The post Hudson is 1 year old! appeared first on 4tunate.

We’re 9 months in love with Hudson Bradley. How in the world are we a few months away from a whole year with this chuck o’love? 

Watch out, World! This boy is ON THE MOVE and his whole world has come alive. He’s curious and into ALL THE THINGS.  Every day it seems like he has a new trick or milestone. However, the downside is the chub is starting to melt away with all of his constant action.

It’s so fun to watch this discovery phase, but in some ways baby proofing for ONE baby has been harder than with four! The boys lived in a “gated community”, a room that was completely baby-proof filled with baby toys. Outside of the feeding table and their cribs, that was pretty much their world. With Hudson having free reign of the house and having 4 older brothers with all their big-kid things it’s kept me on my toes for sure!

His favorite things to get into are clean folded laundry, baskets, kitchen rugs, curtains, the boys room, and cords (which is why he’s going to think his first name is “No” Hudson). Understandably, his latest nicknames are Bam-Bam, Wreck It Ralph, and Home Wrecker.

Hudson’s Milestones at 9 Months:

• Weighs over 20lbs.
• Crawls everywhere
• Pulls up to stand on step or lower item
• Stands while holding on to furniture
• Loves being sung to at night by his whole family around his crib
• Soon to have 6 teeth! (He’s cutting 4 at once!) 
• Loves laundry basket rides by his brothers
• Likes books
• Out of control hair with a calix to match his 4 bros
• Fan of real foods but still loves to nurse 4x a day
• Can’t get enough of his brothers affection and entertainment
• Chats a lot and is starting to imitate
• Enjoys riding in the van
• Still a water bug and splashing is his favorite
• Loves being outside and taking stroller rides

Oh Hudson, we love you! 

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Every year it seems we are just winding down from Christmas when it’s time to think about the boys’ birthday. They turned 10 on February 2nd, which is a HUGE milestone! We try to make birthdays special since they all four share the day and it’s such a significant, meaningful day to us. It’s a day we wanted thank God for working in BIG ways in their lives to take them from preemies to double digits. Typically, it’s a day I relive the hard days of pregnancy and the uncertain weeks of the NICU.

Collecting Memories Over Things

It seems like when you want to really celebrate something significant there’s no tangible gift that makes the cut. Happy 10th Birthday, Quadruplet Miracle Sons – here’s a trinket to add to your collection of STUFF, just didn’t seem like the right fit.

Our boys {thankfully} aren’t really “stuff” kids. Now, don’t paint them perfect, they struggle with discontentment and want, but it’s not usually with things found on the toy aisle at Target.  (It’s more of the outlandish desires like they’d love to own their own football team or travel to Australia or rent out an entire theme park… #Dreamers)

This sometimes makes it tough to come up with gift suggestions for family members or even for us when we want them to have something to open. However, it’s allowed for several opportunities for experiences together over things. The last 2 years we’ve celebrated their birthday at Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark, and it’s been more memorable and meaningful than anything I could have picked out of an aisle at the store.

Experiences Don’t Have to Be Extravagant

 “Mom, you know I’d take doing something together as a family over any present, right?” – Brooks

There have been so many times that we’ve done much smaller things than an overnight. It hasn’t needed to be extravagant. Time away from the distractions of work and the constant hustle has created meaningful moments. We’ve done anything from a library date, to a Starbucks treat and talk, to going on a run or walk together. It’s amazing how simple errands and individual time builds them up.

Stories Over Stuff

Growing up, my parents didn’t gift me with a lot of things. Sometimes, I know this was hard for them when they compared what others families provided for their kids, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My parents were always available and willing to spend time with me, and that was a immeasurable gift I still cherish.

I hope looking back our boys have similar fondness when they leave the house. Someday I hope they have nights that they sit around a fire together going from one memory that leads to the next, and that their laughter and stories outlast the last crackling of the firewood. They may not have a lot of “trinkets” to show for their childhood, but I hope they have a childhood of vivid merry memories.

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Today my parents are celebrating 60 years of their marriage vows. In 1957 they had no idea what the next 60 years would bring. Regardless, they promised in love and honor to stand upon this union.

