If you’re new around here, you might not know that our littlest boy Hudson was born with a surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome in 2010. (Catch up on his birth story here: Can’t Buy This)
We were told a lot of information, machine-gun-style in the hospital following Hudson’s birth: mostly what he couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do.
Here’s what They Didn’t Know about Hudson:
- That he’d light up a room just walking through the door
- That he’d say “wow” with genuine excitement each time a light flicks on
2013
- That he’d make us proud learning the alphabet at three
- That he’d demand “ick” (music) every time he got in the car. (And cry if it didn’t happen fast enough.)
- That he’d love to play with balls
2011
- That he’d wake up each morning with infectious joy
- That he’d adore music, singing and dancing
Nellie and Hudson, good friends 2013
- That he’d love life
- That he’d love listening to stories, looking at books
Happy 2nd Birthday dear Hudson! April 2012
- That he’d foster love, kindness and compassion in others
- That he’d make friends everywhere he goes
2011
- That he’d so beautifully complete our family
- That he’d love his little classmates and going to school
- That he’d sign “I love you”
- That his bear hugs would melt our hearts
Freeze!
- That his unique little personality would be funny, mischievous (and stubborn)
- That he’d crawl in our bed each morning, looking for snuggles
2012
- That he’d be a little love bug, steal his mama’s heart
- That he’d have a million dollar smile
They Didn’t Know that Hudson would be mesmerized by his own reflection. That his best baby friend would be that other little boy he sees in the mirror. That he’d catch glimpses of himself in the kitchen appliances, have daily animated conversations with these little friends too….. Stove Baby, Dishwasher Baby and Stainless Steel Trash Can Baby.
Hudson, having the time of his life
Summer 2013
You can see why this visit to the Children’s Museum was one of the best days of Hudson’s life!
(Tears and tantrums when it was time to wave goodbye to all his little friends.)
Related post: Glimpse of Sunshine
Ellen says
I so enjoy every time I get to see that little guy. Such a blessing!!
Barbara Child says
We’re so prone to look at the negatives of our struggles, but you bring out the positives, and so beautifully! Hudson is also greatly blessed to be born into your lovely family!
Susan says
I love seeing these pictures of Hudson! We miss all of you but at least feel a little more connected through your blog.
Diane Trochim says
Hugs to Hudson – and you sweet Allie. 🙂
Nancy Hammettj says
Thanks for sharing this post. Big hug to sweet Hudson and you’ll.
nancy mcmahan says
My favorite picture…freeze. thank you for letting us get to know Hudson.
Christy Smith says
I appreciate your winsome way of communicating how to look for the remarkable in the unpredictable, that when we accept what we do not expect there is a blessing waiting. God makes masterpieces! Thank you for sharing stories and pictures of yours!
Laura Cook says
I love every single one of your posts & am immensely thankful to share in a bit of your DEAR family’s life through it. Praisin’ Jesus!
Aunt pinkie says
What a precious blessing this little fellow is! Thanks for telling us what they couldn’t possibly know!
simone says
I love reading your blog, especially when it contains real life sharing. Thank you for letting us join you in your real world. I am so grateful for you.
Susie says
What a PRIVILEGE and JOY it was to meet Hudson face to face when you were in Greenville, as well as Charlie, and see Jonathan and Jacob all grown up, and of course you and Jon!! You are a BEAUTIFUL family!!
Dottie MacGinnis says
I am so happy that your aunt, Margie Harper, put me in touch with your blog. Reading about your precious Hudson touched my heart. I have shared some of your stories with friends and have copied several of your recipes. Margie and I happened to make your chocolate raspberry tart on the same day. It is delicious!
Look forward to the next installment
Allie says
Thank you Dottie, so nice to “meet” you. Any friend of Auntie M’s is a friend of mine. So glad you’re enjoying the blog. And you made that tart!!! It’s a showstopper!
