Sweet 16!

Wow! Where did "Baby Ayden" go? So much growth and maturity. He can pick me up, and hold me. He can have real conversations. He knows what he wants and advocates for himself, like asking for a new phone often. He even takes the trash out without asking, does your teenager do that? 

That night, after the stroke, when the encephalitis had a hold of him and the reality of just how bad he was set in, I prayed for 5 years...Why? 5 who knows. My own foolishness thinking I could make a deal with God. He already had a plan. He already knew how much happiness Ayden would bring to this world. He knew there were just some people that needed Bubba in their lives, even more than he needed them. I just remember saying I wasn't ready to let go yet. I really didn't know what his life would look like, but if you know me, you know I never imagined this. He is a teenager, he stays after school for practice, teases with his friends, and he just got fitted for his letterman jacket. He is just so independent, when I drop him off at the HS he doesn't want me to walk in and if I do he makes sure I know that I can leave as soon as possible. So much teenager, but still my boy in so many ways.

I don't think he will ever outgrow birthday parties. We had his family party Saturday complete with a taco cake from the display case at Meijer. He has had his eye on it forever and he was so excited to pick it out and bring it home. We had the perfect weather for him to enjoy his new swing outside. At 5'11" he was getting a bit too dangerous swinging in his old one so he has a big red bench now...BUT he isn't interested in sharing in to be clear, ha! Tonight, is "Mexican with the robot!" We will celebrate his real birthday with dinner at his new favorite place to eat. 

Health...He is good. Have we seen some seizures like stuff recently, a bit. He is growing, he is working muscles afterschool, and he is being challenged at school. With all this change some electrical discharge is expected I think, but we will check in w/Neuro in Feb. just to be safe.

We are happy and blessed. He is 16!!! I know the next few years will bring some tough decisions and plans, but they now will be filled with some real high school memories too. We will be busy, but we are trying to soak up all the opportunities while we can.

Happy Birthday Bubba George! ❤️🧁🌮