On the eve of your 7th birthday I have to let you know how proud I am of you and reflect on the past seven years with you in our lives.
We prayed and prayed for a baby, so when we finally found out we were expecting you we were ecstatic! We prepped everything for your arrival in the months leading up to your birth. We decorated your nursery, bought you clothes, and wondered a lot about what you would look like, what your voice would sound like, and what type of personality you would have. Those nine months flew by and you and God decided you wanted to surprise us a little early.. two weeks before your "due date" you let it be known that you were on your way and into our arms.. 14 1/2 hours later your daddy helped deliver you and placed you on my chest, the BEST feeling ever. Your daddy and I could not be any happier at that moment.
We knew you were a fighter and something special from the very beginning. You brought us to our knees more than any other time in our lives, and you still do. From starting intensive therapies at just 2 1/2 years old and still going strong at 7 years old, you are one determined hard worker. You lost all of your skills just shy of your 2nd birthday and through the years you have worked so hard to gain them back. I often times wonder what its like to be you. I wonder what is going on in your mind, you can think of some pretty amazing concoctions, I just know you will be a chef some day!
While I know you try your hardest to identify me as your mama and tell me "hi mom" I can see by your smile that you love me and know I am your mama. Your daddy and I pray all the time that you will one day be able to speak, we know God has big big plans for you. Lately you have been doing well at writing your letters, hopefully one day you can write to us! Can I just say how excited I am for that day?!
I feel like I get to know you a little more each day, a new little piece of you comes out and I LOVE IT! There is absolutely no one like you in this world Eli. Your family, friends, and therapists love you so much, especially your brothers. The enthusiasm you have for life and perseverance despite any challenges that you face on a daily basis is inspiring. You always manage to have a smile on your face every day.
I never imagined this is what your life would look like, I never imagined 7 years ago that you would have to work so hard in life just to be able to function and use a tablet to try and communicate your wants and needs. You have come so far and I can't wait to see what your future holds. Every day is truly a gift of adventures with you and I could not be more proud to be your mama!
