Myles turns 6!

Happy birthday, Myles-Man! You are 6! In some ways it feels like time is zipping by, but at the same time it's hard for me to remember what life was like before you... who I was before you, the one who made me a momma. You have come so far from your first days as a tiny 5 pound baby boy in the NICU, and although the day to day progress can feel slow, we are immensely proud of how hard you've worked to be who you are today.

 

You have so many amazing qualities about you. You are compassionate, loving, friendly, persistent,  independent, smart, and much more. It's hard to articulate what it's like to be your mom. The most important thing is that you are such a joy and we wouldn't trade you for the world. But from you I am also learning that I can simultaneously be joy filled, and overwhelmed, and frustrated, and feel completely inadequate. There are so, so many things I wish I could make easier for you in this world that is not always forgiving to those that learn differently, those that experience life differently than most. 

But you, Myles, you love your life. Despite your challenges, despite having to work so hard for what comes so easily to others, you wake up every morning (very early!) with a smile on your face and ready to tackle another day. You're not always happy, as is often the (mistaken) stereotype of those with Down syndrome, but in your being, you are tender and loving. You love it most when our whole family is together, and you adore your siblings. 

We hope you have a fabulous birthday, you deserve it. Thank you for being an amazing part of our family! We are all better because of you.