The Russo's

These are more pictures from Christmas week. I wanted to take a picture of all the gifts that Hudson received, but it hasn't worked out. He racked up on toys, clothes and money. Nana & Papa got him a wagon Leilynn got a tutu for her ballet class and performed for everyone It had been a while since all my siblings were together. We had a lot of fun that week. I now treasure these times so much since they are so few. my boys Hudson clapped a while back, but wouldn't do it again. Last week he did it again several times, so I think he has it now. He claps to patty cake and yay. Now, he is clapping to more songs. I never thought that clapping would be so exciting, but when he does it I feel so proud.

Today Hudson was making da da sounds or at least I think so. Josh was talking in the background and Hudson was moving a lot. I think you will be able to hear it.

It was a very busy holiday for us, but we enjoyed spending time with our families. Jennifer and Dillon were both in town and that made it extra special. Hudson couldn't unwrap the gifts, but had a good time trying. He would rather play with the boxes and paper. I'm sure each year it will be more fun to see him get excited. He brings so many smiles and happiness to our life. So much preparation goes into Christmas and it is over so quickly. If yours was like our house, we were left with paper, empty boxes and a mess everywhere. We can continue to celebrate that joy through the gift of Jesus all year long. Hope everyone had a merry CHRISTmas! Here are some of our pictures. I have more pictures to post from another camera. Hope to get those up soon.

Our little man just made 8 months. It's so hard to believe that he is growing so fast. This will be his first Christmas. Last year we had to open his presents for him because he wasn't here yet. So much has changed in a short time. He is one of the best gifts we have ever received. having some fun at Bass Pro Shop He has received a few Christmas presents already. This is Hudson's sweet eyes. He doesn't do it on command, but when he thinks something is funny. We took this on Sunday at church I bought this suit for him when I was pregnant

I went to Leilynn's Christmas program and party at school this week. Jamie couldn't be there, so I was standing in for her. Seeing little children sing songs and act out the Christmas story is so sweet. When asked what the wise men brought to Jesus they replied, "gold, Frankenstein and fur". They say the cutest things. Leilynn was the donkey that Mary rode.

Last week we took Christmas and family pictures. It was crazy at the picture studio. They were running an hour behind schedule, crowded and kids everywhere. Let's just say Josh was not very happy with me. Hudson was even getting restless. I look at it as a memory made.

This is a big deal at our house. This is the first year we have lights on the house. I have had icicle lights in the box for 3 years. Josh surprised me and put them up while I was gone. He must be getting in the Christmas spirit. Yay!

We went to Cabela's today and it was Hudson's first time. He oohed and ahhed at the animals. Josh is looking forward to bringing him as he gets a little older. Sorry the pictures are so blurry, my phone usually takes better pictures than that.

It wasn't the snow we had last year. It didn't get here until about 10 p.m. Hudson was still awake so I took him outside just to get some pictures of hin. Who knows when he will see snow again. He didn't know what was going on. He kept blinking when snow would hit his eye lashes. He touched it and wanted to hold his little snow man so bad.

I got the tree up Tuesday night and put some lights outside. Josh is on call this week, so it's just Hudson and I getting the house ready for Christmas. I have started Christmas shopping and hope to finish soon before it gets crazy at the stores. It just feels like Christmas time this year. I don't know why...maybe it's the cold weather we are having or the chance that it might snow again. Hudson doesn't seem really interested in the tree unless you put him near it. I don't think we have to worry about him getting into the tree this year. He is scooting backwards when on the floor. He just started making sweet eyes at people too. He is doing both in this video, so I thought I would share.

We are thankful for so many things and this year we have an extra blessing- Hudson! He celebrated his first Thanksgiving with us. Now, we are getting ready for Christmas. We went with Josh's family and got a tree. I don't know how long it will take me to get it decorated, but at least we have one. We let Hudson pick out a little tree too.

Hudson made 7 months on Saturday. I brought him to get his seasonal flu booster shot today and asked to have him weighed and measured. He is 29 1/4 inches long and weighs 19 lbs and 8 ounces (with clothes on). That is 75th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for height. He doesn't go back to the doctor until 9 months, so I am tracking it myself for his baby book. For his shot, he didn't even cry- he is such a good boy. The nurse was impressed. Hudson is eating all food groups of baby food. We have tried some finger foods with him a few times. He is taking longer naps...finally! I introduced a sippy cup to him and he knows what to do, but he doesn't like the taste of juice. He isn't close to crawling, but I'm not rushing him. I don't think I'm ready for him to be mobile yet. We moved him up to the next car seat because he was outgrowing the carrier. Hudson fits perfect in the kitchen sink, likes to sit in big chairs, wakes up with his natural mohawk hai...