Luke Bryan At Irving Plaza

July 15, 2013

We had a great date Daddy and Mommy took me to see Luke Bryan tonight at Irving Plaza. It was so much fun!!  We walked from Grand Central to Eataly on 25th and 5th.  This is a great Italian marketplace and restaurant.  Then, we walked through the Flat Iron District to Irving Plaza, which is close to Union Square.  Walking is the best part of NYC- my favorite part.  I've walked all over that city and logged thousands of miles.   

Luke Bryan was fantastic.  He's precious and a great performer.  Hudson, you could sing "Rain Is a Good Thing" when you were barely 3!!  Of course we woke up this morning and you saw the Luke Bryan concert posters and said in an angry voice, "What is this?!"  I told you we went to Luke Bryan and you said, "Oh thanks a lot! You went without me?  You were suppose to take me!"  My baby, totally forgets he is 5.  I told you it was a Mamma and Daddy date and we need grown up time too.  You didn't like that.

"Rain makes corn,  corn makes whiskey. Whiskey makes my baby feel a little frisky..." 

You can see Luke Bryan in stage with his acoustic guitar. 

A Day in Central Park with My Boys

Aug 2, 2013

Today we took the train into the city and hung out in Central Park.  It was a great day!  We met Daddy at 3 and he drove us home.  Ahhh, days in Central Park with my boys = bliss.

I love you all more than life!

xx Mamma

Dinner in The City with Daddy

February 2013

Tonight we met Daddy at his office near Times Square (1440 Broadway) and then ate at Brooklyn Diner. Hudson sat in Daddy's office chair and ate all the jelly beans on Daddy's desk. Daddy has a very cool office with sports memorabilia in it. You boys will think it's so cool as you get a little older! Daddy has a cool job.

All of his co-workers came to his office to check out his beautiful boys (and wife, wink wink ;). Daddy was proud. We strolled through Times Square. The weather was so nice! We had a nice dinner too. It was a lovely night. We heart you New York- forever!

Xoxo

Dinner with Di in the City

12-30-12

After we saw The Grinch, Daddy took you all home and I met an old friend, Diana, for dinner in the city. It was great to see Di and catch up. She was one of my running mates when I was living single in the city. We had some fun! She was also one of the few people at my wedding in Central Park. We went to this great new place, Eataly on 5th between 23rd and 24th. It's a huge Italian marketplace with like 4-5 Italian restaurants. It's like a little slice of Italy, which I love because mama LOVES all things Italian. Che perfetto!

Xoxo

September 11, 2012 Never Forget

9-11-12

Hudson and John Henry,

By the time you are both grown up, September 11th, I fear, will be a part of this country's distant past. Something you study at school, as Pearl Harbor is for me. Something that won't directly affect you. You both need to know that this day changed my life and this country's life forever. It was horrible, terrifying and traumatizing for all Americans. A day we will never forget. A day we were all ONE. No one was black, white, Asian, Latino, Republican or Democrat. We were all Americans. I remember exactly where I was. I was living in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was very early in the morning with the time change. I remember the phone ringing and ringing. I didn't answer it the first few times because it was early. I finally answered and it was Aunt Stephie. She frantically asked if I was watching the news. I couldn't believe my eyes when I turned the television on. I saw the beloved twin towers crumbling and I thought I was watching a Hollywood movie, not a real event. My heart fell. I couldn't believe my own eyes. I drove all the way to Oklahoma City the next day- 16 hours. I just wanted to see my Mamma and my family. That's how frightened and upset I was - we all were. We were fragile and shocked and we all felt vulnerable to these evil people who had no names or faces- just Al Qaeda- that's all we kept hearing. We were all scrambling - trying to figure out how strongest nation in the world got attacked. We were horrified and we all wanted them to pay for what they had done to us, to our dear country, and to our fellow Americans. Why did this unnecessary evil happen?

One of my very best friends, Amy Rice, lost her brother, David, on 9/11. He was in one of the twin towers. Amy and I grew up together in OKC. We went to the same grade school and high school. Her family was absolutely torn up. A nightmare for any family. When I think of David in the tower, I lose my breath. 9/11 is a very difficult day for Amy every year. This year, I went to the city to see her and have dinner with her, which I know was special for her and it was beyond special for me. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else that night. We had a drink in front of David's tree. Last year, Amy and her family pulled a lot strings to have this tree planted for David in the West Village across the street from Amy's apartment. Amy just ordered a plaque for it. She says that she walks by it everyday and it gives her a sense of peace. I saw the tree for the first time and the plaque and tears came to my eyes. God bless your soul David Rice.

