Happy Birthday to Dominic

When I found out that I was pregnant at age 40, I considered it to be a miracle.  After Lauren was born in 1996, I had two miscarriages, so I kind of figured it wasn't in the cards for me to have any more children. Those first three months of my pregnancy to say I was stressed, would be an understatement. Since I had lost my two other pregnancies before the third month, I was pretty sure it would happen again. Once I made it into my fourth month, I rested a little easier.  Dominic decided to come about two weeks early.  Today is his ninth birthday and wouldn't you know it, he woke up early this morning at 4:30 a.m.!! Good thing I'm an "early bird!" At first I thought I was dreaming, because I heard talking. Then I was thinking, okay, maybe it was the paper delivery person and they had the radio on.  Nope, it was Dominic, already up with all the downstairs lights on.  When I went down to check out what he was doing, he had pulled out a bag of Chex Mix and was helping himself.  I gently directed him to a better breakfast selection!  Dominic definitely has his own personality.  Lately, he has been telling me, "hi mommy" like a minimum of about 25 times a day.  He will keep saying it until I say hi back :) Dominic has also been administering lots of hugs and kisses to all of us here, as well as one of his teachers at summer school!  He is such a sweet and loving little guy.  We are so blessed and lucky that we have so many people that love and support us.  It means so much to me and our entire family.  I hope that through my blog posts you have gotten to know him (as well as the rest of us).  Every day is different with Dominic.  Sure, there have been many challenges in the past and I know there will be more in the future, but don't all children special needs or not, have struggles from time to time??  Whenever I feel just a teeny bit sorry for myself about Dominic having Autism, I think back to what one of his teachers (Miss "M"), told me when he first started school.  It is something I have never forgot and I don't think I ever will. She told me, "focus on what your child can do, not on what they can't."  She is a wise, wise woman and a gifted and talented teacher.  Miss "M" is also an awesome mom!!  We have been bugging Dominic about what he wants for his birthday all week.  He says, "cake with candles!" Easy to please, huh?  Dominic is all about the cake, ice cream and candles :)  Happy Birthday to my dear, sweet and awesome son.  Mommy loves you very much!