In just 5 short hours my sweet big kid will be 11 years old. I'm not sure how this has happened. I still remember the doctors coming in and inducing me because my water had been broke for 7 days. I remember telling them "wait I still have almost 5 weeks left". NOPE the time was now. Jadon arrived into this world completely blue. He did not make a sound when he was born. I still remember looking around, trying to read the faces of the doctors and nurses as they worked on him. They finally let me hold him for a few short minutes and off he went to the NICU. The next time I would see him he had a machine breathing for him. At that moment in my life it was the scariest thing I had ever been through.
For 11 years I have watched this tiny little boy grow into this amazing little man. The best big brother. I find that tonight the tears flow. They flow because he has overcome so much. Years of ER visits, hospital admissions, many doctors appointments. Many nights filled with breathing treatments, many nights I would lay next to him just watching his chest rise and fall. Many nights in the hospital watching his O2 numbers.
As the years go by there are far less all nighters, doctors appointments, and ER visits. The diagnosis of ADHD. The years of OT and struggling socially, all of which is beginning to fade . He has learned triggers and how to catch things early and he plays a very active role in his own health. He is making friends and connections with kids his age. He doesn't need me nearly as much as he did. In a sense I hate it but then I stop myself and remind myself that this is what a prayed for when he was little. I worried so much about him and and how things would be in the future for him. Although its not perfect he is coming so far over the last 6 months. It make me feel a *little* better as he is about to embark onto middle school.
He is smart, funny, intuitive. He is an amazing big brother and big cousin. If I'm running late home from work he texts me to make sure I'm okay. He is full of heart.
I cant believe he is 11 years old. Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!
A very happy birthday to your sweet Jadon. I'm thinkin' of you mama- how far you both- you all have come!!
Lauren
Happy birthday to Jadon! Sounds like he has overcome a lot and has a huge heart! What a cutie! :)
Happy birthday to Jadon! Wow, 11 years old already?! It is crazy how time really does fly by. I am hoping that the transition to middle school goes well for all and that he has a great school year. I love those earlier pics to see how far they've come, how much they've grown.
Hugs,
Lindsay