08/03/2026
I don’t typically share much about my personal life. I usually try to keep my business page focused on events and celebrations, but this milestone is simply too special not to share.
On July 23, 2026, our little buckaroo, Hudson, turned ONE! On August 1, he had his 1st Rodeo, surrounded by the people who love him most.
We celebrated with a small gathering including his grandparents (Donna, Scott, Jo Jo, and Ty), Aunt DD, Uncle Ben, Aunt Amanda, Uncle Andrew, cousins Nora and Parker, and one of his nurses that takes care of him daily Brittany and of course his amazing parents, Allan-Michael and Rebecca, along with his big sister, Zariah.
We would have loved to celebrate Hudson’s first birthday with a big party surrounded by all of our family and friends. However, because of his health and everything his little body has been through, we chose to keep this celebration small. We know there are so many family members and friends who haven’t had the chance to meet him yet but already love him so much. Our hope and prayer is that he continues to grow stronger and healthier every day, and that in the years to come we’ll be able to celebrate many big birthdays with everyone who has been cheering him on throughout his journey.
Many of you may not know Hudson’s story.
In March 2025, my son Allan-Michael and his wife, Rebecca, shared the exciting news that they were expecting twins. From the very beginning, every doctor’s appointment came with uncertainty and worry.
On July 22, 2025, Rebecca went in for what was supposed to be a routine doctor’s appointment, but she was immediately sent to the hospital for monitoring. In the early morning hours of July 23, the doctors made the difficult decision that an emergency C-section was the boys’ best chance at survival.
Hudson was born weighing just 1 pound, 13 ounces, measuring 12.8 inches long. His twin brother, Oliver, weighed only 14 ounces and measured 10 inches long.
The boys fought hard through their first 24 hours, but shortly afterward, our world changed forever. We were told that Oliver was no longer responding to treatment and that there was nothing more the doctors could do. Around 2:30 that afternoon, Oliver gained his wings and went home to be with the Lord.
While our hearts were grieving the unimaginable loss of Oliver, Hudson’s fight was only beginning.
Hudson spent 169 days in the NICU—first at Aultman Hospital from July 23 through September 1, and then at Akron Children’s Hospital from September 1 until January 7, 2026.
The day he finally came home was filled with overwhelming joy, but also many unknowns. He came home on oxygen and with a feeding tube, and we knew his journey was far from over.
Over the past year, Hudson has amazed us every single day. He continues to grow stronger, overcome obstacle after obstacle, and prove just how much of a fighter he truly is.
Today, at one year old, Hudson weighs 14 pounds, wears 3–6 month clothing, is off oxygen during the day, has mastered rolling over, and continues to hit milestones at his own pace. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.
At Designs by Jo Jo’s Creations, our tagline is “Celebrating Life’s Greatest Moments.” Every graduation, birthday, wedding, baby shower, and anniversary we decorate is a reminder that life is precious.
This celebration was different.
This wasn’t just a first birthday.
It wasn’t just Hudson’s 1st Rodeo.
It was a celebration of resilience.
A celebration of hope.
A celebration of answered prayers.
A celebration of the incredible doctors, nurses, and medical teams who cared for Hudson.
A celebration of the family and friends who stood beside us through every high and low.
And most of all, a celebration of a little boy who continues to inspire everyone who knows him.
Happy 1st Birthday, Hudson. 💙
You are our miracle. Your journey has reminded us all to never take a single moment for granted. We love you beyond words, and we know your twin brother, Oliver, is celebrating right alongside you from Heaven. 🤍
Happy 1st Heavenly Birthday, Oliver. 🤍
Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you. We love you, we miss you every single day, and you will forever be a part of our family and every milestone we celebrate. We know you’re watching over your little brother, and we’ll continue to honor your memory always.
Here’s to many more birthdays, many more milestones, and a future filled with health, happiness, and countless reasons to celebrate.
Because if anyone has earned a celebration…it’s you, our little buckaroo. 🤠💙
And as we celebrate Hudson’s milestones here on Earth, we also celebrate Oliver’s life in our hearts. One twin in our arms, one forever in our hearts, but both forever loved.