Cheers to you David...

First Day of Pre K at First Church Preschool in OG

September 6, 2012

Hudson,

You are my precious baby! Always! You picked this outfit for your first day of school because you said you wanted to look "handsome for me." You have been a trooper my love. This summer of 2012 was life changing for us all. We have moved from Dallas to NYC to Old Greenwich, CT. We have stayed in numerous hotels during our move, stayed in temporary housing in NYC, moved to OG, and you had a baby brother on the second day that we moved in our new house in OG and your Mamma had to stay in a hospital for 4 days. You went to three different camps- NY Kids Club, Chelsea Piers in Stamford, CT, and The Little Gym in Stamford. It's been a wild and crazy summer and I think you have learned a huge lesson in flexibility. It is now time to get into a routine and a schedule. You seem very excited to go to school and nothing could make me happier. I think you are ready to meet new friends and be social. We went yesterday for a meet and greet and you had ao much fun and said you didn't want to leave. This school could not be more different than your school last year, Saint Alcuin Montessori, which was very strict and rigid. This school is more laid back and play based. Daddy and I thought this is what you needed with all this change. I labored over this decision. We already know you're smart and you are going to excel at any school you go to. Your teacher told us this last year. It's time to focus on the social aspect of life because you can be the smartest person in the world but i you don't have social skills, it doesn't matter. I'm so proud of you. So proud. You are such a big boy!

All my love, Mamma

Pajama Party Night at NY Kids Club Camp

July 13, 2012

Tonight, there is a pajama party at your camp in NYC, NY Kids Club. The theme is super heroes. You were so excited, you were running out the door! You absolutely love your camp and you love love the camp coaches. They are all young girls and that's probably why. You certainly like girls. What am I going to do?! Goodness! Two of them have babysat for you - Coach Ashley and Coach Christi. When they come over, you are beyond excited. The camp has been a God send. I'm just thrilled you love it. Knowing your happy when you go there is so comforting to my heart. When you're happy, I'm happy. Plus, the camp has given me some relief during the last month of my pregnancy.

I love you amore mio, my heart,
Mamma

Grand Central to Westchester

July 8, 2012

Today, we got on the Metro North Train from Grand Central Station and met Daddy at his club in Bronxville, Westchester.  You love riding the train.  This is your second time on the Metro North Train.  You have ridden the subway many times and when I took you on the Metro North for the first time, I said, "This is your first train ride!"  You said, "No, it's not Mamma.  I ride the subway all the time."   Then, I said, "You are right.  This is your first above ground train."  Such a New Yorker already!

I love riding the train with you and just watching you look out the window amore,  Mamma

Hudson's Life is Changing

July 10, 2012

Hudson, amore mio, my love,

You are going through so many changes. It's all a lot for a 4 year old, however, it's good for you in more ways than you will ever imagine. You left your home in Dallas, the place you have spent your whole life, left school, friends, parks, Annette, all of it behind. You have been living in NYC the last month and you are loving it and doing fantastic! In fact, you dont want to leave (you are your mamma's baby-we heart NY!) and you are not so sure about moving to CT. We went to see our new house there and you said "I don't want to move there in that house. I wish we didn't have to move." I think because our stuff wasn't in there yet, it was weird and unsettling for you.... We will move to CT in a few weeks and leave NYC. You will have a new brother, a new home, a new room, a new town, new mates, and a new school. God bless you! But, you have been so resilient and so forward thinking and you have gone with it. This whole move has made you more flexible and this is a great lesson in life. One must always be flexible and going with the flow is one of the best traits someone can have, because go ahead and plan my love, your life won't turn out that way. Never does. I know this from experience. Life happens while making plans. This has been an adventure. A beautiful, fun adventure for us all and life should always be an adventure. You're living, learning and taking experiences with you and they become apart of who you are and it's awesome! Daddy and Mamma love you and you are always safe. Xoxo

NY Kid's Club Camp

June 18- June 29 - 2012

This is Coach Christi.  She is a sweetheart and you love her.  She has said the most amazing things about you and I cannot tell you how proud it makes me as your mother!  She has said and I quote, "I just love Hudson.  We all adore him him.  He is like a little man.  You can have adult conversations with him and he is funny.  He also has the best manners.  He is nominated every class for having the best manners."  She is going to help me a few times a week - she'll take you to the park for a few hours.  She is so excited.  She said, and I quote again "The other coaches at camp are going to be so jealous.  We all just adore Hudson."  

