Happy Holidays!

Hudson's first masterpiece - fingerpainted frame with glitter. Thank you daycare!

Crunch crunch

I don't know why I love this video so much - maybe because Hudson seems like such a big boy, or the funny sound effects of his chomps. But mostly, he's just being cute.

Party in the back

Hudson was born with more hair than I expected (read: more hair than I ever had as a baby), yet it still fell out some and has been slowly growing in. He sported random 'long birth hairs' while the new growth was short and just emerging. Needless to say, it's been awkward at times (remember his balding back area from doing the 'Stevie Wonder'?). But, it's now pretty nice and a unique dirty blond/light brown color. And it is quite thick in the back. . . and long. And now it is official. Everyone's been commenting, there is no way around it. Hudson's sporting a serious mullet. And while he isn't necessarily business in the front, he is all party in the back!

Tunnel crawl

Hudson's been doing great at school, er, daycare. He especially takes advantage of the expanse of space for him to practice his crawling/creeping. The other morning I saw they had this new tunnel. Hudson immediately took the opportunity to crawl right on through, that I had to capture it on film.

Hudson Month 7-8

What fun we are having watching this adorable, smiley, fun, sweet, easy going baby boy of ours grow! Hudson started crawling(creeping), talking more 'ba, la, ma, da', 4 teeth - 5th on the way, more adventurous and curious energy. . . just awesome! Here's a highlight of Hudson's 7th and 8th month of life!

Thank you, thank you very much

Happy Halloween

Palace of Fine Arts in SF

The Blue Angels came to SF for Fleet Week a couple weeks ago, and Hudson and I were down on the Marina and Chrissy Field watching them practice. They were extremely loud but didn't seem to phase the H-Man. We spent some time walking around, here is a shot from the Palace of Fine Arts.

The same person!

I just cannot believe any of it - that Hudson was once so small, that Hudson is now so big, that he really came from Brian and me . . . Most mornings, Brian gets Hudson from his room and brings him into our room. He rounds the same corner and each morning it appears that Hudson has grown from just the previous day. I almost wish we had a time lapse camera capturing every morning's entrance. But alas, these pictures will have to do. Just blows my mind!

Hudson 1 month old

Hudson 8 months old

Good Morning, Hudson

We love going into Hudson's room when he wakes up in the morning or after nap - you'll see why in this video.



Every day, every time. Yeah, we love him.

7 month Giggles

It's sort of game here, trying to get Hudson to laugh. And once you nail it, you just want to keep it going as long as possible. This particular time was just before bed, and he was really tired, but that's Hudson - rather than fall apart with exhaustion, he'll still roll with it. But you can tell he hasn't fully committed to it.

This video is considered a bonus in my book, because we also get to look at his adorable belly!

Early pre-sort-of-crawling

Hudson's been traveling around quite well for a long time, as he mastered rolling ages ago. And he loves to roll all over the place to get to what/where he wants to be. But now, he moves in a linear motion, on his belly, by doing a little arm pulling/dragging/feet push motion. We'll call this early pre-crawling. It's become much more apparent that he has specific things he wants to get to and he goes after it. We think watching all his playmates at 'school' is motivating him.

Food fun

Ever since Hudson was about 6 months old, we've been feeding him food. Some sort of pureed fruit or vegetable. While he may not always want to eat the food (he's getting more into it now that it's been over a month), he is always loving the fun of the spoon and the time in the chair.

Can you see me?

It happened. The first poke through of his very first tooth! I'm still in shock, and aw, and just . . . disbelief! It's amazing to me, still, that Hudson is this growing living baby that is on a trajectory whether I like it or not! And once the first tooth broke through (somewhere around Aug. 15th), more just seem to be creeping in all the time. It seemed we had tooth #1 (bottom left) for about 2 weeks and suddenly, tooth #2 (bottom right) is already out and showing itself. And here we are, just 4 weeks into tooth world, and his top left is just starting to poke out. I can't believe it, our little baby is growing up!

Tooth #1 just *barely* peeking out

Tooth #1 fully showing itself on Aug. 28th, 7 months

Just 4 weeks later, Tooth #2 is in full view

Luckily, he's as happy as ever. . .with more drool!

Hudson Month 5-6

It's been a great summer and tons of fun! Hudson took many trips and is now a seasoned traveler. He's sitting up, babbling, starting to eat food, got the start on a first tooth, and is smiling all the time! As they say, it just keeps getting better and better! Here's highlights of Hudson's 5th and 6th month of life!

'Self' Peek-a-Boo

Hudson isn't 'typical', and this video highlights that while all babies enjoy peek-a-boo, Hudson does it all himself!

