First Pageant

Hudson's school invited all the parents to a Winter Wonderland Party.  We weren't planning on attending...But then I heard that the kids had been practicing all week (practicing what?!) and my inner stage mom got SO excited!  I kept referring to it as a pageant and while it was far from it, it still made me beam.  I even caught Brian passionately mouthing the words as he was watching.  Here's a small snippet - look for the smiley boy grinning at his family : )

Sleep round 2

*(this is for my own memories, I don't expect many of you to care) : )

 
Before Hudson was even a year old, 'everyone' let me know that surely our next baby would NOT be as good a sleeper.  Once baby #2 was actually on its way, we too knew that we shouldn't have expectations for sleep, but man, we sure were hoping.

Well, either we lucked out again, or there is something in our genes - but we are SO GRATEFUL that little Axel has been pretty much matching his brother hour/week for the past 8 weeks.  It's almost bizarre that when I look back at what Hudson was doing sleep wise at what week, Axel's right on target.  Even his nap patterns  and his early bedtime (for a newborn) remind me of Hudson.

Axel was a pretty great sleeper from the start, sleeping for 3-4 hour stretches from those first few days at home.  By day 10 he was sleeping a 5 hour stretch, then going down easily again for another 3.  We weren't as into the swaddle at first, thinking he didn't like it, but then I tried it again and he had his best night so we were hooked.  At 4 weeks he reached 7 hours, plus another 2+, and at 5 weeks he reached 9 hours.

While Axel was sleeping amazingly well, I was not.  It's so convenient having him in the cosleeper next to my bed, but man he is one noisy little guy!  Plus, Hudson was begging to have Axel sleep in his room with him - aww.  So I was inspired by his good sleep to move him into his crib in Hudson's room.  I recall the first time we moved Hudson into his crib, we all slept much better almost immediately.  So at 6 weeks we went for it!  The first night, Axel woke up at around 2am, but didn't wake up Hudson.  The next night Hudson woke up wet, and the commotion woke up Axel.  But the 3rd night, it all worked perfectly, and Axel slept from 8pm-6am! 10 hours!  And at 7 weeks he slept for nearly 12 hours. 

It's been pretty much smooth sailing since then averaging about 10-11 hours most nights.  The best part is neither boy seems very affected by the other.  While we aim to get Axel down first, and then we just quietly go in with Hudson for his last goodnight snuggle, there were nights where I was in there nursing Axel or Brian was rocking him - all while Hudson was falling asleep, and within minutes we'd hear Hudson snoring loudly, unaffected by our presence.  We are lucky, that's for sure.

So here we are at 8 weeks and the boys officially share a room!  Pretty cute. 

He found his voice

We could hear it coming for a few days, but I'd say Axel officially found his voice while at the Dr. for his 8 week well visit:

November with Grandma and Grandpa

Time is flying by - it's amazing to think how far we've come in just the 6 or so weeks since Axel's birth.  Wow.  While those first 2-3 weeks are so intense and I felt so dependent on help, there was a nice break where we had 1 week just us and I even had my first 2 nights/mornings alone as Brian had to go out of town for work.

But, we were more than happy and grateful to have Grandma come visit for nearly 3 weeks (with a quick visit from Grandpa as well).  We got into quite a rhythm and were so appreciative to have the extra hands, and some extra motivation to get into the new normal routine here.  It seemed like so many changes happened in those few weeks and our confidence just grew.  We were able to cook more, go off on more adventures, and Axel made some serious strides in his sleep!  By the time we had to say goodbye we were well on our way to feeling pretty ready for life with our family of 4 now that Axel was just about to cross the 6 week mark!  It was a great visit we'll always remember, click for all the pictures.

One of my favorite things newborns do that I finally captured on video:


Axel spent many evenings on Grandma's shoulder, sometimes sleeping, often showing off his neck strength:


Newborns are weirdly 'busy' - is he practicing dance moves, kicking, twitching?:

Hudson too!

Still enamoured by our H-man!

Nice swing!


Learning spanish songs and radio songs alike (wearing his adorable scuba towel from Grandma):

Feelin' the Love

An HTR original...someone is feeling the love!  New babies must have that effect on everyone!

Week 1-2 with Axel

We are loving life with our new baby boy in it - Hudson is obsessed and we are thrilled watching him hug and kiss his brother.  Axel's proving to be one mellow dude and we are appreciating every bit of him.  We had long mellow days thanks to BB and Papa taking care of Hudson and the nights weren't too painful thanks to a good sleeping baby.  While the first 2 weeks require lots of adjustments they are this amazing time to look back on...click here for the pictures.