Linda Jenkins says
This blond, blue-eyed angel has blessed everyone he has encountered. I am certain God has many more important things for Hudson to teach us. I can’t wait to learn! May God continue to bless Jon, you, Jonathan, Jacob, and Charlie through Hudson, your beautiful and wise little angel.
Dawn says
I still remember Jon saying to me how that list of “can’t do’s” really hit him hard but Hudson has blessed everyone in so many ways! His “can and will do’s” are so amazing to hear, thanks for sharing Allie! xo
lsse says
I had a knowing smile on my face when I read your story about Hudson. ..
We were told much the same thing many years ago when our youngest son was born profoundly handicapped. We were deluged with the negatives but chose to put our energy on the positives. Our son proved the doctors wrong and lived for 26 marvelous, loving and joyous years.Our lives were expanded by his sweet spirit and our hearts were overflowing by his love.
Blessings to you and your sweet family:)
Allie says
lsse – Many thanks for sharing about your sweet son and his beautiful, joyous life. Hugs across the miles… XOXO
Auntie M says
Sweet tears, praise God, and hugs to you
As you rejoice in the positives!
Tracy says
Such a beAutiful piece Allie! I love, love, love the pictures. He is absolutely precious!!!
Barbara B. says
COURAGE – AN INDEPENDENT SPARK FROM HEAVEN’S BRIGHT THRONE
BY WHICH THE SOUL STANDS RAISED, TRIUMPHANT, HIGH, ALONE.
You are a bright shining star that God has enabled your heart to soar in heavenly places and bring to ALL the insights you have gleaned, back to help inspire others, lift on high those who mourn, expressing great pain in your walk but also great joy. We cannot experience true contentment without drinking the cup of sometimes deep sorrow, but God is in the sunshine and as well as the rain, He comforts and restores as only He can, and we all thank you for being a quiding light to help us as we walk the same journey in our heartache.
Bless you,dear friend, from whom I’ve learned by your example, God bless
Madeleine says
Hudson has the joy of the Lord! Also, he melts my heart every Sunday when he plays so sweetly and gently with our baby daughter in nursery! Love him!
Allie says
Thanks for all the love and kindness, I feel it across the miles, the country. Love is a beautiful thing, gives me joy on the journey. Thanks from a grateful heart.
Beckie manley says
Beautiful.
Carolyn V says
I often saw that “freeze” pose on his cousin Clarke 🙂
Cute reminder . . . thanks!
Enjoy your blog so much and in particular with Hudson as the star.
Carolyn
RMD says
What a lovely post and a beautiful child! Thank you for sharing your blessing with us! God certainly is shining down on you and your family.
Allie says
Thank you so much, what kind words. We’re truly blessed. xo
Judy says
Yes, I vaguely remember hearing, on 5-16-67, that same machine gun-style list of “don’ts” that doctors said Hudson’s Auntie Lisbeth would never achieve. ..Due to my drug-induced stupor, having been given Valium prior to receiving the news, unfortunately I was delayed from starting to learn the truth: that God was in this thing, and that He would lovingly provide whatever was needed to make something very good out of what seemed so terrible at first. Here is what He Masterminded, from the perspective of 49 years later: within the next three years, both Lisbeth’s mother and father had been saved. They had three other children in addition to Lisbeth and her older brother, and all were saved. All four of those children married Christian spouses. All ten grandchildren have been saved. There have been no divorces, no drug use, no alcohol problems. Each family is “brightening the corner where they are”. Through the years, in many cases they, too, have faced so-called “insurmountable” problems, but they know Whom to call on for help. And Lisbeth? After spending 32 years at home with us, she is a (mostly) happy camper, having no idea what blessings her birth has spawned, blissfully unaware of all the things she “isn’t”, and enjoying life in her very special universe, surrounded by care and love at a wonderful nearby group home where she has friends and every opportunity to make the best use of her abilities. Our truly awesome God had an amazing plan, and absolutely knew what He was doing — in her case, and also in Hudson’s.
