Hudson dances with the Movers

Hudson loves the Imagination Movers. I caught him in the act.


Hudsons dances with the movers from Erin Hollis on Vimeo.

Christmas countdown

Only 4 more days till the big guy in the red suit arrives!!! I am so excited, I feel like a child. I haven't been this excited for Christmas in a long time. I think my excitement stems from Hudson. I feel his energy and anticipation and it fuels mine. This is going to be such a fun year with him. He has really grasped the concept this year. I think Christmas morning will be absolutely delightful. A tornado of wrapping paper and squeals and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Whenever he gets a present he says "FOR ME!?". It is so sweet! Amazing how things change as we get older and start expecting things.

I love his innocence right now. I know it will only be a matter of time before that precious innocence is gone and it breaks my heart. I hate the thought of all the things he'll be exposed to over time. I just want to bottle him up. There's nothing sweeter than this time we've been given with him. There are days I get so frustrated with him and he drives me crazy. There are times when I want the questions to stop, the whines to come to an end, times I want some peace and quiet besides bedtime, and times that I wish he would stop following me around the house. Then later I feel guilty for wishing those times away because I know this time with him will be fleeting in the grand scheme of things. I know all you moms out there can relate.

Most importantly I pray you all remember the reason for this season and share that with your families. God sent his son to earth. To walk with us in the flesh. To be ridiculed by the ones He made and ultimately die for us. Be thankful.


On a lighter note: here are some pics of Hudson and Santa from last weekend. He loved Santa this year. They were an adorable pair. I hope you all have a very and blessed Merry Christmas!!!!

 He was starstruck.

 Talking to Santa. Look at that little hand. :)

Oh Christmas Tree

I really wish the lights had been on in this pic...

Thankful for my little helper

This past weekend was Thankgiving holiday. I wish I could tell you about all the fabulous things that we did, but that would be a lie. Other than a couple of family gatherings, a couple hours of Christmas shopping on Black Friday and photo shoots we stayed at home all weekend. We had a little lazy time, a little movie time, a little kitchen cooking time and a some cleaning/organizing time.

See...a couple of weeks ago I started a cleaning out and organizing project which will have to be a post all on its own because its that ridiculous. We trudged through a few to-dos on my list and I felt like we got a lot accomplished.

Sunday morning Hudson helped me make homemade biscuits or bippits as he says. You've heard me say before and I'll say it again: HE LOVES TO HELP!!!!!! He gets crazy with his desire to be involved. Even when I tell him I'm doing something that he can't help with, he starts literally climbing the cabinets to get up and watch and TRY to help. It dawned on me that he would probably LOVE flouring, rolling, and cutting out biscuits so we dove in--elbow deep in flour. And he loved it! I threw the bippits in the oven and left out a handful of dough for him to play with while they were baking. He made snakes, turtles and balls with his dough. He almost didn't want to stop playing with it long enough to enjoy the wonderful warm fruits of his labor.

Anyway, this is a good example of our Hudson-centered weekend. I am so thankful for him. He lights up my life and brings true joy into every moment. We love that boy so much and he absolutely steals my heart every day. I know you other moms can relate!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Fork for me, knife for you

Hudson is Mr Helpy Helperson. He wants to be a part of everything we're doing. There are so many times that I find myself getting frustrated with him because he wants to be right in the middle of what I'm trying to accomplish. Whether its cooking, laundry, cleaning, you name it, he wants to help! When its just not feasible for him to help me, he ends up acting out and then ends up in time out. I get so mad at myself for not accommodating his desire to be included.

One chore I've given him lately that he has totally embraced, (and gives me a few minutes to deal with things on the stove) is setting the table. He takes such pride in whatever job he is doing. I really should video it because its quite comical. He places everything on the floor, takes inventory and then places everything in front of a chair. First plates, then utensils, then napkins. Here are a few pics I snapped with my phone while he was working so diligently at making our table a place for our family to gather.

step one: plates, step two: utensils

note that he's standing on a napkin while placing utensils

ready for tacos--Hudson style

I love the way he places our forks perpendicular to the plates. Its truly heartwarming to sit down to a table that those sweet little hands have helped make.

