It's Benedict....you know, like the Pope?

For the Lulu addicts out there.....

2012-01-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

I belong to a closed group on Facebook called 'Lululemon This Just In'. It's capped at 1,000 members who are all equally addicted to the Lululemon brand. We have exactly *1* member who is a dude. He has made a few videos poking fun at us but this one has been the best so far. For anyone who is a fan of the brand and who stalks the new colors and styles like I do, this will ring true.

My Hero...

2012-01-16T12:32:00.004-05:00

Camille Leblanc-Bazinet is my hero. Watch her crush 'Fran' in 2:29. And I need the Lulu speed shorts in this color (I think it's either Antidote or Lime).

This was yesterday's WOD:

5 Rounds for time

3 Junkyard dogs
30 Toes to Bar
20 Half Moons (14lbs for the ladies)
200 meter Fireman's carry (Yes, Christina and I had to carry each other to the end of the block and back FIVE times!)

We finished the workout in 39 minutes. I think that's the longest crossfit WOD I've ever done. We did it at Rx (which means the prescribed amount and didn't wimp out and take a lighter weight or cheat on the distances). And....I hurt today. And tomorrow we are doing 'Fran' (see video above).

Budding Artists...

2012-01-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Here is Link's first canvas....

I have Hudson's hanging on my office wall....

And this was this morning. Does this look like a safe place to play? No, I don't think so either.

Growing up too fast...

2012-01-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

When I received these two videos from Sarah during the middle of a hectic work day it made me stop in my tracks and forget about whatever new web site feature I was planning or financial report I was running. I thought my heart would swell and burst with love for this kid. Hudson has made some huge strides in the last few months in sharing with and caring for his brother. He's in a learning stage and regularly reminds me that 'he's already 4!' (even though he does not turn 4 years old until next month).

(I love hearing Link in the background yelling - 'I made an L!')

Holiday 2011 Videos of the Boys

2012-01-11T17:24:00.000-05:00

Pretty sure Link will be a rockstar when he grows up.

And Hudson is going to give me a heart attack on this thing.

Sh*t Women Say to Personal Trainers

2012-01-11T16:28:00.000-05:00

Tis the Season!

2011-12-22T13:31:00.001-05:00

I work for a retailer and it is crazytown around here these days. It's 3 days before Christmas and we're still working our buns off with no end in sight. Luckily Christmas shopping is done, Mike did not get stuck in Boston this week as feared and returned home on time and we are not traveling this year.

But there has been a bit of fun, like last night's Candlelight Yoga at Lululemon with some friends.

My friend Christina blogged about it here.

Santa 2011

2011-12-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

We haven't made our annual visit to see Santa yet this year, but Sarah took the boys to see him and get their picture taken. We will make our visit this coming weekend with Grandma and Grandpa, like always.

The letters they left with Santa are priceless. I hope Santa is able to source all of these items. :-)

It's been forever...

2011-12-07T15:20:00.005-05:00

It's really been forever since I blogged and since my mother-in-law (Sandy) and I were talking on the weekend about what a great 'baby book' this blog served for Hudson (and um....I have nothing for Link...) I thought I would *try* to document some of our goings-on for documentation's sake.

So...I had quite a few questions in my blogger comments about the pool and landscaping and if it ever got finished. Yes, yes it did. Although it took significantly longer than the 3 months I was promised. But it was worth the wait and we did spend the whole summer in there. Here are some photos:

Link is an absolute doll and still gets a bath in the sink every now and again. Hudson thinks he's a superhero. It's possible he really is because it feels that way to us. We're waiting for the other shoe to drop and for one of these boys to turn into one of the 'terribles' (twos, threes, fours) but so far, so good. They are best friends. The dogs are getting old but they are still enjoying life, even if they are moving a little slower. We still have a zillion cats.

In August I started a new job back in my first love - eCommerce - working for a large retailer. Mike took a new position with his company and we pulled the boys out of daycare and got a nanny. We absolutely love having a 'teacher' (as the boys call her) and wonder why we didn't do it before. They spend their days going on outings, playing and are just generally allowed to be little.

I've moved on from running (although I still do it sometimes and love it) to CrossFit. It's hard and it's fun and now my hands have calluses.

In the summer we went to New York state for a Benedict family reunion at the Old Homestead where Mike's Dad, Ralph grew up. Everyone had so much fun. We also celebrated Ralph's 70th birthday!

Christmas is around the corner and Hudson is fully aware of it all this year. He asks every morning if Santa has come yet. :-) Ok, I think I'm caught up now.

Yoga Girl

2011-12-05T16:34:00.001-05:00

This is too good not to post. Namaste.

My Boys Make Trouble

2011-07-18T19:49:00.000-04:00

Mike and I were talking about a significant work issue and not paying a lot of attention to the boys. I vaguely noticed the lights going on and off once and the surround sound coming on in the kitchen. I looked over to see that the boys had pushed a chair over to reach the controls.

