Happy 3rd Birthday James Hudson!!!!

I find myself in awe of the fact that my baby boy is 3 today! As I was cleaning the office yesterday I was thinking about some of the things I love most about James. These are just a few (or 10) of my favorites:

1. His sweetness-he is sweet...he loves babies, animals, his sister, daddy and especially me



2. His obsession with small appliances... specifically shop vacs :) It's so humorous and so...well...him



3. His loves of family and his friends. He so enjoys and looks forward to spending time with them..he gives Mallory and Claire nuzzles, hugs and kisses.



4. How he always wants to see me just 1 more time before he falls asleep.



5. The way he drags out the space heater every morning to the front room and lays in front of it along with his 3 stuffed animals and large stuffed dog..and says, "He's warming up."



6. The way he is so protective and careful with Lauren (most of the time...we have the occasional push and shove) He just follows her around and makes sure she doesn't do anything that she's not supposed to. We've had to work on him not being a "second mother" here lately...He thinks he can discipline her when need be... :0



7. The way he asks to have the same bible stories read to him every day...David and Goliath, Jonah, Daniel and the Lions Den, and The Good Samaritan (he likes hearing about the man's ouchies)



8. His sensitivity...boy, I don't know where he gets that from? He's going to be a tough one to parent in some senses because he is so sensitive that we have to be careful how we approach things and yet it's his sensitivity that makes him want to please us and others as well as brings out this ultra sweet side....his "let me just please you"..."tell me how great I am" side....and I don't have any trouble doing that! :)



9. Random hugs....several times a day...sometimes as many as 15 or 20
10. How he's pretty much always happy...he is rarely grumpy and rarely in a bad mood. We are so blessed!

That last 3 years have been the most rewarding and joyous time in our lives and have really made our lives complete. I know that sounds so cliche...but the birth of our children, has just been the icing on the cake for this life we are living. What a blessing and joy you are to us James. I often times say to Luke, "Do you really think other people love their kids as much as I do?" I really feel like I have such an amazing love, bond, and relationship with James. He is a special kid and I thank God for him daily...hourly...he is such a blessing! Happy Birthday Sweet James! I can't wait to watch you grow...but I'm not ready for you to stop giving all the hugs, kisses, and affection that you give us through the day!!!