Samson and a Happy Horseman

We had a cowboy catastrophe last night. The lone ranger's horse was broken in half. Of course, such things tend to occur, when bent forcefully over one's knee....just saying. Maybe I should have named him Samson.

The broken horse.

Luckily we in the Hollis house believe in the power of tape--duct, scotch, electrical and the like. For now, this little buckaroo is back on the saddle.

The happy horseman.

Sunday Fun Day Phone Pics-Edition 3-on Monday

so much to comment on here, but I'll just say: nice bike...and wings

Bear Bear makes a great pillow.

Bear Bear also makes a great time out companion. I do not allow Bear in time out, but he was somehow sneaked into the corner without my knowledge.

Has anyone heard of a recent gorilla escape from the zoo?

I wish I could sleep like this.

we voted!

Hudson measuring the coffee table for me. Long story, but I'm selling these tables to get a new...something. I dont want a table. I am thinking a trunk or drum, or something off the wall. I'll keep you updated on the coffee table replacement search.

Thank goodness we have a handy man around this house.

Since I'm always incredibly lazy on Sundays, I've failed to keep up with my Sunday Fun Day Phone Pics. So...here it is on Monday instead. Enjoy!

Pumpkin. Monster. Lion. Racoon.

I guess its a sign that Hudson is slightly indecisive when we've changed Halloween costume ideas 4 times in 4 weeks. I can't imagine where he gets that.

I started thinking about a costume back in oh...May or June. I asked Hudson what we would like to dress up in for Halloween and he said a "punkin"! Everything looked very big boy-ish or very little boy-ish.

Then Jamie posted on her facebook that she was selling her boys' little monster costumes from last year. They are adorable (both the costumes and the boys that wore them!)! So I thought I'd hit the jack pot. Then we were never able to make our schedules match up (aka: I am so busy I can't find 10 minutes in my scchedule to stop and meet her on the way home from work). So on to the next idea...

I again asked Hudson what he wanted to be for Halloween because Mommy really needed to buy something. He said " A lion! ROOAAARRRR!!!". There's no reasonably priced lion costume out there that looks decent. On to idea number four...

I gave him time to forget about the lion idea and asked again what he wanted to be and he said a "RaccOON!" There was a recent episode at my in laws' house with a raccoon, so we think raccoons are cool now. For two more weeks he consistently said he wanted to be a raccoon, so I knew I had to deliver. If I'd shown up with a lion, monster or any other costume it would have been a huge bust and would have resulted in the melt down of the century and worst mom award for me.  Now where to find a raccoon?

My mom who happens to be the worlds most creative grandmother in the world, that's where! Mom created a little hat, tail, and mask that was a big success.

Since Lantis and I were out of town all weekend so believe it or not we actually haven't seen him in his raccoon gear and didn't get to take him trick or treating, but dont feel bad for him. He was with the grandparents, my sister, and his cousins all weekend and I assure you that he had more fun with them than he ever would have with us. I think they crashed every fall festival in St Clair County and did plenty of trick or treating. I am so thankful for my precious family and my precious little raccoon.

When we take Hudson out this week to our friends' houses to trick or treat you know I'll get plenty of good pics. For now, here is a pic from my mom's phone:

Can I use a lifeline?

I've officially entered my insane portion of the year. Hence the reason you haven't heard a peep out of me in a few weeks. I wish I had something new and exciting to report but I do not. I'm busy watching football, scheduling photo sessions, designing Christmas Cards, editing photo sessions, working two crazy jobs, trying to keep the household fed and alive, trying to have a life outside all that, getting Hudson to and from school with everything he needs, trying to be an A+ room-mom (yes I'm following closely in my mom's foot steps for all that know her and I volunteered to be the room mom this year) at his school, and wishing this were "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and I could use a lifeline! Despite the hectic schedule, we're alive and well and happy to have too much going on.