You love camp and I am just thrilled!!  The first 

Officially back in the Northeast - Goodbye Dallas

June 8, 2012

We officially landed at La Guardia today. Daddy met us at the airport and we all drove into NYC to our apartment. We are living in corporate temporary housing on the Upper East Side- 201 East 69th street, at the The Fairfax. You have been such a trooper Hudson. We have been on a big adventure and thats what we have been calling it. We moved out of our house, traveled for 2 straight weeks- to different hotels and visited all of or family and you have gone with it. I was worried when you walked into our empty house. At first you were weirded out I think- it's been your only home- you said "This is just a big empty boring house with nothing in it!" But, then you were ok. You have moments when you have told us you didn't want to move from dallas and why did we have to move and that you were tired if traveling, but rightfully so. It is a lot for a 4 year old. And all in all, we are so proud and impressed with you- You have been so flexible and you have had fun. I have talked to you a lot about being flexible and you get it. You even told aunt Shannon that you were learning to be flexible! Swear! This is one of the best traits a person can have, because Hudson, life can change on a dime. You gotta learn to go with it.

Hudson on the airplane on the way to NYC from Dallas. 

First night in your bed in the NYC apartment.  You did amazing.  You got right into the bed and went night night. 

This is your trick gum.  You got it at Chuck E Cheese the night we went with Kennedy, Kade and Aunt Stephie.  You pull it out and a cockroach comes out.  You did it to Daddy and you think it is pretty funny  You asked him 10 times, "You want a piece of gum?"

Day 1 and 2 of Move - Dallas to NYC to CT

May 24, 2012

Today, the movers came to our house in Dallas and started packing.  You went to school and Annette and Erik picked you up and took you to the zoo all day.  It seemed easier for you not to be in the house.  Daddy and I were not sure how you were going to react.  We have been preparing you, but it is still shocking for a 4 year old boy to see his house and items being shoved into boxes.  I was worried about my baby, but thank God kids are resilient and forward thinking.  We should all be so lucky, but you are not when you are a grown up - ha!  Grown ups drag things out (avoid that if possible when you are an adult).  You walked in after the zoo and said, "This is our big empty house!  BORING.  This house is empty and boring.  There is nothing in it."  I was worried because I know that was your way of letting your frustrations out, however after that, you seemed to be ok.  The movers were all so nice to you and made you a fort with the moving boxes and you had fun.    We have explained to you that this was going to be a big, fun adventure.

My love, letting go, moving on, and saying goodbye will always be a part of your life.  It's not always easy.  Sometimes it's for the best and sometimes it just happens.  These events in  your life will make you stronger,  they will build character and they will make you who you are.  These events cannot be avoided and are a part of life. When change comes, look for the adventure, look for the lesson, and look ahead.  Know that as long as you have love and you love in return, you will be ok wherever you are.

We love you sweet boy, Mamma

Hudson and Erik. (above and below)  You love Erik, Annette's son.  he is 14 and he has tons of energy and loves to play with you.  We will miss him and Annette so much!

Huge moving truck                               Guest bedroom where I tried to rest.

The movers made you a fort.

Melissa and Jack (above) - some of our oldest friends.   We had a play date with them almost every week.

Our empty house. (above and below)

You and Daddy in our empty garage (above).

Mamma and Hudson in our backyard (above) - only the tricycle left.  You never rode that much.

Mamma is about 7.5 pregnant!  I am a trooper.  Moving during pregnant not easy. 

Hudson- the tree above is on the side of our house in Dallas.  You started climbing it when you were 2 - we use to lift you up.  Of course, you get up there on your own now.  It may look small, but it is not easy to get up there.  You are a climber and a very good one at that.  You climb everything, things other kids your age do not climb.  You climbed that tree so many times.