13
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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 comments
Everything about this is awesome. Love you guys.
Replies to carriecolbert
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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.
Replies to KirstenJ
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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!!!
Replies to ScrappinMyHeartOut
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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!!!
Replies to Borcherding
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Happy birthday Simon! It's such an honor to watch you grow up.
Replies to Ekaterine
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Happy Birthday Simon! and thank you Mom for sharing his story with us for all these years. You've opened my eyes and filled my heart with love for your precious children. <3
Replies to Cookingmylife
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How exciting Ali! And now for the challenges of adolescence! With such a strong foundation, I see smooth sailing ahead -- and if there are any bumps, you have our emails -- Charlie is 29 and 3/4 and he had bumps (not Mt. Everest, more like K2) and now he's a PhD, so I can tell you the roller coaster does end, and remind you to hang on! I love your "modern" family -- all families are different in their own ways and have their own paths, yours has the best values -- your kids -- nothing could be a better focus. DH got legos for Christmas so it's a good thing legos has kept up with their customers! :) Have you seen the OYO Sports sets? You can get a whole baseball team! My nephew got his dad's Destroyer and that nephew is now at the Naval Academy! Anyway, Congrats to you and to Simon and to Simon's dad for being there and to Anna for being good when it wasn't her turn! :) Love you big girl!
Replies to Queen_Mary
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Happy Birthday, Simon!
What a lovely, supportive, loving post. It brightened my day to see that huge smile of his! :)
Replies to barefootscrapbooker
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Hooray! Go Simon! Love this post.
Replies to soonermama
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from one mother to another mother who has an autistic child (mine is 9), those social interactions are the icing on the cake and put the biggest smile on face.
Replies to libbimoore
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"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." This was my favorite part, I know exactly where you are coming from and it makes me happy for Simon and you. Hoping for my little guy that same joy when he is older, because I know how those positive social moments can make all the difference in the world. Much love to you and yours. Happy Birthday SImon!
Replies to bmcgarry
Yes, the same sentence brought tears. Happy Birthday Simon!
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Loved this post!
Replies to jeannine
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Clue is a GREAT movie :) Simon has excellent taste.
And man those long skinny teenage boy legs kill me! haha! Your family is adorable.
Happy Birthday, Simon!
Replies to amytschubert
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Happy Birthday Simon!! Looks like an awesome birthday.
I love the pic of the cake from that angle.
Replies to Stheiner
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Happy 13th Birthday, Simon! I'm glad you got some new Lego sets and that you had a fun party with your friends. My daughter Gabi, who is ten, loves Legos, too. She likes to build them and then tell stories with them. ~ Laura
Replies to Bookworm
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Birthdays look good on you, Simon! Happy 13th. My youngest son is the same age as Cathy's Aidan, and we both called our 13 year olds one-three. My one-three now is one-nine, towers over me by many inches, and is a freshman at Temple University School of Engineering. I think it's because he loved Legos. Have a happy, blessed 14th year!
Replies to kre8tivekate
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Happy 13th Birthday Simon!
Replies to RhondaN
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This post has made my day.
Replies to geordie281
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This is beautiful. Happy Birthday, Simon! You have many "fans" and people cheering you on! You are all so blessed to have each other. --Desiree
Replies to desilei
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Simon is so loved and it shows with every day he grows to be his best self. Happy Birthday.
Replies to hudsonsailor27
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