Happy Birthday Brewer

     Happy Birthday to Brewer!! We had such a great time celebrating Brewer's birthday this year!! On his birthday we just had a little cupcake for him and Boyd and let him blow out two candles. He loved it and I think the pictures can do the rest of the talking. A few days later we had some friends over to sing happy birthday and open a couple of presents. He was into it. He knew the party was for him, blew out the candles and had a blast opening presents. We all had fun watching him enjoy it all.

     Brewer's birthday seemed to sneak up on us this year. It may have been because we have been busy since the beginning of the holidays, always looking forward the next holiday or adventure and combined with helping at the shop. It also could be because Brewer's 2nd year of life was a thousand times more enjoyable. Sure he's still little and can't communicate, is miserable when he teethes and is the worst mommas boy ever, but in general he is a very happy and content kid. The past summer we took every opportunity to make a memory, never having a quiet weekend home. It was a amazing and something we weren't able to do the year before. This past year we traveled a bit more and Brewer puts up with his carseat more and more. Really we have just felt like a normal family. Of course there are still some things that we have to do that aren't entirely normal, like give meds twice a day every day, measure his oxygen and be obsessive about germs, but we do feel normal. And that feeling has been pretty amazing. We have felt so much joy. To me that's what it's all about. JOY. And for that we are very grateful to be able to feel so much and have a calm phase. We hope it continues on for a while before we hit any bumps. Now that Brewer is two we know that there is another surgery that looms in the near future. It could happen any time between now and when he's four. However, my prediction is that it will happen when he's three-and-a-half. But let's not think about that and continue to dwell on the good and how well Brewer has done. 

     Next week we'll have his two-year check up and  I will update this with his growth and measurements. Developmentally Brewer is doing really well. He only struggles with his speech, only knowing a handful of words: Mom, Dad, Bub (Boyd), Done,  Yeah, which is turning into Yeash, Night-night, Bye-bye and Bubble. We are working with an awesome speech therapist, not because we're worried about him, but that we would like the speech to come as soon as possible. It's helpful to be able to communicate. Even though he might not be able to talk to us, he can communicate and understand EVERYTHING. He really is such a smart kid. He can concentrate and pay attention to detail. He loves to draw and color. And he loves puzzles. He can do a three or four piece puzzle by himself, turning the pieces around until they fit. It is pretty impressive. Brewer is finally sleeping better through the night, but usually never quite through the whole thing. We feel accomplished that he's sleeping as much as he is, but getting him to sleep all night is the next step. I'm really looking forward to that. =) We can't wait to see how he continues to grow over the next year. Even though some people call this phase "the terrible twos" I really do love this age. Don't grow up too fast lionheart! We love you!!