Christmas in review

Christmas was a bit different for us this year. It was the first time we spent it without our families. Both sets of our parents couldn't make it to Maryland, so we spent the day with just the three of us. I was really sad about it, but we ended up having a great holiday.

On Christmas Eve, we watched Christmas movies and had a nice dinner at home, while we waited for "Santa".

Hudson on Christmas Eve looking like an angel...and a devil!

On Christmas morning, we opened presents, went to church, and came home to make a champagne brunch for 2 (we're trying to limit Hudson's champagne intake until he's at least 3).


We just hung around the house and played with all of the new toys (although Hudson seemed more interested in the OLD toys!).

Hudson started a new trick of bending over and waiting for someone to flip him forward in a somersault.

That evening we had brisket (yes, a Jewish meal on Christmas - Ryan won't let me forget that one!), sweet potatoes, and broccolini.

The following Saturday we drove up to New Jersey to see Ryan's family where Hudson added more toys to his never-ending collection. He also became quite obsessed with his Pop Pop's asparagus cooker.




We all drove up to Connecticut to visit Ryan's aunt, uncle, and cousins for New Year's Eve. There, Hudson made friends with Bear, the dog.


















He also became a fan of the pool table. Not playing pool, per se, but rather standing on the table and kicking the balls.

And learned how to order a drink at the bar.

CHEERS!

Please forgive me!

Okay, so I've been reprimanded by many readers for my lack of posts lately. The holidays combined with Hudson's refusal to sleep, holiday travel, that pesky dissertation, and (currently) new TV shows have kept me from my computer at night. Alright, so you don't want to hear my excuses? I know a way to make you forgive me....

There! How can you be upset after seeing that adorable smile?!?

So time to catch everyone up...

Child abuse?

My good friend Jodi saw these pictures and called them child abuse. I guess I could have emotionally scarred my son with these pics, but they're too cute for me to care!

"Uhhhh, Mom, the snowman is on BACKWARDS!"

"These pictures are going to come back and haunt me one day, I just know it!"

"Let me just smile and get this over with"

Our first hematoma

I have obsessively documented all of Hudson's firsts, from first foods to first steps. This weekend brought a new one...his first (and hopefully last!) hematoma.

On Saturday evening, after his bath, Ryan asked me to look at Hudson's gum in the back. There was a big purplish bump on it. In fact, it looked a little like this (disclaimer: this is NOT a picture of Hudson):

A bit panicked, I called the on-call pediatrician. As I explained the lump, she automatically diagnosed it as a hematoma due to his 12 month molars coming in. She explained that sometimes the tooth bursts a blood vessel before erupting through the skin and forms this hematoma and that it's nothing to worry about. She advised against her grandmothers method of healing a hematoma - rubbing the gum with a golden thimble (I have no idea why it was a "golden" thimble - I was too horrified by the thought of this to ask.)

It looks like a little molar is making it's way through now. After a few weeks of long, sleepless nights full of crying (usually by me...it was that bad, seriously!), I think we're on the road to quiet nights. After almost 13 months of multiple awakenings, Hudson only woke up ONCE on Friday night. Saturday night wasn't as good and Sunday was a step in the wrong direction, but I'm holding out hope!

The innocence of a child

I was coming home from school today and Silent Night was on the radio ('tis the season!). When I heard the lyrics "Son of God, love's pure light" I got a bit choked up thinking about Hudson for a couple of reasons.

1. I was just reminded that he (and all children) truly are miracles. I'm not quite sure what I did to be worthy of such a blessing, but I'm grateful every day. Being a mother (and wife) brings a fulfillment that is indescribable.

2. I thought of how simplistic items can bring him such joy (specifically, I was thinking about him being in awe of Christmas lights). This led me to think about his curiosity in everyday things and I was amazed by his development. I can't even begin to write how proud I am of him for learning his sign language. And that's just the beginning of his accomplishments. My train of thought caused me to think about all he will do in his lifetime and how he is the future of the world. It's almost too much for me to comprehend. Pride is an understatement to the emotion I was feeling when I looked into our future.

3. Lastly, I began to think of Hudson's innocence. He has yet to know what "hate" is. He doesn't understand "disadvantage". In his world, there is no such thing as "inequality" (unless you're comparing peas and cookies - clearly not "equals" in his eyes!). My professional work is in stark contrast to Hudson's world, where I deal with disproportionality on a daily basis. In Hudson's eyes, the world is full of love, a place where smiles and giggles are a part of everyday life. Everyone is a potential friend and playmate. I hope that I can take a cue from Hudson this holiday season (and all year through) and see life through the eyes of an innocent child.

Atomic chicken?

As I was planning our weekly dinner menu, I came across a recipe in my binder for Atomic Chicken. I honestly have no idea where this came from. But it had 4 ingredients and looked easy, so I gave it a whirl. It was pretty good. (Warning: it's a little sweet)

4-6 chicken breasts (I only used 3)
1/2 jar of Smuckers Apricot preserves
1 bottle of Wishbone deluxe French salad dressing
1 pack of Lipton's onion soup mix

Mix the soup, preserves, and dressing. Pour over chicken in a casserole dish. Cover and bake on 350 for 45 minutes.

I served it over couscous (with the sauce poured over it) and a side of steamed broccoli. It's a great simple recipe for weeknights.

Good, easy cold weather dinner

A bunch of friends were talking about this Stuffed Pepper Soup, so I decided to give it a whirl. It was super easy and super delicious!

Stuffed Pepper Soup
1 lb ground beef
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup cooked white rice
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
1 beef bouillon cube
1/8 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups water
mozzarella cheese for finishing (optional)

In a large pot, brown beef thoroughly. Drain grease and return to pot. - Stir in dry soup mix and heat thoroughly.

Add remaining ingredients (except rice) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are soft. Add rice and heat through.

Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Makes 5 servings.