In the last year, I’ve seen my parents honor these vows in a deeper way than I’ve witnessed. Their days have been challenging and they’ve faced a more difficult season of life.  Their love and respect for one another has not faltered or weakened through these storms. Instead I’ve watched them continue to grow even six decades into this relationship.

I was home a few weeks ago when my dad was expressing how great of a woman he’d found and how no one was like her. (I hope I’m still honoring my spouse in this way in my 80s.) 

In no way have they had the perfect marriage (nor does that exist in reality), but it’s been a consistent life-giving illustration of Christ and His love for the church. There is so much I’ve gained by having a front row seat to their marriage throughout my life, and without a doubt they have influenced so many others through their example.

Here are a Few Things I’ve Tucked Away on Marriage Through Watching a Marriage That’s Endured 60 Years…

Loving God above all else. My mom and dad have been faithful in putting God first in their lives for decades, including their love for one another. Their lives reflect their love for Christ and the gospel. 

Thankfulness in all situations. (Recently when my mom had to call for emergency help, instead of focusing on the obvious physical struggle, she spent the first several minutes telling me how wonderful all of the responders had been and how grateful she was for how good they were to them.)

Laughter is medicinal. My parents continue to tease one another and give each other a hard time. It keeps things light even when things are difficult. 

Prayer is better than sleep.  At the end of the day, my parents pray faithfully for others as they lay in bed. I can never put a value on this precious time they’ve spent before the throne on our behalf. 

In “sickness and in health” isn’t for the faint of heart. This isn’t something we focus on during engagement bliss, but it’s a reality most of us will face with our spouse. 

Friendship endures.  There is no better friend to my dad than his bride, and my mom is to her groom. Their friendship has remained a constant throughout all that life has brought their way.

Love is shown through sacrificial service. There have been countless examples of how my parents have put each other’s needs before their own throughout my lifetime. It’s not out of duty or dread, but with love and honor. 

Trust isn’t without fears. Trusting to honor a spouse’s decision, even when it doesn’t seem “safe” or exactly what you would have wanted takes respect, humbleness, and grace regardless of the outcome. 

Faithfulness is an action. Forsaking all others in all circumstances – better/worse, sickness/health, rich/poor has taken an active commitment for 60 years. 

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Thank you, Mom and Dad for living out your commitment to one another for 60 years. I’m grateful for how my own marriage has benefitted from your example of loyalty, love, faithfulness, honor, and friendship.

{My mom wrote a post 3 years ago about What Makes a Marriage Last 57 Years. It’s a must-read.}

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Post by Brad

Ok, so that title might be a little heavy-handed, and I can’t possibly help you decide what is right for your family, but I can’t tell you how much I am LOVING having a baby in the house again! We certainly didn’t “plan” on having 5 boys, but it’s come with so much joy that I’d love for other families to experience.

Here are some of my top reasons why I’m loving being a dad AGAIN…

5 Reasons I’m Thankful We Have A Baby:

1) We Get to Slow Down and Take It In…

Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast with 4 baby boys. There were so many joyful experiences and fun that not many get to do, but as you can imagine, it was more like running an orphanage those first few years than being parents. I can remember laying down at night on a Saturday and realizing neither Jen nor I had really sat down to rest for one minute all day long. From the moment we got the boys out of bed they kept us occupied. When they were sleeping we were working furiously to clean up and get things ready for the next “wake time”. There were many beautiful things about it, but it was exhausting!

We get to sit and stare at Hudson’s glowing smile. When he cries, I often find myself giggling because I think he is adorable when he cries. There is just so much less stress this time around, and it’s all because of the obvious, we have perspective from having 4 babies, and this just isn’t a big deal due to that experience.

2) I Get to Watch My Wife Enjoy It All

I always wanted to watch Jen nurture a baby, spend time playing with him, wear him out and about, and just exercise her gifts as a mommy. She got to do some of that the first time around, but Hudson is an extra blessing that she can just enjoy, and watching her do so is a tremendous blessing to me!

3) Big Brothers Are a Blessing

It’s incredible to watch my almost 10 year old boys thrive in their role as big brothers. I have been so impressed with their reaction to Hudson, and seeing each of their personalities relate to him is amazing. They are old enough that they really don’t resent the attention that Hudson is getting, and in fact, they often fight us for time with him. They regularly try to steal him from Jen and I to hold, change, or try to make him laugh. Sometimes they even try to disappear with him to have some 1-1 time with their new brother.

