6 1/2 years (45 lbs)

Hudson is now in 1st grade. His teacher is Mrs Loescher and he seems to like her although not as much as he liked his Kindergarten teacher(s) Mrs Belmondo and Mrs Boyle.
He has homework each week and in addition to improving his reading/writing skills, he is getting quick at solving single digit addition and subtraction math problems. He seems to be making friends both in school and on his bus. He keeps asking for a playdate with William who is actually not in Mrs Loescher's class nor on his bus. We met up with him and his brother once and need to again.

Hudson wrapped up Fall Soccer with daddy acting as asst coach again this year. While he is still most comfortable just on the outside of the immediate playing area he did have a few aggressive games where he was right on the ball and had several shots on goal. It was great having many of the same players from last season return to the team again this year. I think it helps the kids feel more comfortable and contributes to overall team collaboration and comraderie.

Hudson got a clean bill of health recently at his 6 year well child visit. He had no shots and actually doesn't need to go back until he's 8. Outside of a vision test which the nurse can administer at age 7 there's no reason to see the doctor again outside of getting an annual flu shot.

We just returned from the dentist and Hudson is cavity-free! He did really well at the dentist and even held still enough to get some good x-rays. He has five 6-year molars coming in and several teeth (top and bottom) emerging from his gum line. To date he's only lost one tooth on the bottom so I think in the next 6 months we'll be leaving gifts for the tooth fairy often. The dentist did say that there may be orthodontist work in our future which comes as no surprise especially to mommy.

Hudson got a Kindle for his birthday and loves playing with it. It's a great device for car rides, Beckett's soccer practice, and slow Saturday morning's waiting for mommy/daddy to wake up. Oftentimes he'll sit with Beckett in the recliner and just play it together. Very cute.

Hudson is becoming more and more independent and opinionated. He will often tell mommy/daddy, "no, that's not correct...". We seem to have an emerging "expert" on all things. He is strong willed and very particular. He appreciates order and rules and when others follow suit. He is a great helper both to mommy and daddy but also as a big brother to Beckett. While he can be frustrated by his brother he's also very kind and supportive of him.

He continues to be a sensitive soul. He is more emotional than Beckett and gets his feelings hurt more easily. He has a huge heart and cares deeply about things that are important to him. He is such a special person and it's such a pleasure to watch him grow and develop each and every year.

We love you Hudson Gray!

6 years (45 lbs; 50% 45" tall; 45%)

Hudson is now on the back end of Kindergarten. He has about a month left before Summer break.
He has learned so much over the last 9 months. He's getting more and more confident with his reading and writing. His Spring Break homework assignments included keeping a journal of his everyday activities, writing a non-fiction story, and a mini narrative about his week off.
He's also learning how to add and subtract as well as life cycles of oviparous animals. (Hudson had to explain to me that oviparous refers to animals hatched from an egg or an animal that lays eggs).

At home I am working with him on how to tell time with a standard clock as well as identification of currency and the $ association.

He had a starring role in his first ever production called The Three Piggy Opera. Hudson was the brick pig and was front and stage left for the entirety of the program. These were non-speaking parts but he memorized several (very catchy) songs. We attended an Art Walk/Curriculum night a couple weeks ago and had a chance to see various things he's been working on throughout the year.

Hudson enjoyed Spring soccer with Covington Sports again this year. One of the highlights was that daddy was the asst coach which was good for everyone. Hudson has completely resolved any fear of getting out on the field and interacting with the players. He's still a little hesitant to get aggressive on the field and typically stays just outside the immediate playing circumference. But he gets his foot on the ball often enough. He's made a really good friend in Chase whose daddy was the head coach!

We're celebrating Hudson's birthday this year by going to Great Wolf Lodge for an overnight tomorrow. He's really excited and this may be the last year we're able to do a party-free celebration. We got him a big boy bike so we're hoping to get him comfortable with a larger bike (sans training wheels) so that Beckett can inherit the little bike. I think daddy even got a bell he can ring.
For the first year, mommy gets to make Hudson's cake since daddy is working. It won't be as elaborate but sometimes less is more. In a couple days he gets to go to nana/papa's with Beckett where they'll have a couple farm adventures (chickens laying eggs, baby pigs, ecology exhibit) and maybe a special 1:1 date with nana at a local production of Willy Wonka.

Hudson loves playing in the new playroom daddy built in the basement. He has music, toys, a chalkboard, and pretty much everything he needs to spend time being creative and entertained.
Hudson helped daddy plant several vegetables in the garden this year. It will be fun for him to see the fruits of his labor.

Hudson is growing more independent and oftentimes steers away rather than into my arms for hugs or assistance. He continues to show amazing aptitude when it comes to learning/retaining/comprehension. He is opinionated, passionate, extremely kind and helpful both with mommy and Beckett. It is so nice that he's old enough to add real value around the house and be a helper to mommy, especially when daddy's at work. He is a handsome and fun boy who is full of life!

We love you so much Hudson Gray. I can't believe you will be 6 years old tomorrow!