Seven in a Snowstorm

This weekend was devoted to celebrating our sweet S's 7th birthday! (Ummm...when did he get so very big?!)

And while the snow kept him from having his "friend" birthday party, he didn't let that get in the way of his fun.

The boys made his birthday cake.

It turned out great!

He got presents from his grandparents. :)

N got to play in the snow for the first time!

The big kids enjoyed sledding out back.

S was thrilled to have new Pokemon cards.

We made a second "cake" for his actual birthday! (In his own words, today was "non-healthy.")

After church, we took him to Wegmans for a bagel and fruit (his favorites). Then we headed to Target where he carefully selected some Pokemon cards and a Hot Wheels to buy with some of his birthday money.

He settled down for the evening in his new football PJs, content with his day, and content with being seven. It's been quite a year for our not-so-little man. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder this fall, but rises to the challenges of this disorder daily. Most of us don't think twice about daily tasks such as washing our hair, holding a pencil, or sitting in a noisy classroom, but for him they are hurdles that require tremendous focus to overcome. And overcome he does on most days, inspiring me to also face life's mountains with the same determination and joy that define his personality. I love the way he jumps and hums when he's excited, and I love to listen as he recites football scores for every team from memory. I love that he loves everyone he meets (especially babies), and that while he cannot always tell how someone is feeling, he very much wants to find out. ("Mama, did that make you happy? Mama, are you sad?") And when he can no longer process the world around him and must retreat within himself, I love that he comes back to us quickly when wrapped in a soft blanket and his mother's arms.

And while I can hardly believe that the little content baby boy that smiled sweetly in his sleep from his first day on this earth is now a lanky 7-year old that stretches the length of the sofa, I am so grateful for every day that I am blessed to be his mama.