Peachtree Road Race 2011

2011-07-06T16:35:00.000-04:00

This year Vickie and I ran the famed Peachtree Road Race. 60,000 people, heat, humidity and hills in Atlanta. We clocked a good time considering the 2 bottles of wine we shared the day before and a serious lack of training. We're hoping we can make an annual event out of it.

For those who do not know about Peachtree: the bars all open very early on that day and scores of people come out to drink and watch the runners. After the race there is a big party in Piedmont Park or the runners all head in to the bars to join in with the spectators. It was a great time. My favorite sight was the priest outside of St. Timothy's church who threw holy water on us and gave us a blessing as we ran by. And we didn't die on Cardiac Hill - the big, long hill that ends with Piedmont Hospital at the very top. There were bands playing and music blasting the entire 10K.

Check out these outfits:

Pool Construction.... Part 8?

2011-06-02T16:29:00.000-04:00

I think this is part 8.....

We have water! We started filling it on Tuesday night and it's now 3/4 full (almost 2 days later). We also have a fire pit and a fence. We don't have landscaping yet because the guys are putting in the irrigation but I'm told soon.....soon.

Anthony and Penny are visiting for the weekend and we'll be swimming. :-)

Pool Construction.... Part 7

2011-05-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

I wish there wasn't a Part 7 but rather a Part 'Finished'. But not just yet..... Next week will mark 5 full months for this project.

Concrete is complete. Next week is plaster, landscaping, building the fire pit and finishing the shower (which looks pretty cool - don't have a photo of that).

All these photos show the concrete before it was sealed.

(fire pit, above)

This is what the walkways look like now, post-sealing:

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T09:48:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day celebrating with my baby boys! We went to our favorite locally-owned restaurant. Thanks Mike, you're the best husband a girl could ask for. :-)

(where there is Spiderman, there is happiness)

Pool Construction Part 6

2011-05-04T17:05:00.002-04:00

Today is Wednesday...the concrete for all the walks and patios gets poured on Friday. Then the landscaping needs finishing (bar included), the pool needs to be plastered, diving board installed, pump connected, etc. Only then we can fill it up. So there is still a lot to be done (we're in the 5th month now). I think we'll be swimming by Memorial Day.

Here are pictures from last evening. Where there is a metal grating on the ground, patio will be poured. Where there is dirt, it will be landscaping.

Hot tub / Pool. The table and chairs are on the tanning ledge. Why? I have no idea.

The patio walk from the driveway (on the left) and a landscaping bed (on the right).

Of course Hudson found a can of chewing tobacco left behind by the construction guys.

Outdoor kitchen / bar area and the patio to the basement door.

Stairs down to the fire pit. The circle shows the position.

H on the stairs. The stone is so pretty.

Hudson looking in the fish pond. Have I mentioned I didn't want a fish pond?

The family.

Mike has strep throat that he got from Link. He's grumpy.

(Oh these boys are so cute)

Easter 2011

2011-05-04T16:10:00.000-04:00

Just a few snaps from Easter weekend. Seems that my boys love chocolate as much as their mama does.

We made happy kids. It's probably all the chocolate.

Pool Construction Part 5

2011-04-13T11:27:00.002-04:00

To the untrained eye (like mine) it doesn't look like much has happened here in the last few weeks. But Mike assures me that it has!

The walls are all built. Next up: stamped concrete decking, pergola, outdoor kitchen. I am told that there will be 'lots of progress' next week. Which hopefully means this 3 month - turned 5 month project will be done in time for summer. Here are the progress pictures from this morning:

Steps leading from the pool to the fire pit area. Mike did a beautiful job choosing the stone. The pictures do not do the colors justice.

The right side is where the outdoor kitchen will be:

The fish pond. I didn't want one. I lost the battle:

Views from the 3rd floor deck:

Diving board and outdoor kitchen on the right side here:

Benedict Boys and Bunnies

2011-04-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

It doesn't get cuter than this.

Hudson's Grace

2011-03-29T11:05:00.002-04:00

Last night I was in bed with Hudson, playing, talking, etc. When all of a sudden he folded his hands together, closed his eyes and said this:

'We clasp and hands and close our eyes and think deep thoughts inside.

In work and play we've done our best and now it's time to eat and rest.'

And I thought my heart might burst.

Shameless Brag

2011-03-21T12:00:00.002-04:00

I have to brag.... (isn't that what blogs are for anyway??).

I set a personal record in a half marathon yesterday by running the Tobacco Road race in 1:57. That's an 8:55 pace. :-) And this was after a late night out with Jeni and Dave, dining, drinking and taking in a Gordon Lightfoot concert. Poor Gordie has gotten awfully old.

Here are some pictures of the boys from this weekend. Admittedly, neither Mike nor I was supervising them for a few minutes and when we noticed what they were up to.......we found this scene. They were both throwing the dirt, Hudson just happens to have much better aim and distance than poor little LW.

