My Baby Will Be 16

My sweet baby boy is turning 16 years old on Sunday!

Colton was born on August 4th.

I had been in labor for two entire weeks.

I went into labor at 30 weeks and was on hospital stay for the next two weeks.

While I had a 4 year old, 2 year old and 1 year old - who was in and out of the hospital.

My parents took care of the three oldest while I was hospitalized.

I was so uncomfortable. Tired.

I was about to give birth for the fourth time in four years.

I was on medication to stop the labor, and had been given two thick-as-peanut-freaking-butter steroid shots to take care of his lungs.

I was not at all afraid of any temporary health issues with him being premature because I already had home health and nursing for Kaydon.

But, 16 years ago a 32 week baby was still very scary and full of unknown. 

My doctor decided to take him by c-section since just 12 months earlier I had an emergency c-section with Kaydon.

Colton was beautiful from the beginning.

He was in the NICU for three weeks to get feeding a body temperature regulation under control.

NICU parents know how traumatizing that can be.

Going to the hospital every day while healing from a c-section, while I have three babies at home, is so hard and so draining.

But, so worth it.

He was my smallest babe.

Just the sweetest little thing.

It was pretty early on that I realized something was "off." 

Everyone told me that it was all due to the early delivery.

My mama instincts told me different.

Colton was special in so many ways.

In fourth grade, after so many mis-diagnosis, he was finally properly diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and numerous learning disabilities.

Colton lives in a different world than the rest of us. 

It's a world that I wish we all lived in.

He is happy, kind, empathetic, compassionate, REAL, honest, funny as fetch, and loves his mama.

He doesn't see bad in people or things and that can be a huge trial for him.

The adventures we have had with our Colton are uncountable.

He truly is the greatest blessing.

To know Colton is to LOVE life!!

If Colton hugs you, or allows you to hug him, you're in!

He misses Jackson a lot.

He misses P a lot.

He loves Gus and Doby.

He LOVES horses, especially Wasabi.

He loves movies and games and sitting and talking to grownups, like he is one!

He loves to give mama loves and hugs.

He loves his cousins.

He loves his family.

He wants so badly to drive... we are still working on how to do that one.

He starts high school this year and this mama heart is very worried.

Prayers for this boy of mine are always welcome.

Happy, happy birthday Boogie Boy.

Mama is so proud of you!