Support

I participated in my second 24hr mountain bike race, and this time my family showed up to support me. It really meant a lot, and I can't wait to return the favor supporting them at their activities of choice. I will always remember my Dad standing at the top row of the bleachers at my high school soccer games. He would occasionally bellow out a loud cheer, something to the effect of "GET FIRED UP TREVIANS!!" or "GET AGGRESSIVE GUYS!" It sounded like he was 5 feet away, even if he was all the way across the field. Something tells me I'll be bellowing out cheers in the same way at Hudson's games, or chosen activities. Is it weird to cheer at chess matches?
For the record my last 24hr race was about 10 years ago in Moab, UT. A race that every mountain biker should do at least once in their life.
This recent race at Boggs Mtn State Park was fairly close to home, and the terrain rivaled some of the best in California (IMHO). It was a very hot and dusty weekend. One of my teammates was able to borrow a large RV that made the adventure SO much more comfortable. It also gave me confidence to encourage Juliet and Hudson to drive the 2+ hours to check it out. Thanks Fam!
Here is the "UNFun Mover" Family Shot:

Hudson got some time in the RV, which was probably 20 degrees cooler than the 90 degree temps outside. No matter where we are, he loves being "upstairs" or above everyone else looking down. This is in line with the 'periscope' that we call his neck. It is constantly moving left-right, left-right, in order to check out everything that is going on around him. Here is a shot of him "upstairs", where he really enjoyed himself.

From Boggs 24hrs

Hudson Month 3-4

Here's a highlight of Hudson's 3rd and 4th month of life!

Deliberate Tummy Time

As of May 22nd, Hudson rolls over onto his belly. He'd done it a few times here and there over the past week or so, but as of this week, it's been in the category of 'newest tricks'. And he first discovered this in the middle of the night and couldn't stop, over and over. He also couldn't get back onto his back, but after 2 nights of needing to be 'flipped' back over, he now just chooses to succumb and sleep on his tummy. Here's him in action!

Dad reads, Hudson talks

Hudson is quite chatty, especially when you are 'talking' back and forth with him.

New tricks

It seems ever since Hudson turned about 2-3 months old, each week he learns something new and does it over and over. . .until he learns his next trick! We are trying to keep up with all this activity because it feels like each moment is so fleeting. Here is a compilation of his 3rd month!

Traveler

We weren't worried, but that didn't mean we weren't thrilled to learn that Hudson is a fabulous traveler! We took our first flight to visit Chicago this week. He slept the entire time on both flights (once on mom's lap, once in his carseat) and slept fabulously in BB and Papa's house. He even stayed on CA time, which meant staying up until 8ish and sleeping until close to 9! It felt like a true vacation to sleep in each day, that we even enjoyed a few late nights out!

Here's our happy traveler upon landing back in CA

Life at 2.5 months

Here's Hudson being. . . Hudson

Tahoe

We had an absolute blast taking Hudson up to the Sierras last week. We left Sunday morning thinking it would be a couple days, and stuck around for a spring storm dump of 18 inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hudson was a champ as usual, the 3.5 hour car ride was a breeze, and the altitude gain (ear popping) seemed to have little effect.
We got to the lake and had to snap some pics.

Considering it was weekdays in late April, the “resort” was very slow which was perfect for Juliet and I to try caring for the Little Man in a ski lodge. There was plenty of space and few dripping wet skiers coming in from the blizzard.

The late season deals were too good to pass up, so we got Hudson his first pair of skis. I sure hope yellow is "in" when he is ready (6feet and 200lbs) to ski these.

Not quite ready to swing...just warming up

Thinking his nickname on the PGA Tour will be "Huddy"

Month 2

Pictures from weeks 4-9 of life with Hudson!

The Sleeper

Yes, the rumors are true. Hudson has been sleeping through the night, and by 'through the night' I do not mean infant version, I'm talking 11 hours in a row for over a week straight now! Is it wrong to love him more as a result?

The Stevie Wonder

This is a result of a move we call the "Stevie Wonder." A song writer the NorCal Roths are absolutely crazy about, fyi. Hudson shifts his head left-right, left right, left-right often when falling to sleep, or just checking out the surroundings. As a result, a bald spot. Common with newborns, this is certainly not unique. We grin often at Hudson's "invisible tail."

Morning Walk

We give Mom some time to herself after the morning feed. Here is a view from the little man's perspective......that's his view for the first 2 minutes of the walk while his eyes are actually open.

Houdini

Swaddled Hudson

Ever since Hudson's birth, we've been swaddling him at bedtime. The hospital uses this method and it's pretty common practice these days. Babies under 3-4 months of age have a 'moro reflex' which means they basically constantly wake themselves up by jerking their hands/arms/legs. We've seen Hudson do this a zillion times during unswaddled naps and it looks as if he is trying to direct planes onto a runway his arms are flailing so much. We even double swaddle him, with 2 blankets in effort to keep him mellow and cozy in his sleep.

But, he is getting older and stronger and while he sleeps so soundly swaddled, he still constantly attempts to squirm his way out of it when he is in the middle of his sleep. While we constantly try to honor this efforts and not swaddle him, ultimately, he can't really sleep without it yet.

Oftentimes, he squirms his hands up and out and then wakes up once they are free, it's the most common act that wakes him. But recently, he has done some crazy 'Houdini' like moves in an attempt to break free. I once found him pretty worked up, and when I opened up his loosened swaddled, this is what I found:

He had worked his legs so furiously in his nightgown, he pulled the neckline down all the way to his belly button!

Recently, we've been placing Hudson on a sleeping wedge. Because of the angle, he's been using a wiggle method down the wedge in an attempt to break free. Twice now, I've found him in this exact position below, and it was so hilarious I had to photograph him in the middle of the night!

