Changes....

The kids all had a slumber party last night in Ethan's bed and are now, very loudly playing in his room behind closed doors, leaving me to peace for the morning. Yesterday brought about a subtle but big change for Ethan....he took a shower and enjoyed it. Up until now he protested loudly about showers and we are not sure if they were uncomfortable for him for some reason, he did not like water spraying in his face, or if he was afraid or didn't feel safe in them....plus he really loved being in the bath. A little over a year ago we had a huge battle with the courts/attorney/case manager who love to butt in and tell us how to raise our child, and think they have the right simply because Ethan has a bit of money awarded to him for his birth injury. They wanted us to spend a huge chunk of it on remodel of parts of our home that would give Ethan his own bathroom with a roll in shower, which at the time was completely unreasonable as he refused to take showers and he was still plenty small enough for us to carry him in to the bathtub, etc. Well now that things are changing, Ethan is maturing, not to mention that for the first time in his life he has had significant growth, gaining over 15 pounds in the last 12 months, it is time to re-think how we need to move forward....the timing is bad with the economy and job market as they are(without security) but in all honesty, with Ethan, for us it has always been the here and now, because we don't know how long he will be here with us, we hope a long time, and who knows with his disposition and zest for life it very well could be, but statistics paint a picture where we need to enjoy every day we have, because time is limited. I have to remember to live every day to the fullest, because tomorrow is uncertain....truly it is that way for everyone, but having a child like Ethan just gives it more meaning. Be happy, share with others and give it your all while you have your all to give ;-)