Happy Gotcha Day, Hudson!!!

Two years ago, March 19, 2007, Hudson was forever placed in our arms.

Hudson's story....

We started the process to adopt a healthy boy or girl from China in June 2005. When we started the process, the timeframe was expected to be no more than a seven month wait in the Traditional Healthy Child Program. Patience and hope saw us through a long almost two year wait.

Match Day...

On February 2, 2007, we knew CCAI would be calling us with news of our child. Finally, at 1:10PM, the phone rang and the caller ID said Chinese Children. We answered the call and Penny’s sweet bubbly voice was on the line. The first thing she said was, “It’s a boy!” She said his birthday is December 25, 2005. At that point, I couldn’t get past those two bits of information. One, we knew we could get a boy but for some reason I was in shock. In my mind, I just couldn’t stop thinking “BOY!” Then I realized that his birthday was on Christmas. My birthday is close to Christmas and knowing what that was like, all I could think about was how in the world are we going to pull this off….a Christmas birthday. She continued to tell us all the details about him but my mind totally zoned and didn’t hear anything else she said. Joel took the pen out of my hand and took over the note-taking. Thankfully, we had the camcorder running so I can go back and watch it. I'm so happy that we recorded the smile on Joel's face while she was talking...priceless. Hudson, was 13 months old and was living in an orphanage in XiangYin, Hunan, China.

Soon thereafter, she emailed a picture of him. All the kids were around waiting for the email to arrive. The kids went crazy when they saw their little brother. I could hardly see the computer because they were on top of it. I finally was able to really notice his sweet little cheeks and perfect little lips. He really looked like Joel B. and Alexis at that age.

Hudson
The Miracle of Gotcha Day!
Monday, March 19, 2007

Twenty months of anxious waiting evaporated as our travel group #1142’s ten families waited with overwhelming tears to embrace our babies for the first time. Each family’s name was called and they walked up to receive their baby. The babies wearing matching snowsuits were content in their new parents’ arms. As we waited, we could see Hudson in his nanny’s arms across the quiet room. He was so adorable! Ninth in line--we rushed eagerly to meet our precious Hudson. We could see the uncertainty on his face as we held him close. Hudson, the only boy, quickly broke the quietness of the room as he began to cry igniting a chorus of crying from his “sisters.” What a miraculous moment to finally hear our Hudson’s cry, to hold him close, and to know that he is ours.

Our first few minutes back in the hotel room with our Hudson...

He loved his Sissy Alexis right away. He sweetly fell asleep in her arms.

After he woke up, he had fun playing...And watching Chinese TV with Daddy. After fifty-six hours, we were overjoyed to see Hudson’s first smile. His laughter came soon thereafter and continually fills our house as he enjoys the love and attention of his siblings. Everybody loves Hudson because he's so friendly, smiling all the time and such a good boy.

Two years later...
Hudson has an amazing memory and entertains us with his singing and memorizing scripture. He sings everything from Jesus Loves Me to Hannah Montana's, Nobody's Perfect. He already knows Alaina's Sing Spell Read and Write ABC song. Alaina is such a “ little mommy” and enjoys teaching Hudson how to count in Spanish.

Every night, Hudson and I pray for each of our family members and especially for those out of the country. He won't allow me to forget anyone. If I do, he is sure to remind me. Tonight, while in my arms, he told me he "likes Jesus." I reminded him how much Jesus loves him.

Everyday, Hudson tells me he loves me. He is constantly reminding me how beautiful he thinks I am. And now, his thing to say is, "Thanks Mom. You're the best." I love him!!

God had planned this little guy for our family. Hudson loves the kids so much, laughing with them all day long and the kids adore him. It feels like he has always been in our family. We cannot imagine life without him.

Follow along with us on our Journey to China for Hudson on our website. Click on Meet Hudson and scroll down to click on Travel Journal to China.

We love you, Hudson!!