Monday, February 26, 2007

Happy 6th Birthday Ryan!

Happy 6th birthday sweet boy of mine!

Ryan is so proud to be SIX and so thrilled that it is HIS birthday today. Unfortunately, because of skiing, we weren't able to have a family "party" so we had him open one present this morning and we sang happy birthday to him. He received a gift certificate to buy a movie from his contract worker (a woman who comes in and works with him 2 hours a week) so we went shopping to buy it. Ryan was determined to buy an "Elmo" video.... I don't know why.... I suggested The Wiggles, Dora, Brother Bear and a host of others but the whole way to the store AND in the store, he kept saying Elmo. Needless to say, we got 2 Sesame Street videos! And of course, since it was his birthday, I let him watch both.

After dinner, I took him to Dairy Queen for a birthday ice cream while Tom and Kurtis were skiing. Yummy!

Here are some recent pictures of my smily guy. Isn't he beautiful?? When he was born 6 years ago, all I immediately thought of was the bad stuff about having a child with Down syndrome. I was so sad for all I thought we had lost. But, I had no idea the joy that was in store for me. When he was born, my sister gave me a wall hanging that has his name with its meaning. It goes as follows:

RYAN

One of Laughter

Thou wilt show me the path of life;
in thy presence is fulness of joy; at
at thy right hand there are pleasures
for evermore. Psalm 16:11

I remember thinking how ironic that was.... there was no way this child would be "one of laughter".... how could there be joy and laughter? It just wasn't going to be possible.

And now I realize how appropriate that meaning actually is. Ryan is one of the happiest children, or people for that matter, that I know. Yes, he does get sad, angry, upset.... but it doesn't last long. He is a joker - he loves being silly and making people laugh. He smiles almost all the time. He greets everyone with huge smiles and hugs. He says hello to strangers in the store and almost always gets smiles out of everyone (even the grumpy sales staff!). He brings such incredible joy to our lives. We truly are lucky to have been blessed to have a soul like his in our lives. Thank you God for bringing Ryan into our lives - he truly is a gift.



8 comments:

MISS S said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RYAN. Was just "blog hopping" and your blog title caught my eye, and enjoyed reading about what a blessing Ryan has been to you. I have a form of MD and I would like to say what a blessing you are to Ryan.

Christina M said...

HAppy B-day Ryan!

Anonymous said...

Ryan certainly IS a child of joy and laughter. Just mentioning his name in our house brings an immediate smile to all our faces. We love your big boy so!
Love, Kei, Robert & the gang

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Ryan!!
Now, try to convince your Mom to bring you to the IRL at Sesame Place in PA in June, ok? ;) ;)

Anonymous said...

Hey Big Guy!! Six already! I can't believe it. Glad you had some special things happen on your day. Can't wait to see you soon to give you real smooches!
Love, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Steve, Sara + Connor.
xoxo

The Messy Baker said...

Happy Birthday, Ryan. I can't believe you're six already! You're getting to be such a big boy.

Lots of love,
Charmian and Doc

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Ryan!!! and what a boy!!! I love your write up Annette!! We wish you all many years of joy, love P&S

All 4 My Gals said...

Yes he is! He's been a gift to me each time I have been blessed to be around him! Love you all!