THE PERFECT GIFT

This picture makes my heart happy.

This is Colin and Teri, his BCaBA. Rumor has it that after they cuddled cheek to cheek and looked out the window, he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

This is part of his school day, and I'm so thankful for all of these people. We are so blessed to have this amazing team of people as part of our tribe. He loves his school too - he grabbed his back pack and was ready to go to school before I even said it was time to go today.

I've been looking back on 2018. He's come such a long way.

He said his first word.
He started using his AAC device.
He is following directions.
He is matching pictures.
He is receptively identifying pictures.
He is labeling pictures with his device.
He is verbally imitating words.
He is sleeping through the night, initiating more, even doing some chores.

Every Christmas season, I try really hard to find the perfect gifts for my kids. To find those things that will make them smile and bring joy.

This picture represents everything that I wanted for Colin this year.

Last Christmas, I just wanted to hear his sweet voice. I got to hear that first word in January.

I wanted him to communicate with me. He started using his device in March.

I wanted to get him the help that needed in order to give him his best chance. I wanted to surround him with people who believed in him just as much as I do. I am forever thankful for all that Teri (and the rest of his amazing team) has done for him and our family.

He might not know it yet, but they have given him the best gift ever: teaching him how to learn, accepting him as he is, acknowledging all that he has the potential to be, and loving him for the perfect little boy that he is.

Originally posted on my blog: www.theslpmom.com