13

Last week, Simon turned 13. 

THIRTEEN.

For real. 

This kid. 

I've been sharing his stories in this space since he was 2 years old. I've shared stories of challenges and stories of successes because that's what it's all about isn't it? 

Celebrating all of it: lessons learned, things overcome and the wonderful joy of being together. 

Our own little modern family gathered to celebrate him on his actual birthday at the restaurant of his choice (Twin Dragon for MarFar Chicken) because he is so very loved. 

He's not a fan of the signing so much. 

But he does love making a wish and blowing out the candles. 

And yes, Anna can't wait until it's her birthday in a few weeks. 

It was a birthday that featured many new Lego sets because that continues to be one of his main loves (seen above photographing some of his new sets). 

He's also really into mysteries and the classic movie Clue. He's spent a good deal of time transcribing the screenplay recently.

On Sunday he had a friend party here at my house. 

The plan was to watch Clue, eat pizza and Doritos and Skittles and cake. Because that's what he wanted.  

Three boys from his class were able to come - two we've know since kindergarten. They are all in Simon's program at school and it was so, so awesome to have them here and watch them interact and chat and laugh and explain things to each other. 

They ended up playing Super Mario on the Wii (all four together at the same time) for a bit in the beginning before starting the movie. 

I don't think there are enough words available for me to express how these moments of positive social interaction with peers make my heart sing. 

Chris and I stood in the kitchen listening and smiling at each other and commenting in hushed voices about how it was going. 

It went really, really well. 

Chocolate cake. Standard. 

Lego mini-figures were shared. 

It was a really good day. 

Hey Simon - 

You are a really good dude.

No matter what we are always, always on your team and we will love you forever and ever. 

I'm so proud to be your Mom. 

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60 thoughts

  1. NatashaP says…
    01/28/2015

    What a great post. Love the realness and openess of this blog.x

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Monica3B says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy Birthday to Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. lucrecer says…
    01/28/2015

    Wow! He is 13! How time flies. I hope he had an amazing birthday.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. anarmchairbythesea says…
    01/28/2015

    Your post made me a little tearful,I'm not sure why. How lucky he is to have a mum who loves and supports him so much!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. khowardga says…
    01/28/2015

    Love this post and how happy Simon is in it. Happy 13th Birthday Simon! Have enjoyed seeing him grow through your blog each year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. mtercha says…
    01/28/2015

    Your joy for Simon's successes emanates through your writing and photography. I said the other day that I admire you, and this is why too. Your a good mom and it's wonderful how everyone comes together for the kids. I'm really happy for you. Glad it was a beautiful day, for both of you. Michelle t

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. kcp_ says…
    01/28/2015

    Love this post. So neat to watch him grow up and overcome some of your fears and develop friendships.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. picki56 says…
    01/28/2015

    I've been reading about this little guy since your scrapbooking layouts in Creative Keepsakes years ago! I remember layouts where he was just a little dude and now he's 13?
    Mine turned 10 the other day and I don't know where the time goes!
    It's nice to see how he's growing up and making friends. Friends are so important at that age and it's awesome that he found a group of kids that enjoy the same things he does.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. scrappychick says…
    01/28/2015

    Go, Simon, Go!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Sasha says…
    01/28/2015

    oh Simon.. Happy Birthday, buddy! You're so loved!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. happytoscrap says…
    01/28/2015

    I can't pass this post up without saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIMON!" What a super family you have!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jana_NJ says…
    01/28/2015

    I can't believe I started to follow your blog he was so young and then my son was born and was diagnosed as well. And Simon became something to look for and you Ali for always shining the positive stories about him showed me how to do that with my own Son. He is not yet as high functioning as Simon but he is so loved and so so happy. They have a special sparkle about them.
    Happy Birthday Simon ! We are so happy for you ! Congratulations Ali and Chris for the support and love.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. IlseWR says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy Birthday Simon!
    13 years already - time flies.
    My son is 14 en diagnosed as well.
    It means so much to me to read your posts about him - thank you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. dmc1231 says…
    01/28/2015

    We've got a kiddo like Simon at our house, too. He just turned 15!! (BTW, take a picture of Simon standing next to you right now, and then do it again at age 15; it will SHOCK you! My son went from being about 5 inches shorter to about 7 inches taller!). I know exactly that scene of finger-crossing, whispering and smiling as you watch them interact with their peers. This post made my heart melt. Love to you all! gosimongo!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Stheiner says…
      01/28/2015

      This comment makes me wonder how much shorter I will be then my 12 year old in 3 years. He's already taller than me!!

  15. rosedangelo says…
    01/28/2015

    Your children are beautiful!!! ~Rose D'Angelo Designs

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. hgauvin says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy belated birthday Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. gina200 says…
    01/28/2015

    Love this. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like Simon (and you all) had a wonderful birthday!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. scraplea says…
    01/28/2015

    SO awesome!! Glad he had such a fabulous birthday. Thanks for sharing with us. Yay Simon!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Paper_Inkpressions says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy "13th" Cake N' Candle Day, Simon!

    Unfortunately it's a bittersweet experience in sharing their journey. Someday's I wish I could wrap mine in cotton a while longer... I'm not ready! {wink} Wishing your "modern family" all the best, always... love the "realness" you share with all of your readers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. SuzMannecke says…
    01/28/2015

    Looks like he had a fabulous day!! #GoSimonGo

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. carriecolbert says…
    01/28/2015

    Everything about this is awesome. Love you guys.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. KirstenJ says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy Birthday Simon! Thank you,for sharing your family, Ali. How time flies....it seems like yesterday when I stumbled across Mama2Simon....and now my own baby has her drivers permit. Amazing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. ScrappinMyHeartOut says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy Happy Birthday Simon, you have hundreds - no make that thousands - of fans who know you are awesome!! PS we'd love to see a picture of your LEGO creations with your new sets!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Borcherding says…
    01/28/2015

    This post made me tear up! Watching a kid "grow up" on the Internet is a bit surreal. THANK YOU Ali for sharing Simon with all of us!! Happy birthday Simon!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Ekaterine says…
    01/28/2015

    Happy birthday Simon! It's such an honor to watch you grow up.

    Reply 0 Replies

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