HEAT Workout

2011-03-17T09:50:00.003-04:00

My friend Lisa and I went to HEAT this morning for a 6am TRX workout. I love that place! This video of Elizabeth Hasselbeck's workout is very similar to what we do there. I don't especially love E.H. or her opinions but she's in great shape, no argument there. And look - she's wearing Lululemon crops. :-) Mike has grown tired of my 8+ year addiction to LLL. He can take that up with my enabler, Penny Turner.

Silly Boys

2011-03-17T09:23:00.001-04:00

Lincoln is in that phase where he is so cute, but such a trouble maker. And because he's so cute and everything is done with innocence it's difficult to do anything but grab the camera.

This week he has been very interested in standing in the dog's food bowl.

And because little brother was getting the attention.....

Pictures from Bianca - and pool oooops

2011-03-15T09:19:00.001-04:00

This was what I saw when I got home from work. The bobcat, over the hill and stuck deep in the mud. Not sure how they'll get that out today. Ooooops

And.......the latest photo shoot with Bianca! This set might be my favorite yet: Benedict Family Pictures

Pool Construction...Part 4

2011-03-14T10:15:00.000-04:00

The tile and stone is going on and it looks great!

Linus is Free!

2011-03-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

Our good friends Jeni and Dave are the parents of Henry (Hudson's best buddy) and Linus. Linus was recently 'freed' from a spica cast to correct a dislocated hip (he was in the cast for 11 long weeks).

We have awesome, fun friends who all came over on the weekend to celebrate Linus' new found freedom. You can read about Henry and Linus here.

Here is the man of the hour, being loved by a gaggle of women:

The kiddies made tee shirts to celebrate. The adults made cocktails.

We tried to get a picture of all the kids together......

Hanging out with my little dude

2011-03-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

New Year's Resolution

2011-02-22T15:01:00.001-05:00

I made a New Year's Resolution to run fewer miles and do more of 'something else'. In January I found that something else at a new fitness studio in downtown Raleigh called HEAT (Highly Effective Athletic Training). It focuses on strength training and intense intervals. I've seen results - both physical (fat loss) and in my running pace (my 10 mile pace is faster by 30 seconds per mile). Besides results, HEAT is a wicked fun place to sweat with other like-minded people.

If you're in Raleigh, check it out! HEAT

I'm still registered to run the Chicago marathon this fall, and I am running a few halfs this spring, but I'm having fun with this 'something else' right now.

Concrete is in

2011-02-21T21:05:00.004-05:00

It's much easier now to envision how the pool will look.

This is the deep end. The jumping board will be mounted on the right side. There are two deep end benches - one along the back wall (top of the photo) and one to the side of the jumping board (bottom right corner of the photo).

This side of the pool is the hot tub (upper left circle) and the tanning ledge (left side), which ironically has a sleeve for a huge umbrella.

The center section here will be stamped concrete decking in the foreground and a stone fire pit in the back. The left side is more stonework and plantings.

Here's a good view of the whole pool.

Next up: Stone coping and stacked stone retaining walls.

What we woke up to....

2011-02-21T09:33:00.001-05:00

Just after sunrise this morning, the trucks arrived. Our apologies to the neighbors, especially Anya (an obstetrician who worked a 24-hour on-call the day before).

Pretty neat to see how a concrete pool is formed. They just spray the concrete in.

Pool Construction...Part 3

2011-02-20T20:12:00.002-05:00

The pool is taking shape and the concrete is being poured tomorrow!

This photo shows the hot tub (left), pool, tanning ledge and the location of the outdoor bar, grill and shower.

This is where the patio and the fire pit will be.

Another Session with Bianca

2011-02-03T17:05:00.000-05:00

Bianca came by on the weekend to do a session with Lincoln. Hudson cooperated for a few shots. Not many - but a small few. Here is one from the day.

Pool Construction...Part 2

2011-01-29T18:31:00.004-05:00

The pool is moving along pretty well. The backyard is nothing but mud, but I think we'll forget all of that come spring time when we are splashing and cocktail-ing poolside.. And I finally convinced Mike to add an outdoor bar and a shower (it didn't take much convincing). We are already planning the big pool opening party with our friends.

Hudson's and Daddy's muddy boots.

Happy 1st Birthday to my baby...

2011-01-26T13:23:00.001-05:00

He grew into a toddler so, so fast. Happy birthday LW!

I love this picture. The 'big' kids were all zoned out to something on the tube.

Downward Dog

2011-01-24T20:42:00.000-05:00

Yoga with Mommy.

Spring Races

2011-01-07T21:56:00.004-05:00

Well the Holidays are over, we're both back in the swing of things at work and daycare and I'm avoiding the gym to miss all the January 'Resolutionists' joiners. Instead I'm focused on outside running because the winters in North Carolina are perfect for long, sweaty runs. I've signed up for two races so far:

The Krispy Kreme Challenge is next month. If you haven't experienced this, check out this YouTube video. The good stuff starts at 1:50: ESPN covers the Krispy Kreme Challenge

I'm also going to run the Tobacco Road half marathon. I'd love to run a full marathon this year but with two kiddies under 3 years old + a full time job + a husband who travels....it's hard to find the training time. Maybe, maybe......

