Happy Birthday, Alex!

Look who turned SEVEN today!
Alex has been patiently waiting for this day - HIS day!
He is such a happy and cheerful little boy.
He is my littlest hero, because he is overcoming more than most of us have to.
You may not be familiar with Alex's journey, but it has not been an easy one for him, as he struggled with illnesses and ultimately disabilities from the get-go. And still does.
And he is conquering his special world with his head held high.
Yes, he gets frustrated with his limitations, but a lot less than I would.
Yes, parenting him requires a lot of patience. A lot (that's where GRACE comes in).
I had to learn that "his spirit is whole, his body is only temporary" (from the poem "When God says 'No')
We have met wonderful people who have come alongside us to help him grow - teachers, therapists, family and friends...
And now he is seven, and we would never in our wildest dreams have expected him to come as far as he has.
The "funny" ( read: divine intervention!) thing is that it was his disabilities that opened our hearts to adopting our Special needs daughter. It just amazes me how God takes things that are hard to understand, and that don't make sense, and turns them around to use them for his glory!
What a tender God we have!

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This was our first Easter with Alex, he was about three months old at that time

This scenario was to become quite familiar to us. This was his second hospitalization already at only 6 weeks old (not counting his birth), this particular time was because of RSV with croup.

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Now on to his birthday pictures....

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He was sooo happy this morning!

And, although blurry, it shows Miss Cranky pants's unhappiness over someone else having a birthday :-)))))

Alex's wished for Sheriff cake! (Who came up with a 7 pointed star, if I may ask?? I had to borrow Nico's calipers to draw one ;-)

And his very, very favorite thing to do: Playing Wii. Just a few weeks ago, we had to come up with a ticket plan to control all the "E-consumption" at our house. So, for his birthday, he got 7 extra tickets to use. I think that was his favorite present! :-))

Even Midnight, our kitty, wanted to be part of the celebration, but she stayed in a safe place :-) This picture is especially for Big'e Anja :-))))))

1/18 And I just HAVE to add this: 

Alex brought home his report card today, and it brings tears to my eyes just like every other time. Today's comment from his teacher read: "Alex is reading at grade level at this time! I am so proud of him! Alex works very hard at school, and I know that you practice a lot at home, as well. All of that hard work has paid off! Alex has also shown great improvement in following school rules, both in class and at lunch and recess. Way to go, Alex! Keep up the great work!"

(And this is the report on a boy who was unable to say "Mama" until he was almost 4 years old!!)

With our 2 older ones, report cards were (and still are) just a pleasant formality. They both have been blessed with smart little brains. However, to see Alex progress through the school year, usually starting at the low point and gradually achieving the grade goals, is so much more meaningful. Through frustration, tears, setbacks and hard work we see him succeed. May God continue to pour his blessings on this little guy!