Happy First Birthday Hudson!

Happy First Birthday Hudson!!!

Yesterday was Hudson's first birthday. As I went through the day I was reminded of the many lessons he taught me even before he was born.

As many of you know, a test I took while pregnant with him came back severely abnormal, and led the doctors to believe he would be born Down Syndrome. As any parent would be I was worried. We went to all the specialists we were asked to see. Some studied our family history, others used high tech machines to predict the health of the baby. One even told us that if these abnormalities were present it was our right to terminate the pregnancy! After being poked and prodded we came to the conclusion that if the Lord saw fit to bless our family with a child with special needs so-be-it. We would love him with our whole heart, and do our best to help him find his greatest potential. Because of this we decided to forgo the amneo that would have given us a definitive answer.

During this time Rex and a friend gave me a blessing, and reassured me that the baby would be healthy. I took his blessing to heart and knew that the Lord had guided and directed Rex in the blessing and moved forward.

The months went by, and the anticipation built. I kept reminding myself what the Lord had promised, and replayed the one positive ultrasound we had over and over again in my mind.

Finally, the day arrived almost a week earlier than scheduled (per my shameless begging of the doctor. I was huge, and could hardly walk!) This was a blessing in itself. I would have worked myself into a frenzy worrying about the baby.

Hudson was born at 8:37 AM on June 23rd, 2008. He was born absolutely healthy as could be. He was actually so large that he had a hard time regulating his own blood sugar! The doctors reassured me over and over that there was absolutely no sign of Down Syndrome or any other abnormality.

As I think back on this time I realize that I was reassured by the Lord that things would be fine, and that I had no need to worry. I prayed for the Spirit to comfort me, and it did. I read my scriptures for guidance and found it there. I was given every gift from a loving Heavenly Father that I asked for, but I did not trust in my faith, and in return did not exercise my faith in the Lord.

I have learned that if you ask for help or guidance or comfort from Heavenly Father you need to be willing to let go of the fear and walk with the assurance that the Lord loves you, is aware of you, and will help you through whatever trail you are facing.

I know now that if I am going to ask for comfort or guidance I need to be able to accept it. This new awareness served me well as we were going through my moms last days. It is true that the things that don't kill you make you stronger. I was told by a good friend that "great men have great trials." Hopefully with every trial I get one step closer!

Every time I ponder these things a scripture in Matthew comes to my mind.

Matthew 11:29-30

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy ans my burden is light.

Each and everyone of us go through trails. Some harder than others, but each have a purpose. I am acutely aware and thankful of Hudson's health each and everyday. I have always been thankful that my children are healthy, but I never how lucky and blessed I really am.

I pray we can all see the blessings in our lives without having to endure a trail to make us aware.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, healthy baby boy. You have taught us so much in such a short time. I am so excited to see what you will teach us in the future.