Back, to Hudson

The beautiful boy and dad Chad, captured.

There was a teaser photo of Hudson - serene and B+W-timeless on Chad's hand - that I posted a few weeks back.

Since, Chad's shared the whole series of Hudson at 3 months and they're here.



The photos are by Melissa Wollitz, a friend of Chad's (Hudson's too it seems by his photogenic calm): her website.



With many thanks to Melissa for capturing,
to Chad for documenting,
and to Hudson for going ever-stronger.

Love to all - C (with R, back last night from Bulgaria)

Reporting to Linds

If Hudson's 4 month birthday was a few weeks back, then so was the anniversary of Linds' death.

When R and I were still on the runway yesterday, awaiting a gate for our plane and feeling bad for ourselves, amidst grayness and drizzle, to be returning from holiday, I called dad.

As one of a pair of daughters, I was the un-communicating one. Lindsey had taken the role, even more so since mom's death, of reminding me a little before birthdays, anniversaries: call grandpop, father's day Court - get on it. With a phone perennially Quiet, I'm an emailer who needs admonishing to emerge from my tightly-held circle.

Like we do in family, I fell into and filled that role. Dad would no more expect me to check-in on landing then send an easter card, or remember his and sarah's wedding anniversary.

That's what Linds was for.

So, checking in with dad from the runway yesterday was a new jolt.

I was telling dad that R and I were home, safe on US tarmac.
But, as I filled Dad in on Bulgaria, and he on life in the last week, Hudson's movement and Thanksgiving plans, I had to stop myself from asking how Linds had been.

She would have been proud of me, checking in with Dad. But her training's been turned around, absorbed and needs an outlet.

I want to check in with Linds now, and tell her about Bulgaria. Last year I could.

C

At 4

Catching myself up on Hudson posts.
And missing the guy.
All reports excellent though but feeling some slight sadness, guilt that he's barelling into his life and I'm missing the moments.

This from Chad, on Hudson's 4th Month doctor appoitnemnt:

He was very cute and smiled a ton for the doctor. He can now start eating rice cereal if he is willing to. At 6 months, he will start on fruits and veggies. It should be exciting to see his first real feeding.

He's still growing well. He is 25 inches long and weighs 13 lbs 5 oz.

I guessed 13 lbs 8 oz...of all the guesses, dad won. Even the nanny underguessed. He was 50% in height and 25% in weight, so that is consistent with previous appts.



C - proud aunt of a rice-cereal-ready (if willing) infant

(Photos: Hudson attending a party and being kissed by cousin Bailey)

Hudson, the boy

This just from Chad. Chad's hand and the gorgeous photo - of which there are more - is by Melissa Wollitz. Her work is here.

He reports:
"Nanny is working out fine.I think we've come to some common ground on hours and responsibilities -- always a give and take. Weekends are so hectic from the time I get home from work on Friday until Monday morning. I am doing the evening feedings now although they are now stretched out to almost the whole night. He's on a pretty good schedule.

Hudson is maturing so quickly...he is so aware now of sounds and voices and smiles all the time. He is looking so cute too and finally is getting a non-infant looking face..."

C - missing