#25: Hudson meets the Prusz Family

On Thursday, April 7 we made our way from NYC to Evansville, Indiana. I don't think Hudson could have experienced more contrasting places! It was a welcomed location after the hustle and bustle of the big city, and we enjoyed relaxing with his parents in Newburgh.

The first day was nice and sunny and we enjoyed a little afternoon boat ride, Hudson's first time on a boat. He liked the movement a lot and even got his hands on the steering wheel! Such a young little skipper.

On Saturday we drove to Joe's brother's house in Owensboro, KY. He and his wife recently built a beautiful home on a golf course, and they hosted the entire Prusz family for the afternoon. We enjoyed Moon Light BBQ (a Bill Clinton favorite), the kids played outside and on the golf course, everyone got to meet Hudson and Andy, Joe and Eddie gave everyone a little concert in the basement (Andy is in a band, and family members joined in since his real band members weren't there). We headed out around 10pm so Hudson could get some sleep, and from the pictures we got in the morning it looks like that's just when the party got started!

On Sunday we got to introduce Hudson to his great-grandma Hilda (Eddie's mother). Hilda even held Hudson for a little bit, which is no easy task since Hudson is no light-weight! After meeting Hilda we headed to dinner with Grannie, Nancy's mom, at Bonefish Grill. It was a special day for Hudson to be with 3 generations of adoring family members!

We took things easy on the rainy Monday heading to downtown Newburgh for some lunch, then Eddie and Nancy made dinner in that night - filets, potatoes and a salad. Eddie even stopped by Lics in the morning for some Choco-Cremes (my favorite local ice cream treat).  Tuesday was our last day there and also happened to be Joe's 33rd birthday and Hudson's 4-month birthday, so it was a special day for my boys! We made Joe a special birthday breakfast - a Belgian waffle topped with Havarti cheese, Bavarian ham, over-easy eggs drizzled with maple syrup! Joe, Andy and Eddie headed to Victoria for a round of golf and in the evening we had some drinks, opened presents and headed to Madeline's for a special birthday dinner. It was Joe's first birthday as a daddy!

Our trip to Evansville was such a treat and we enjoyed seeing everyone so much. Thanks to all the family who drove to Andy and Bridget's house on Saturday and thanks to A+B for hosting! We love you all so much and hope to see you in the summer some time. There are of course too many pictures to post on this blog, but please check out Flickr for all the April pics.

Outside in his parent's backyard | 4.12.11

#24: Hudson goes to the Big Apple

On April 3, the Prusz family ventured off to NYC for a few day trip. Joe had a business trip to the city and we decided that Hudson and I would join him. Unfortunately Joe had to work the entire trip, but Hudson and I got to explore the city and meet up with my dear friend, Angie, and my cousin, Adrienne.

Meeting Angie for the first time

At Eataly, Mario Batali's lastest creation

We arrived on Sunday later in the evening and got unpacked while Joe brought back some NYC pizza to our hotel room. On Monday while Joe worked Hudson and I got to explore the city. We started our morning in the Upper West Side, then walked through Central Park (where I hunted down a street vendor until I found a churro), met my friend Angie by the Empire State building (where she works), walked to Eataly in the Flatiron District, then hopped in a cab to the walk on the Highline, grabbed a drink at this beer garden in the Meat Packing District and finally ended the night in Tribecca at Arturos for some authentic NYC pizza! Unfortunately, it was a bit much for our little Hudson and that night he had a very difficult time falling asleep (or staying asleep for that matter!).

At Balthazar in SoHo

On Tuesday we took things much easier. We stayed around the hotel until early afternoon and then Hudson and I headed to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was a rainy day, so perfect for a museum exploration. We looked at some early 1900 photographers, saw ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts and then mommy grabbed a sparkling wine and snack in the dining area overlooking Central Park. After that we took a cab down to SoHo and met daddy at Balthazar for an early French dinner. The food was absolutely delicious and we got some great pictures of Hudson at the restaurant. Following dinner we bundled up Hudson and went back to Midtown, stopping by the Hudson Hotel where we met Angie for an after dinner drink.

On our last day, Wednesday, Hudson and I explored the city on foot. We walked to Rockefeller Plaza, down to The Plaza, had lunch with my cousin Adrienne at Grand Central walked back to Central Park and to the Upper West Side. While on the Upper West Side, we walked up Columbus and stopped in Magnolia Cafe for an afternoon treat (carrot cupcake) and then walked to Levains Bakery to buy some incredible cookies for our family. Angie met up with us again and we stopped in a little restaurant for a happy hour sangria then met daddy at PJ Clarkes for some burgers!

We had so much fun in NYC and were so thankful to Angie who met up with us every night and gave me wonderful recommendations on what to do (as well as my friend, Nicole, who travels to NYC for work often).

In a NYC cab for the first time

#23: The BebePod

This past week we got Hudson a little starter seat...the BebePod. You can use it as early as 3 months and through 14 months (or once they outgrow it) and it helps younger babies sit up and when they're older you can use it as a booster seat at the family table. Hudson's obviously still a few months away from sitting up on his own, but this lets him see the world from another perspective.

He's also starting to grab things in his activity mat, but doesn't quite know how to let go once he grabbed on! It's cute watching him do all these things for the first time and a reminder that we are all intricate, unique beings created by a divine God.

Sitting pretty in his new seat

Playing with toys on activity mat

#22: Hudson's 3-month Update!

Today was Hudson's 3-month check-up at the doctor's office. Here are this month's stats:

• Weight: 15 lbs, 8 oz  (90th percentile)
• Length: 24.5 inches (75th percentile)
• Head: 15.5 inches (50th percentile)

The boy sure can eat, and is continuing to climb the growth charts. He gained 2 lbs and 5oz since last month, grew one inch in length and head diameter. He's filling out his 3-6 month tops/onesies but can still wear fit into a couple 0-3 month bottoms - but we'll need to transition to the 3-6 month bottoms very soon to make room for his buddha belly!

#21: Hudson Rolls Over!

Today is Hudson's 3 month birthday (March 12) and he achieved another baby milestone - rolling over!! We have been practicing for several weeks and this morning, while mommy and daddy were drinking their coffee, Hudson rolled from his tummy to back all on his own!

It's amazing how watching him do something for the first time made us so happy and proud. We thank God for our healthy, happy little baby boy!