Happy 5th Birthday

Two years ago a little girl stood in front of a milk based cake covered with milk chocolate M+M's. You had carefully chosen every aspect of that Mickey Mouse cake and were vibrating with excitement at the thought of eating it. We fed you a taco bar with cheese and spent our time taking pictures at angles that didn't show the bald spots in your hair. You didn't make eye contact with your guests and shied away from hugging your family, who just wanted to show their love in the best way that they knew how. Although I cannot seem to find the picture, the one of your peering over your cake, waiting for it to be cut, remains permanently etched in my mind for many reasons.

This picture sums up our experience. You are standing in front of something that was tearing your insides apart, which we fed you because we didn't know any better.  But, because you went through that day, we were able to begin figuring out what was going on. We were able to begin the journey we needed to be on. We were able to ditch that lousy GI doctor, go with Dr. Colton's advice and watch you begin to thrive. Seven doctors, two IEP's and countless hours of therapies later, you are now turning 5. This weekend's party will be much different from that day. It will be milk free and completely "Sophie friendly." You will be able to handle hugs and talking to the countless relatives who love listening to your stories. If we are lucky, you might even perform an Irish dance for us! 

This has been a big year for you. You have come so far and I couldn't be prouder. You have faced every challenge and succeeded and we love you for who you are and who you are becoming. You will always face challenges that a neuro-typical child will not have to master but with the tools you have learned this year and continue to learn, I know you will thrive. I hope you don't mind that I share our journey with the world. Somewhere there is a little girl or boy is facing the same challenges and I hope that our words can help give their life peace and hope. Happy Birthday my love. I can't wait to see what you do next.