2 years & 2 months already! A very long & overdue post.

It is so hard to believe how fast time is passing and how big the boys are getting. We are having the best time with them. Quinten loves having Hudson around so much. He is always talking and singing to him. Once in awhile when Q is tired and wants to cuddle and I am nursing Hudson he gets upset, but other then that he hasn't shown any signs of jealousy...yet. I have been getting out of the house with the boys almost every morning. Whether it is Longwood, the museum, or story time at the library having an active morning helps to ensure  a great nap time for all of us!

 A great new find has been story time at Hockessin Library they have a wonderful children's section and then upon some investigation, Q and I found a neat walking trail that connects the library to a park!

We took Grandma to one of our favorite places, I'm not sure who had more fun!

Quinten has been napping near 12:30 and will sleep for 2-3 hours. He sometimes wakes up after an hour or two looking for me. I have been laying down with him and we both get at least another hour of shut eye. Hudson usually falls asleep shortly after Quinn and will also nap for 3 hours. Time management is key during the first hour of nap time if I want to get anything done around the house without the boys. Hence the decline in blog posts!  Night time is still rough, but we are managing. Hudson wakes up every 3 hours to the minute to eat. It is funny to think in about 10 years we will most likely be dragging these same boys out of bed!

Quinn is good about telling us when he is ready for a nap. He usually asks for "un" his word for milk.

The other day he asked to take a nap, while I was feeding Hudson. 

Apparently he couldn't wait for me to go upstairs and fell asleep on the couch.

Quinn is getting sillier by the day.

We attempted to use a binkie with Hudson. He wanted no part of it. Quinn however was very intrigued by them and thinks its hysterical to put one in his mouth and run around the house. 

Much like "Pizza Day" Quinn loves "Salad Day" as he calls it every time we eat salad for dinner.

I got tired of him digging through mine with his chubby little hands so he now gets his own. 

When this toddler is not eating he is talking up a storm or singing.

A few new favorites are "wook mommy" when he does something he wants us to see,especially his art work. "Mommy where are you mommy?" and his favorite phrases "what dat doe?" when he wants you to tell him what something is and "dare it is". He recently started watching tv for more then a few minutes and somehow has become obsessed with Barney. The only good that has come from this are the adorable songs (Mr. Sun).

One of the biggest challenges that has started is discipling Q.

We have started time out mainly for hitting and throwing.

It is very easy to tell when Q is either over tired or has gone too long without eating, mainly that's when we most often see these two behaviors. Luckily they are easy fixes, but getting him to understand that they are inappropriate is difficult.

Here he was throwing a temper tantrum because he didn't want to take the Bubble Guppy stickers off his belly before taking his bath. I couldn't stop laughing so I took a picture, both of which made him more upset:(

Q was surprised with lots of Birthday presents and a visit from Grandma & Grandpa and a package from Gramps!

His favorite present this year was his new guitar!

We celebrated with friends by having a "Baby Q". We invited a few close friends over for a bbq to celebrate Hudson's arrival and Quinten's birthday.

Complete with burger Bday cake and all!

We all had a great time and it was so good to see our friends!

 Although Q was afraid to blow out any candles, the lesson about fire being hot has really stuck!

He ate and enjoyed cake for the first time!

Breakfast of champions...more cake!

As for little brother, Hudson is getting bigger by the day!

This is my favorite outfit on him!

Hudson had a case of baby acne an some heat bumps on his face a lot of his first month and I didn't take as many pictures of him as I should have. It has seemed to clear up nicely, but he does get an occasional flare up when he gets overheated.

We have missed being at the beach all summer this year, but we were happy to take a trip up north. 

Our vacation started in the Poconos. 

Quinten enjoyed cleaning out Bopa's hot tub more then swimming in it for sure!

We left Callie with Grandma and Bopa as we headed to Connecticut to stay aboard Grandma Kathy and Mark's boat.

Quinten was greeted by his new stuffed kitty (which he named Roncaca or Veronica) and his new boat jacket.

