HAPPY BIRTHDAY C.M.R. - You are the bestest!!

So let's talk about how fabulous my kid is. Yesterday was his 14^th birthday! Ok, well, what's the big deal about turning 14 you may ask? For Colby, it's a huge, fabulous, over-the-top big deal. You see, when Colby was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I when he was 4 months old, we were told he would probably die when he was between 18-24 months old. That is a horrific statistic to hear about your sweet baby boy. I was determined from the day we received his diagnosis that I would give Colby a fighting chance at a decent life. And not to pat myself on the back or anything, I've done a damn good job. With an enormous amount of help from other SMA families, specialists at Cincinnati Children's, therapists here locally, the most supportive family and friends ever, and a whole lot of determination on Colby's part, too, of course. I'm very proud of Colby. He's a fighter. He has made it through surgeries and illnesses that most of us will never have to worry about enduring. And through it all, he has kept a sweet, funny, stubborn personality that makes me laugh and cry at the same time sometimes. I know I gripe a lot about nursing, not getting the supplies we need for Colby, and other day-to-day frustrations that come along with his care. But I wouldn't trade it, no freaking way. I treasure every moment I have with him, even when he's being a typical eye-rolling, extremely stubborn teenager. I love him so much. I hope to have another 14+ years with him.

We're celebrating his birthday in a couple of different ways. We didn't get to do anything yesterday specifically but have done some other stuff lately. He went bowling with his St X buddies a couple of weeks ago. They are so good with Colby! I'm so happy they have stayed in touch. Nurse David and I took Colby to see TMNT2 last week. Colby really liked the movie. We go to Cincy Monday night for Colby's sleep study. Super yuck! But he hasn't had one in 5 years, so he's due. Then Tuesday while we're up there Grandpa, Colby and I are going to the Newport Aquarium. And, at a date to be determined in the near future, we'll have family and friends over for cake and ice cream. It was originally scheduled for tomorrow. But due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to cancel and reschedule. More about that later. Today he has pet therapy. Every time Luna comes to visit, she makes me want to get a dog for Colby. Then I see all those funny pics on Facebook where dogs do something horrible and/or disgusting and the owner puts a sign around the dog's neck and takes a pic. That's all I need around here, a trash-eating, poop-rolling, eat-anything dog screwing up my life. So for now, we'll just visit with Luna every other Saturday until I completely lose my mind and get Colby a dog.

THANK YOU to everyone who sent a text to Colby or wished him happy birthday on Facebook. I've made sure he's read all of them. Hopefully that child understands just how much he is loved by so many people. Here are a couple of recent pics. I forgot to post the one on July 4^th - the little pyromaniac! I was worried he would be scared to have fireworks that close to him, but he was all boy and loved them. Next year we're going to Grandma and Grandpa Kenny's for fireworks. They have a bigger, safer back yard than we do. The other pic is from Thursday night, his last day of being a 13 year old. Look at that sweet face! Happy 14^th Birthday, Colby Michael. You are my amazing, strong, funny, stubborn, sweet boy and I am so very lucky to be your mama!!

Pyromania!!

Tomorrow I turn 14! Look out world!