On June 5, 2009, our precious John Matthew Hudson Carroll came into this world. After a very long day, he made his grand entrance.
I was induced at 39.5 weeks at 5:00 a.m. on June 4, 2009. After nearly 24 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing, our 9 pound, 6 ounce baby boy finally arrived at 4:39 a.m. on June 5. He was loud, he was pink, he was large, and he was perfect.
My life completely changed in that instant. He gave me the most important role I’d ever play. He has made me happier than I ever thought I could be. My heart’s ability to love a person that much completely shocked me that day. The love was instant. I looked at him and I remember saying, “I’m your mama. We’re going to have the best time.” And we have.
We have had some hard times as I’ve learned that while that love can make me so happy, it can also make me very sad, incredibly worried, and even more frustrated.
Hudson is so smart. We’re pretty sure he has a photographic memory. His mind is a steel trap and he absorbs everything we tell him. He loves to answer questions and solve problems. He still loves numbers and counting and is now learning to write and trace his numbers. The same with his letters. He has completely learned all of his phonics and loves trying to spell words. He absolutely loves to learn.
He got a little watch for his birthday so we told him which wrist was his left wrist. Now he loves to tell us which item is on the right and which item is on the left. I’m so happy that he loves to learn.
Hudson is very sensitive and kind-hearted. He is shy at first, but when he warms up to people he can be very loud and rowdy. He loves to laugh and tries to make jokes all the time. He always asks if his friends are okay and wants to make sure everyone is doing well.
He still loves to climb up in a lap and just cuddle. He asks me to hold him and gets so excited when his parents or grandparents come into the room.
He loves dinosaurs, trains, cars, taxis, all animals, and music. He loves dancing. Every morning when Hudson wakes up, he just sings songs in his room. I love that he loves to sing! I’m hopeful that he’ll enjoy 3-year-old choir at church this year.
Hudson is very stubborn. Because he’s so smart, he knows what he wants and knows how to get out of doing what he’s asked. He has the hardest time not smiling when he’s trying so hard to be mad, though. As soon as we look at him he has to cover his face with his hands so we can’t see him smiling.
This sweet, wonderful boy has changed my life and I am so thankful for the sweet little light that he is. I pray every single day for his heart and his future.
Because of Hudson (and now Hayes, too), I have a much greater understanding of the sacrifice that God made for us when he sacrificed His Son for our salvation. I pray daily that Hudson comes to know Jesus on a personal level and accepts Him as his personal Savior. What a gift!
This age is so much fun. I’m sad when I look at Hudson and it’s harder to see the big baby cheeks and the chubby baby belly. He looks like a little boy instead of a toddler. And that’s okay. My memories are strong and I can only pray that time doesn’t speed up. But the days just fly by with these funny little boys.
I can only be thankful for every single day and to live each day as freely and happily as my carefree Hudson. I’m so excited to see what the next year brings!
Happy third birthday, Hudson! We love you so much!
oh erin, what a sweet post. happy birthay hudson! the time has truly flown by. thanks for sharing all the love and learning with us along the way.
Happy 3rd Birthday Hudson!!
Huge “Happy 3rd Birthday” wishes to Hudson! I’m having a hard time believing he’s 3!! Seems like just yesterday that I learned you were pregnant 🙂 Time sure does fly by, doesn’t it? Hope you all have a super fun day celebrating your smart, cute, cuddly little boy. Hugs!
Happy birthday to your sweet and challenging boy!
Happy birthday Hudson!!!!!!!
Happy birthday, Hudson!
Happy Birthday Hudson!!!
from one Hudson Matthews to another Matthew Hudson!
Happy Birthday Hudson!
Happy 3rd birthday to sweet Hudson! This was such a sweet post, Erin:) Love it. Can’t believe how much he has grown over the past year or so that I have been following your blog!
Oh, this is so sweet! Happy 3rd Birthday to Hudson 🙂 Time does fly–you are such an awesome mom, Erin!!!
Happy Birthday, Hudson! This is such a sweet post, Erin!
Such a heartfelt post! You can just feel your love for Hudson! 🙂 I hope he had a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Hudson! Btw, Erin, I was surprised to come across you on MSNBC in the breastfeeding article. Good job on providing a realistic description of your experience!
Aww happy birthday sweet Hudson! 🙂
Happy 3rd birthday, beautiful boy!
What a beautiful post. Happy 3rd Birthday to Hudson!! Hope you all have a wonderful day 🙂
I think he’s truly one of the smartest little kids. I love hearing about what he’s learning! Do you ever stop and wonder what he will be when he grows up? I do and he’s not even my kid. LOL
Happy Birthday, Hudson!!
Happy birthday Hudson!!!
Happy Birthday to sweet Hudson!! We love y’all!!
Happy Birthday Hudson! 🙂
I LOVE this post! Happy Birthday Hudson!!! Where did you get the cute Hudson pillow in his crib? I LOVE it! xoxox
Grayson and Hudson wish Hudson a very Happy Birthday!
3!!!!!!!!!! it seems like yesterday you were getting everything together for that fabulous 1st birthday party! Happy Birthday Hudson..enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Hudson! I can’t believe he’s three. It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was reading your post the night before you had him with a letter to him. I cried. It’s been so fun to watch your sweet family grow – thanks for sharing with us!
Happy birthday Hudson!
Such a sweet little boy! Happy Birthday Hudson!!
Happy Birthday, Hudson!
Happy Birthday Hudson ! from Ché Mulvihill
I randomly stumbled across this post and realized that our boys were born just two days apart. Jax was born June 3rd, 2009! I was induced at 41w3d on June1st and he wasn’t born until two days later…. such a crazy story. But how fun that our boys are so close!!