Happy Birthday, Little Boy!

Nathan turned one year old today. Life this past year hasn't been easy. Nathan hasn't had the same experience as my other two children. I know James never heard me shout or freak out before he was one. Daphne too had a quiet more composed mother. Nathan is a real trooper for putting up with the stress and strain of a tired mom and dad, and two rambunctious siblings. I haven't always understood Nathan. I've had a hard time feeling like an intuitive mother with him. Nathan is his own person and we are slowly but surely figuring each other out.

All of my children are willful but Nathan possesses a determination that at times has driven me nuts. As I come to understand him better, I'm convinced he needed that extra determination to help him overcome a few of the challenges he faces. One of these days I'm going to video record Nathan pulling himself up on something. I'm in absolute awe of his strength and determination to move. It's amazing and I appreciate and respect him all the more because it's so challenging for him. At times I feel sorry that Nate is more of spectator than a participant at this point in his life. But those thoughts are fleeting and everyday when Nathan does something new I want to shout, "Bring it on Cerebral Palsy, we'll show you!"

Here's to a Happy First Birthday, my Boy, with more good times to follow!