Happy 9th Birthday!

One of my favorite aspects of Facebook is the Memories feature, reminding me of what was shared in past years. I chuckled today when I was reminded of AJ's first impression when he met his baby brother Teddy, "Uh oh." I think AJ accurately predicted life with Teddy before any of us knew any different. 

AJ predicted the future with Teddy.

It's been a wild ride with Teddy, living with the unpredictability and never-ending fear of terrifying seizures, a whole team of specialists including therapists who've worked with him now for 8 of his 9 years, more doctor's visits than I can count, 3 surgeries including one that lasted 7 hours and involved a neurosurgeon, 2 ambulance rides, one ICU stay and God only knows how many concussions. (Seriously, he's never been diagnosed with any, but I'm sure God knows how many he's had because I'm certain he's been concussed.)

Teddy's always up for adventure.

Life with Teddy is not what we imagined, yet we're blessed beyond measure. He lives life in the moment, wants to share the things that bring him happiness and radiates joy. He's changed so many lives, including ours, for the better. He's opened the doors to a world we never knew with other PIGN-CDG families, myTEAM Triumph, I Run 4, SibShop and Miracle League to name a few. There's a whole community that makes his life, and ours, better and more enriching. And he makes our community better by being himself, breaking barriers and preconceived notions about people with disabilities as he makes friends throughout his adventures. He's brought incredible childcare providers into our lives, who've truly become like family to us.

Just another ordinary moment for this extraordinary boy.

Life with Teddy isn't simple, but he gives us the opportunity to embrace the simple things, to be present and just be happy with him. What a gift!

Let's see how many more years this can happen. ;-)

Happy birthday to one of the weirdest, bravest, most determined and joyful people in the world! I'm so lucky you're mine (and that we have a good support system because I'd fail miserably on my own with you. You're definitely one who exemplifies the saying, "It takes a village.")