Happy Eighteen Months Sweet Dashton Bleu! It is so hard to believe you are a year and a half and quickly turning into a toddler before my eyes! Time truly moves at a pace I wish I could slow down...especially after you were born! There are days where I feel like you were born yesterday and I want to rewind Time to those sleepless nights where you and I were cuddled up and all was simple; yet I wouldn't trade our Journey for the World. You have been the sweetest little man from the moment you arrived; however, your patience can run thin...an attribute for which I must adjust yet can relate. As you approached your First Birthday, Daddy and I wondered why it was that you hadn't begun to crawl...We weren't concerned until we met with your then doctor. Prior to even watching you move, based strictly from conversation, she "diagnosed" you with Muscular Dystrophy. This broke my heart, as I had been pushing away my own nagging concerns regarding your development. After the appointment, I felt defeated and confused. I turned to many loved ones and friends for support and they all said the same thing...that you were only a year old- and it was far too early to make these assumptions. The doctor recommended for you to be placed with Tennessee's Early Intervention System (TEIS), and in hindsight, her "diagnosis", although overwhelming on my heart, proved to be the best thing that happened! Two months later, it was determined you had a slight gross motor delay and physical therapy was prescribed. Your Daddy and I were thrilled that our family was gifted this opportunity to help you develop and reach the ultimate goal of Walking. Mr. Nate entered our World and it was a rough start at first...you had to learn to trust him! After a few sessions, we began to see progress and your affection growing toward your loving and kind therapist! Long story short, here we are...on your 18 Month Birthday and you have done it!! You are officially WALKING!! You began taking unassisted steps about five days ago, and each day you take more and more! I cannot begin to tell you how my heart is swollen with pride and relief that you, our baby boy, has reached this goal! I now know that God was just letting you be "our baby" a little while longer! Your verbal skills are accelerated and we've known this for some time- you vocabulary spans well over 50 words and you show interest in saying new words daily! Our little Communicator! You have also recently begun to show a new level of Affection...you can't give enough hugs, kisses, and cuddles; and believe me- all who know and love you are more than willing to accept! I'm convinced your smile is Sunshine from Heaven...true perfection! I am so thankful for the gift of YOU...Our Sweetest Littlest Baby!! Sky's the Limit My Dashton Bleu...No matter what Life's obstacles may bring, I will ALWAYS be here to remind you of this!!
Love Love Love...You You YOU!!!
~ Mommy