4) Hudson Is Empty Nest Medicine

One of the things I am already dreading a bit is the day college begins for my boys. Will they all chose to leave the house at the same time to go off to college? Will our home be completely quiet? I enjoy the 4 of them so much also, that this is something I am already trying to prepare for, but also look forward to seeing them as men.

Lord willing, Hudson will be here for many years after the boys become adults. Who knows, maybe marriage and a grandchild will come along for one of the first 4 before Hudson even makes it out of the house!

5) Children Are a Blessing from the Lord

There is no “right” number of children for any family. I think it’s obvious that God has a different plan for children for each and every marriage. Some want children and can’t have them, others choose not to have them, and many just have one or two. I am not prescribing our situation for anyone else. That being said, as difficult as it is, having 5 kids is not nearly the “burden” that I would have thought 10 years ago. Honestly, they absolutely fill my life with immeasurable joy that is hard to even describe.

——————

Do I get much “me” time? Nope. (Although Jen is gracious to make sure I get some!) But, I’ve been forced through having 5 children to realize that I actually have more joy in my life with less “me” time. So many of the moments of my day are meaningful, it’s worth every moment of work!

Perhaps Hudson can help raise the national average number of children per family! #WinkWink We’ve obviously done our part! 

The post 5 Reasons Why Having Another Baby Is A Great Idea appeared first on 4tunate.

So in our quest to throw out toxins in our home, and replace them with natural and safe alternatives, one thing I’ve been holding out on is stain remover. “Blowouts” are still a weekly occurrence in Hudson’s life, and thus the need to treat his laundry with something that gets out bright yellow stains – possibly the only down side to breastfeeding.

I didn’t want to make a natural switch with something that didn’t get out stains, because I value his clothes. And who has time to wash + rewash? Or soak for hours on end?

However, as I was changing Hudson’s diaper recently, in the 2 seconds I looked down to fasten his new diaper, he grabbed a hold of the cap to a stain stick I had been using and placed it in his mouth. Thankfully, there wasn’t anything on the cap and he was perfectly unharmed, but it was a wake up call. It certainly could have been the stain stick in his mouth.

My fault. It was completely my mistake having it within his reach. Sure, I could have moved the stain stick to a safer location, but do I really want the exposure to these toxins in the first place?  I’m treating my baby’s clothes with something that will have direct contact his sweet little skin. Skin is our largest organ in our bodies. What we place on our skin is absorbed and can effect the entire body.

So I reached out to my mama experts on Facebook, because they are way better than Google and asked what they use for a natural alternative. I had a handful of what looked like good options to purchase, but I hesitated a little because I didn’t want to waste my money trying multiple options. There were also some great DIY suggestions, but I don’t always have the ingredients on hand for lots of recipes…or let’s face it get around to putting it all together. A former ER nurse friend suggested soaking in peroxide, which she said they used constantly for all the stains imaginable in the ER.

I knew Lemon and Tea Tree essential oils are also great for natural stain fighting, so I figured I could come up with an easy DIY recipe using these ingredients that I already had on hand! DING DING DING! We found a winner!

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Natural DIY Stain Remover Spray

Ingredients:

• Spray Bottle (Glass or Stainless if Using Citrus Oils)
• 1 cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
• 10-15 drops of Young Living Lemon Essential Oil
• 7-10 drops of Young Living Tea Tree Oil
• Pinch of Epsom Salt

Directions:

Mix peroxide, lemon oil, tea tree oil, in spray bottle. Add a pinch of Epsom Salt and swirl to mix.

Spray on stains and then wash.

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Our essential oils have been so versatile – from diffusing them in our home (Side Note -using “fragrances”= breathing plastic. Check out this quick video explanation from Business Insider), to using them topically for 100’s of uses, to making easy DIY home recipes like this one!

If you are looking for ways to make your home safer and better for your family, you will LOVE the benefits of Young Living essential oils! If you’re dipping your toe in them and learning more, this is a great starting point.

If you get started with a Premium Starter Kit in the month of February, I’m throwing in 6 Wool Dryer Balls + some awesome oily resources! 