Since I last posted something, we've officially bid summer farewell.

We've done a little tailgating in Tuscaloosa.

We have made it a point to have some fun and most importantly enjoy Hudson.

Which obviously isn't hard to do...look at this guy!

A little superman never hurt anybody.

And prayers from somebody this sweet must be God's favorite!

Boogey in my nose

A little video of nothing in particular. Just us being us.

Hudson-thunder and lightning 2-8.17.10 from Erin Hollis on Vimeo.

Back in the grind

This week marks the beginning of Hudson's second year at school. Tuesday we will become backpack wearing, lunch box toting, nap mat users all over again. This time last year I was just starting my blog and Hudson was only 18 months old and was entering his first school year. You can see that post here. Every one tells you to enjoy it because the time will fly, but you can't imagine it until you blink and not only is the first school year over, but the second one is starting.

Hudson is stoked to get back to school. We went to meet the teacher and orientation last Friday and he seemed to love his teachers and class mates. He even has a few familiar faces in his class. I loved his teachers as well! I am going to miss the sweet ladies that he had last year and they have some big shoes to be filled, but I have no doubts that these ladies are going to do the job.

We were so glad last year that we decided to put him in school. We saw that boy grow leaps and bounds! I can't say enough about the positive changes and influences we saw come from it. I am excited to see what God has in store for my baby boy this school year. There is nothing that melts my heart more than hearing him come home from school with a new song, a new prayer, or new art work.

I have just enough OCD tendencies that I'm actually excited to get back into our routine and have some structure again. I feel like the last three months have been a free for all. So...tomorrow we're back in the grind!

Hudson drumming

Hudson drumming 7.4.10 from Erin Hollis on Vimeo.

My little drummer boy. :)

Hudson at 28 months

Beautiful blue eyed boy

The many expressions of Hudson

Talking...yak, yak, yak, Momma!

I love this guy!

I just want to eat him up!

He loves being outside. I'll be glad when it gets cooler so that we can spend more time out there.

Great example of the sweat above! Ha!

I haven't posted anything in awhile. We haven't had much to report. We've spent a lot of time at home lying naked over the air vents trying to stay cool. I'm kidding about the naked part...except for Hudson. That kid sweats more than anyone I've ever seen. He can walk up the steps and he looks like he just ran a marathon. I try to keep the least amount of clothing on his as possible to keep him cool. Ha! It has been incredibly hot here. I know I was born and raised here and I should be used to this, but I swear its like a different kind of hot this year. The kind of hot that just presses on you and makes you want to go curl up in a bed with cold sheets in a room with a ceiling fan. I have visions of being Scarlett O'hara laying in my room at The Tara with Mammy fanning me while I rest. Its that kind of hot! Aaannnddd...now I want to go watch Gone With the Wind. Thank you, my restless mind.

Speaking of my sweaty little devil; what's he up to you ask? Oh everything! He's just a little adult. He does everything we do and more. Its like having a mini roommate.

He can put on his Crocs by himself. Not always on the correct feet, but still...

His vocabulary is as great as mine. (Probably not the best compliment)

He literally talks non-stop when we're at home.

We have little adult-like conversations with him. Its no longer just talking to express a need or to repeat what we're saying, its full on conversation. You can ask questions and get extremely long answers. You can ask what he did at school, or his grandmother's house and its no longer the same routine answers about playing--he actually tells you what he did that day. His memory is a steel trap and he will even tell you about things that happened a long time ago.

He literally runs non-stop. Runs. Do you hear me? Never walks.

He is still doing great with the potty minus some number 2-potty-using issues, which I'm pretty sure all boil down to him being too impatient to sit there more than 3.5 seconds. I think he's just way too busy to sit down and wait. for. it. He is on the go and he's a man about convenience right now. The potty for number 2 is an inconvenience! So when the big 2 is coming we go for a pull up, try to force him to sit on the potty, or we have an accident in the big boy undies. Very frustrating for me, but I'm not giving up.