Lincoln moved up to the Toddler room this week so I guess I don't have a baby anymore. I have tons and tons of pictures over the last few weeks but I'll just post a few.

Visiting Santa:

Fun with Friends on Christmas Eve

Christmas morning:

(before)

(after)

(a healthy, cancer-free Maximilian was one the best gifts I could have gotten)

The tree - decorated

2010-12-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

Hudson helped to put on the ornaments.

We had a great dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house on Saturday.

Christmas Tree 2010 Continued

2010-12-05T10:37:00.001-05:00

Getting the tree in and up was quite the ordeal. It was fun to watch! The men had to take the tree around the front and through the double door. Mike had to make alterations to the tree stand by screwing it down to a 4 x 4 piece of wood to make a platform.

Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-04T18:24:00.003-05:00

We got our Christmas tree today! We went to the tree lot and I asked, 'Excuse me sir, where's the tallest tree you have?' They said, 'Over there ma'me, it's 14 feet.' Mike said, '.............errrrrrrr'. I said, 'Perfect! We'll take it!'

I am so excited to have a 14 foot tree + star on the top in my living room! More pictures to come as we (ok, Mike....) gets it put up!

And it snowed in Raleigh today - one time of usually only 2-3 times each winter. Could it get much more Norman Rockwell?

And then there was this cutie when we got home.

So very rarely - in fact, almost never - does life deal you a near perfect day. But today was as close to perfect as I think we could get. I have a big pot of chili on the stove, brownies in the oven, and Mike's parents on the way over for dinner and tree decorating. Life is good. :-)

Pool Construction...Part 1

2010-12-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

Nothing too exciting on the pool construction yet...but it's moving forward nonetheless.

The design is complete (thanks to MB) but the pool dude is coming on the weekend to review the final plans.

Over the last two weeks we've had trees taken down - probably about 15 - and this week we had the septic tank moved. Here are some pics of that. Needless to say, Hudson was VERY excited to see this thing roll into his yard on Monday morning.

Old tank gone. New tank moved and installed.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-28T12:47:00.004-05:00

We have a lot to be thankful these days. Besides two beautiful, healthy boys, we've been through a roller coaster ride of emotions over the last three weeks with Maximilian the Weimaraner.

Last year Max had surgery to remove several mast cell tumors (cancer). This year he had more lumps so we took him in to the vet. Here is the order of events:

Maximilian goes in for a check up of new lumps that have developed since his mast cell tumor removal (last August).
There are a number of new tumors and given his history, the vet recommends just taking them all of as a preventative measure.
Surgery goes off smoothly. No one notices any swelling in his abdomen or any type of enlargement.
He comes home, feels good for 2 days, on Day 3 goes downhill fast. Won't eat, is very lethargic. Mike stays home from work to supervise him.
Day 4 - goes back to vet and she feels swelling. Does x-ray, sees 'something'.
Our vet doesn't have an ultrasound machine but the 'traveling' U/S happens to come in at that minute to see another patient.
Max gets u/s and they see a large tumor on the spleen that has ruptured that is bleeding out into his abdomen.
Vet consult with Specialty Hospital indicates that these bleeding tumors on the spleen are almost always hemangiosarcaomas. Once these tumors rupture dogs typically live 3 months because the cancer is then bloodborne and spreads very quickly.
Must make decision on what to do. Am told he 90% has cancer and won't live much longer, but without immediate intervention to remove the spleen he will die within a day or so. Primary vet is recommending euthanasia. We decide to go ahead with the spleen removal, eat the cost (I won't say exactly, but many thousands) and hope for the best.
NB takes Max to the Specialty Hospital at 7pm, must sign paperwork where I get all the 'bad stuff might happen during surgery' talk. Am prepped that Max has terminal cancer and to prepare for that. NB cries ugly tears at the vet, makes fool of herself but does not care. Leaves Max at 9pm, not expecting to see him again (refer to the 'bad stuff might happen' speech).
Max makes it through surgery. Spleen is removed, 2 large tumors are removed (one baseball-sized, one soccer ball-sized!!), plus one 'suspect' lymph node. I am again given the 'this dog likely has cancer' speech and talk of chemo treatment options.
Pathology comes back from the lump removal surgery. No mast cell tumors.
Pathology comes back from spleen removal. Tumors were benign.
Surgeon is very skeptical of the pathology and calls the pathologist. She assures surgeon that she tested many areas of the sample and she found 'many healthy, normal cells - no cancer'. She feels no need to re-test other areas. Older brother (blood cancer doctor for people) reviews the pathology and says it looks 'very thorough'.
Surgeon calls to tell us: 'I don't know you got so lucky, but this is very rare and the best possible outcome'. At this point he is not recommending any courses of chemo because there was no cancer. NB to follow up with the oncologist to confirm this recommendation.
Nicole and Mike do happy dance. Call everyone they know!!! Jubilation! Celebration!!

