How can one begin to describe Hudson? His zest for life, his contagious laugh, the dogged focus with which he pursues his ‘work’. Hudson is a burst of energy, an expansive heart contained in a small body.

It wasn’t always this way.

During the first year of his life I became convinced he was the instrument that would break me. With the rocky labour experience, the week in special care, the silent reflux, hip dysplasia, constant crying, sleep resistance and general aversion to playing with any sort of toy or baby item, I existed in a fog of sleepless, bitter depression as all my efforts to be a ‘good mother’ seemed to fall short.

It took us a year to figure out what was going on for him physically. To learn that the pressure from his groin hernia was keeping him in agony and unable to muster a smile. The very day after surgery, even in the midst of recovery, a new boy emerged – that happy, carefree, cheeky soul that we treasure so much now.

Hudson’s sleep issues haven’t exactly disappeared. He still creeps up to our room in the middle of each night to sleep on a mattress on the floor of our walk-in wardrobe, but we’ve learned that some things just have to be ridden out rather than battled.

Having a birthday on the first of January is both wonderful and inconvenient. Right in the middle of the holidays, throwing a party for kinder or school friends seems an insurmountable task, but this year he was very persuasive. We eventually agreed, but negotiated a later celebration – after he had the chance to get to know all his school class, we would throw him the party he desired.

It was a dragons theme (from the How to Train Your Dragons franchise), with Toothless green and black adorning the house. The decorations were simple – heaps of balloons, a streamer ‘sail’ and some black tissue paper flowers. I’ve learned from many kids parties now to keep it plain – sticking to the tried and tested party pies, spinach and ricotta triangles, cocktail frankfurts, donuts, some Viking-style chicken legs, dips and veggies, a fruit platter and some chocolate buttons. Dessert was a (slightly alien looking) Toothless cake with green jelly in mini black coffee cups.

Hudson was in his element. For weeks prior he asked me constantly whether his party was coming soon. The levels of excitement rose as the day crept closer and he gave me appreciative bear hugs whenever he saw decorations or food being prepared. When the first guests arrived, he played the part of host impeccably – greeting them with a smile and a hug and beckoning them to come and explore with him.

We love throwing parties, particularly for this age group which is still so filled with wonder and innocence. Getting to know the parents and children for our kids’ classes has been so amazing and has led to many rich friendships so far. The class represented was so lovely – each child respectful, friendly, and fun-loving. When asked later what his favourite part was, Hudson fervently answered ‘having all my friends over!’.

Dave plays the part of Gamesmaster with such precision now, having honed his art over many occasions. I tried to reign him in a little this time, knowing how his vision has the potential to explode into more greatness than a two hour window can handle. I needn’t have worried. He had each child wide-eyed and hanging on his every word, with games involving dancing, balloon challenges, one involving the kids throwing the entire contents of his sock drawer towards some armed Vikings and a treasure hunt (in the rain) to find a chocolate chicken and eggs for the dragons.

When we began planning the party, Hudson was so keen to have as many people as possible, but I flashed forward to the amount of presents that might lead to. With so many toys already, we really have no need for any more. We spoke with Hudson about putting a note on the invitation to let people know they didn’t need to get him any presents, but that if they really still wanted to give something they could give a small cash gift of $5 instead. We were flabbergasted at the generosity displayed and Hudson walked around for most of the afternoon repeating ‘I’m so lucky!’.

Parties may not seem like much, but in the lead up to this one I was struck by how something so ‘simple’ can lead to such great things – joy, friendship, laughter, connection and hope. I enjoy the creative challenge, getting to dream up something on Pinterest and then bring (a much less impressive!) version to life.

To all the amazing parents who came and partied with us or dropped off their kids trustingly to our house – thank you! It was so lovely to connect with you and hang out for a couple of messy, crazy and wonderful hours!

So, how do you train your Hudson? Turns out that he has been the one schooling us all along – with resilience, friendliness and gratitude. We couldn’t be more proud of him.

…

Dear Hudson,

You are the greatest gift I have ever experienced. You look at the world in such a unique and inspiring way and you constantly challenge me to broaden my perspective. 

I love listening to your stories – your dreams of eras past and musings on life in the future. You are connected in such a deep way with the fabric of the universe and I only have to spend moments with you to become grounded again. 

You studiously work away at your computer – typing words, creating powerpoint presentations, highlighting quotes and writing your own secret code. You and your dad are mirrors, single-minded and urgent in your focus. 

Your imagination holds the key to such wonder. I wonder what you will become, how you will leave this world with your unique imprint. Hold fast to hope, to the knowledge that you are exactly who you need to be already. 

Thank you for your resilience and your fierce protectiveness over your brothers and sister. Thanks for your obsessive love of ‘Shotgun’ and the sense of hilarity which you bring to every task.

We love you to your core, Hudson Patrick Hughes. We thank God that you get to be in our family.

Love Mum 

xxox