Caleb, Caleb, Caleb

March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, and Caleb's birthday.

Four years old!
This birthday is a milestone for him.

Little fighter, it's an understatement for what this kid has inside of him. He plows forward, unstoppable, never slowing, despite all the "disabilities". It doesn't matter, he will always be unbeatable.

And this is what I've always prayed for, that Caleb would be incredible, strong willed, determined, undeterred in everything. Because I knew he would need this kind of stamina and intensity to make it through all the struggles life has and will throw at him.

Never did I imagine that this fulfilled prayer would bring a lot of exhaustion, heartache, confusion and worry.

Never in my life have I had a person elicit so many intense emotions, crazy good and scary bad.

He's a pusher.

Our relationship is complicated.

I have such an intense obsession with his health and happiness and well-being. It's hard, because that battles the need to discipline, provide structure, and ensure emotional stability. This will be our lifelong struggle. I don't know that I can always do what is right for this boy. But I do know that the Lord wouldn't have sent him to me if he didn't think I had a shot at it.

And listening to conference last weekend I felt very blessed to be a mother of a child with a disability. And I also felt strongly impressed upon that I need to strive for the potential that the Lord sees in me, to be a better mother to my kids.

But I also need to see the potential that the Lord sees in Caleb. Nothing is impossible for him, he might be slower at somethings, you might not be able to understand what he's saying to you for a few more years, or maybe longer, but that's why he is who he is.

A fighter.

Couldn't have been any other way.

And no matter how stubborn and frustrating he is, Tom, Talin, Collin, Monet and I have to learn to appreciate that blessing.

That yes, he is a pusher, and it's going to get him through it all.

Enjoy the plethora of pictures. We ended up in the valley last minute to see Adam & Susan who were visiting. So we decided to get pizza and celebrate the birthday with family.

And I'm glad we did, it was great to see everyone.

The Cheetos tower was a huge hit.
I just saw no point in making a cake for Caleb when he doesn't eat cake, or much for that matter.

Grandma Chambers & Caleb

Caleb & Collin

He had a great time, ran around and played like a wild man.

Monet & Grandpa Chambers.

Chambers Clan, eating pizza.

Azure & Caleb

(one of his few relationship that work, only because this girl is tough as nails)

Hendrix clan, eating cake.

Caleb & Tyler

Monet & Daddy

Kraig & Tom

Monet, Azure & Ryder

Wesley & Talin

The big kids.