Aidan turns 3 years old!

Aidan turned 3 this week and it was the best birthday yet. He was so enthusiastic about opening presents, going to disneyland, and having everyone sing him happy birthday. We celebrated his birthday at disneyland and it was so much fun. I could post dozens of pictures of all the fun he had. It was wonderful to see Aidan so joyful and happy. He is a different child than last year. There is much more joy in his life and he is so aware of the world around him. It was daddy's idea to get him a drum set for his birthday. At first I was unsure, but it was the best gift for Aidan. He loved it. He played so well and was pleased when we would all applaud him. It was such a beautiful moment. I will never forget this birthday because I truly felt like I had my son completely present. He was connecting with all those around him and enjoying himself with his family and friends. I felt so happy to see this.

I am beginning to see the sweet spirit of Aidan truly come out. The spirit I always knew was there since I held him in my arms for the first time. It just went away for a little while.

I am finally getting my boy back! I adore him so much and nothing brings me more joy than to see him so happy! Happy Birthday Aidan! You are such an amazing blessing to this family. You have taught us so much and you have changed me as a person forever. When they placed you in my arms for the first time I felt the most euphoric sense of happiness. I knew you were going to make a difference in this world. I could have never imagined that this was how, but I know that the path God chooses for us isn't always an easy one. You Aidan have given me the courage to stand up for the truth and to have the strength to get you to where you are now. And where we are now is a great place to be!

2012 off to a great start!

This year began with a powerful start for Aidan. We went and saw Dr. Kartzinel last week and he was very excited to take Aidan as a patient. He has so much expertise in the field of autism and seems almost frustrated to see another child so young affected by this disease. His son is also autistic, so he knows first hand the struggles we go through as parents.

I asked him if he thinks Aidan would fully recover and he looked me in the eyes and said "no". This reply took me by surprise. He said "you will always notice the quirky things Aidan does even when to most he is indistinguishable from his peers". He also mentioned something else I had never thought of before. He said "how can you say someone is recovered when you have no idea what they would have been like before this ever happen to them". What he meant by that is unfortunately I will never know what Aidan would have been like if autism wouldn't have taken him. Will he be in an institution someday? Yes. We are thinking Harvard or Princeton. Will I always notice the quirky "autistic" behaviors? Yes, and that's OK.

Today we began the process of testing Aidan's feces and blood. He is still having some digestive issues poor guy. He was incredibly brave when they took SEVEN VIALS of blood! I was so proud of my little guy. I look forward to getting his lab results back so we can proceed in his treatment. Meanwhile Craig and I are continually encouraged by his improvement everyday. I have almost forgotten what our lives were like before we began treatment because Aidan is a different child. He is much happier and there is so much more joy in his life. I start my day with hope rather than sadness. I look forward to all the wonderful opportunities ahead for Aidan. He will be 3 years old next week and I feel we have a year head start to when most people even begin acknowledging their child's autism. Time is not on your side when you are dealing with autism. The sooner you help your child the better. I am so encouraged that already in one year we have come SOOOO far. I have so many people to thank for that. This has been a journey that has required funding, encouragement, support, prayers, and love. As Aidan turns 3, I reflect on all those that love us and him. For that I am always grateful. I am also grateful for the knowledge and courage of all the mothers before me who have paved the path for the rest of us. 2012 is off to a great start!