What should we call him?

I think the number one question I got when people found out what we named George was, "So, what are you going to call him?"  Well, George.  That's his name.

The number one question since Jude entered the world, "So, is he named after the song?" Although B and I both love us some Beatles, we did not name our son after Hey Jude.

Names are tough.  Especially when you don't find out the gender.  We had our girl name but took forever {as in the day he was born} finalizing our boy name.  The girl name is one we loved from our first pregnancy, but since we only had the one boy name last time {we knew we would name our first son after B's dad} we were starting from scratch this go around.

We knew the middle name would honor my dad in some way and settled on using Maxwell, which is my dad's middle name and my grandmother's maiden name.  The question then lingered, if we had another son, what would we call him?

We wanted a Biblical name.  Something strong.  A name that stood for something. We tossed around names we each liked, but we just kept coming back to one.

Now that he is here, I love it even more.  He is such a Jude, and his name is so fitting.  Our initial draw to Jude was its meaning. Thanks, praise and thanksgiving.  Considering we got the surprise of a lifetime on Thanksgiving Day last year, we thought it was only fitting.  

Excuse B's "No shave November" stache...

I realized I never posted these pics, but I found out we were pregnant on Thanksgiving Day.

This is how I told B.

I love how he goes from complete shock, to sheer joy.

The Book of Jude calls Christians to action, challenging them to stand firm in their faith and defend God's truth.  It is my prayer that our Jude will grow to be just as bold and strong in his convictions. We truly do give thanks to God for our healthy baby boy and look forward to all the ways he will continue to bless us as he grows.

In the meantime, I also pray he is blessed with his dad's musical ability.  I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility considering B sings Hey Jude to him each night. Just because he's not named after the song doesn't mean we don't dig it.

Scenes from the weekend...

Well friends today marks my first day solo with two under two.  My mom left yesterday, I wiped away my tears and survived {even though nap was quite the four letter word in our house today}. Through my sleep deprived state I was able to look back on a fabulous weekend and already start counting down to this upcoming one.

We managed to snag another date night before Oma headed home.  Date nights have never been so good!  The conversation is better, food is tastier and libations certainly are more enjoyable.  You truly savor everything and every moment because you don't know when you'll get another one. Ha! Not only did we dine at our favorite spot, we were so wild and crazy {insert my sarcasm} that we even went out for a beer afterwards.  Saturday B was on dad duty so mom and I could get out and shop and run some errands. Again, the little things you so appreciate after being cooped up with two little ones. We made it home in time to relieve B who was headed to the Titans game.  Not wanting to waste a gorgeous Saturday evening we bravely packed up the boys and ventured out for a popsicle park date. An evening complete with chasing G, picking up sticks and rocks and giving Jude his first real bath {his cord finally fell out!} made for the perfect end to Oma's three week visit. I truly feel blessed to have a mother who will put her life on hold for that long to come and love on me and my family.  So thankful for her selfless example!

And speaking of selfless women, MoMo gets here Wednesday {hallelujah!}. Am I spoiled or what??

Brown Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Pine Nuts

It goes without saying that I am beyond thankful to have my mom here with us as we get used to life with Baby Jude.  She has already been here two weeks and is staying the rest of this week.  If B and I had it our way she would just stay six more months! I mean not only does she help with George and Jude, she does the laundry, runs errands and my favorite, cooks!  There is nothing better than having someone else cook you a delicious meal.  The food just tastes better, right? We laugh that when G was born it was the winter so everything mom was making was heavy, comfort food.  We're talking chicken and dumplings, cream-based soups, breads and lasagna.  This go around with the warmer temps and not wanting to gain any additional pregnancy weight, we are all opting for some healthier items. 

Mom picked up this Cooking Light magazine at the grocery store, and it has been our go-to for recipes.

My favorite so far is this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Pine Nuts.  So tasty!