Quinten loved being onboard and seeing all of the cool sites Captains Cove had to offer, but he was definitely not a fan of wearing his boat jacket.

As for us, we were able to enjoy our first night out together without the boys.

Jason's high school reunion happened to be about 50 yards from where Carina was docked so it was a short walk back if Grandma Kathy and Mark needed us. But sure enough they were fine.

Taking the dingy over to shore to collect shells.

Daddy and Hudson onboard Carina.

Of course he had to wear a pirate onesie.

Change my bootie!

Some more pictures aboard Carina...

 Between the boats and the ducks Quinten had a difficult time giving up the sightseeing to stick to his normal nap schedule. He fell asleep in the dingy so Daddy and I enjoyed a beer before waking him up.

 Fist pumping!

 And the new favorite giving elbows!

 Thank you Grandma Kathy and Mark for an super time.

We managed to get the whole Kusheba clan together for lunch at Uncle Michael's restaurant before leaving CT.

Last year Quinn and I took the Cape May Ferry over to visit the Neebs on their annual trip to Wildwood. Since a beach day was out of the question for us, they came for a visit. It was so great to see everyone. Quinten and Aiden were so cute running around together and Ainslie is getting so grown up.

Some pictures of Mr. Hudson this month.

Hudson has the same "stork bite" that Quinten had.

Quinten will often point to it and say boo boo.

Here are some things about Hudson this month and last...

At 1 month you...
~have been to the doctor twice at your one month checkup you weighed 10lbs. 3.9oz (59%), height 1' 9.89" (65%), and head circumference 37cm (42%).
~decided that getting your diaper changed and getting undressed are not your favorite things.
~eat like Hungry Hungry Hippo every 2-3 hours. You gulp down milk as quick as possible sometimes you choke.
~didn't throw a fit when given a bottle.
~have mastered burping and farting!
~can follow the sound of familiar voices by moving your head back and forth.
~can hold your head up pretty good for a minute or two.

At 2 months you...
~are 2.25 feet tall (92.8%) weight 12 lbs. 11oz (59%) and head circumference 39cm (46%) at 2 months Quinn was just making it onto the growth charts reaching 25% in all areas!
~started to get a little chunky in your legs and already have quite the buddha belly.
~have already moved onto 3 month clothes and are in size 1 diapers.
~don't mind diaper changes as much any more.
~don't like being left in a room by yourself, and aren't afraid to tell us.
~love "talking" to us, the cooing and smiling have started.
~eat every 3 hours to the dot, even at night.
~love laying belly down when you are being held.
~your big brother. When Quinten is around you already turn your head to see where that little voice is coming from. The feeling is mutual, Quinten always needs to know where Hudson is.
~you are beginning to enjoy alone time in your new egg. Grandma & Bopa surprised us with the coolest new contraption for babies on our trip up to the poconos. The egg has a smooth ride simulating a car and makes all sorts of noises.

Quinten weighed 27 lbs. at his 2 year checkup!
He knows most of his colors, sings the ABCs, recognizes the letter Q and know his name starts with it, and can count up to 10 without help.
He sings so many songs, jumps, does "push ups," "jumping jacks," lunges & squats, runs, walks backwards on his heels, tries to do headstands with one leg in the air,
and does some yoga poses (tree is his favorite!).
He loves shredded wheat, waffles and bananas for breakfast. Apples, grilled cheese, chicken and basically anything else he could dip in ketchup for lunch or dinner. And still enjoys his warm milk or un as he calls it before bed.

Silly 

and studious!

We are so lucky to have these two little angels in our life. Can't wait to see how they grow and become best buds!

 Quinn showing Hudson the boat him and Grandma made.

I love how Hudson is looking at Q in these pictures!

Teaching Hudson how to do a headstand!

Hudson comes home!

     Many times over the past year and a half I wished I could go back and be that new mom again, to hold Quinten those first few hours, days, months...my wish has pretty much come true. It is eery sometimes how much the boys look alike. Hudson has a longer head then Quinn, but his features and facial expressions are already so similar. When I hold Hudson or he makes a certain face it takes us right back to those first few months when we first had Quinten. It will be interesting to see as Hudson gets older if the similarities continue.

which is which?!?!