We are so thankful that he is healthy!

And some pictures of our newest menace:

The first menace:

And the original menaces. Still hanging around.

Video From Last Night

2010-11-04T16:42:00.001-04:00

And this is why we allow Hudson to stay up late versus forcing him to his bed. The later it gets....the more humorous he is. This was taken around 9:30 last night.

This is one of about half a dozen videos I took of Hudson goofing around, playing in the garage, taking blankets outside to 'camp'. Clearly Mike is a better sport than I.

(Disclaimer: I shot it in HD and don't know how to make it fit this frame. Sorry for the overlap....)

Funny Halloween Video

2010-11-02T12:12:00.000-04:00

I love how all the kiddies are posing for pictures in this video.

Then another child claims to be Buzz Lightyear (he's actually dressed as a baseball player) and Hudson indignantly corrects him, 'No! I'm Buzz Lightyear!'. Hudson then looks at me (behind the camera) like, 'Right Mom? I am Buzz Lightyear......right?'.

Vickie (my best friend who lives in NYC) was telling me that in the city the kids trick or treat in the shops. She was shopping on Halloween evening and one little boy was in the store dressed as Buzz. Then a second boy comes in, also dressed as Buzz. She said it was priceless watching them process this like, 'How can there be more than one Buzz?'. * blink* *blink * blink *

Anyway, here's the video from school:

At the Toronto Zoo

2010-11-01T10:19:00.001-04:00

Check out this picture of Hudson and his cousin Catherine (2 years old) disrespecting the bears at the Metro Toronto Zoo. Classic!

Lincoln's 9 Month Stats

2010-10-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

This little sweet'ems....

Is:

22lbs: 75th percentile

and
30 inches tall: 95th percentile

Look out Hudson, your little bro is coming after you.

Fall has arrived...finally

2010-10-19T10:04:00.003-04:00

Fall has finally arrived in NC. It was a long, long hot summer. Here's what we've been up to:

We've been traveling a bunch (Halifax, Emerald Isle family beach trip, Toronto).

I've been working a lot (no one needs to see a picture of that).

And running a lot (running the Outer Banks half marathon in 3 weeks). This was last weekend. Yup, 13.1 miles. Already got this one in the bag.

We've been hanging out with great friends:

Lincoln met his great grandmother (my wonderful Nana) when we went to visit in September.

Sadly, I lost my sweet grandfather (leading to the quick trip to Halifax):

Lincoln is growing and remains a wonderful, happy baby. He's almost 9 months and crawling everywhere. Hudson is still a rockstar.

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-11T11:43:00.001-04:00

Mike and I spent Labor Day weekend in Charleston, our first vacation together, alone, in over 3 years. It was heaven! We basically ate and drank our way through the city. For anyone planning to go, I highly recommend the restaurant FIG (food is good) F.I.G. We had dinner at FIG one evening, then went back for dessert another night. And I think I drank the city straight out of prosecco.

I ran a 5-mile loop through the town and along the battery - a great way to see the beautiful, old (huge) houses.

Mike's parents kept the boys and there is no way we could ever thank them enough.

We didn't take any pictures except this one. Hilarious.

And some random snaps of the boys:

Hudson and his best friend, Henry:

Henry will be spending the night with us this week so I can only imagine what these two will get up to together.

Two boys = the best

2010-09-01T22:38:00.000-04:00

Busy Summer

2010-08-24T16:55:00.001-04:00

It's been a busy summer, but busy in a great way. We've spent July and August swimming, playing outside, learning to sit up by ourselves, cutting a few teeth, watching Buzz and Woody a few thousand times and traveling. We went to Wrightsville Beach for a week as a family, Mike has been traveling for work and I went to NYC to visit Vickie last weekend.

We're ready for fall! And part of this fall will be putting a pool in our backyard. But more on that as construction begins in the coming weeks.

Here are some of my favorites from our July beach trip. I actually have a lot more favorites, but those contain images of my sister Penny and my niece Daphne and I'm sure I'd be in major trouble for posting those.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

2010-07-30T08:00:00.003-04:00

I love this child so much that sometimes my heart aches. Sitting on the front step at dusk - in his naked bliss. Life is grand when you are two years old.

Lincoln Can Sit Up!

2010-07-29T20:21:00.000-04:00

Lincoln sat up unassisted tonight for the first time.

He's clearly teething, judging from all that drool.

And how cute are these next photos?

Lincoln and Max

2010-07-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

** Happy Half-Year Birthday to my sweet baby boy! ** Link is 6 months old today.

A boy and his new best friend

2010-07-14T11:25:00.001-04:00

Woody goes everywhere these days....

Cupcakes

2010-07-13T12:11:00.000-04:00

I made cupcakes and Hudson decorated them.