Brown Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Pine Nuts

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 {16-ounce} packages prepared gnocchi

5 cups chopped broccoli florets

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

1.5 ounces fresh pecorino Romano cheese, shaved {about 1/3 cup}

Directions:

1. Cook gnocchi according to package.  Add broccoli during last 1 minute of cooking; cook 1 minute. Drain.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add butter and olive oil, and cook for 7 minutes or until butter browns.  Add gnocchi mixture and freshly ground pepper to pan; toss to coat. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of gnocchi mixture into each of 6 shallow bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons pine nuts and about 2 teaspoons cheese.

Scenes from the weekend...

And our second week at home with two under two begins... So far, so good!  Ask me again though next Monday when my mom is gone.  Boo hoo!  We survived last week but certainly welcomed the weekend.  G got his first bloody nose playing outside but luckily he was tough and didn't let it get him down.  B headed to the lake for his fantasy football draft with the boys, and I got a girls night Friday celebrating my sweet friend's birthday.  It felt SO good to get dressed and get out and enjoy a night with the gals {plus a fun champagne drink!}.  Oma was the best and gave B and me another night out Saturday too {please don't ever leave!}.  We headed to the Ryman for the Jason Isbell concert, and he did not disappoint.  The rest of the weekend was spent doing what we do best, just staring at our beautiful baby boys!  

Five on Friday

Happy Friday, friends!

I cannot believe how fast the week flies by with a newborn.

I mean between feeding, changing diapers and sleeping, the days tend to evaporate.

Excited to be linking up with Darci and friends to share my favorites this week.

 1. Cupcake Prosecco

Oh how I have missed this all summer!

Since Baby Jude arrived I have been enjoying a little bubbly.

2. Gorgeous flowers

Friends and family have been so kind to shower us with such lovely arrangements, but I have to say this one is my favorite!

Thanks to my sweet friend, Courtney, for sending us some love.

3. Grandparents

Where do I even begin?!? 

These grandparents are incredible!

What's the old saying about it taking a village...

These three took on the little man plus the new babe for a whole week.

Couldn't do it without them!

4. Yummy Food

MoMo and Poppa are gone, but Oma stayed and will be with us a little longer {hallelujah!}.

Not only is she entertaining G, changing Jude's dipes and doing all our laundry, she is whipping up some amazing meals.

This Brown Butter Gnocchi with Roasted Broccoli and Pine Nuts has been my favorite {goes great with the prosecco!}.

Recipe coming soon...

5. My boys

And last but certainly not least, these two.

I mean talk about stealing my heart.

B and his brother are the best friends, and I already see that bond with my two boys.

Cannot wait for all the adventures these two will get into in the years to come.

We have certainly enjoyed our first week at home with our new little one and are looking forward to the weekend.

I'm going to attempt a girls night and date night {we'll see how that goes!}.

Here's hoping you and yours have a lovely weekend as well!

Welcome to the world Baby Jude!

With painful contractions and false labor, I spent the last two weeks of my pregnancy thinking this baby was going to come any minute.  Wrong!  So the day after my due date, my doctor scheduled an induction.  We woke up last Tuesday morning anxious and excited to finally get to meet our new little one.  The grandparents were in town and the little man was taken care of so we were feeling good.  We checked into the hospital at 7am, and at 5:23pm Jude Maxwell Bolton entered the world.  A few rough spots due to some nausea, but the overall delivery was a cakewalk compared to George's birth.  I literally pushed three times, and there was Jude. It's so true when they say the second delivery is so much easier.  Easier yes, and just as special and incredible?  Absolutely!

Getting settled in and so ready to meet our little one.

Jude arrives and certainly made his presence known. 

The child has quite a set of lungs on him.

A big boy!

Love at first sight.

Meeting the grandparents.

Jude and his Poppa share the same middle name which is also my grandmother's maiden name.

George coming to meet his little brother for the first time.

Baby Jude got G a "big brother" gift, and he loved it!

George has been the best big brother from the minute he laid eyes on Jude.

Hugging and kissing him, saying, "My Jude.  My Baby Jude."

Talk about making a momma's heart swell.

Our family of four!

 Friends coming to meet Jude.

Little man is back!

 Ready to go home!

 

 This is how poor Jude arrived home!

Home sweet home!

Let the adventure of "two under two" begin...