There are two things I love about this picture.

1.  Hudson is reading a book.  He is only 8 months old and is already discovering one of life’s greatest pleasures.  This is promising — my grandson and I are going to read lots of books together.  Plus, I like his little shirt and blue jeans…..and the way his little hands are holding the pages…..and the way he’s unaware of the camera because he’s so interested in the pictures….and the way his little eyelashes catch the sunlight….

2.  The other thing I love about this photo is in the background.  Hud Bud is sitting on a quilt I made for my daughter when she was in high school.  As I stitched away on those pieces of fabric years ago, I had no idea where my girl and her quilt would go.  Back then I didn’t know that someday a little boy would be sitting on that quilt reading a book.

Sometimes the past and the present collide right in front of you.

Hudson learned how to blow bubbles while he was visiting us.

For a solid week three uncles, an aunt, two girlfriends, a Nonnie and a Grandpa blew a steady stream of bubbles into Hud Bud’s face. 

He thought we were amazing.  There was no end to the smiles, squeals and coos brought on by blowing saliva out of our vibrating lips. 

Then one day wet little air pockets came trickling out from his lips, bringing on our smiles and squeals. 

The little guy was pretty proud of himself and he hasn’t stopped since. 

I never knew how magical slobber could be coming from a three month old.

Hudson flew back home, but with some new skills.  

Nonnie is busy right now.

We are playing, rocking, blowing bubbles, bouncing and cuddling.

 She’ll get back to you later!

Yesterday I had to say goodbye.  It was very hard.  For some reason, Hudson’s mommy wouldn’t let me take him home with me.  So I had to force myself onto an airplane and leave wonderland.

Hud and I had a heart to heart talk before I left.

“Nonnie?  Is it true?  You are leaving me?”

“But who will talk and walk and sing to me at 4:00 a.m.?”

“I have an idea.  Let’s take a vote.”

“Everyone who wants Nonnie to stay, raise one arm.”

“Everyone who wants Nonnie to stay, raise two arms.”

“Now, Hudson.  Your pretty mommy is going to take good care of you.”

“So, you’re really leaving then?”

“Here’s a million kisses to hold you over until I see you again.”

This morning the sun was shining and my daughter was needing to get out of the house.  So we packed up Hud Bud and went to IKEA.  I had never been to an IKEA store before, so it was a good adventure.  I wanted to get a step stool for their kitchen because for some reason, their microwave is on top of the refrigerator and it’s a tricky reach.  My son-in-law asked us to pick up a contraption for one of their kitchen cupboards – some kind of slide out rack to hold pot and pan lids.

Hudson was pretty excited to put on his bear suit and see the world.

My daughter and I enjoyed strolling through the displays. 

Hudson slept the whole time.  But we checked on him every 2 minutes.

 I found a clock I really liked.

We picked up a small light for the nursery.

I insisted on getting this tray for when they eat in the living room.

She saw a great price on a food chopper, so into the cart it went.

When we pulled up to their house I said, “We forgot the step stool.” 

She said, “We forgot the cupboard thing, too.” 

I said, “Welcome to motherhood.”

Hudson’s auntie has dubbed her new nephew Hud Bud.  Isn’t that cute? 

Hud Bud.  Hud Bud.  Hud Bud.  So fun to say!

Here’s what I’ve been doing lately:

1.  When there are no more diapers downstairs, I run upstairs to get a fresh supply.

2.  When there are no more wipes upstairs, I run downstairs to get some more.

3.  One afternoon, I went through all the baby clothes that were passed on to Hudson or given as gifts.  I sorted them all into sizes, put them into separate baskets and labeled each one.  Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 6-12 months, 12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months.  Whew.  The kid has a lot of clothes.

4.  I made Cinnamon Struesel Coffeecake, Spaghetti Pie, Chicken and Rice Hotdish, Vegetable Beef Barley Soup, BBQ, Bowtie Lasagna, Banana Bread, Chicken Salad…..so far.  Some to eat, some to put in the freezer.

5.  I found a hamper full of dirty clothes and started in on laundry.

6.  When my darling daughter needs her boppie or an ice pack or help putting on her socks, I am there.

And my favorite: 

7.  When 4:00 a.m. rolls around, and mommy and daddy have been up several times in the night, I get to take over with the little guy.  Just Hud Bud and me, singing, talking,  praying, rocking.  He won’t remember these precious days, but I’ll never forget them.

This is my grandson, Hudson.  (I love saying that.) 

PB and I had him all to ourselves for awhile this morning while his mommy and daddy caught up on some sleep.  We took a few pictures.  Well, okay, we took 80 pictures….in about 15 minutes.  He makes the cutest faces while he’s sleeping.  And sometimes he moves his arms – that’s so amazing.  And he makes the sweetest little squeaks.  And he breathes such precious little baby breaths.  Sigh. 

Sometimes he looks like he’s pondering great truths.

Sometimes he looks like he’s hearing angels sing.

Sometimes he stretches one arm.

Sometimes he stretches both arms.

Sometimes he just thinks.

Sometimes he shows off his double chin.  Or triple chin.

Sometimes he thinks about his Nonnie and smiles.

We could just stare at him all day long.