He makes me laugh. Constantly.

He is VERY independent. He can do everything himself except the things he's not yet tall enough to reach.

He is a clean fanatic. He puts up his toys without being asked. When he's finished playing with something, he puts it up. When he's finished with a cup or plate he goes and drops it in the sink with no prompting from us. Its crazy! What kid does that!? He loves to help vacuum, sweep, dust, wash dishes, you name it.

He helps me cook. I let him do the stirring or egg breaking. If there's nothing he can help with we give him dried peas, rice or noodles and he "cooks" his own meal.

He has recently started admitting to being wrong when he's done something bad and either put himself in time out or say he's sorry. Proof that this little guy is growing up.

He is a loving, energetic, happy, well behaved little boy that I never want to imagine my life without.

Best Buddies

We had a little visitor over Saturday afternoon: Hudson's best bud, Gavin. He came over to play with us for a few hours. I adore these two boys! They really love each other. Even though its been several weeks since we've been able to get them together, its like no time has passed. They were so happy to see each other and they play so well together! For the most part, they shared toys and when a negotiation started to take place Lantis or I would tell them to take turns with it and they would. Gavin would even announce, "Husson, I'm through with this and I'm going to put it down so you can play with it." hahaha!

This picture of them makes me want to pinch them till their chubby little cheeks hurt cause they are so stinkin cute. This is friendship in its purest form.








Gavin's face in the photo above: hahahaa!!

The play hut was a huge hit!! Until Hudson dove out of it onto the hardwood resulting in a knotty forehead. At least it was Hudson and not Gavin. I would have hated to send him home looking like a unicorn.





Poking your head out of a play hut hole requires a big "ahhhhhh!!!" to try to scare mommy. They got me every time too I must admit.

Gavin told Hudson that he could sit in his lap while they watched a movie. Thats love brother!

We had snack and color time at the table. That does not equal quiet time for two-two year old little boys in case you were wondering.

I Pray on it Mommy

Our little ones do things constantly that make us want to melt...and then they do those things that you will never forget and not just make you melt, but make you melt and want to boo-hoo all at once. That happened to me not once but twice this week.

After a trip to the skating rink (shown in previous post) Hudson had an accident in the car. He actually had a pull up on because in the event an accident did occur at the skating rink I didn't want some little roller skater to roll through a puddle and break a limb, or worse, for their daddy's lawyer to contact me about it. So back to the story: he was wearing a pull up, but he had to tee tee in the car and couldn't wait until we got home. He says, "Mommy I tee tee in my car." I reply, "That's ok Buddy it happens sometimes." He said he was sorry and I explained that there was no need to be sorry that I understood he couldn't wait to get home and he's learning, etc. After I received no response, I look up in the mirror and his hands are clasped and his head is bowed and eyes are closed. I watched for a moment and he looked up at me and said, "let's pray on my tee tee Mommy. "

Oh. My. Goodness. My baby wants to pray about his tee tee accident in the car. I almost had to pull over to give him some hugs and kisses. So together we said a little prayer about his tee tee-ing in the car and that was ok, but we'll try really hard to make it to the potty next time.

If that wasn't enough, the very next morning we were in the car on the way to work. He was going to work with me for the day and going to the daycare there and to Kindermusik (which I'll tell about later). I told him that he was going to school at mommy's work. When we were close to my office I said, "we're almost there Hudson." I look up and see the same little guy in deep prayer and he looks at me again and asks, "I pray about my cool, Mommy." So we said a little prayer together about him going to a new school that day.

It was one of the sweetest and most special things he's ever done. It is sometimes overwhelming to me that I am responsible for raising this little guy in a way that is pleasing to God, to be a good example to Hudson, and to help him secure his eternity. This was what I needed. A little sign that I'm doing something right. Its such a simple love and faith that even a two year old can find peace and comfort in Him. I pray that I can continue to nurture Hudson's love and faith in Jesus.

