Happy Birthday, Baby!
December 2, 2007 by Niksmom
You know it doesn’t make much sense
There ought to be a law against
Anyone who takes offense
At a day in your celebration
Cause we all know in our minds
That there ought to be a time
That we can set aside
To show just how much we love you
And I’m sure you would agree
It couldn’t fit more perfectly
Than to have a world party on the day you came to be
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
“Happy Birthday” ~ Stevie Wonder
Oh what a wonderful and emotional day today! My baby —my tiny miracle who came into the world far too early, who has fought so hard for everything he’s achieved, the boy with the smile that can light up my darkness and a laugh that is music to my soul— turned four today!
Hard to imagine; the time has gone so fast! We’ve gone from this
to this
in what seems like the blink of an eye!
To celebrate today, we took a special trip on the Santa Claus Express Train run by
this outfit. It was cold and sleeting when we arrived and Nik wanted to walk, walk, walk. Brrr! But walk he did…with Daddy while Mommy got some “supplies” to keep him occupied during the
ninety minute train ride through the scenic Red Clay Valley.
We weren’t sure how Nik would handle the potential sensory overload. He amazed us by being a very happy little railroader until almost the end of the trip.
As long as the train was in motion, Nik seemed to be very relaxed and content to sit on one of our laps. That doesn’t surprise me as Nik has always been a very good car traveler and seems to enjoy looking out the window on our journeys. In fact, he was probably less ram
bunctious than some of the other four year old boys on the same train! Of course, that may have been because they were all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus in our rail car; Nik hasn’t yet figured out who the fat guy with the beard and red suit are. Maybe next year? In any event, he seemed to really enjoy himself. We did too.
By the time we arrived home, Nik was pretty tired and took a short nap before we had to head down the street to his Nanny and Granddaddy’s house for a special birthday dinner. It was really special this year because his Aunt J and (maybe one day Uncle) W, joined us for dinner. So did Nik’s cousin, E, and her boyfriend T. It was a small gathering but felt festive. And it was wonderful to watch my sister and my niece both really play with Nik. It’s been a long road for them to get comfortable with simply being with Nik —a sign that they’ve all three grown tremendously over the last year!
Nik sat in his booster and took tastes of Mommy and Daddy’s food through the entire meal. He even had some of the cake and yummy homemade peppermint ice cream —made just for him by his doting Nanny! There were gifts aplenty (more on that in another post later) and smiles all the way around.
Nik tumbled into bed and was sound asleep within minutes of getting home. Niksdad and I reflected over the last four years and how far we’ve come —both as parents and as a family.
My heart is so full that it’s overflowing through my eyes.
****************************************************************************
Here’s Nik’s first-ever train ride…
Posted in ASD, autism, disabilites, Nik video, Nik's Birthday, parenting, special needs, trains | 30 Comments
This sounds so wonderful. Happy Birthday to Nik!
Many happy returns of the day.
Best wishes
Happy Happy Birthday!!!
Wow! Happy Birthday, Big Guy! What fun!
Happy birthday Nik! Congrats Niksmom and Niksdad on the beautiful job parenting and 4-year journey you’ve had!
Happy Birthday Nik! Be sure to give your Mom and Dad an extra big hug today.
He looks so happy on the train!
Happy Birthday, Nik.
I’m gonna cry, this is so beautiful—I’m already tearing up. The happiest of birthdays to an amazing boy.
What a great day for you all! Happy Birthday wishes to Nik.
Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Nik!! And to mom and dad! What a great way to celebrate!
Hooray! Happy Birthday to Nik!! What a wonderful post about a fourth birthday that sounded absolutely perfect! Great photos, too.
Happy Birthday, Nik! And to you too, mom and dad. Sounds like it was a lovely day and I’m so glad Nik enjoyed the train ride.
What a happy day! His joy bounces off the screen!
May I also add, I am struck by the love of his two obviously proud and lovestruck parents. Both of you have such warmth and love in your eyes. I especially love the picture of you with Nik – such a beautiful mother.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Nik!
So glad the train ride was enjoyable and it sounds like you had a great time with the extended family as well!
Happy Birthday to one of the most sweetest four year olds that I have been happy to get to know through his mother’s loving words.
The video of Nik’s first train ride is priceless!
Wonderful! The train looks great! Happy Birthday Nik!
Oh my the contrast of those first photos with the present, Niksmom! Amazing! Please give Nik a belated birthday hug from Denver. Tell him his birthday buddy Lauren would’ve loved to have joined him on the train ride. So glad he enjoyed his big day. K.
Full speed ahead Nik!
I, too, love the picture of Nik and mommy. We don’t get to see the mommy faces often enough.
Yes, I agree. It is always so touching to finally see the loving faces along side the children we all grow to love.
It sounds like it was a fabulous birthday!!!! Wow! A 4 year old! Happy birthday to all of you!
Sounds like it was a wonderful birthday!! Happy Birthday from Utah!!! ((HUGS!!!))
Happy birthday Nik! Thank you so much for sharing his special day wtih us! 🙂 R
Beautiful.
You guys are gorgeous!!! Happy, Happy birthday, Nik! From all your fellow train-loving friends on the West Coast.
XOXOX
Happy Birthday Nik, you are one amazing, cute little fella!
Happy Birthday Nik, you are one amazing, cute little fella!
Belated birthday greetings. Nick shares a birthday with my first born (but they are 18 years apart)
Late to the party, but my wishes are just the same! Happy birthday, big boy!
Happy happy birthday, and what an amazing journey to 4!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NIK! i’m so glad you all enjoyed his special day. sending our love,
xx