Hello Three

All the things you treasure most
will be the hardest won.
I will watch you struggle long
before the answers come.
But I won't make it harder,
I'll be there to cheer you on.
I'll shine the light that guides you down
The road you're walking on.

--"The One Who Knows" Dar Williams

I've always felt like The One Who Knows describes my feelings about being a mama. Tonight, as we celebrate the little dude's third birthday, this verse seems to sum up our journey this past year. One year ago, AJ had no words. None. He didn't even use his first sign until 2 weeks after his second birthday. We were three months into "speech coaching" and I wasn't sure anything would ever make AJ speak. I wondered and worried. I stressed and I shed tears. And I loved him. Fiercely.

Today, I lost track of the number of words the little dude used. I know my day started way too early with "Way up Mama PEEEEES!" and just a few minutes ago as part of our bedtime routine we did a little "Wheels on the Bus, Twinkle Twinkle, You are my Sunshine" medley. He's still behind his peers. He still struggles with his frustration level when he isn't understood (don't we all). We've uncovered some new issues along the way. He will receive therapy through the school district in the fall. We have worked HARD to get where we are. And I am so very proud. 

Happy 3rd Birthday, Anderson James Homburg. I am so lucky to be your mother. Thanks for teaching me something new every day. Here's to another year of adventures.