family

Dear Hudson,

You are one very lucky boy. You have a wonderful Oma and Opa and two amazing aunts who love you to pieces. Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Patti came to visit you on June 23rd and Oma and Opa joined us all on June 25th. While they were here, you were quite the traveler. We went out to eat a lot and you did a great job. We had dinner at two of our favorite places, The Loop and P.F. Changs. We went shopping a couple of times, which you were happy to nap through. You visited your first bar while we watched World Cup Soccer. We got to celebrate Daddy's birthday and try out his new grill. You helped your aunts play Eukere, but most of all, you snuggled in your family's arms. You were a happy little boy to be held so much. We are so thankful that everyone was able to come out and visit us.

Love,

Mom

Grandma

Dear Hudson,

Your grandma came to visit you when you were just 4 days old. While Grandma was here, we got to do lots of things for the first time.

• Feed in public (at the airport)
• Eat out (Qdoba)
• Take a long car ride while looking at campgrounds
• Mommy left you for the first time to run to Target
• Doctor's visit
• Slept in a hotel while Grandma held you so Mommy and Daddy could get some sleep

Grandma's a very helpful and great for many things, but mostly for snuggling in their arms.

Sonic

Dear Hudson, On our first full day home with you, we realized there were some things we needed from Target so we ventured out for your first trip somewhere. You did a great job at Target. You didn't even make a peep. On the way home we stopped by Sonic for some slushies. You slept through the whole thing, but I'm sure you will enjoy slushies when you are older. Love, Mom

First Visiters

Dear Hudson, You had lots of people waiting to meet you. Kevin & Jen were the first to visit us in the hospital. They stopped by on Wednesday on their way out of town. Steve & Carey, Collin & Holly, Jennifer & Garret, Rachel and Sarah stopped by later on that day. Katie and James brought us dinner on Thursday. Ben stopped by that night to drop off Sadie, but you had to wait a few more days to meet Melissa and Alice. You met Caleb when the Van Winkles brought us dinner on Saturday. You also got to meet my teaching friend Andrea a few days later. You have so many people who love you! Love, Mom

Dear Hudson, On the day you were born I fell in love. I knew I already loved you when you were growing inside me, but I didn't know I was capable of loving you even more. Daddy and I had been waiting for along time to meet you. At 5 am, on June 15th, I woke up with some pretty strong contractions. They were about 10 minutes apart and I knew this was it. I moved out to the living room and spent the morning sitting on the exercise ball and watching the Today Show. I took a shower at some point and got ready to go the the chiropractor when I threw up. So we decided to stay home. I continued to work through contractions on the exercise ball with your dad pressing on my lower back or hips. I tried to eat again, but just kept throwing up food. I was really tired so your dad suggested I go try to sleep for awhile. Sweet Sadie Puppy slept next to me in the bed for several hours. My contractions continued to progress until they were about 4 minutes apart. That's when your daddy suggested we go to the hospital. He packed us up and drove us the two blocks. We got checked in (which I did not enjoy) and then moved into our room. Our wonderful nurse suggested I labor in the shower on the exercise ball. We spent 3 hours!!!! in the shower. It was so hard, but so worth it. I didn't take anything for the pain but would not have made it without your dad and the shower. At about 6, I moved back to the bed and the nurse checked and saw that I was dilated to 9 centimeters. It was almost time to push. I started pushing at 6:30. I thought people said that pushing was easier than labor, but they were wrong. It was so hard and took so much effort. I was really hungry because I hadn't eaten anything since the night before. I ended up pushing for 2 1/2 hours, but at 8:51, you were born. You came out really quick as I yelled "get him out!" Then they put you on my stomach and I was in love. You were perfect. Daddy and I couldn't believe you were finally here. We spent that first hour just looking at you and taking it all in. You were a very healthy 8 pounds 6 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. Your head was perfectly round and you have very long fingers and toes. We started calling you our little monkey right away. I'm so glad you're mine! Love, Mom

overdue

Dear Hudson You were supposed to come yesterday according to the doctors. Good thing they aren't in charge :). You can come whenever you want (although sooner would be better). I got to see you today for an ultrasound. Your feet are so big! It's crazy how different you look from the last time we saw you. It was very relieving to know that you are doing just fine and have enough room and fluids. I can't wait to meet you! Love Mom

golfing

Dear Hudson Last night we went mini golfing. I think you really helped my golf game because I got 4 hole-in-ones. You're probably going to have to learn to love golf so you can go golfing with your dad and opa and grandfather. Don't worry about having to be too good. Your dad goes about once every two years. Love Mom You & Alice You & Baby Downing

finished

Dear Hudson We made it to the end of the school year. There were many times I didn't think we would make it this year. I was sad when I left my classroom yesterday for the last time, but it helps that I'm so excited to be your mommy. So thank you for not coming while I was still at school, but now you can come. Any time now. I just can't wait to kiss your little cheeks. Love Mom