Here's my favorite video capturing exactly what a newborn does:


We are loving getting to know this little guy.

Axel Samuel Roth

Axel Samuel Roth was born on a gorgeous sunny Sunday, October 13th, 2013, at 4:14pm.  He was a whopping 9 lbs 3 oz (as suspected) and measured 21 inches. 

Blissed out mama moments after birth

 

He immediately reminded me of Hudson, but then quickly started to look like his own person...I think he looks pretty identical to Brian's baby picture. 

It was a wonderfully perfect drama-free labor/delivery, and we are just so blessed to be so in love with this baby and our growing family.  Big brother Hudson was immediately smitten.

Labor round 2

Juliet 38 weeks pregant, Oct 1st 2013

My due date was Oct. 14th.  Considering Hudson arrived ELEVEN long days after his due date, I was very prepared, and perfectly content, for another late arrival.  So when we agreed to attend our friend's 40th birthday 'square dancing party' on Oct 12th I thought nothing of it.  The other guests were dying that I was bouncy dancing just days before my due date, though I assured them all I felt fine and could very well be pregnant for 2 more weeks...We arrived home at 11pm, and at 3am I woke up to discover that my water had broke (actually, it was just a small leak to be specific) - the joke was on us!  One of my first thoughts was 'everyone at the party is going to laugh about this.'

Labor didn't begin at all, so luckily I was able to go back to sleep.  In the morning, my midwife assured me that labor would likely come on it's own, but I might as well put plans into place since she'd want to see me by evening.  Being a planner, I was given the gift of time and made all the necessary phone calls to all the folks we had placed on call to take care of Hudson over the next 2 days.  Our friend Kate would take him for the day Sunday, sleep over Sunday night, he had school Monday, and conveniently, my mom was flying home from Hawaii (where she competed in the Ironman) on Monday where her plan naturally stopped in SF en route to Chicago.  She was ready to stay in SF should this baby arrive.  We were all set. 

Pretty much as soon as Kate took Hudson out of the house around 12pm, labor began fairly quickly and strongly.  By 1pm I was 'dealing' intensely in my bedroom with Brian by my side. By 2:30 we were heading to the hospital (where Brian parked the car and I had to walk with him from the parking garage in full on labor all through my contractions).  We were immediately greeted by my midwife as she took us to a labor and delivery room where I labored for the next hour.  Around 4pm my water officially broke. At 4:14pm baby was born.

It did not begin as I had though it would, of course/famous words, but once it started it was just as fast and intense as I had heard it would be.  But it was amazing and well worth the journey...

Official Bike Rider!

Let's just say this felt monumental to all of us - even Hudson understood that this was a pretty amazing accomplishment!

About 6 months after this: http://norcalroths.blogspot.com/2012/11/balance-biking.html

This happened!

Weinberg Family Visit

We were thrilled to have the Weinbergs visit for a nice long weekend.  They have tons of friends here so we are always honored to get any extra quality time with them while they stay with us.  It's always special to get Zeke and Hudson together, but this year was extra fun as Lizzi and I had matching baby bumps!  At just 6 weeks apart, it was hilarious being together sporting our growing bellies. Enjoy the pics here!

First Performance

While I may not describe Hudson as shy, he certainly does take some time to warm up to people.  He is also not someone craving to be the center of attention.  That being said, he happily participates in group activites.  Which is what he was doing on this memorable day while we were at the Farmer's Market in Berkeley.  Lizzi, Dean and Zeke were in town visiting (more pictures to come later) and we were at their favorite market to meet up with friends.  There was a children's music/storyteller there and Zeke and Hudson were up on the stage with all the other kids enjoying the sing along. 

We left Dean with the boys while we went to get some food, and of course, in those 15 minutes, this uncharacteristic event occurred!  Luckily, Uncle Dean is the best and captured it all on film.  He was freaking out, so it must have been even more shocking in person - just not expected of Hudson.  Neither was there any prep, parental input, or guidance.

Enjoy!

April-May

Here's some fun recaps/photos of our April and May - lots going on!

We made one last trip up to Tahoe with the Goldsteins.  While there wasn't much snow left, it was still enough for the kiddos to practice making turns.  As always, we love being with the Goldsteins, regardless of the weather!