A new spelling

2010-07-12T14:20:00.001-04:00

I received a letter in the mail yesterday addressed to 'Bednedick'. I've never gotten that one before, nice job! I'll add it to my list.

Kitchen Sink Bath

2010-07-12T14:06:00.005-04:00

Hudson was filthy last week but we could not tear him away from his nightly viewing of 'Woody' long enough for him to get in the tub. So what does a resourceful Mama do? She does whatever works.

Because seriously, not much in our house is worth fighting about. And I've heard this makes me a pansy Mama, but I'm okay with that. We don't do Ferber, we don't force meals, or enforce bedtimes, we don't turn the doorknob around to lock our kid in his bedroom at night, we don't cut holes in Hudson's pacifiers and we certainly don't argue over a bath.

How sexy am I in my nursing tank and bright red yoga pants? And WOW my kitchen was a mess that night!

And then the little bugger took my rubber glove and filled it up with water. That part was uncalled for.

I managed to rescue the second glove.

And voila! A clean, tear-free toddler.

Brotherly Love

2010-07-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

I really hoped that Hudson would love his Baby Budder, but it's better than I had dreamed.

Two little boys, one large bed

2010-07-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T16:35:00.000-04:00

(well almost wordless)

Lincoln had his 5 month check up today. He's a giant - 70 percentile in weight and 90 percentile in height. Look at my baby grow. :)

Sleeping Beauty

2010-06-29T09:48:00.003-04:00

I was downloading pictures from my camera and what to my wondering eyes did appear..... these cute pictures of a snoozing Hudson that I obviously didn't take.

It's so hilarious how he sleeps with his hands tucked under his b-hind.

I also found these pictures that Mike must have snapped of me and H playing on his play set. The weather had just finished one of its infamous North Carolina summer thunderstorms and we went outside to swing on wet swings and slide down a soggy slide.

I'm not sure if the camera lens was fogging over from the humidity or if mist was in the air, but there are so few pictures of me playing with H, I will cherish these ones despite them being not so great.

H was peeking around the post saying, 'I seeee youuuuuuuu!'

Oh I love him so.

Jumperoo, Retread

2010-06-28T09:31:00.001-04:00

Hudson was totally stoked to see one of his favorites reappear.

Summer 2008:

Summer 2010:

Happy Anniversary

2010-06-21T12:36:00.000-04:00

Mike and I have been married seven years today.

:)

Jumperoo

2010-06-21T12:24:00.000-04:00

and....... 'My turn!'

Toy Story

2010-06-16T16:31:00.000-04:00

Toy Story is the latest big thing with Hudson. He has the movie on replay and wants to watch it (at least once) every single day.

He and Mike were watching it together the other day when I caught them with my camera.

I love this little face

2010-06-15T15:15:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, I'm his mama and I'm supposed to think he's beautiful, but I think he's really, really beautiful.

*******************************************************

And there is my little ham, finally feeling better after 4 days. Last week I tried to get Hudson to eat some broccoli. He told me, 'I no eat boc-wee, mama. It's SUPER yucky!' he he he

Here he is, putting Elmo in time out for biting his baby brudder.

Who knew that when you go to timeout you get a blanket before being attacked by antelopes? Hudson knew.

'Not nice Elmo!'

H is sick, LW rolls over

2010-06-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

Hudson has been really sick with Strep throat so we spent the weekend trying to get him to drink liquids, eat something (anything!), and sleep, meanwhile trying to protect Lincoln from getting the crud. This is one of the worst weekends we've had in a long, long while. I am admittedly excited to be in the office on this Monday morning.

Hudson perked up around 6pm last night (exactly 48 hours after he started the antibiotics) as we were driving to the pediatrics ER to get him treated for dehydration. The on-call doctor at our pediatrics practice told us that if he would not drink by Sunday evening he had to get IV liquids in him, given his symptoms (sunken eyes, lethargy). So we got everyone loaded into the car and as we were about to drive away, he asked for Goldfish and milk. Mike and I just looked at each other and I wanted to cry - out of relief and sheer exhaustion. So instead of the ER, we drove to get ice cream. It was pouring rain but we sat outside anyway as he slurped up his melted sundae.

Later last night and this morning he was back to his normal self.

Happy news: Link rolled over last week!

Bedtime Routine continues....

2010-06-08T09:50:00.001-04:00

...with this morning.

^ This was Hudson's version of, 'Take your paci out and smile for Mama'.

Bedtime Routine

2010-06-07T20:53:00.001-04:00

It's 8:30pm, Mike is out playing hockey, Link is in bed and Hudson and I are doing what we do every night, snuggling, giggling, watching Dora and talking about his day. I'm one lucky Mama.

Hudson just told me, 'I make a mess.'. There are Goldfish crumbs in my bed and I don't care.

And this was yesterday afternoon. Yup, one super lucky Mama.

Passport Day

2010-06-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

LW applied for his passport today. Soon he can leave the country to meet cousins Catie and Daphne.

