And here we are...somehow, this 8 pound, 3 ounce baby we brought home (unknowingly with a life-limiting rare condition) is a big, strong 10 year old. A decade with this child. A decade being a parent. A full decade. No amount of time will ever be enough, but today we are so thankful for every single minute that composes this milestone birthday.
We've had a lot of fun this past month and having been busy finding our summer grove now that at-home schooling is over (hooray!) but the pandemic is not (boo!). Staying safe and socially distant while letting Little Buddy be active isn't the easiest summer schedule goal, but we're trying!
Walks with Daddy and the puppy have become a big part of Little Buddy's days. It gets him outside and gives him lots of exercise. He was especially excited to take his new shoes for a try out this month. Our store gave us a private appointment to help limit his exposure risk and we couldn't be more thankful!
New kicks!
He got a big surprise on one of his walks...he got to see his bus and his driver! Turns out that they have been running the buses a few times a week to keep them running well and the drivers have been driving their route in hopes of seeing their kiddos! Little Buddy was so happy to see her but then sad to see the bus go on without him. He really misses school!
Come back school bus!
No big plans for us for Memorial Day (still saying in our bubble to keep Little Buddy safe) but we had a good day as a family!
Home of the free because of the brave.
Finally, hip hip hooray, the school year is DONE (and so are the at-home school teachers...ay yi yi)! Bittersweet as this was his last year at his currently elementary school because the developmental program is moving to another elementary school for next year (after that, he'll move to middle school). We are so sad to be leaving the school and friend and staff that have loved and accepted him since kindergarten without a proper goodbye. We are fortunate though that his teachers and aides are moving with him, so that will help with the transition.
Fifth grade, here we come!
School being out gives us a bit more flexibility and freedom, but not as much as usual. With the pandemic still going strong in Texas, we have to get creative with our summer adventures. Science Camp, VBS, and Horse Therapy Camp were all cancelled. We are focusing on outdoor, socially distant activities as much as possible to fill our time.
Although some people think they'd rather be lazy in bed all day...ha! I wish!
Started off with our special needs swim lessons to keep our boys reflexes and skills strong! It was quite a workout during this week for him, but so worth it!
If we go early to the park by our library, it's empty and Little Buddy has lots of freedom to run before we go pick up our library books!
Although there's no riding, Little Buddy was thrilled to be able to go on a prayer/activity walk around his therapeutic ranch and see his beloved Roany!
Blueberry picking is great for walking around and then having enough blueberries to make jam later!
And, of course, our own backyard provides lots fun and enjoyment!
And, when we can, we FaceTime with our friends! Hi J!
And then the birthday fun began, early! We made a trip out to Mimi and Pop-Pop's to have an early celebration with them. It was a great weekend together.
Enjoying Mimi and Pop-Pop's pool!
Drive-thru safari adventures!
Ready for some cake!
And, of course, PRESENTS!!!
Soon, the big day came for real and we kissed our nine-year old goodnight for the last time.
Sleep tight baby boy! Tomorrow you wake up TEN!
Good morning, birthday boy!
So many surprises today! I will admit, we had big plans for the big 1-0 celebration, but the pandemic shut those plans (and everything else) down. It was hard because 10 is really something to celebrate in the Sanfilippo community and it we were a bit bummed we couldn't do something really big. But, as usual, our friends had our backs.
Balloon sculpture surprise on our lawn!
Surprise edible arrangement delivery!
Us being surprised by a giant birthday parade, which even included a fire truck!!!! How awesome!
Time for more cake!
Enjoying his presents!
And, of course, birthdays mean getting some gorgeous pictures with our favorite photographer, Ms. J!
Blessed to be together!
The handsomest birthday boy I ever did see!
The boys!
Momma and her Bubby.
Sibling squeezes!
These two, always on the move!
They do love each other!
WILLPower forever!
Celebrate every day!
Height and Weight
Our 10 year old is 88 pounds and 57 1/4 inches!
Such a silly head!
Personality
Still very happy and joyful. I'm really happy with how well he's doing in light of all the changes and chaos going on around him. I truly believe a lot of it has to do with giving him a routine and keeping him on it.
So many smiles lately!
Developmental Changes
Still very stable, something for which we have daily gratitude. he's doing well doing the learning time segments we do daily to keep him practicing and therapy is going well. We are happy we took the risk to allow therapy to continue during the pandemic; we hear of so many children going through regression right now as they get back to services and we know that we made the right decision for Little Buddy. It might be too hard for him to fully come back from a large regression. We are scheduled to start his new clinical trial next month and we hope that helps to keep him stable too!
Fun Tidbits
We got to watch some space history in the making as the first shuttle lift off since 2011 took 2 NASA astronauts up to the International Space Station!
Watching SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft launch!
At this time next month, we will have completed the first doses of Little Buddy's new clinical trial. Here's hoping for the best!
Good night,
LBM
Little Buddy's Momma