 The view from our room at Squaw

 

 Hudson and Layla, future ski bums

Hudson and I have spent a few of our Fridays off together at the Ferry Building in SF on the bay...he LOVES watching the boats coming in/out of the docks and I thoroughly enjoy all the delicious places to eat!

 We spent Mother's Day brunching at my absolutely favorite restaurant, Salito's - right on the bay in Sausalito.  It's not only a gorgeous setting but delish seafood too!

The Annual Pixar Wrap Party (for Monster's University this year) we held in SF at the Bill Graham Auditorium right at the Civic Center - super cool location.  We spent most of the night with Jaclyn and Russell (who's son Miles happens to be Hudson's BFF at school).  Always a blast!

The event is 'creative black tie' and people go all wild and crazy - basically ANYTHING goes.  I borrowed this dress from a friend as it was SO fun to wear sequins and it loosely camouflaged my 20 week baby bump since I wasn't quite public at work.  

 

Since the movie was College themed, they had all these 'beer-drinking'games set up - you can imagine Brian was in absolute heaven!

We were extra lucky to get a quick visit from Uncle Justin!  He got in some quality time with Hudson - thanks for visiting Uncle J!

Hitting up the driving range

 Bedtime books

 

Family night at the Ballpark!

 

And last but not least, a pit stop from the jumpy house during a friend's birthday party in GG park!

(Roman, Miles, Hudson, Jack)

Super busy, super fun spring!

Hudson's Workday

Everyday at dinner we do a recap of our day - clearly someone's been influencing Hudson : )

Aspen Spring Break 2013 - real skiing!

 

We absolutely love our Aspen spring break vacation - especially as everyone's kids grow up and will get to be skiing together!  Speaking of skiing, this was our first year where it wasn't just about sharing babysitting duties for Hudson, but he actually became an official skier!  After Brian worked with Hudson in Tahoe and got him comfortable with the harness, he strongly urged Hudson to try skiing without and to our amazement, Hudson mastered it!  To say we loved watching him become an independent skier is an understatement!  It was like we could just see what fun family ski trips will be in years to come!

And as always, there was such fun times out with the Foley boys, delicious meals eaten, and cruising around town.

Click here for all the pics, and videos below:

Soccer Shots

Hudson's always loved playing soccer, well at least since here:
http://norcalroths.blogspot.com/2012/07/sporty.html

So when we had the opportunity to sign him up for a soccer program, Soccer Shots, at school, we jumped on it.  As we expected, he loves it and is one of the most enthusiastic participants...as evidence in these photos.

Ferry boat ride!

Bay Bridge and SF behind us

Whenever we are at San Francisco's Ferry Building, Hudson loves watching the boats come in and out of the bay.  We kept promising to take a ride on one of the ferries, and we finally made it happen!  We decided to ride from SF to Sausalito with the Goldsteins, and then walk over to Salito's (a new favorite restaurant on the bay) for lunch.  It was a perfect day with great friends, and the ferry boat ride was too fun!

Hudson and Layla enjoying the ride

Biking Lake Merritt

Hudson's always up for riding his cruiser bike and we often walk with him and try to keep up on various trails.  I really wanted to get some exercise, so I decided to take Hudson around Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland.  I wasn't sure he'd make it all the way around - but was hopeful since there'd be no turning back once we reached the halfway mark.  Well, he did it!  All 3.2 miles!  It was adorable too because people loved watching this little guy cruising along and me running behind him.  It's one of those days I'll always remember!

 Even better, we had yummy treats awaiting us at the end at the Lakeshore Farmer's Market. 

Harness skiing in Tahoe

 Heading up to Tahoe, 'bedtime' in the car

Gorgeous conditions

Riding the chairlift!

This was the trip where Hudson really learned to ski.  We were amazed.  We had seen people on the mountain with 'leashes'(harness) for teaching kids to ski, and a ski instructor told Brian about the toe clip to keep ski tips close but not crossing.  Those 2 items were just what Hudson needed to officially figure it out.  And he loved it as much as we loved to watching him.  Thanks to Brian for his patience and tenacity!  We can't wait to keep up the skills in Aspen in a few weeks!

We of course have a zillion videos, but here are just a couple:

Auntie Lizzi Visits

 Airport pickup

Pretending to be shy with Auntie Lizzi

Auntie Lizzi had a work trip in LA and since she's flying all the way from RI, she stole away 48 hours to come visit Hudson (and us).  We were SO excited especially since it was clear Hudson's love affair continued, he's just so smitten with her!  She was so generous with her time and we basically kept her undercover all to ourselves.

 Can't wait for the next visit!