Journal
Hudson Wayne Smith
1 January 2009 › 53 comments
I hope that everyone had a good Christmas, and is enjoying the new year thus far. Personally, I must say that this season will be one for the books, because my wife and I welcomed the first addition into our family. Hudson Wayne Smith was born on December 29th, 2008 at 8:48 AM. He weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz. He is 19” tall. He is ½ Russian, ¼ Japanese, ¼ Scotch Canadian.
We picked the name Hudson mostly because we like the way it sounds, and because we needed something fairly unique that could carry the common last name of Smith. We also wanted it to be pronounceable in Russian, for my in-laws. Wayne was the middle name of my mom’s father, and is also my middle name. It was an easy enough choice, since neither Japanese (my dad’s) nor Russian (my wife’s) cultures use middle names.
Olga is recovering well from her c-section, scheduled due to her AVM, diagnosed two years ago. She is enjoying being a new mom. Since she was an only child, her parents are ecstatic about having a grandson. In her father’s words, from a few months ago: “I do not have a strong preference regarding the baby’s gender, as long as he’s a healthy boy.”
I have to say, fatherhood is awesome. I have never been both this happy and sleep deprived at the same time. If anyone has any good parenting tips or suggestions to share, please let me know, as I’m fairly green in this role.
Discussion + Dissension
Comments closed after 2 weeks.
#1 Jesse J. Anderson
Now begins a lifelong journey of being a father.
Congratulations!
#2 Darren Emory
Nathan! Congrats man!
#3 Simon Job
Congratulations Nathan and Olga. He certainly is cute.
As a new father in 2008 as well, my only suggestion – enjoy it!
#4 Rick Tuttle
Congratulations and welcome to the world Hudson! God bless you.
I have 2 daughters, now 8 and 10. Looking back on the early days of fatherhood I would say the best tip I can give you is to be patient. Everything, even the most ordinary task, will take 2-3 times as long. Also, there is a “hormone thing” going on after birth, so give your wife some extra grace. If you are breastfeeding, don’t give up, it’s worth it.
The best thing we did as early parents was to try to maintain a consistent daily routine, especially the routine for going to bed. Read, sing a song, pray, put some soft music on, anything that is comforting and reminds your child that it’s time to rest.
Have fun!
#5 Boyink
Congrats!
I read a quote within the last week that I can’t recall precisely, but it was along the lines of “I can imagine a life without children, but not also without so much laughter and noise.”
I’m so far on the other side of having babies around (my son turns 12 in 12 days, and we were just BB gun shopping together) that I have no good advice other than just take lots of pictures and video.
We watch the stuff from our early days often (the kids especially enjoy it) and realized that it’s really easy to forget or not see the joy of the moments when you are actually in the moment, because it’s so easy to get distracted with the wiping and cleaning and schlepping and worrying and….
#6 David Barrett
First off… congratulations to you both! He’s adorable.
I’m not a father, but I am an uncle and, with all the baby talk from my sister and other spawning friends, here’s what I’ve picked up:
* If the diapers don’t seem to be holding everything in, change to a different brand. Pampers seem to work best for Ben. Others haven’t been absorbent enough or sealed up enough.
* You can potty-train babies from about 2 months… seriously! Friends of mine have done it, and their 9 month old daughter now only pees and poops when a small potty is placed on her. Very convenient.
* If Olga is breast-feeding Hudson, and for some reason there’s a problem (you’ve bottled some, but the bottle spills, for example) there are special formulations to act as stand-ins. These aren’t the same as regular powdered milk, and you can use them alongside breast milk. I know Aptimel and Sma make some here.
* While changing his diaper, any movement of his man parts is probably a sign he’s going to pee very soon. Get ready to cover with the old diaper.
#7 Adrian Rodriguez
WOW! Awesome!
#8 Girish
Congratulations Nathan and Olga! He’s very cute.
#9 Jonathan Snook
Congratulations, Nathan! This is fantastic news and you’ve got an adorable little boy. It sounds like everything went smoothly and I have no doubt that you’ll be a great father.
#10 Dustin Askins
He looks great! Congratulations!
Father’s middle names seem to be a good source for names, we did the same.
Ill see you in the twilight hours. :-)
#11 Nate Klaiber
Beautiful picture! Glad everyone is doing well. Now the real fun begins – Being a father is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and I have no doubt you’re going to be an awesome father!
#12 Mike Stickel
Fantastic! Congratulations Nathan and Olga (and, of course, Hudson). Glad to hear you’re all doing well and healthy.
I echo David Barrett’s tip about potty training. My gran told me about how she used to potty train my mom when she was still breast feeding. Because of that my mom was pretty much fully potty trained by 9 months old.