Photos from 'School'

2010-06-03T15:46:00.005-04:00

One of Hudson's teachers (Ms. Kari) took these photos of him over the last few weeks.

They did an 'umbrella walk' and I was admittedly skeptical about who would think it was a good idea to allow a bunch of toddlers to walk around with umbrellas, poking each others' eyeballs out. But it turned out okay after all.

And I am told that my umbrella is the only one that came home broken, having being smashed into the ground by my little monster. So typical.

His fascination with hats, sunglasses and bags continues.

I love this next series. I'm still amazed that 2 year olds would stay sleeping on their little cots, but they do.

Gratitude

2010-05-31T22:36:00.004-04:00

I was away this long Memorial weekend in Las Vegas with Vickie, my NYC bestie and about 15 other ladies to celebrate a friend's (Julie) birthday. We had such a good time, doing all the things we love to do: eat, drink, people watch, sleep late, go running, browse in the designer shops and dance into the wee hours. So much fun!

But I missed my boys. A lot. I came home feeling very grateful for everything that I have. Mike and I were talking yesterday and we both came to the conclusion that we have never been happier, both with ourselves and with our life together. I'm pretty sure it has a LOT to do with the little people in the photos, below. I know that children can put a strain on a marriage, but in our case the opposite has happened. When one of the babies throws an attitude we band together, kind of like, 'It's us against the crazies!'.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the last week.

I am becoming obsessed with LW and his sweet little face. He is so yummy.

And Hudson has become obsessed with Mike's iPad (mine! mine!). Poor Mike.

Lincoln is 4 months old today!

2010-05-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

And he can sit up, with assistance. We love you LW!

First Bath Together

2010-05-23T16:35:00.002-04:00

Ever since we decided to have a second baby I'd dreamed about how cute they would be in the bathtub together. Lincoln is too small to 'play' but soon they will be splashing and playing with submarines and scuba divers.

After I took Link out of the tub Mike quietly watched Hudson play. His imagination is really developing these days. Cute!

LW

2010-05-17T11:05:00.000-04:00

I took a nap with LW yesterday afternoon and when I woke up, this is what I saw.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-13T17:02:00.001-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite pics from Mother's Day morning. Hudson found a treat in the pantry that the Easter Bunny had brought for him, then decided that he had already eaten WAY too much chocolate on Easter weekend.

This morning

2010-05-11T09:46:00.010-04:00

How cute was Hudson this morning?

Letting Max in.

Then Timber, and letting a cat out.

My mother mentioned that photos with the pacifier are getting fewer and less frequent. And in the photo of him asleep on the couch he's got it in his hand, not in his mouth. He is willing to leave it in his bed most mornings, even if he does run back into his room after a few minutes to retrieve it. I'm not going to stress over the giving up of 'Bubby'. I'm really not ready for him to grow up that much yet.

Tired boy

2010-05-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

Hudson fell asleep on the couch on the weekend. It's the first time he's ever done that. The cat promptly took advantage of the situation.

A vignette, by NB

2010-05-07T10:09:00.002-04:00

This is how this morning went down.

I was hanging out with Lincoln. He has gotten very chatty.

I went to get dressed for work and found Hudson standing on my vanity chair. We're very focused on safety.

Hudson wanted to see his Baby Brudder so we went into LW's room. I took his paci from him because our dirty little secret (still using a paci at 27 months) doesn't need to be documented on video. Significant whining ensued.

Then encroaching on his Baby Brudder in his crib, plus more whining.

The end.

Our Weekend

2010-05-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

I admit it, Mike and I are pretty tired. LW has been sick this week and H was sick last week so there hasn't been a full night of sleep for anyone in quite a while. Regardless, we had some fun this weekend. Hudson was moved to a toddler bed and that has gone much better than expected.

Hudson goofed while Mike converted his crib into a bed. Lincoln seemed to be a somewhat willing participant.

After the bed was assembled we just hoped for the best.

Success!

Outfit of the Day

2010-05-03T09:47:00.003-04:00

Who said I would need to have a girl in order to enjoy dressing up my baby? I love buying clothes for the boys, especially Hudson now that he's moved into 'little boy' from 'baby'. I almost find it a challenge to locate cool, fun but cute clothes absent of puppies, trucks, 'Daddy's Little Such-and-Such', trains, etc. You get the picture. It's been a fun challenge as it seems almost every retailer plasters their boy clothes with some version of the aforementioned.

I read several fashion blogs like this and this and this where regular, fashionable women post pictures of their 'outfit of the day'.

This is my version.

Tee shirt: Crewcuts 'Ahoy Matey' tee here

Shorts: Mini Boden Vintage Cargo shorts here

Shoes: See Kai Run Elliott here

(yes pizza for breakfast)

(stop kissing me mom, I'm sending an email to my boss)

Too bad this outfit will probably last, oh, about an hour today before he spills his breakfast or paint or has a potty training accident. Oh well. I still enjoy my morning fashion shows.

