Showers

I've been busy trying to get things ready for the baby so once again, I'm behind on my blogging.  Just imagine how it's going to be when the baby comes...
A couple of weekends ago we had our two baby showers.  First up was my shower at Eclipse De Luna.  We got lots of cute girly stuff.  I feel a little more prepared now.  A little.  I'm not sure I will ever feel totally prepared.

That Sunday our class at church gave us a shower.  We are just so thankful and feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends who care about us and are there to support us as we get closer to our new arrival.  We can't believe how close it is getting!

"MM"

As it sometimes happens, I've gotten a little behind on the blogging.  I've had a busy week of projects (which you will get to hear more about later) so many things have been put on the back-burner.

Last week Hud had a couple of play dates, one of which was with an old friend from high school (elementary school actually), and her daughter "MM."  MM is only 2 months older than my little spud so we thought it was high time they met.  

I promise they were happier and got along better than this picture portrays. 

We were at MM's grandparent's house for the morning.  We visited their place back before Christmas to get our greenery for the season.  The kids fed the cows and goats, saw the chickens, played on the swing set, road on the golf cart, and had a picnic lunch.  In other words, Hudson was in heaven.

Remember this guy?

Turns out he has a pretty loud bellow that scares the kids.  And he was hogging the food.  Rascal.

For the next few days after, Hudson would randomly look up at me and say "wanna go play with Mary Margaret."  She left quite the impression.  Well, at least her toys did.  She had a little kid-sized battery-operated four wheeler.  One time he followed up his request to see her with "wanna ride four wheeler."  So you see where his priorities are.  At least we don't have to worry about girls quite yet.

INK

Yesterday Hudson and I went to INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids) in Gainesville with some friends.  He had tons of fun playing, eating lunch, and peeing on himself moments after we walked out of the bathroom (go figure).

He played the piano, drums, and shook bells in the music room...

played with the animals at the "vet"...

played in the police car (again, a blur)...

watched the train...

and obsessed over this talking chicken...

We love finding new places to visit, especially in the wintertime when we both go a little crazy being trapped indoors.  And I really love when that place wears him out so much that he falls asleep on the way home!

Work Christmas Party aka The Bow Tie Debut

I'm behind on blogging as I often am but I do have a good excuse this time.  We've had the stomach bug here at the Wood House.  First poor Hudsey, then Casey and finally me.  It's been a rough week.  Hopefully it's behind us.

A couple of weekends ago we headed out to Casey's work Christmas party with the Hill's.  Because Chris and Casey work together.  We didn't just bring them along for fun.

I guess it has been some kind of a running joke that Casey needs to wear a bow tie.  I've thought this was an awful idea as he isn't from 1932 (although he sometimes acts like it).  The Hill's got one for him for his birthday maybe as a joke but Casey decided that his Christmas party was the perfect time to break it out.  Thanks guys.

He tied it himself!  I was a little impressed and it actually didn't look that bad.  I wasn't embarrassed to be seen with him anyway.

His company held an auction using faux money that each person earned throughout the past few months.  Casey and Chris pooled their money and won us a vacation in Destin!  Us gals told them what to bid on.  Isn't that how it works?

One last look?  Oh alright.

Baby J

My oldest friend (circa 1987) Amy is having a baby in December!!!  That one gets 3 exclamation points because I'm so excited for her.  

I thought about embarrassing both of us by breaking out one of the old pictures.  I just couldn't do it.  Once I saw me in braces and back before I discovered the wonders of tweezers and straighteners, I decided that the general public doesn't need to be tortured by such things.

Casey and I caught the bouquet and garter at her and her husband's (strangely also named Casey) wedding and got engaged less than 2 months later.  Is it weird that I already have their baby girl and Hudson married off in my mind?

Two Saturdays ago was her baby shower.  They are keeping the name a secret which I kinda love but am a lot frustrated with. 

I got to catch up with some old friends from high school.  Love when I get a chance to do that.  Jess moved herself off to Nashville after college so we don't often get to see her.  I miss getting to hang out with these girls but love that we can still get together every once in awhile amid the chaos of babies, jobs, and general busy-ness.

Wedding Weekend

I'm a little behind on the blogging.  This week Hud has had a little cold and we are working on dropping his morning nap so it has been a rough week.  My nerves are shot.

Anyway, on to the fun stuff!  Last Friday kicked things off with Julie's bridesmaid luncheon.  One of our dear family friends hosted at her house.  Everything was beautiful and delicious and we all had such a good time.

 That night the festivities continued with the rehearsal dinner.  We hit traffic on the way to the church and had to break out the emergency snacks.  Hud decided to make a giant mess...

but otherwise things went pretty smoothly.  Check out Jess and Casey's matching suits.  Literally the same suit.  Well, not literally the same suit.  That would be weird.  But you know what I mean.

The wedding itself was so much fun.  We were all crying at the ceremony.  Not because we don't like Jess... who knows why.  I guess it's a girl/wedding thing.  Hudson and Cole (the ring bearers) made it down the isle fine.  Cole shot down like a pro.  Apparently Hudson felt it was his job to greet everyone who came and went into isles saying hi on his journey down.  Then he almost made it to Casey (who was going to grab him and bribe him with snacks throughout the ceremony) and decided to head back up and do it again.  Casey had to get up and run him down.  What are you gonna do?

The (nervous) bride getting ready at the church.

I will post better pictures later.  For now you get a paparazzi-esque photo our cousin snapped.

Now that's one happy couple.

This Weekend's Homework

You may not know this but we lead pretty exciting lives.  Take tonight for example.  We got a babysitter and got all gussied and went out to....(drum roll please)...a business dinner.  And were home before 9:00pm.  No worries.  It's always good times when we are with our friends the Hills (of Jilly Moo's fame).  

The hubbies of the group already work together but are expanding.  Taking it to the next level you might say.  The guys are starting to turn their focus more toward the everyday buying and selling of real estate, in addition to the bank-owned/foreclosure side of things (which is what they primarily do now).  Look for big things coming soon like a website and the whole shebang.  If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell a house or land, give us a holler. 

 The weekend's homework:  coming up with a name for the new venture.  Hum....

JTC Kitchen and Other Excitement

In celebration of our friend's birthday, we headed out with a group of friends to try a new restaurant (well, new to us anyway).  We ate at JCT Kitchen which is part of Atlanta's Westside Urban Market, also home to two of our other favorite restaurants, Bacchanalia and Taqueria Del Sol.  It's a twist on southern cooking.  We can't sing the praises enough of the fried chicken.  And the mac and cheese.  And the garlic green beans.  And the cheese fries.  Oh yeah, the fried peach pies with ice cream and caramel sauce.  Yum!  We get a little too excited about good food.

about to pop

More weekend festivities:

Checking out the giant lamps in the lobby of our hotel.

 We happened to drive by the place where we had our wedding reception Sunday afternoon and decided to swing by and be sentimental.

Memories (weekend reference).