Buh-bye Diapers

If you're my friend on facebook, you may have seen a little shout out to Hudson using the potty. If not, then I've got big news...we are diaper free in the Hollis House!! He's been in big boy undies for a week and a day today. I didn't want to say anything before the week was up for fear of jinxing it. The transition went incredibly smooth--so much easier than I ever expected. I know its way early in the game and we can back slide, but for now things are going great.

He's shown an interest in the potty for a few months, but he just didn't seem to know when he had to go. He would always tell me after the deed was done and then he would ask me to change him.

My first big clue that he might be ready was when he started waking up dry in the mornings and from nap. I bought "Potty Training for Dummies" and it was pretty informative. It said signs you should look for are: staying dry for at least two hours, showing big interest in the potty, asking you to change them when the are dirty/wet, and knowing the difference between #1 and #2. We'd reached all those milestones so I decided while he's out of school for the summer it was a good time to start. Now he can start to school diaper free in the fall!

We went cold turkey--no pull ups, no diapers and potty every hour. He's only had three accidents in 8 days and those happened when he was getting in trouble, there was some chaos going on, and the first trip out of the house. The first day I asked repeatedly if he needed to go. By day two he told us when he needed to go.

The first several days he was a little confused about the whole number #2 thing--he couldn't decide if he wanted to try it in the potty or put a diaper on, but today we've mastered that as well. I'm so proud! ...and I will not miss the diapers. I think we just got a pay raise!!


Any words of advice I have for those who haven't started the training of the John include:

• I suggest training them directly on the big potty if they're not intimidated by it. Its so much easier for you--MUCH LESS CLEAN UP. Its not a fun job having to dump and clean the baby potty, but let's face it: you're a mom and you've done all kinds of gross things up to this point. Hudson is tee tee-ing on the big potty, but the other business he seems to be more comfy on the little one. Yay for me. Ha!
  
• Read your child and when they might be ready. Don't compare them to everyone else' kid. They all develop at their own pace. You'll know when they're ready.
  
• Give your boys a chance standing up. They may be more accurate than you give them credit for.
• Pull-ups seem to be confusing. Its just like a diaper without velcro.
• Make a big deal out of everything--the undies, every time they at least try to go--everything!!
• A little bribery never hurt anyone. Ha! Actually we didn't bribe, but we gave rewards for successful potty trips and good tries.
• Kids are like sponges. They soak everything up and learn so quickly! They adjust more easily than we do I think. I was more afraid of him using the potty than he was!
  

Every guy needs some reading material to help get the job done! :)

The Light of My Life...and 100th post!

This is my 100th post! I suppose that's worth mentioning at least.

I never posted about Mother's Day which was over a month ago. Not much to report. I had a weekend of great food and family time.

The important thing that me not mentioning Mother's Day kept from you all...the sweetest little gift I've ever received in my life. Hudson made his gift for me at school. He made a candle holder. Its covered in multi colored tissue paper to give it a mosaic look. It was accompanied by a card that he colored. It said "Mommy you are the light of my life." I don't know how many pieces of the tissue he actually glued and how many his teachers helped with, but just knowing that those sweet little hands that I created, made such a precious gift for me. I teared up when I picked him up from school that day. He ran forward and was so proud of his art work. Being a mom is a precious gift. It's an incredible concept that I have been trusted with this amazing human being. He was given to me to love, guide and so many other things. I love him with all my heart--in a way that only another mother can relate to. Moms are amazing creatures too. We are able to endure so much and able to give an unconditional love I never knew was possible.

Thank you for my gift, Hudson. YOU are the light of MY life. I love you!



Yeah...its a cell phone pic because sometimes I'm too lazy to get out the big camera!

Beach Report

We just returned from a nice little vaca to the gulf coast! We were a little nervous about the condition of the beaches, but we were so desperate for a get away that only a hurricane would have kept us from going and possibly not even that. Just kidding. A friend of ours was nice enough to loan us his beach house for nearly a week. It was so comfy and cozy and perfect for us. We can't thank him enough!

