Yipee, Yipee, Someone's Three!

Brotherly love at 6 a.m.

 Today was Declan's third birthday. It was such a monumental day for so many reasons, and every birthday that comes for him brings so many emotions, but above all else, we are thankful. Thankful for all of the prayers that have been answered for this child, for all of the positive developments he continues to slowly make, and the laughter and fun he brings us regularly. While he has caused more than a lifetime's worth of worrying and difficulties, we couldn't imagine it any other way and we are just thankful that he gets to be a part of our lives.

We had his party yesterday, keeping it low key with just some family. This was perfect for Declan since he sometimes becomes overwhelmed with too many people and too many loud noises. He was more into opening the gifts than I thought he would be, but the paper was still definitely the more fun part of it. And yes, he wore a necklace--this was a recent new purchase to help with his oral sensory need, and they have been a lifesaver. For yesterday, though, we'll call them his party beads.

After the party, Callum got to play baseball with his Great-Papaw. It's not every kiddo that gets to play with a ninety-one year old!

 Declan got to swing, which is still one of his favorites. I think he was unimpressed by the lack of attention he was receiving at this point, though.

The best grandparents/great-grandparents!

 Today we spent a basic day relaxing. We would like to celebrate by taking Declan to the Children's Museum, but after the party yesterday, we decided to relax and celebrate that later. Declan didn't seem to mind getting to stay in his pj's all day.

The birthday boy

Official Squeaks Picture

His birthday definitely brings a range of emotions, as it always does, but this year is a bit more because it signifies the end of his early intervention services. We now have to sign him up for some outside services, which he definitely still needs. Also, on Tuesday, this tiny kiddo will officially start preschool at the local elementary! He will go two days a week in the afternoons I know he will love it--he loves being around others and is always nosy, so I'm hoping the other kids will push him to improve his abilities. On the other hand, changes always bring about filling out numerous forms, which is never easy to do, especially when some focus on development. We know he's come so far from the dark early days, but it sometimes doesn't make it any easier to check "no" for almost all basic milestones for his age. I just wish they had a choice for marking cuteness and stubbornness. He'd pass those easily!