Hodges Happenings: Hudson is 7!

June 8, 2016

Hudson is SEVEN years old!

I can't believe we got here so quickly. Hudson's growth has always snuck up on me. He is so silly and talkative, yet so reflective and laid-back that sometimes I forget how much he is maturing. He has matured a lot lately and he's doing amazingly well in first grade. His self-control is definitely improving big-time. Even his teacher says that she can see on his face how hard he is trying to contain the silliness and abide by all of the class rules at school. She also said that he does a wonderful job of doing extra helpful things around the classroom, even when he doesn't know she's watching. She says he quietly does it and then moves on, without caring if she noticed or he will get credit for it.

He is still so affectionate and cuddly. I love that he still climbs in my lap and rubs my face with his own. Though it has lessened to not daily, he still says "You're the best mom in the whole world" a lot. He will also speak up and thank me for dinner and tell me how good it is (even if it's not).

He is such a deep thinker and learns quickly and efficiently. He has had high As in his classes since the beginning, and he is especially good at math and science. He's a great reader as well. He's actually good at all subjects, he just seems especially enthusiastic and gifted at and interested in math and science. He loves learning about how science applies to so many things in life and is so excited to learn the answers to why things are the way they are and how God created them all with such precision and wonder. He has great questions. I love the way he thinks.

He is also especially good at telling time and reading clocks.

He is such a sweet boy. He loves and forgives freely.

He is also very sensitive and sometimes hides it when he's really upset or doesn't speak up about it.

He has endless energy to burn and puts his all in everything he plays. And, boy, does he play! He can make anything into a game or a joke. So much so, that we have to get on to him for being too silly or trying to make people laugh at inappropriate times. We love his humor and don't want to change that about him, but he's learning to reign it in some and learn good timing.

He's a Lego master and sees pictures in his head of how things should work and what things can be. He solves puzzles and creates the coolest things.

This boy is an awesome Lego inventor.

Hudson fell in love with puppies at our friend's pool.

He and Andrew are buddies and play together really well. A lot of it has more to do with Andrew getting older, but they can spend hours outside playing happily together without arguing or disagreeing with each other. Andrew listens to him pretty well and Hudson doesn't abuse it. He is taking time to teach Andrew thing and Andrew listens.

Another purpose for those googly eye stickers

He's got best of both worlds. He's best friends with Hannah and with Andrew, and the three of them are beginning to play really well together.

A cool ramp

Hudson is Wyatt's buddy. Is always entertaining him if he is awake and available. He was the only one, initially, to get that big belly laugh.

Hudson being an excellent Wyatt helper

His teacher said during the school year that he will pick up trash or do things to help out at school without looking for recognition or to even see if anyone noticed. She said he helped a little friend open her book to the right page all the time and cared for her. And, like I wrote about in his school awards post, he was also the one who logged on almost the whole class in their computer class. They apparently have a really difficult log on password for first graders to use, but Hudson had them covered!

March Hudson/Mommy date to Dunkin Donuts

Working hard at soccer practice drills

Hudson is such a silly, fun brother!

Cracking open the geode Big Mama and Papo gave them

Hudson had his well check with the pediatrician on July 14th.

His height was 47 1/4 inches, and his weight was 48 pounds.

This time last year at his well check he was 45 inches and 45 pounds.

Hudson's actual birthday

Hudson's birthday started with tennis camp. The tennis pro and creator of the annual tennis camp, Kay McDaniel, signed his racket in honor of his birthday.

Next up, swimming at our friend's pool.

We took Hudson to my favorite Mexican restaurant for his birthday meal. They sang to him and everything.

After dinner we got around to his favorite part, the gifts!