Hudson is filling his diaper as I write this...

I realize that I've got about 5 seconds before you start clamoring for a picture of Hudson, so here's one to get you started:

By now you've heard the birth story from Lindsea's point of view, which is the important one. I'll share a few from my perspective, as I'm the one writing this blog. For those of you that are starting to fade in attention, feel free to skip ahead to the next Hudson picture and return here....Back? Well done. Continuing on, once we decided that surgery was the way to go, no time was lost in getting all hands together to get the party started. Births require very little actual participation from Daddies, other than to sit there and try to be supportive (and usually failing at some point). C-sections require even less participation. Yes, yes, I know that Daddies should be there and the support they give is very important. What I'm talking about is actually doing something that actually helps bring the child into the world. A C-section is very much "Put these scrubs and booties on. Stand here. Don't faint". I am proud to say that not only did I NOT faint, I actually watched over the curtain. Either way my little man decided to come into the world, I was going to actually witness it.
However, I did not cry. As my wife will tell you, 6 years of time in the Marine Corps and several years in online dating means that my heart is about 1/3rd of the Grinch's (Pre-Betty Lou Who) and approximately the same density of Mama Rae's new granite counter tops. Currently, crying is reserved for dogs who die in movies (a la Where the Red Fern Grows style). However, it would be closer to the truth to say that Momma had the crying well in hand and had actually taken on the full responsibility. That's division of labor folks, Momma cries, Daddy takes the pictures. Pretty soon after Mama Rae and I were kicked out of the surgery room while Momma was sewn back together. Eventually we were all reunited and a couple hours later we were comatose in the hospital room.

Hudson and Grandmomma enjoying some reading time

My mother and my sister Sarah were able to make it out and had actually landed in Spokane at the same time that Hudson was plucked from the womb. Papa Dale, along with Marissa and Whitni, had left a few hours prior in order to pick them up. They were able to spend a few days visiting and spending time with the little man. It meant a lot to have them here and able to spend time with Hudson during his first few hours of life.

His proud Aunt Sarah

Grandmomma and her 1st grandbaby.

My Dad, Stepmom Beth, and youngest sibling Rachel were also able to make it out for a visit. My other sibs were sadly left behind because of other commitments, but were here in spirit.

Nana, Rachel, and Grandad. Or All Father. Jury is still out on what Dad is going to go by. 

Aunt Marissa

Aunt Whitni

Papa Dale, in a rare sitting still moment

Mama Rae, happy in her natural environment

As you can see, we're all smitten. Uncles Nick and KC will be added to later blog posts, as they have yet to meet the little guy. Rock and Ryker have acquiesced to having pictures taken with Hudson, but due to contractual obligations must keep their cuteness on their own blog so as to not dilute our separate brands. Stay tuned for more Wholesome Hudson Homages!