This time around I am a much more relaxed, confident mom. No longer that worry wart wondering has my baby eaten enough, is he gaining enough weight. When I think about how much of my day was consumed with feeding, talking about feeding, and worrying about feeding it is amazing I had time and energy to enjoy Quinten as much as I did.

     Having a full term baby that weighed a more typical weight was a much more relaxed way to start off. I remember Quinten not even getting fully cleaned off before the nurse gave him to Jason in the OR and literally threw him a bottle to get his sugar levels up. Then the poor baby had to be poked in the foot every few hours to make sure he was maintaining his sugar. The first few days months I was so hyper focused on how much he was eating, it is amazing how I functioned otherwise. And now we laugh at how much he eats! The kid has an endless appetite. Jason and I both like food, a lot...apparently so do our boys. It looks like Hudson is going to follow in his big brother's footsteps and also enjoy eating. At his first visit to the doctor he was already up a few ounces from his birth weight. 7.54! Jason and I laugh at how big our food bill is going to be in a few years:)

At Hudson's 2nd week doctor visit he weighed 8.3 lbs. on an empty stomach!

And he is in the 70% for height.

     One thing I hope Hudson doesn't take after is Quinten's sleeping patterns. Our first night without GM & GP 's help was interesting to say the least Jason and I didn't know if we were coming or going. I think we passed in the hallway 3 times. But this too is already getting easier. Quinten's sleep schedule was messed up since we left for the hospital and he woke up to find us gone and our neighbor Allison at our house in the middle of the night. He is getting better and called for Daddy last night which was an awesome change for all of us!
     We have taken quite a few trips out in the first three weeks of this little guys life. Another huge difference then when we first had Q. Because we need to keep him amused, staying home and relaxing everyday really isn't an option. To celebrate being one week old we took the boys to the Greek festival (okay so we really went for the delicious gyros) and the Italian festival both were right up the street from our old house. We have been on playdates to Luca's house, our neighbor, and went to Longwood Gardens with Luca and Domenic to play in the fountains. I have even ventured on a shopping trip by myself with the boys, and it was quite successful! We have also had some visitors (GM & GP, Grandma Kathy & Mark, Gramps & Aunt Jody, and Nancy). Quinten took a special liking to Aunt Jody. And for the first time kicked mommy out of the playroom so he could play with her by himself!!!

     As for Hudson he sleeps pretty much all day and night.  He is awake more lately during the day, but I stilll have to wake him to eat sometimes.  He's an angel and puts up with a lot of hugs, kisses and cuddles from Quinn. Quinten always is asking "Baby doe?" when Hudson is not in plain sight.  Hudson is already bigger then Quinten was after 1 1/2 months!  And getting bigger every day.  He has a full head of hair, which is a little lighter then Q's was but the same great blue eyes like their Daddy. He really only cries when he is hungry or has gas, and has real tears.  He also smiles a lot (when he's awake) and is great at holding his head up.  He's amazing and we're soooo happy!!

Quinten is learning how to hop, skip, and when he jumps his feet actually get off the ground about an inch. Daddy has also taught him how to do jumping jacks, push ups, and lunges. He loves to play with any truck, ball, blows bubbles, he climbs on everything, runs everywhere, and loves putting lids on things. He is a wiz with puzzles and is very good at cleaning up after himself. He often asks for the vacuum and will follow me around the house pretending to vacuum with his shopping cart.  He knows all animals and their sounds, can say the ABC up to G in order then he gets a little confused. sings many songs on his own (twinkle twinkle, row row, ashes ashes, rock the baby) although Old McDonald is still his very favorite. Also loves to dance, play with other kids, he loves guitars but his favorite toy by far his is lawn mower that blows bubbles.   

Here are pictures from the last few weeks.

We didn't take too many pictures of me while I was pregnant, but Jason managed to snap a quick one between contractions at the hospital while we waited to be admitted.