#13 David Martin
Congratulations! My wife and I gave birth to our second son on the 30th, what a wonderful time indeed.
- These first few weeks are extremely special, your baby will soon turn into a little boy. I didn’t even realize it had happened until our second son arrived this week. I now look at Tyler and think “Wow when did he become a little boy?”
- I echo David Barret’s comments on the boy parts moving while changing a diaper. I’m positive both of my boys have some sort of internal aiming device aimed directly at my forward. I’ve become accustomed to lying the new diaper under the old one before removing it and quickly wrapping it up when I remove the old diaper to avoid any unwanted showers.
#14 Drew Goodmanson
Congrats Nathan! I also think of Hudson Taylor:
J. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was an English missionary to China. Founded the China Inland Mission which at his death included 205 mission stations with over 800 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christians.
#15 Chris J. Davis
Read that book I gave you! And heed my words about getting up with Olga at for night feedings. It is a beautiful thing, and a great way to support your wife. Bring her lots of water!
Congrats again.
#16 Andrew Gruner
Congratulations! My wife and I had our fist in November. Cherish every moment because they grow so fast. Our daugter has already grown out of her newborn clothes.
#17 Shane Eubanks
Congrats to the both of you! Now you get to experience God’s greatest blessing in your lives. It’s an amazing ride an cherish every minute because it flies by so fast.
As for advice…since you have a boy and I have one that is 11 months old, my best piece of advice is to keep his “water hose” covered when changing diapers…I’m convinced baby boys know EXACTLY where they’re pointing that thing. I’m also convinced my son is going to rock at the carnival game where you shoot a water gun in the clown’s mouth……yeah…day 1 I got shot in the mouth. That’s when I realized what true love was….
Like I said….enjoy every single moment. God bless you and your new “family”. :)
#18 Jared Hawkins
Congratulations! My wife and I have 4 boys and could not imagine life without them. Best wishes.
#19 Matt Donovan
So glad to hear everyone is doing well. Welcome to the club.
#20 Matt
Congrats to your family. I pray God’s continued blessings on you.
#21 Erik
Wow! Good looking kid you got there and a strong name. Your father-in-law sounds awesome.
This is a great way to start the New Year – watch how wonderful your life will change because of this.
So… at what age are you going to introduce him to gaming? Or, tell him how his Dad used to design levels with the ancient game engines of yesteryear.
#22 Jonathan E
Congratulations Nathan! Being new to fatherhood myself (well, 4 months new) I can say from my experiences that you’re in for the time of your life. I know everyone says it, but it’s true… cherish each moment, as they certainly do fly by! Each expression is amazing… the first time he smiles at you… the first time he laughs, even the first tears.
Congratulations again, God bless you and Olga and your new little guy!
#23 The Malancas
Congratulations! He’s so adorable. Good choice of name too. Although the Russian pronunciation of Wayne might be a bit difficult…Vayne….oh well. :D
I hope you and Olga get enough sleep but even if you don’t I’m sure you’ll enjoy little Hudson enough not to care. Tell Olga I said hello! God bless.
Oh and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
-Lara M.
#24 David Sutoyo
Congrats! You are the second person I know who’s named their kid Hudson.
#25 Rob
Congrats to you and your wife, Nathan. He’s a beautiful young man!
#26 Harry and Pat Turner
What a fortunate young man to enter the world with wonderful parents and a loving family. We are especially happy for Sergei and Galina as a new gift brightens their lives, albeit at some distance. Your days will be long, but your joys will enrich your lives. Dedicate him to the Lord and many of your worries will diminish. You continue to be blessed. Harry and Pat
#27 Rogie King
Nathan and Olga – Congratulations!
Advice: Soak up every moment and don’t wish even the most difficult moments to pass quickly because they will too fast.
#28 David Airey
I’m glad the family’s healthy, Nathan, and I hope you all have lots of laughter this coming year.
All the best.
#29 Daniel Marino
Congrats! You’re in for the ride of your life!
In all seriousness though, God has given you a special blessing. There is nothing like being a father and having your little boy look up to you and want to be just like daddy. Cherish every moment you have with him. Congrats to you both again!
#30 Josh Read
Congratulations!
Advice: With all 3 of my children, the first 8 weeks were a lot of crying and pain as their systems get used to using the stomach rather than umbilical cord. I always counted down the days to week 8 because it’s like a light switch, suddenly everything starts working and it gets a lot easier and happier at that point.
WHITE or PINK NOISE will be a huge plus for him. We have a fan going in our kids’ rooms, have since day one and they usually go out not only at our house but anywhere else we happen to be if they’ve got white noise.
Was Hudson also because of Hudson Taylor?
#31 Ryan Hargrave
Congrats! I have no doubt you’ll be a great father.
