~Talking

Lately, Hudson has been doing and saying so many new things. It is incredible how much information his little mind can soak in. I want to make a list of things that he says - this is basically for me but if you want to read it go ahead... I will warn you, this may not be interesting to most of you...

*Lobbies - lobsters (He saw the lobsters at R3d Lobster last night)

*Uh hugh, a do - Yes, I do... This is what he says when you ask him a question

*Opy - open

*Hoppy - hopping

*Dumpi - dump it

*Amls - animals

*Effant - elephant

*ball

*bat

*glove

*Marney - Barney

*Mouse - Mickey Mouse

*Minnie

*Daisy

*Duck - Donald Duck

*Tuto - Pluto

*Pandy - Panda Bear from the zoo

*Choo Choo - anything train related

*Pane - airplane

*Trash - garbage truck or trash can

*Deams - sweet dreams

*Time - "see you next time"

*La Loo - I love you

*welcome - You're welcome

*Dippie - Diaper

*boba - pacifier

*wypie - wipe

*watie - water

*baf - bath

*milk

*juice

*cup

*snack

*baba - banana

*touch

*look - when he says look, he really draws it out...it is too cute

*kime - climb

There are so many more words that he says but I can not think of them. Lately, Hudson has been showing us what a porcupine and a bumble bee will do. He loves to imitate anyone and anything. Just this morning he was putting his binoculars on his Pandy. He gives the best hugs and is so sweet...that is until he does not get his way. But, that is typical of anyone - young or old. He has also become a really tough little boy. He loves to play ball with his t-ball set. He will stand beside it with the bat on his shoulder waiting for us to say "Go"...then he will swing with all of his might. I know there will be many hours spent at the ball park and I look forward to it.

Oh, also, he has started to count. He will only go to 2, but it is a start. He loves to do his puzzles and his shape box. He will try to put the shapes in the wrong spot and will say "Noooo" and keep trying until it fits. I think he will enjoy puzzles as much as I do.

Well, I wanted to get some of this down so I can look back and see what he was doing at this age... Hudson will be 21 mos old on Monday. Time is really going by fast but he has been such a joy and blessing to us. God has done amazing things in our life and he is not finished yet!!!

~Down

Around this time every year I seem to get a little down. You would think that with the weather being so beautiful it would be hard to get down. But, for me, it is a hard time of the year.

The 25th of this month will be 7 yrs since we lost the twins. I know many of you will say that I should be happy since we have Hudson. Oh, believe me I am...but, I miss the boys. Yes, we did not really have them here with us on earth, but, I did carry them for 5 1/2 mos. Having Hudson makes me think of the many things we missed out on. Hudson has been a true blessing to us and we would not change that for anything in the world. Hudson will always know about his brothers.

April also brings some other things to mind. 5 yrs ago we thought we were pregnant. But when we went to the dr, there was no heart beat. Our log in date for the China adoption was also in April and my papaw passed away 12 yrs ago...(the same date that we lost the twins but 5 yrs earlier). So, needless to say, this is somewhat of a somber month for me.

Speaking of the China adoption...some of you may not know but we pulled our dossier after having Hudson. That was a difficult decision for me but I know it is the best for our family. At the time we started the adoption process we did not think we would be able to have children. And, the wait time was only 12-18 mos...but if we had stayed in the program we would still be waiting.

So, I am trying to stay positive and happy! I have everything I could ever want in life. I have an amazing Husband, a beautiful Son and a wonderful Savior that loves me! What more could a girl ask for?? :)

~Zoo

This past Saturday, Matt and I were able to experience something we have dreamed of for so long... We took Hudson to the zoo!! Ever since we were married, we have always dreamed of having children and being able to experience new things with them for the first time.

We had a blast on Saturday. Hudson also had a blast. I am pretty sure he did not know what to expect but he had fun. He would call the flamingos "geese"...it was too cute. At every animal exhibit, Matt would put Hudson up on the railing for him to see. Then after a few minutes he would want down and go on to the next animal. I do have to say that his favorite part of the zoo was the train ride. He would wave at everyone as we rode by...I think we will have to get season passes next year.

The Lord has truly blessed us with Hudson. We could not be happier!

Here are a few pics from our day...

*Just before going into the zoo

*Looking at the flamingos with Daddy

*Talking about the zebras taking a bath

*He loved the Gorilla statues

*Family pic on the train