Featuring our newest nephew JUDE!

3 month old Jude couldn't stand it that he hadn't seen his daddy's family since he was a newborn. So he packed his bags, grabbed his mom and dad and boarded a plane bound for the drastically cold Chicago. He knew that there would be snow on the ground and that it would be a huge difference in weather compared to the warm temperatures he was used to in Sunny Florida, but he also knew that it would worth it.

Don't get me wrong, his mommy's family lives close by his home and they shower him with love and attention and everything a baby could ask for, but he knew that if he was getting that much love from them at home that finding daddy's family would give him double the love, double the attention, and double family.

He was so happy to play with Aunt Reese. She underestimated his well being months ago when they saw each other at the farm in Georgia at Thanksgiving. Aunt Reese was under the impression that passing him around too much could make him sick or uncomfortable and since there were over 20 people there, she decided to hold back and see him from a distance. Baby Jude understood how she felt, but when he held Aunt Reese for the first time it was like no time had passed at all and we had known each other since day one. Aunt Reese couldn't stop telling baby Jude how much he looked like her first born son Karston, but he didn't mind because his cousin is one good looking guy. Baby Jude and Aunt Reese laughed and played together and he knew that she was going be an asset to him when he could start using his nephew powers to get what he wanted.

Baby Jude also got the chance to play with his Uncle Heath. He loved how his Uncle seemed to get on his level and play like he was 3months old too. Most people probably won't ever see this guy the same way that he does, he is like a big, silly, teddy bear that you just can't help but laugh with. Between the zoom zooms and the cheek jiggles, Jude knew that Uncle Heath is going to make sure that his life is full of fun and laughter while he grows.

Jude was also looking forward to being with his cousins while in Chicago. He made a real connection with his cousin Alyssa. The energy she had was remarkable and he watched as she seemed to flutter around the room and then always return to give him hugs and kisses. She loved his toys and made sure that he knew where they were when he needed them. Thanks to Alyssa, there was no way the family could forget the strollers on the day that we went into the big city. She was constantly looking out for him and making sure that he was happy.


She even tried to teach him some fun games like patty cake...

While Jude knew that the snow and the cold would be totally undesirable....

He also knew that he would get to spend sometime in the loving arms of his "Moni" and that would make the whole trip worth it. There's no bond like the bond of a boy and his grandmother and Jude has some very special grandmothers in his life, even if they are both very young for being grandmothers. Jude spent all the time he could get holding his Moni and bonding with her. Even when the rest of the family got competitive and tried to take each other's money in Monopoly, he was thankful to be holding his Moni and snuggling while they rested together.

Jude also held his Papa quite a few times during the trip, but he knew that this would be a special relationship and wanted to keep it very private. No pictures of him and Papa this time, he just wanted to get to know this man that ALL the cousins are drawn to in their early years. Jude tried so many times to talk with Papa, but talking can be very frustrating when you are only 3months old. He watched as his other cousins would play and tease his Papa and knew that this guy will be one to watch out for in the coming months and years.

All in all it was a great trip and Jude got the Goodson fix he really needed. After a few short days it was time to go back home to the warmth of his own house in Florida, but there is no denying he will hold these family members close to his heart while they are far away from each other. Until then he will be planning and getting ready for another Goodson family experience when the weather warms up. He is also looking forward to his Uncle Seth, Aunt Tarah and cousin Jericho being there the next time so that he can get the full experience of getting to know his daddy's quirky and loving family.