Sleep Is Way Overrated!

What a week it has been. I went back to work this week after twelve weeks of maternity leave and I am completely and utterly exhausted. After a week of tearful goodbyes and crying myself to sleep at nights, I hoped this process would get a little easier. I had mixed emotions about returning to work. I love my job as an instructional specialist in Granbury, but I never knew it would be this hard to leave my baby. Even though he is staying with my mom and I completely trust her and know he is getting all the love in the world, I just feel so guilty sending him off in the mornings. I feel like I am missing out on so much of his life. I just don't want to miss a thing. My worst fear is that my exhaustion will get the best of me and when I get home in the evenings, Hudson will not have his mommy at her best. My round trip daily drive equals 115 miles. Thank goodness gas went down when it did!! My day starts at 5:00 a.m. and we pull in our driveway in the evenings about 6:00 p.m. What a day! I am ever so grateful we have family close by b/c this would be almost near impossible for me to go back to work.

My first day back was a little rough b/c a storm came through right when school let out, so I had to stay an extra 45 minutes to let it pass. Literally, Lipan was in a tornado warning and I drive right through Lipan to go pick up Hudson. I was itchin' in my britches to get home to see my baby, so when I thought the coast was clear, I took off...only to run into hail and high winds near Lipan. I had to pull over on the side of the road and wait another 15 minutes just praying that my car wasn't damaged.
My third day back I had to leave work early and make a mad dash to the doctor. For some crazy reason, I developed a bladder infection. Wow, those hurt! I woke up perfectly healthy and my lunch time I was in pain. My doctor said it is pretty normal for women after having babies. I'm telling you, pains from having a baby just never end! I am still recovering as of today, but I think I have it about whooped.

I hope next week is a little more routine. My mom and I went shopping in Ft. Worth on Saturday for me some new clothes to wear to work. I needed a pick-me-up after last week.
Hudson got to take his 1st picture with Santa in the mall and tell him what all he wanted for Christmas. I bought him a new outfit for Christmas pictures next weekend. New pictures coming soon. And the craziest thing of all, while I was out with a friend today, my husband surprised me by putting up the Christmas tree!!! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! Oh how the Campbell's love Christmas time!

Hudson's First Halloween!

Since my last blog, we have been super busy. We have had two weeks of fun and family! WARNING!!! This will be a little long and consist of lots of pictures!


Last weekend we went home for the Gordon Fall Festival. Lyle and I have been attending this festival for the past three years and have made it a tradition to go and win candles at Mrs. Charles booth (our 6th grade teacher). Hudson got to wear his costume and walk the cake/candle walk all night. Unfortunately, Lyle and I did not win one time, but thanks to Grammy and Grandpa, we were able to bring home four Morenci candles. (They would win and let me pick out the candles!) We got a scent for each season of the year! Here a few pics from the festival.

On Wednesday, Hudson and I went back to Gordon for his first trick-or-treating experience at his great grandparents' houses. While at Great Grannie and Grandpa's, Hudson met the colt that was born the day after him. We then enjoyed the evening passing out candy to all the kids on mom's front porch.

Great Grannie and Great Grandpa

Grammy introducing Hudson to the baby colt

born the day after him.

Great Pa-Paw

Anna and Hudson on Trick-or-Treat night.

This past weekend we had the pleasure of celebrating my mom's 50th birthday and my dad's birthday as well. Hudson's Uncle Blake and Aunt Lauren came all the way down from Arkansas to join in on the celebration. We started out the weekend with a good old Texas football rivalry, Gordon vs. Strawn. This was the game of the season. Fun was had by all, well, excluding Hudson. Within the first 30 seconds of the game, the Gordon Longhorns scored a touchdown and the crowd went wild, along with their blow horns. It scared Hudson to death. I looked over at him to see him screaming his head off. During all the chaos, the Strawn Greyhounds then scored and off went their celebratory horn that sounds just like a train horn. If you could have only seen the look in my little boys eyes...it went from being scared to pure fear! I ran out of the stadium as fast as I could. (Thank goodness my parents live right down the road from the football field.) I felt like a horrible mommy! After listening to the game on my parents front porch and missing the half-time performances (my favorite part), I was able to calm him down and we returned for the last half. The Gordon Longhorns were victorious 60-30 and my family had a fun night of celebrating afterwards.

On Saturday, we went to Noah's first birthday party, Hudson's best friend. We had hot dogs and cake and opened lots of presents. After the party, we met up with my family and did a little shopping and went to eat at the Mesquite Pit to celebrate their birthdays. It was so yummy. When we got home, it was more football with the Texas vs. Tech game. Hudson sported his first Texas t-shirt, only to bring them bad luck.

Noah's 1st birthday. (Hudson, Sidney, Noah, and Anna)

Hudson and Uncle Blake...cheering on the Longhorns!

We had a nice visit with Blake and Lauren this weekend. Hudson wishes they lived closer so he could see them more often. We all cried when they had to leave. We miss them terribly.

Uncle Blake and Aunt Lauren

Needless to say, we had a fantastic last two weeks. October has been a busy month. On a sad note, this is the last week of my maternity leave. We have cried many tears already and Hudson and I are just soaking up our last few moments at home together. I read in one of my baby magazines that the United States is one of only five countries in the world that does not give new mothers paid maternity leave. Some countries give up to a year of paid leave from the job. I told Lyle that I am looking into moving to one of those countries. Come next Monday, I know it is going to be the hardest day of my life. I am just blessed that I have had twelve weeks to bond with Hudson and get to know him. How amazing life it now! So pray for us this week. Sorry this was so long, but we had lots to share.