Avery's Curvy Road

Avery Michael, Today is your second birthday. In my eyes, you are now officially a toddler. In my heart, though, you will always be my baby boy.  In these past two years, I have watched you grow and change so much. You have overcome so many struggles already, and although you may not know it yet, those struggles have all made you a much stronger person. Since before you were even born, you have been a fighter, which is a quality that runs deep in your roots, and it is something that you should always be proud of. You are our little warrior. No one will ever be as proud of you, though, as your father and I are. You have developed such an amazing personality, and you are incredibly smart. You always find enjoyment in the simple things in this world, and you truly have a heart of gold. You have a heart SO big, that you are not afraid to show kindness and love to everyone you meet. I pray that is something you never lose as you grow older, because this world needs more of

Avery is still on a cast break due to the flu until this coming Tuesday, April 10th, three days before his second birthday. This is his last weekend of freedom for the next two months. It’s been a little over a month now since he had the last cast removed, which makes me feel that cast #4 is going to be an absolute nightmare.  I’m worried. I’m worried that he won’t adjust well, and that this long break may have set us back a bit on his progress. I’m also worried because during the last couple of weeks he has been saying “ouch” and grabbing at his back. He has been leaning on everything when he stands, walking on his tip-toes, leaning to one side when he sits, and he’s been a lot fussier than he was when the cast first came off. His doctor says he could be experiencing mild pain from being unsupported. I just hope this pain isn’t something that will last long after casting is done.  People keep asking about the next cast, and I cringe every time they do. I cringe just hearing th