly Father will help you. I know it!
Oh! and did I mention how soundly they sleep? I love checking in on Hud and seeing him fast asleep and glowing in the dark (his jammies glow in the dark. cutest. thing. ever.).

October Bliss

I'm a little late but... in October we went to a [[real]] family owned pumpkin patch! It was our first as a family! Ahh, so cute. huge pumpkins. baby pumpkins. pumpkins everywhere. and it was chilly. My favorite! What's even better, it wasn't just Hudson's first pumpkin patch experience, it was Jordan's as well. We had great fun, spent more than we wanted too, but that's all a part of the experience :)

One reason for going to the patch to get pumpkins was to find a good pumpkin for a contest we decided to enter Hudson and Kealaka'i in. Poor Hudson did not have fun. We won. I'm sure you can see why :) Adorable little pumpkins!

We also celebrated Halloween! [[My favorite holiday.]] Jordan was such a sport. I'm so lucky. We went as a family of scarecrows! adorable. Hud was the cutest scarecrow I've ever seen! Hope you all had a great October, too!