From Age 4 to 5 - Our Year in Review

Today my son turns 5.

In the blink of an eye, another year has passed. New lessons learned, new challenges, and a whole lot of love.

I am so proud of the progress J has made in the last year. He started his second year of preschool, and he has been working on mastering writing his name. He knows all of the alphabet, and he is learning to tell time – just to name a few things.

We can have full conversations now, which is something I love. Especially when there was a time I worried he would never be able to verbally communicate with us.

He has grown so much in his role as a big brother. He loves to help with certain tasks for his brother, and watching them play (and fight – like typical brothers) is something I didn’t realize could make my heart so full… maybe not so much the fighting… haha!

They have started to develop their own little language between each other, and it is so fun to watch. Even though we can’t understand what they are saying, they know exactly what the other means. I hope this is a testament to the bond they will have as they both grow older.

We have had our small victories that most people probably don’t notice, and we celebrate every single one.

I watch him, and I wonder every day how his brain works, what he thinks about things, and how he interprets the world. I have no doubt he will do great things in his life.

Not everything has been easy going. We have had our share of challenges, a new diagnosis, and moments where I thought I couldn’t handle it anymore.

The meltdowns aren’t as frequent; however, they are a little more intense the older he gets. Eating is becoming more of a struggle, and the number of things he will eat is decreasing. Potty training proves to be a work in progress.

One of his current favorites is Monster Jam. We have about 80 trucks currently, and I am always on the hunt for new ones. Of course, we have tracks and ramps to go along with them, and I try to find creative ways to build a ramp or a jump whenever the boys ask. J can name trucks and stunts before we even know what they are. He loves to create “replays,” as I like to call them, of stunts he sees in the videos we watch. He has such a bright imagination.

A few things I have learned this year:

Progress is progress – no matter how small.

Autism birthdays don’t have to look like everyone else’s to be special.

And my child (and our family) do not need to change who he is to be worthy of celebration.

Today we will celebrate him exactly as he is and exactly who he is meant to be. With French fries and “chicky” nuggets, because I’m sure that will be the request.

Happy 5th Birthday, my sweet son. You made me a mommy, and I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming. I love you with my heart and soul.

Never, ever change who you are.

Love,

Mommy