I call this his 'babushka' look

Morning Show

Fluke?

It's not a fluke. . .the 9 hours of sleep, I mean. Since that 'infamous' night of Hudson sleeping for 9 hours in a row (and then going back down for another 2 hours), he has continued to sleep for 8 + hours in a row for the following few nights, and then slept for 9+ hours last night (plus another 2 after feeding). It's extra funny because while Hudson is way too young for sleep training, it is the one subject I was most obsessed with - reading lots of books, asking friends who have kids who are good sleepers, etc. Turns out, Hudson is taking the lead and I just need to step aside and let him do his thing because it is working!

9 hours!!!

Is it possible to pass on a sleeping gene to your child? I must say, I pride myself on my ability to sleep well, through travel, jetlag, and pregnancy. One of my biggest fears about having a baby was the lack of sleep I had heard so much about. But who knew, Hudson's always been a pretty good sleeper, especially at night. From his first weeks he would be sleeping for 4 hour stretches and then going down for another 3-4. Week by week, this first stretch of nighttime sleep has slowly and naturally been increasing. I recall at 4 weeks exactly he hit his first 6 hour stretch. Then a few times it dipped into the 7 region and I couldn't believe it.

I've also heard it is good to get your baby comfortable sleeping in his crib, as many kids have a hard time transitioning from their bassinet/cosleeper into the big crib. I also know lots of people lay their newborns down on an infant 'wedge' to help elevate their head and provide a softer spot for the head to prevent flat head. I've also heard not to try more than one new thing at a time when a baby has been sleeping in the same place consistently. Well, last night we put our 5.5 week old Hudson in his real crib for the first time and laid him on a wedge for the first time. And you know what our little guy did? He slept for 9 straight hours! I was staring at the clock in disbelief?!

And you know what I was doing during that time? I was awake and out in the family room pumping. Oh, the irony!
(speaking of . . . Hudson took his first bottle this week in an effort to get him used to it, as some babies reject it initially. According to Dad, he 'housed' it down no problem and wanted more - lots of firsts to check of the list at 5 weeks!)

Hudson enjoying some playtime in his crib with his new mobile

Ralph lookalike?!

While I think my son is adorable, his newly balding hairline is starting to make me think he looks like this 'not very cute' character. . . it's all I see now when I look at Hudson ; )

http://tinyurl.com/y8hr4wa

HappySadTired = Squirmy

Hudson has a lot of facial expressions for such a young little guy. Some call it 'shtick.' Whatever it is, it's hilarious and entertaining.

Climbing Mt. Dad

Another example of how he earned the name 'squirmy'

1 Month

Hudson's 4th week was an exciting one - meeting Aunt Melissa, celebrating Dad's 32nd birthday out at a restaurant, and traveling to San Francisco to meet a new friend. He was up to 10 lbs 5 oz and 22 1/4 inches at his 4 week doctor visit. Big boy! Enjoy the pics!

Swaddle Ninja

I'm slightly nervous I've already become a "dorky dad." I can hear the words coming our of Hudson's mouth years from now, but I worry my actions have already deemed me worthy.

1. I have nicknamed myself. (not sure anyone cool gives themselves a nickname)
2. Said nickname is "Swaddle Ninja" for my exceptional prowess, speed, and agility getting Hudson swaddled.

Oh well, it is bound to happen. I do something that Hudson rolls his eyes at as he thinks, "my Dad is such a nerd." OR, because he's related to Juliet and me, he most likely says it out loud.

Getting to know you

Here are some pics from our first few weeks with Hudson!
Hudson Week 1-3

Tough life

Hudson Comes Home

Lip smacking adorable

And baby makes 3!

Hudson Thomas Roth

Hudson Thomas Roth was born January 28th, 2010, at 2:22am. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz, and was 21 1/4 inches long. Arriving 10 days post due date, our baby boy (surprise) finally decided to make his appearance when he was ready. And we are thrilled and totally in love!

More pics of our first days with Hudson

10 months and counting. . .

After a fabulous pregnancy, we are now literally waiting for the baby to arrive. My midwife kept saying, despite the medical due date being January 17th, I should focus on a week later, somewhere around January 25th as it is so common for first time babies to arrive later. I could quote every single statistic at this point about babies and arrivals - 80% are born within the 2 weeks before and after due dates, that in Europe they have women on a 42 week calendar instead of our 40 weeks, blah blah blah. I kept saying 'I'm not ready to be done being pregnant' as I was loving it, and now I'm eating those words. Luckily, I'm still very comfortable physically, sleeping a zillion hours each night and enjoying my time off to hang with friends and prepare for this baby's arrival. I keep thanking the baby for allowing me plenty of time to prepare, as I am a planner by nature. And now I will be ready when this baby decides to arrive. . . well, ready as I'll ever be!

Juliet at 36 weeks pregnant (exactly 9 months)

Ch=ch-ch-changes!

Something tells me there are going to be some big changes in store for the NorCal Roths in 2010, and I can't wait! We'll try to keep you posted here with snippets of the excitement!

Here's to 2010!