Another easy natural switch is ditching the dryer sheets with wool dryer balls and a couple of drops of your fav essential oil. Some of our go-to laundry scents are Gentle Baby, Lemon, Lavender, and Purification.

* Free Dryer Balls + Oily Resources with a Purchase of a Premium Starter Kit with my Member Number (#1672711) are a personal gift for the month of February. 

Head over to this post for all the details of what comes in the Premium Starter Kit and how to begin!

*Some links in this post may link to affiliate sites, meaning your pennies help support our diaper fund, so THANK YOU! 

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Today we celebrate TEN YEARS of life. Life that was unexpected. Life that was not likely to survive. Life more than we could have asked or imagined. Life that has blessed us, grown us, challenged us, and deepened our meaning of love.

Parenting four at once has been no small task, but the joys have far out weighed the difficulties. God’s kindness and grace has been written all over this journey. Our hearts are grateful for a decade of raising these boys.

Henry Samuel, you continue to be confident, curious, and and true encouragement to others. The sparkle in your eyes and those freckles are going to take you far in life. You are a natural leader, and I look forward to seeing how God uses you.

Brooks Layton, you are creative, kind-hearted, and original. I have loved watching you mature this year. I’m excited to see how God uses your strengths as you continue to grow.

Clark Thomas, you are strong, hilarious, and hungry. That smile and laugh of yours is one of my favorite things in life. I’m hopeful that you’ll bring joy to so many that God brings into your life.

Isaac Edward, you are competitive, tender-hearted, and consistent. I love how you are a force that encourages our family. You’ll always be my baby (even though technically Hudson took your pecking order). I know God has great plans for your life.

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Most of all, Henry, Brooks, Clark, and Isaac we are so grateful that God chose us to be your parents. At times, we’ve thought He gave us more than we could manage, but He’s been faithful through each and every stage. Through all that you’ve shared these past 10 years, the bad (NICU scares, sleepless nights, IKEA potties, stomach bugs, and sibling fights) and the good (first smiles, stroller rides in The Beast, learning to buckle your own car seats, vacations, school accomplishments, and too many more to list), our love for you continues to grow each year.

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Running a Village

It takes a village to run a village, right? With SEVEN living under our roof, we need all hands on deck. Trust me, there’s plenty to keep me busy during the week while they are at school too, but it’s a tremendous help for them to help share the load.

In 2016 we started an organized chore calendar system with an allowance system for saving, spending, and giving and it has revolutionized our home. For our family, we needed the weekly rotation and predictability along with a visual calendar that was easy for them to follow and implement.

By finding out what color the week is, the boys know their jobs for the week and the expectations.

The only tweaking we did to the system this year is adding the “Hudson” seat, since it kept being a source of contention. They love getting their turn of sitting next to him in the van for the week.

Overloaded to Sharing the Load

Prior to implementing this chore calendar, I was overwhelmed and quite honestly, resentful. I felt like the load fell too heavily on my shoulders. It was too much for me to accomplish in the week along with grocery shopping, meal-making, 12+ loads of laundry, commutes to school, and various other responsibilities. I felt defeated before the week even started by the to-do list leftovers from the previous week. We needed defined ways for the boys to help me more than just the requests I would give them throughout the week.

It also helped when we switched to a natural cleaner that was safe for them to use. Prior to that, I didn’t want their preemie lungs exposed to the harsh chemicals that we used to keep under our sink. Boys that could clean their own toilet? Life changing!

Perhaps our boys would have it “easier” in a smaller family, but I think it’s teaching them not only life skills but work ethic that they will hopefully carry with them out our door someday.

The most perfect system can’t curb attitude issues or complaints, however. Those heart issues continue to be a beast we continue to tame, but overall it’s been a sanctifying process for ALL of us. I’m sharing our calendar here not to look like we have it all together, but just as a visual example that might be a help to your own family.

The Chore Calendar Breakdown

>> The first job listed is the chore for the week – Dusting, Laundry, Bathrooms, Vacuum

>> The second listed is their meal job – Dishes, Put Away, Table, Floor

>> The person who has Dusting + Dishes for the week gets to sit next to Hudson.

How about your family? Do you have a calendar for chores? Do your kids help with the workload in your home? I’d love to hear about your own system! 

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