Bald Eagles Make Me Smile.

Ok, I know you are probably all growing tired of hearing about Blake's achievements....but when something inspires me, I marvel at it and continue to watch it, praise it and soak it all in.  Now, in all fairness, I do this with everything that inspires, the Colorado Mountains, big snow storms, babies, animals, my faith....  It isn't because I think he is the most special, or most talented, or best 5 year old in the world.  No, really...I don't.  I do however think he is a wonderful, amazing boy that I have been blessed to parent and I am CONFIDENT this kid taught me WAY more about being a parent than I ever could have imagined!  

The joy I am getting right now from Blake is far more than the joy I get from his small achievements (his writing, his drawing, his improved behavior).  You see, for a long time these have been HUGE struggles for us.  Dealing with Blake at 3 years old was probably one of the most difficult times in my life.  Some of you, got the "opportunity" to witness one of our many, many, many, goodness me, too many daily struggles.  A very special group of you were there to listen, offer a shoulder, or even try to help guide me through that year and although I appreciated all of the support and love and advice...nothing worked.  Then, he turned 4 and matured enough to make things more tolerable, but HUGE battles were still frequent.  Day after day, I would try to figure IT out, I would try to think of other ways I could help, other ways I could punish, other ways I could motivate, other ways I could parent.  Then, one day my persistence paid off and before I knew it, we were on the fast track to Occupational Therapy, a dyspraxia diagnosis and vision therapy.  ALL AT ONCE.  It was a validating but overwhelming experience.  For the longest time, Crayon was a 4 letter word to Blake.  Dirty hands or a misplaced toy could RUIN our day faster than I could open my mouth to try to calm the storm that was brewing in my 4 year olds' head-tilting, tears-flowing, scream-sesh.  And now?  Last night, we had a knock down drag out fight because I told him it was time to stop coloring and go to bed.  He doesn't have to tell me what he is making/writing/coloring..I.CAN.TELL!  He is ASKING to draw every.day.  He is ASKING to color and staying in the lines!  He LOVES learning about things in school (social studies seems to be his favorite subject so far)!  He is a good listener in class!  He is careful not to leave kids out on the playground!

Now, we are faced with battles of course...but they are not mountains as much as small hills...things like being nice to your sister, listening when you don't want to, understanding when mommy says "no", she means it.  These are all things we are working on BUT these are more of the battles I anticipated in motherhood.  

I have been praying for *this* day for 2+ years...the day where he can do/wants to do these things that were SO difficult for him for so long.  What I wasn't prepared for was the pride.  The pride from seeing this tiny person totally conquer his biggest obstacle.  The best part is...HE is doing it!  Not me.  He isn't doing it because I made him.  He wants too.  The fact is, he needed help getting the tools but he is completely capable of doing it now and that is something to marvel at. 

For now, I leave you with "a bald eagle" by Blake (one of the 10-20 he's drawn this week).  

Keep going Blake!  You got it buddy, and I'm so glad you WANT it!