Our little boy is growing up

This is my first clue, while at his open house ( special ed. dept) and in the company of his teachers I mistakenly called him Zachy. He very quietly but sternly asked me not to call him that at school. My little "Zachy," is to big to be called such a baby name at least in the presence of school mates. I knew the day would come- just not so soon. I love "Zachy" we took to that name in the hospital, and clearly it has stuck for years. Clue #2, I was singing a Hannah Montanna song (o.k, so I'm not cool anymore...) in public and Zachary told me it was embarrassing him. My first experience with embarrassing the kids. I'm afraid many more years will follow. Clue #3 He has the darn cutest front tooth peeking out-Finally! The cute tooth was my inspiration for the below photos. Not only is he growing up- but, look what a smiley guy he is lately. Those of you that know and love Zach know how difficult it is to get him to smile for the camera. So, you see those photos with a smiling Zach that is my clue #4. He has outgrown that dreadful phase where he frowned in every picture. Clue #5, I have seen so much improvement in his behavior this summer. He has become very independent, learned how to swim this summer, and he is understanding his limitations without so much frustration. We are on the road to a mature young man. Zachary and I also had a very important talk this past week. I touched on the subject of his cerebral palsy and why things are so difficult for him and not Ellie. He asked a lot of appropriate questions. He wondered "why." It broke my heart to have this conversation with him but we know it is imperative. Jeff followed up later that evening with a similar discussion just a different take on it. He adds humor and handles everything so well. Zach is beginning to understand- yet he knows his great potential. We stress the importance for him to set goals and that anything is possible. Immediately following our discussion Zach announced his desire to become an athlete and compete in the special Olympics. I researched it online and sent away for some information. Look out Omaha, here comes Zach! Zachary continues to light up our lives with the sweet sentiments he says daily. I wish everyone could wake up in the morning with a little whisper " I love you just the way you are, mom" like I did yesterday.