I found that through the first years of being a father that one of my most cherished roles was to always remember to support my wife.
#32 Jyo Pai
Congratulations Olga and Nathan!
Such a beautiful baby! SO happy to know the birth and the C section went as planned.
Hudson Wayne Smith is a sight for sore eyes. A precious bundle of joy who is yours to love and nurture and grow with. Life will never be quite the same ever again – it will be better and you will both wonder how you ever managed without him as part of your lives.
Advice #1 – Hold him, hug him, kiss him, sing to him and love him all you want and all you can. No, you won’t spoil him. Treasure these early days, months and years. You will not spoil him ….on the contrary, the parent-child bond will become strong during these times.
Advice #2 – Take all advice with a pinch of salt – seriously, he is your baby, and do what FEELS right. This means taking time to get to know him, get to know yourselves and what makes sense to you. Advice is valuable, but apply only those parts that fit in with you and Hudson’s needs.
Advice #3 – Parenting role can be all consuming. Remember to have at least 15-20 minutes each day alone for reflection, and an additional 15-20 minutes each day to connect with each other. Very important.
Looking forward to watching Hudson grow and to seeing the two of you grow into your new role as parents.
With all best wishes for 2009 and always,
Jyo, Dinesh and Tanya Pai
#33 Mark Kraemer
What a fetching lad! My prayers for all of you to a healthy and swift recovery!
What a blessing.
#34 Parag Mahalley
Congratulations Nathan and Olga!
#35 JC
Congratulations
#36 Lance Willett
Congratulations to you both! Glad to hear that Olga is recovering and that Hudson is healthy.
#37 James Mitchell
Congratulations!
#38 Bill and Patty Ogle
Congratulations ! Such a handsome young man and so fortunate to be blessed with great parents and grandparents. God is good!
#39 Dick and Cindy Read
Nathan and Olga, Hudson is beautiful! He will be your favorite adventure, and will teach you more than anything else you have experienced. God bless you!
#40 Sherry McAdams
Olga & Nathan!
Hudson is perfect, Olga, he has your mouth & Nathan’s eyes!
As for advise, sleep when he does, any chance you can
take lots of pictures
take time for each other
always include each other in all decision you make
Love,
Sherry
!
#41 Deborah
Congrats to both of you! Wonderful news to hear, and glad to know Olga is recovering well. Wishing your family the best in the coming year.
#42 Francesco
Congratulations, Nathan!
Best wishes,
Francesco
#43 Matthew Pennell
Just caught up with your news (via an @carywood tweet) – congratulations on the new addition to the family! Being a parent is absolutely the best thing in the world, there’s nothing that can beat it. :)
#44 Chris Huff
Congrats! My advice…get a 3rd shift job. That way, you’ll never be woken up by the kids during the night! It works for me!
#45 Carl Camera
Congratulations on baby Hudson — and the 2008 tax deduction! :-)
#46 Dorene
Congratulations!
What a beautiful boy! He will bring you unmeasured joy. ; )
#47 Michael Montgomery
Wonderful news!
Congratulations and blessings to your whole family, and best wishes for 2009.
#48 Curt and Donna McKee
We knew Olga when she was a mere student at Emory and Henry College. We are so excited to see this new wonder come into your world. Our youngest son of three turns 16 in May. The diaper world has long since passed us. It is an adventure I know you will both cherish. By the way, Hudson is a great name. Hudson Taylor was a famous missionary to China.
God bless you three in the days ahead. JOYFUL, Curt and Donna
#49 David Russell
Congratulations, Nathan! Our best to you, Olga and Hudson!
#50 Kristin
Oh he is beautiful! Congrats to all three of you! Hopefully we’ll be able to make a trip to Dallas sometime this year or next to see you guys.
#51 Sue Stone, Mt. Bethel
Dear Nathan and Olga,
I’m so excited for you! I know Hudson will be a blessing to you and your families. What a cutie he is! Glad to read the reasons for the names, for a minute I thought you might have named him after Hudson from Mt. Bethel. Ha!
best advice???? Well I say as soon as you can get him on a schedule. Regular hours of eating, sleeping and play time make life better for you both! Don’t let him get used to sleeping in your bed either….very hard to break that habit. Love and Prayers for you all!
#52 Kai Hanchett
Congrats Nate and Olga. What a blessing to be able to enter into that new phase of parenting. My advice: Kids are like the ocean; dont turn your back on them for more than a second. Aloha
#53 Robert
Congrats guys!
Beautiful little guy!
Patience is the biggest key, that and the first 6 weeks or so is usually pretty tough because you’ll be sleep deprived for that whole time.
Nothing much better than being a dad. Here’s a virtual cigar, a bit late. ;)