In the distance, footsteps. Faint, intentional tiny footfalls on stair treads.
By the stairs, the hallway door creaks slowly open. I don’t see, only hear.
More faltering little steps, coming down the hallway now, making their way towards me.
A little someone fumbles clumsily with the knob, the knob to my bedroom door.
With great difficulty, the door cracks open. Slowly my eyes open, adjust to the low light.
Expectant, a tiny face peeks through the crack. A little someone peers around, looks for me.
And then a delighted chortle. Success.
The door swings open wide. A short, barefooted and pajamed little figure slips through, purposefully turns to shut the door.
Pushes hard. No click.
And again. No click. He waits a moment, musters all his might, shoves his whole little person up against it hard.
And the door, it clicks tight. Finally.
Slowly he turns, a grin splashes. Success.
Got his mama all to himself. Doesn’t happen often.
On cat’s feet he approaches, tries hoisting up. No success. Again.
A thin, unhappy wail. Pouty face.
Untangling from bed sheets, my hands help drag him up, over the edge.
And now, pure ecstasy on that little countenance.
Burrowing under the covers, he crawls in close, face down on the pillow beside me.
I pull the covers tight around him, snuggle in close.
Little kicking legs, like treading water. He turns my way.
His face closes in on mine. Closer, inches away now.
He hones in closer still, eyes locked. Lash to lash, he stares me down with twinkling eyes.
Thumb sucking, flutter kicking, snuggling little Snugglebug.
My arms close tight, bear hug this little person, this precious little gift.
This little Snugglebug alarm clock who hunts me down each Saturday morning.
Dearest little Snugglebug Hudson:
Six years ago you arrived on April 19th. Your extra chromosome surprised us all, but mostly me. Not only an extra chromosome, but you came with extra love too. Tentatively we welcomed you. We didn’t (how could we?) know then what we know now:
That love doesn’t count chromosomes.
Such a precious gift you are. Each day we realize a little more. We sure are lucky God chose us to be your family.
Remember all those special things you want to tell us. Because someday you’ll have words, and we can’t wait to hear all about it.
Keep smiling. Keep shining. Keep spreading sunshine wherever you go.
And don’t forget to come snuggle with mama on Saturday mornings.
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nancy mcmahan says
Beautiful message to wake up to this morning.
Allie says
Thank you friend. Have a great week!
Julie says
I completely agree with you Aunt Nan! Blessings on the Snugglebug and his Mama today…
Allie says
Thank you J. XO
Rebekah says
That was beautiful.
Allie says
Rebekah, thank you. Have a beautiful week.
Simone says
Such a precious story to read this a.m. Your little man brings so many smiles to our faces and hearts and we can’t wait for Hudson to talk our ears off! Yep…I said it and I’m sticking to it!
Allie says
And I’m thinking, be careful what you wish for. You might get it. Ha. Still wishing for that here. And yep, I’m sticking to it too! Thank you Simone! xo
Leslie says
How cute is that. I only get rhat once in a great while when the nieces are over and they are growing out of it. ☹️
You’re so right. Treasure it. ❤️
Allie says
It works for Saturday a.m. Leslie, but on other days when he comes hunting I’m usually up. Yup, I’ll treasure it while it lasts.
Nancy Hammett says
Thank you for sharing this sweet post. Hudson is truely a sweet precious gift from God. I love that sweet smile of his. Sending. Gods blessing to you’ll.
Allie says
Thank you Nancy, there’s a lot of joy in that little boy. Love you.
Ellen says
Such a precious gift! I wish everyday could be Saturday!
Allie says
Me too! xo
Laura Cook says
Maybe my favorite yet. Allie, you are so gifted in many things, including sharing a mother’s heart. <3
Allie says
To my favorite snake handler…..thank you for the kind words. Love you much.
Sallie Eisengrein says
Thank you for your insight! You have a wonderful ability to write and tell a story! This makes my heart sing with joy!
Allie says
Thank you dear Sallie. It gives me great joy to write, especially about Hudson.
Marilyn says
Allie, really?? Where is the warning to grab the Kleenex? Now I can’t see through my tears to find them! Enjoy your snuggling! So precious!
Allie says
Oops. I forgot the warning, sorry. Next time. xo
Aunt Pinkie says
Love knowing you have your sweet Saturd
At morning Snugglebug!What a gift from God!