Born 1:55 am June 1, 2013.

Proud Daddy!

Ready to go home:)

Kisses from Mama & Bopa

Getting some rest!

Big brother always helping!

Ready for his first Greek festival trip.

Apparently Quinten already showed Hudson how to do funny face!

Playtime with Mommy's camera!

Quinten's new reading chair.

Grandma Kathy and Mark bought Q an awesome new tractor.

The kids!

Loving the new double stroller on our trip to Longwood.

Playing in the fountains with friends.

Our morning playdates have been helping a lot with nap time. Both boys have been going down at the same time (12:30 for Q, then feed H and put him down). Then I do stuff around the house for about an hour and then lay down. The boys have been sleeping for almost 3 hours which is wonderful!

We are so blessed with our new little angel and couldn't be happier!

Quinten is an amazing big brother, growing smarter and sillier everyday, and quite the fashionista!

   

Baby #2 on the way!!!!

I originally wrote this post Friday afternoon. Unfortunately I didn't get around to posting it and a few hours later baby #2 was on his way! 

After a few more hospital visits I starting working half days for a few weeks and then stopped altogether. With this warm weather we have been having it feels like I have a jump start on summer! Quinten and I are already enjoying our time outside playing in the neighborhood. 

At our latest doctor appointment they guesstimated baby weighs about 7.1 lbs. we will see in just a few short days how close they were. Doctor said everything looks great, the shots and everything we went through must have worked because we start 39 weeks tomorrow and are officially scheduled for delivery a'la c-section Monday at 9:15!!!! Stay tuned for updated family pics:)

Friday night I started having contractions yet again. I was apprehensive about making another trip to the hospital only to be sent back home. But after about 20 minutes I was 99% sure this was the real deal. With Quinten already in bed our main focus was what would be the least disruptive for him. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors Q was able to stay in bed. Allison came down and stayed at our house until GM & GP Kurash could get there. After a few hours of intense contractions my water broke and Jason and I were prepped for surgery. With Q I remember having a few contractions after my water broke but nothing like this!

Hudson was born at 1:55am on June 1, 2013. He weighed 7.5 lbs and 22 inches long. Exactly 2 lbs. 3 inches longer then his big brother. The doctors had a tough time getting him out because he was balled up pretty high. Luckily I didn't feel anything except pressure soon after the spinal. Hudson's face looked a little smooshy on one side because he was pushed up against my septum. His face has already started to even out so much and the pediatrician said within a few weeks he should be pretty symmetrical.

Quinten, Mama, and Bopa have come to visit. It is strange to be away from him but I know he is having the time of his life playing and keeping my parents on their toes.

He is already a fan of his baby brother and it will be interesting to see how he reacts once we go home.

I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world!!!

Mother's Day Weekend!

    We had a fun filled weekend! And were all exhausted by Monday morning.
Saturday Quinten and I drove up to Philly to met Kara, Megan and the kids. Q is usually standoffish in new places. However, the fact that Kara's dog Max was there, helped to let down his guard right away.
We visited the Fire Truck Museum while in Philly. Quinn had a great time running around checking out all of the old fire trucks.

 Putting on his shorts like a big boy!

Laughing at himself when he tried to walk and realized both legs were in the same leg whole!

     Mother's Day was wonderful. Quinn and Jason surprised me with flowers, a beautiful new bracelet and a delicious egg taco breakfast! Quinn did get upset when he realized there were no more presents to open...hmm. I wonder where he ever got the idea that there are unlimited presents sounds like a certain Mama & Bopa!
     Later in the day we had our weekly Sunday Funday with the neighbors. We cooked out with Shelly and John and the boys. Lorenzo and Allison joined us for desert and Quinn experienced his first ice pop. Although he wasn't to into eating it, he loved the fact that he had what the older boys had. Here are some poses of our little super heroes with their Rocket Pops!

"Being a mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, 

but what you've gained from having."

I have so much the passed year and a half having Quinten in my life:)