Allie says
It truly is amazing how much each life matters and touches the lives of countless others. Thinking of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, how he received that invaluable glimpse of what the world would be like if he hadn’t been born. XO
Karla @Small Town Rambler says
Beautiful words and pictures! Hudson makes me smile every time I see his face here on the blog! I know Hudson and I would become fast friends…looks like he makes friends with everyone! AND, it’s obvious his brothers adore him as well. Thanks for sharing, Allie! I’ve heard those hurtful “couldn’t” and “wouldn’t” words. Ethan’s neurologist’s exact words were, “Don’t expect him to be a basketball player or anything.”…and I smile with joy every time I see him in the driveway shooting hoops. It’s one of his favorite sports to watch and play! 🙂
Allie says
Hudson would love you Karla and I’m delighted to hear about Ethan’s basketball successes. So awesome. Hope you’re having a great summer, friend. It’s been such a nice one around here, mostly mild weather and I have gotten out and enjoyed it so much more I did than last summer. We’re at the Cape as a family right now and enjoying a nice family week together, though today it was in the mid 90’s and humid.
Sallie Eisengrein says
Wonderful and encouraging writing! Hudson is a blessing as are all humans made in the image of God. We thank God for life and especially, Hudson’s life!
Allie says
Thank you so much, dear Sallie. Life is precious, that’s for sure. Thank you for loving Hudson across the miles. XO
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kithcen says
Awwwww, Hudson is such a sweetheart! I can hear his sweet voice saying ‘ick’ for music. How adorable. Love all pictures, especially the one with you! A big bear hug to cute Hudson. Thanks for sharing this post.
Allie says
Thank you my friend, children bring such joy. XO
Carina says
Dear Allie, what a wonderful post! I’ve been away from the keyboard a while and have missed reading your blog. The pictures are wonderful, uplifted me with a big smile. Thanks for sharing ~ I should be back regularly, soon. Xoxo All the best to you and your beautiful family.
Allie says
Thank you for the kind words, friend, I know you must be very busy as I’ve not seen a post from you in a while. I hope that means you’re enjoying the summer to the fullest with your sweet family. We are on vacation at the Cape this week, it’s been wonderful, I love the sights around here. Lots of beautiful beaches, water, lighthouses and boats. The weather has been great except for today – it was in the mid 90’s and very humid. XO
Eva says
Allie tu as fait une magnifique portrait de ton fils! Hudson est adorable et tellement plein de vie…J’adorerais le rencontrer ! Je suis d’accord avec toi, il complet à merveille ta jolie famille. xoxo
Allie says
Un grand merci pour les commentaires doux mon ami de . Il y a quelque chose de précieux d’être aimé de tout le monde. J’espère que vous et votre famille rencontrez le meilleur été jamais. XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I love reading about Hudson, Allie! He sounds like he is cut from the cloth of his mother – a joy to be around and beautiful both inside and out! Reading your musings always melts my heart a little. Cheers dear – to you and your beautiful family! xoxoxo
Allie says
You’re sweet Cheyanne – thanks friend. It brings me great joy writing about Hudson and all his little successes. He has had a great couple weeks verbally – has said quite a few words — cheese, slide, go, help, etc. He was evaluated for a speech device last week, has another evaluation coming up next week and then we hope to get him set up. It must be frustrating to live in a world of words when you can’t get them out. I do think he’ll be able to talk some day, it’s just the when. Thanks for being such an encouragement, I’m thankful for you. XO
Barbara Child says
Such a precious post! You perfectly exemplify the adage: “Hardships either make us bitter or better”. You have chosen to be better. God bless! XOXO
Allie says
If anyone exemplifies that adage, it’s YOU Barbara. And I can’t believe you celebrated your 82nd birthday this past week. You are an inspiration, my friend. XO
Mandi Korn says
Such a beautiful post, and what a wonderful family you have:o)