Happy First Birthday, Hudson!

One year ago, on February 23rd at 12:51 pm, Eric and I welcomed our fourth son into our family...


Hudson Robert Lindsay
5lbs 14 oz, 18 1/2 inches

As a full year has passed, Hudson has brought endless joy, laughter, and smiles into all of our lives. 

 He is a fighter...

Born at 34 weeks gestation, Hudson was born a fighter.  At birth, he fought to breathe and struggled his first few days outside the womb.  Our little boy spent the first ten days of his life in the NICU and he fought.  He fought hard and surprised doctors, nurses, and his family with an earlier than expected release from the hospital.  In the days following, he continued to fight when he was re-admitted to the hospital to undergo IVIG treatment for low blood platelets.  Today, when I look at the brand new one year old in front of me I see a happy and healthy little boy!  We are truly blessed how far Hudson has come when we think about his beginning days.  Here at home, Hudson continues to fight.  As the youngest of four boys, he fights to ensure his voice is heard...loud and clear!  Our little lad has a set of lungs of him and makes his wishes well known!

He is the baby of the family....

 

Indeed, Hudson is the baby of our family...a role he delights in (and thankfully the older boys happily bestow upon him).  His new tricks never go un-noticed and are always applauded.  He is the recipient of lavish praise, endless hugs, and kisses galore.  His needs are met from family members all around.  I continually find myself saying aloud "You are the cutest thing ever!" and I truthfully mean it...just as I did when I spoke the same words to Parker, Garrett, and Ryder.  Eric and I continue to get up with Hudson each and every night.  Are his middle of the night feedings still deemed necessary?  More than likely, no.  He is our baby and we continue to act as such.  Sleep will come.  One day.  We hope!

 

He is happy...

Amen for a happy baby.  A baby who delights in baths...goldfish crackers...his older brothers...a silly daddy...and Scout the puppy.  Our Chunka Monka is one happy little boy.  Early on he had bouts with non-stop crying; however, his first year has had far more moments of pure delight.  His laugh is deep and hearty.  His smile is genuine and true!  Keep on smiling and laughing, dear Hudson.  Your joy warms the hearts of those around you!

He is laid back...



Hudson has the best disposition for that of a fourth child.  He is laid back.  Content.  Easy going.  With three outgoing older brothers, Hudson was often found lounging in the stroller at T-Ball practice.  Or playing on a blanket at soccer practice.  In the fall he was passed back and forth, again and again, by family members at flag football games.  Some of his best naps were taken outside.  On the beach.  At the park.  Or, his favorite...during a family outing on the boat.  He can be found happily eating and playing on school mornings while chaos erupts around him.  Thank you for going with the flow, my sweet boy.  Mama appreciates it!

He is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E...

Good Lord, I find myself wanting to eat this little boy up!  His big. baby blues beg for attention.  His chubby cheeks call out to be kissed.  I nuzzle his neck and nibble on his toes.  Simply put, he is too cute for his own good!

He is a mama's boy...

 

Truth be told, Hudson takes to women over men.  Period.  He really loves his mama, though (yeah!!!).  I love that my little man loves to snuggle, read while sitting on my lap, eats best for me, and lights up when I walk in the room.  I know that (soon enough) Hudson will follow in his older brothers' footsteps and think that Daddy is the coolest.  And he his.  After all, he rides dirt bikes.  He builds super cool Lego sets.  He sucks helium from a balloon before singing Happy Birthday to you.  However, for now I will bask in the spotlight that is the all mighty, glorious, and loving mommy!


Happy 1st Birthday, Hudson!  We are beyond blessed by your presence in our family.  You make us laugh, smile, and fill our hearts with endless love.  It has been a pleasure to watch you develop from a tiny newborn into a toddler over the last twelve months.  You are, without a doubt, a perfect addition to our crazy family.  We look forward to the next year, watching you grow, continuing to love you, and wish you the happiest of toddler days!