Eight

Wow what a year! 

We  have seen so much improvement and have come a long long way.  You finally SLEEP.  I'll never forget the first time we tried the sleeping medication.  You were quite perplexed as to why your eyes were "trying to close".  You kept pushing on them with your palms to make it stop.  I then had to explain, "Sweetie, what you are feeling is called 'tired'. It's your body trying to tell you to stop and rest."  I was trying so hard not to laugh as we realized you had never felt tired before.  You didn't like it, and have since learned to fight it, but do like how quickly you can fall asleep now.  And you wake up refreshed! 

We've also learned why you crave movement and NOISE.  And have learned how to help you.  Although I'm still not perfect are responding calmly, we do have tools to help you get that "need" out in an appropriate and safe manner. Like building you this:

Please please please please please no broken bones this year!

There are moments that bring me to tears as I get glimpses of who you really are.  Helping the elderly man get a drink at the doctor's office.  Eagerly luring your baby sister away from me so I can use the bathroom in peace, doing Charlotte's hair. 

When you are calm you are the most thoughtful and helpful child I've ever met! 

You LOVE babies.

You (still) love me the fiercest.

You are a rock-star at gymnastics and I'm blown away at how much you learn each week. 

Any time you get down about your size (49lbs and 6x clothes) we talk about your favorite gymnast (Simon Biles) and how similar you two are- she even has ADHD!

If you aren't doing flips off the couch you are stuck to a book like glue.  Graphic Novels are your favorite right now.  The Action Bible and Giants Beware are your top favorites.

You are a better eater than any kid I've ever known.  You also eat as much as an adult!

You would live off juices and fizzy drinks if we let you.

You've been migraine-free for almost two years now!

You are an amazingly talented artist.  Daddy and I are constantly stunned at your art-work.  Although you still default to Frozen characters (When will you "let it go"?!?!?) you can draw anything and everything without even a second thought.  It really baffles me and has me in awe!

For your birthday this year we went out for ice cream and made your requested dinner- Boxed Macaroni and Cheese with "white broccoli".  Which only you ate because Mommy and Charlotte don't care for it and Daddy can't have it.  But your dinner cracked us up!  Your own personal Chef (Daddy) and you asked for boxed food.  Daddy just shrugged and said, "Easier for me!"  And Mommy said, "Hey, even I can make that!"

Making decisions is NOT your strong point. 

Charlotte picked out a Klutz facepaint book.  It was SO hard for her NOT to tell you.  It was just as hard for her to wait as it was for you!  And you both were driving us batty!  Once you opened it you went to work.  You quickly ran out of body parts to cover.

WE LOVE YOU SAMANTHA!