The Russo's

We took a family trip to Hammond to Ms. Heather's Pumpkin Patch. It was a neat place with lots of things for kids to do. Hudson really liked these cute little tractors. We had to drag him away from them. He learned how to "milk" a cow They had a petting farm and he got to hold a baby duck Hudson couldn't stand up on the jump pad, he let the other kids bounce him There were lots of cute picture spots Our two favorite pumpkins! Hudson got to take a pumpkin home, but he got tired at the end of the trip and wasn't able to take anymore pictures

It has been so nice to go outside in the afternoons without sweating. I've always liked fall, but I like it even more now that I have a little boy who wants to be outside a lot. We have some dirt that will be used to build up flower beds. Hudson is fascinated by these big piles of dirt. He likes to throw the clumps as if they were rocks. I'm waiting for the day he starts to climb up the pile. Hudson had his first minissippi from CC's coffee. It is a kid version of their mochassippi, it has no coffee and it was sugar free. He was so excited about it and thought he was big stuff!

We had a busy, but very fun weekend. The cooler weather came and we are enjoying it. Hudson did three new activities. Friday, I took he and Emerie to a playground. He was afraid to go down the slides by himself, so I had to go with him. He loved playing with and throwing rocks. Friday night, we went to Chuck E Cheese with the girls. Hudson was fine sitting in the ride, but when it started to move he wanted to get out. He did better if the girls rode with him. He was still holding on tight with them. All the Russo family went to the zoo on Saturday morning. It was a great day to be outside. Hudson enjoyed the monkeys and parrots. Most of the animals were far away or sleeping, so he didn't know what he was seeing. The giraffes got up close when people were feeding them. Hudson fed some fish Hudson and Grace liked the petting zoo. He wasn't sure at first, but he got familiar with them. Here is a short video of them petting a goat >

It’s Hudson’s last month as a pre-toddler. He is growing so fast. I didn't see him for a few days after I got my wisdom teeth out. When he came home, I thought he looked so much older. Here is what our little man has been doing in the last month. Anxiety The anxiety has passed for the most part. He is becoming more familiar with people he sees often like our neighbors. They have pets, so that may help entice him over. Eating Some foods he was eating now he won’t touch. He is judging food by the way it looks before trying it. A few new things are cucumbers, bananas, and grapes . Communication He can definitely get his point across whether it’s through pointing, gestures or words. Some new words he is saying (or at least I can understand): hot, juice, Barney, Blue (Blue’s clues), dog. I taught him a few signs when he was getting frustrated. He learned please, more and all done. He says Mama, which sounds like Mum Mum about a 100 times a day. It’s a universal word for getting ou...

Something is always happening around here to keep life interesting. Sunday at 12 a.m. Josh woke up with pain from a kidney stone. He waited it out as long as he could at home, but went to the hospital 2 hours later. He passed it while at the hospital and a CT scan showed more stones in both kidneys. He went to an urologist and got some tips on how to pass them. He passed another one with no problem at home. I got all four of my wisdom teeth out yesterday. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be, but I am on pain medicine :) Hudson is staying with Nana & Papa, so I am getting lots of rest and on my way to feeling better.

I wanted to take a minute to brag on Josh. He is such a hard worker and great provider for our family. He recently became chairman of the Safety Advisory Board at work. He was presented an award for his leadership. I'm so proud of him and that his talents are being recognized. We are excited to see what opportunities God has for him in the future!

We were able to go to the beach again for a few days, this time with the Russo side. We met up with them in Gulf Shores, AL. Hudson didn't change his mind about the sand, he was still very afraid. He enjoyed hanging out in and around the pool. The weather was great. It was fun to hang out with family and make memories together. We took some family photos on the beach on the last night. That wraps up our summer and traveling for a while. Hudson did really well in the car, but we are glad to be home and getting back to our normal routine. I'm looking forward to fall and doing activities with Hudson.