Link is trying to roll

2010-05-02T08:44:00.000-04:00

I found this yesterday when I checked on Link during his nap.

Looks like he's holding on for dear life.

Nella Cordelia

2010-04-30T20:18:00.001-04:00

It's not often that a blog moves me, but this one has. I am going to link it here. If you are at work, wait to read this when you are at home, trust me. It's a beautiful story with a happy ending, but get the tissues.

Enjoying The Small Things

Mike was sitting in the dark, rocking Link to sleep when I handed him my iPhone with the blog post loaded on it, telling him, 'you'll want to read this....'. As I post this I can hear him still sitting in the dark, rocking Link, reading the post and sniffling back tears. Just one of the million reasons why I love him.

Random but Recent Pictures

2010-04-29T08:53:00.001-04:00

Hanging out on a Saturday morning.

Running around the yard before bed, getting the last of the wiggles out.

Mother's Day

2010-04-28T09:59:00.001-04:00

Last year for Mother's Day I wanted to get a 'mother's necklace' (cheesy term) but since we were planning to have a second child, we thought it was best to wait.

This year I am getting one for sure. The one I love the most is from Jeanine Payer. I have one other piece of jewelry of hers and my New York bestie, Vickie has a few pieces too. I love her stuff - it's so simple and beautiful.

Here is her site: Jeanine Payer

And the design I chose (Verdi 2):

There are several beautiful photo pieces on her site, but this one is so pretty. I like both available poetry options, so I asked Mike to choose.

For the boys' pictures I think I will go with this one of Hudson since it captures that smile and he's still pretty young in it.

Or maybe this one because he's a little younger. I have so, so many pictures of H, it's hard to choose.

Maybe I should use one that shows his typical antics?

OR!!!!

It must be tough being this cute.

For Link, I will most certainly use this one. WOW this kid has awesome eyes.

Playdate Chez Benedict

2010-04-25T15:44:00.001-04:00

We hosted a very fun playdate two weekends ago. All total, we had 13 little ones ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years, plus 14 adults. Judging from the exhausted kids at the end of the day, everyone had a good time.

Fun Times

2010-04-21T12:13:00.001-04:00

The boys are at fun ages now.

One of them is sweet and sleepy.

The other is a ridiculous fool.

This Morning

2010-04-12T10:02:00.002-04:00

I wish I knew what LW was thinking.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T08:55:00.001-04:00

The boys received a gift this weekend - a really great play structure.

Here it is, being assembled.

While that was going on, Mike and H played in the creek.

Then H opened a package sent from his Granny.

Then it was play time!

Lincoln tried his best to participate.

Christmas in April

2010-04-05T22:03:00.000-04:00

LW looks less than pleased to have this Santa impersonator looming over him.

More antics....

Seeing a trend yet with the glasses and hats?

Here is LW with Katerina, the little girl who lives next door. She is 11 days older than Link, and about 58 pounds smaller.

There are no words....

2010-04-05T21:40:00.000-04:00

What happens at Grandma's..

2010-03-21T18:48:00.000-04:00

...stays at Grandma's.

Do they look alike?

2010-03-19T09:53:00.000-04:00

When Link was first born I was convinced that he looked very, very different than Hudson. Now I'm not so sure....

These photos were both taken around 6 weeks old.

Hudson:

Lincoln:

What do you think?

And we're getting baby smiles now. Yay!

He's growing up

2010-03-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

We're not sleeping much these days but Hudson is making that a little better by wanting to 'snuggle' in bed. He has also started to say 'I love you'. It's great!

Here is H scoring some Girl Scout cookies from the pantry (for breakfast no less).

And eating them in front of the TV.

It's that time of the season!

2010-03-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

.... when Mini Boden comes out with the new collection (and a decent coupon code) and I stock up on some new threads for Hudson.

Here is today's outfit.

I love these zip-up sweatshirts because it means we don't have to fight to get it on over his head. We have the College Hoodie from last season and it was always a struggle to get it on.

Link and H

2010-03-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

Link has the best pout. I didn't get it full-on, but it's close.

The pout quickly leads to this:

Brothers....

H has been a little funny about 'his' old baby stuff ('mine! mine!'). Here is the bouncey seat collapsing under his 30lbs.

Thursday Morning

2010-02-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Lincoln arrives, Hudson turns 2

2010-02-22T10:34:00.001-05:00

Lots has happened in the last month, the most important being:

1. The arrival of Lincoln on January 26th. He weighed 8 pounds even and he was 21.5 inches long.

And

2. Hudson turned 2 years old. He is such a delightful, happy and hilarious little boy but he'll always be my baby.

He may be 2 now, but he still loves his bubby.

Lion Eats Firefighter

2010-01-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

It's dangerous business at our house.

Shark!

2010-01-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

Hudson loves this shark book. They have it at daycare and one of the teachers does the Jaws 'song' when the kids read it (na-na, na-na) so he's repeating that here. I had to get him a copy for home because it's so priceless when he reads it. Here's a video from Christmas Day.