My boy is 5 years old today!!!!!!

I can't believe Ethan is 5 years old.  I still remember the day he came into our lives. I was up all night worrying about his fluctuating heart beat. Finally, around 6AM, Ethan David was born.  Little did we know, that was the latest he would ever sleep in.  He was born just a little guy at 5 pounds 14 ounces. He was the most precious perfect little baby.  Challenges started right away for the little dude.  He was jaundiced and dropped to just 5 pounds. Ethan spent 3 of the first 4 weeks of life in the hospital. He underwent over 10 tests and procedures including lumbar puncture, head CT scan, ultrasound on his brain, and a course of antibiotics within his first few weeks.  Once home, Ethan thrived as an infant. He hit all his major milestones. At age 1, he had over 150 words.
However, at age 2, we stopped noticing a lot of progress. At age 3, Ethan began his journey against autism. Ethan began an extremely restrictive diet. No wheat, dairy, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients were allowed. In addition to the diet, Ethan began taking supplements to heal his ailing body and correct his deficiencies and broken cycles and systems. In addition to the nutritional interventions, Ethan works hard every day at his 4 therapies; speech, OT, PT, and ABA. He has made huge leaps in communication, behavior, and temperament. He continues to improve with every passing day, and we are filled with pride every time we see him.
While autism is something Ethan lives with, it certainly does not define him. He is the happiest little boy with a smile as bright as the sun. When he smiles at you, it warms your heart.  Ethan is a playful little boy. Just like his Daddy, he loves to play in the yard everyday. Basketball is his favorite sport. He shoots baskets when ever he can.  He loves to swing, climb, and jump. He loves water. Whether it's sprinklers, pools, water tables, or baths, Ethan has a blast splish splashing.  Ethan loves nature and being outside. He's so happy just to run outside. He loves animals. As a tot, he loved the cheetahs. " Cheetah running fast," he used to say.
Like his Momma, Ethan loves to create. Painting, coloring, and play do are favored activities with Mom.
Another trait he got from his Momma, stubbornness. Although, he gets a smidge from Dad too.
Ethan is your average Borden male. We all love to play and joke around with people in a manner that sometimes annoys the other person. For instance, Ethan will take something from you and run away cracking up laughing, or pretend to start dumping out a cup of water onto the floor just to get a rise out of you. Yep! That's my boy.

One of the best things about Ethan is his heart. He shows his love for you everyday in his own little way.
Whether by saying Daddy pick me up, then following it with a punch in the nose and a huge smile, or running to Mom with arms wide open when she gets home from work. Ethan has the heart of an angel.
He perseveres through all life's challenges with the strength and courage of a lion. He is such a great kid, and I am lucky to have him as my son. I wish him a Happy Happy Birthday.  
                                     HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Slideshow: Ethan: The first 5 years.