I'll start off with the condition of the beaches because that has been the big question. We arrived Thursday. Thursday and Friday the water and beaches were beautiful! Here is a photo from Thursday: It looked very normal.




Sometime in the night Friday night the winds changed direction and started sending the oil directly our way. This is what we saw on Saturday and Sunday: with every wave that crashed onto shore it was nasty, dirty, water. The ocean looked orange.










Sometime in the night Sunday the winds changed direction again and no longer saw any oil or any traces of it. CRAZY! Monday-Wednesday we saw sparkling blue water and pristine white beaches once again. They even raised the yellow flags and gave the public the green light to get in the ocean again.

Nothing but sea shells here.

As beautiful as I've ever seen it on Tuesday.

Some things we saw a lot of on Saturday and Sunday when the beaches were at their worst were these:

(clean up crews reportedly being paid $14/hr by BP)

and this:

(tractors, tents and potties for the workers about every hundred yards.)

My other concern was how Hudson would like the beach this year. Last year he really hated it. This year, he's a big fan! He loved the sand and was intrigued by the ocean. The first half of the trip my sister and her family were down. The day they left, Lantis' family arrived. So not only were we able to get away, but we were able to have some family time as well. Here are a few more pics of us enjoying our trip with my sis and her family:

Bailey, Grayson and Hudson in the pool

How cute is this sandy hiney!?

Hudson practicing safety first by wearing swimmies in the baby pool.


The boys playing in the sand.

Hudson and "day-day" playing in the sand.

Ready for a dive mission I suppose.

Sassy britches enjoying a snack poolside.

Me and my sis.

Living the good life.

Bailey and her Malibu Barbie photo shoot.

Of course we had a picture night. Who's shocked? Didn't think so...

Hudson and me with news reporter hair...which brings to another topic: what the beach weather does to my hair. OMG! Scary!

Hudson and Daddy

The classic beach family portrait. What's a beach trip without the family sitting in sand dunes like its a completely natural thing to do.

I'm losing him. He's zoning out.

I heart this little boy!

I heart these kids too!

On Sunday Angie and her family and left and Lantis' family arrived.

Hudson showing Bebe the ocean upon their arrival.

Later that night we went to The Wharf. Home of the largest ferris wheel in the world. I don't know that to be a fact, but its the biggest one I've ever seen, so that makes it official, right?

We rode the ferris wheel at sunset. Pretty.

The big wheel.

I took a pic of a moving object at night. Quite an accomplishment for those of you who don't know!

The big trees I like so much.


This picture cracks me up! If you don't find it funny then you need to stop reading right now. Kidding. Poppy was taking a pic of us posing for Bebe's pic. Hudson's FACE!!! He's captivated by this ride we're on. Ha!

Bebe and Poppy on the wheel with us.

Checking out the wheel. And/or breaking his neck.

I think I would like a giant palm tree in my yard...to remind me that I'm unfortunately not at the beach every day. Jokes aside I love the trees at the Wharf!

My handsome men.

Ironically we went to the Hangout where they freely throw up the hang 10 sign which Hudson loves to do. Had to get a pic of him by the hand throwin' up his sign. Look closely or click on the pic to enlarge. There's a little Hud sized hang 10 in there.

...and us and Emma by the hand.

...and just us by the hand.

Hudson LOVED the Hangout! This place is genius. You can let your child run loose like a maniac and watch them play in the sand and tunnels and foam. We were there when the live music cranked up and they passed out 25 cent margaritas for the parents. We all had a good time!

Hudson watching the band. He was dripping in sweat because prior to this photo he had been cutting a rug in front of the stage.

Playing in the sand and tunnel. I imagine he's saying "I'm gonna watch what this big kid does and copy it."

It was a great trip and I was not ready to come home. Hudson was however! He told us the night before he left that he wanted to go to "Huddy's house". The first thing he did when we got home was run up to his room and crash onto his bed. He had a good time at the beach, but he was happy to be home!