Happy Birthday sweet Connor!

I wanted to dedicate this post to Connor who turned 15 today! My sister (the brunette) below is raising her two kids by herself! Mady is the beautiful blond (age 11)! Connor was diagnosed with a rare chromosone disorder right around his first birthday and it is a blessing he is still alive! Around 10 months of age he began having seizures, regressed in motor skills, and was in the ICU fighting for his life. It took the right doctors and the right meds and he survived through his first birthday! My sister and her ex-husband were told he may not survive, but they could not be sure as his disorder is so rare that most babies don't make it more than 24 hours after birth. Connor is not verbal, or toilet trained. He has severe autism, and very poor small motor skills. I watched him today eat cake with a fork, laughing, and humming with delight the whole time. He is a precious gift from God, and a blessing in my sister, Pam's life! She was told she could have more children, and that the chance of having another Connor would not be possible. Therefore, she went on to have Mady! Mady is a lively, extroverted, smart, loving, patient, and beautiful girl! (can you tell I'm biased). Truly, she has had to grow up fast!! My sister is one of the most amazing people you would ever want to meet, and I watch in awe of how she manages her life, and her children! I always nominate her for those Oprah, Regis, mothers day show specials, but she never wins :(

I just wanted to share his birthday with you bloggers out there. It was such a joy to watch him, enjoy his pizza and cake and laugh with the rest of us! Happy Birthday you big teddy bear!