All sixty of us crammed into their kitchen. The island in the middle separated the three of them from the rest of us. Hudson stripped down to just his diaper. His faded scar on his chest ever so slightly there. Kayleigh, his mama, stood to his left. Mitch, his daddy, behind him. I directly across from him on the other side of the island. Camera in hand ready to capture every silly moment unfold. The lights were turned off and the singing began. All sixty of us sang a song that a year ago we all dreamed. We all prayed, we would be singing to him. The importance of Hudson’s Where The Wild Things Are First Birthday Party was not missed. There was a time we all worried we wouldn’t get the chance to sing to him and celebrate him. But now we were here. He sat in his highchair. Proud. Excited. Happy. Confused. Really confused. His white cake with one candle on top flickering as he looked around at all of us. The song ended and Kay leaned over to help him blow out the candle. Today was a good day. Today was a special day. Today was a true celebration.

You see, if you haven’t been following along on my nephew’s journey, Hudson’s heart condition was discovered when he was 20 weeks gestation. The incredible technician at Kayleigh’s anatomy scan saw the tiniest little concern on this baby’s tiny little heart. Tests were done and answered were given. This little baby was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot. At four months old, Hudson underwent open heart surgery. At four months old, Kayleigh and Mitch handed their baby boy over to nurses and doctors not knowing if after they wheeled him away, if they would see him again. So when all sixty of us gathered at their home in Baltimore in February 2020 to celebrate his first birthday, we all knew this day meant more. Hudson ran around that house seeing all of his favorite people. He bounced from one room to the next. He was a kid without a heart condition. The only reminder that he still was (and forever will be) was that tiny faded scar on his chest.

Hudson Scott, you my sweet perfect little nephew. You are loved beyond measure. You are a blessing in so many ways. You amaze all of us with your strength and will. But mostly with your undying humor and sweet sly smirks. I am beyond proud to be your aunt. To watch you grow and become the incredible man I know you will be. Love you buddy and I hope you’re ready for all of your portrait sessions. This was your fourth and it certainly won’t be your last!

If you liked Hudson’s Where The Wild Things Are First Birthday Party, make sure to see more of his story here:
Centennial Park Maternity Portraits | Koehler Baby
Overlea Newborn Portraits | Hudson Scott
Hudson’s Post Surgery Portraits