Erin Akin Carroll

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!