Worm's and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Bo is sick. He has caught the bug that is going around, and we hate it. We are in hiding officially, although Melissa did take Gage out for a day of adventures yesterday.

Gage is a pretty energetic kid. He is busy all of the time and barely sleeps. There is a little factor about him that I am not sure I have ever mentioned; Gage is a completely non-violent kid. Sure he will wrestle with his Dad and I, but he has never shown another child an ounce of violence. Most importantly, he has never shown his siblings an ounce of violence. For this I am super lucky. As Bo and Cote get older, he actually becomes more and more interested in them. He worries about them and when he has a minute he isn't doing something more important, he plays with them and gives them hugs.

Although we have a different sort of dynamic here because of their different needs, we actually have an extraordinary family dynamic. Keith and I are a team, Gage is extremely helpful and loving, Bo and Cote love Gage, and the cat has forfeited the fight all together. Bo and Cote fight a little, but for the most part, they just try and get their hands on Gage, which he tolerates really well.

We try and all go to the store together. I usually regret it halfway through, but then I see their happy faces. My kids love doing things... any things... but the especially love the store!

This morning Bo woke up out of sorts again, so while I was making breakfast and chatting with Melissa on the phone, Gage grabbed some toys and climbed into the crib with Bo. He rocked him, sang to him and played with him while I prepared everyone's plates. I teared up and my chest filled with pride. Gage is a good kid. No he is a great kid. I am so proud of him. This kid has a long road ahead of him, both with his own SPD as well as being the older brother to two Special Needs siblings. You know what though? I think he is on the right track. It won't always be easy for him and I don't expect him to be an angel, but I think he is going to do OK. I think it helps that we don't push his siblings on him, and I have always tried to make sure he gets just as much attention as his siblings. I think that is why there has never been rivalry.

This morning I was shown that I am not doing too bad of job after all.

I think he has earned that Finn McMissel he has been eyeballing.