Turning Three and why that’s a big deal

Birthdays come so quickly when you have kids, you celebrate, blink, and they are already another year older and you are left wondering if time will ever slow down. Nathanael just turned three, and it was a time of fun and celebration! He had one major surgery and one minor during the last year, and he always proves to be so resilient, brave, and strong. Turning three allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief, it’s a time we have been waiting for, since we started learning about the ins and outs of NF1. At 3 years old, the chances of anesthetic caused mental delays goes down drastically. Having  a little boy who has already been “put under” 5 times, that is a big deal for us. Surgeries in general are so difficult to go through, then to add in any “extra worry” it’s just overwhelming really. So this year even though we have one impending surgery, and the possibility of two MRI’s, knowing he has reached this turning point without any adverse effects is a huge victory in my eyes.

Nate had his wellness visit and he is doing really well developmentally, he is gaining weight like a champ (no surprise there!) He is steadily growing taller, which is always a concern after all of his surgeries. His overall health is really good, like most people in the cold northern states, he is low on Vitamin D, It’s a bigger deal for him because of his bones, but thank God it’s a quick easy fix with a supplement.

Not all of our celebrations revolves around medical news though, this past year we have been able to see his silly, laid back, allllll boy, personality take shape. He has been such a joy to watch, he loves anything “Transformers” related. Matchbox cars have been a huge thing right now too. He has opinions about what he wants to play with or watch, and puts up a fight with his sister if they disagree. They are learning comprise and taking turns, and both have done well with getting along. They are truly best friends, and Nate wants to do everything Addyson does and Addyson is probably the most patient older sister I know. Addy has always been bossy, but Nate is showing her he won’t be easily bossed around.

We are looking forward to this year of growth for Nathanael, he is by far my favorite little boy on the planet and I am so blessed God chose me to be his momma.