Allie says
Thanks Aunt Pinkie, I’m a lucky girl. xo
Shashi @RunninSrilankan says
Oh Allie, this is just so beautiful! God sure knew what he was doing in picking parents as gracious and loving as yall. What sweet souls. Its not just yall who are the lucly ones, Hudson sure is too..and we are to be able to share in y’alls journey through this space of yours. This might be a bit late, but happiest of birthdays to Hudson! Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend. XOXO
Allie says
Thank you much, friend. I gave Hudson a belated birthday hug from you this morning. I’m not sure he knows it from you, but he was happy to receive it. 🙂 Have a beautiful week.
Linda Jenkins says
Allie, you are so right. These are the precious moments that make my heart sing. Pure, unconditional love and joy from this sweet child. I once told you that he was a lucky little boy to be born into your family, and you replied that you were the fortunate ones. God, in all His wisdom, has blessed all of you and all of us who know and receive Hudson’s happiness and wonder. I smile every time I see him and every time I think of him. He has touched all our lives in such beautiful ways.
Allie says
Thanks Linda, you have always been such an encouragement on this unexpected journey. Thankful for you. XOXO
jeannine says
Your little Hudson radiates HAPPINESS and LOVE!!!! What a precious child 🙂 Saturday morning snuggles are the BEST!!!!!
Allie says
Good morning Jeannine, thank you so much. Saturday mornings are sweet. 🙂
Mike says
I so love this story Allie. Makes me miss my kids and wish I was cuddling with them right now…
Love you guys.
Allie says
Hey thanks Mike, I knew you would relate to this story. Charlie was telling us at dinner that Aidan left early from school to catch a plane west, so we were talking about how you must be missing your kids this week. We love the Dennehys.
Mike Dennehy says
Oh my gosh Allie it’s been horrible. First time they have ever been so far away from me. But I talked to them last night and feel better. The love for one’s children is powerful beyond words. At least it is with me! Have a great week!
Karen Espalin says
What a great Saturday morning you get each week.
What a precious boy.
You are blessed. God is good.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face.
Hugs,
Karen
Allie says
Hey thanks Karen, so much. Yeah, Saturday mornings are sweet. xo
Barbara Child says
Such a sweet glimpse into Hudson’s heart and your amazing love! We have to learn to look beyond the outer to see the inner beauty! Thanks for doing that so masterfully!
Allie says
Thank you friend. XOXO
Susie Mandel says
Beautiful, just beautiful.
Allie says
Thank you Susie.
Madeleine says
Beautiful beautiful
Allie says
Thanks Mads.
Tracy says
Allie you truly are an artist! You painted the most beautiful story with your words. I could see that little birthday boy and his every move and expression as he looks for his mama! Ahhhh….. That is a much deserved gift to you! You in return gave us a gift too! Thank you my friend!
Allie says
Thank you my friend, I so enjoy writing about Hudson. Maybe it’s my way of giving him words. Hope you are all having a good spring break, we got 4″ of snow up here in VT. Couldn’t believe it when I saw the white stuff falling from the sky. (!)
Carina says
A happy birthday to Hudson! Hope he has a wonderful year with lots of great experiences. ???
I loved this post, Allie. It was a heart-warming read. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and I hope you and your family are enjoying a relaxing weekend. Xoxo
Allie says
Dear Carina, thanks so much friend. We are a little closer to you this week, staying at my aunt and uncle’s lake house in VT. Peaceful, but not exactly SPRING. Got 4″ of snow yesterday. I’m so ready for spring. I know I sound like a broken record. Hope all is well with you and yours, and you have a great weekend to come with lots of relaxation and family time! XOXO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Awwwwwwww! Your writing always touches and warms my heart, Allie! This post was so sweet, girlfriend! Such a beautiful message – I can literally feel your love for little Hudson through my computer screen. Thank you for putting a smile on my face this morning, sweetie. Cheers, hugs and LOTS of love! xoxo
Allie says
Thanks my friend, I so enjoy writing about Hudson. Maybe it’s my way of giving him words. The weekend’s coming, hip hip hooray! XO
Eva says
C’est le meilleurs des cadeaux!! Joyeux Anniversaire à Hudson ! xx
Allie says
Je suis entièrement d’accord , ami. Merci. XO
Mandi Korn says
Beautiful post, he is precious
Allie says
thank you friend!
Barbara Child says
So precious! God gives you the right perspective,