Siblings!

Hudson, you are the first baby born into our family to have bona fide, legitimately old enough siblings that comprehend who and what you are. To say that the kids are wild about you would be an understatement. I spend the bulk of my day trying to protect you from their overwhelming and sometimes overstimulating/overpowerful/overexcited love. You are a big hit in this household and are so blessed to have such adorable, sweet, loving children to grow up with. Here is a snippet of their responses to your arrival:

 

Mara: Mara has matured 3 years in the past few weeks. She has sincerely embraced the roles of oldest sibling and big helper. Saturday morning when we came downstairs I gathered the kids and said, "Guess what! My tummy is starting to hurt! It's time for us to go to the hospital." Mara ushered us out the door, letting us know we should be on our way and reminding me to push when it was time. Mom and Dad Funk brought the kids to the hospital a few hours after Hudson was born. We asked them if they thought the baby looked like a boy or girl. They all said boy. When we said they were right and asked Mara how she felt about having THREE brothers, she said, "Now I have so many princes to marry. I don't even know which one to choose!" She frequently asks to hold Hudson and makes the sweetest "oh, he's so cute"s while she squeezes him with genuine affection. It’s not like her previous feigning of affection because that's what we want her to do. I have been surprised.

 

 

 

 

 

Judah: Per usual, Judah takes his cues from Mara. He sees Mara asking to hold the baby and then imitates her by getting next in the baby-holding line and oogling over Hudson. He does pull the cutest faces for the camera while holding Hudson.

 

 

 

 

 

Baylor: Baylor has been surprisingly amazing with Hudson. Not jealous. Not upset. Just intrigued. I guess he has never been accustomed to having all his parents’ attention so doesn’t resent Hudson for needing it. He probably asks to see Hudson more than anyone else. He frequently stops his play and says, "baby." He then searches in Hudson's usual spots (swing, bassinette) until he finds him. He then says, "hug" and desperately wants me to bring Hudson to his level so he can give him a quick, sweet, face press and a few cheek pats. Baylor will often spontaneously say, “Baby. Cute.” Whenever Hudson cries, Baylor immediately says, "Baby. Bop." (translates to: the baby wants his paci). I am proud of Baylor. I think he and Hudson will become great friends.