Saturday, January 7, 2012

Happy Birthday to my favorite 4 year old!

Four years ago today, Luke came into our lives in a big way. When I say big, I mean big - all 9 pounds 6 ounces of him! Just 10 days before he was born, I had an ultrasound and at that time, he was estimated to be around 7 1/2 pounds. I remember thinking, "Great! An average size baby!" I was so excited! It sounded great to me considering Nathan was only around 2 1/2 pounds when he made his early arrival. I was so thankful for a full term baby! I wasn't expecting such a big boy though but, we have a tendency to be all or nothing here at the Broome house so I really shouldn't have been too surprised. Nothing average here. He was a beautiful baby with big cheeks, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. I was so nervous! It was like becoming a parent for the first time even though we already had big brother Nathan. We didn't get to bring Nathan home from the hospital until he was 2 1/2 months old so he was already in a routine. But with Luke, we got to bring him home with us when he was 4 days old. Much different. It was a challenge but such a blessing to have a big, happy, healthy baby. Didn't this all happen just yesterday? Time has flown by and keeps picking up speed! I want so much to slow it down so I can take it all in.


When I think about all that we have been through and the challenges we have faced (and overcome!), I can see God's hand in it all. He has blessed our family with Luke, and in some way, with autism too. Please don't get me wrong, I really don't like autism. But, I have learned so much along the way. Not just about autism and tesing and treatment, etc., but about compassion and understanding and finding joy in the seemingly small things in life. I have learned that with autism, nothing really is small: like when Luke puts his hands on my face and says "Ma" - big; or when Luke points to himself and says "Lu" - big; or when Luke makes good eye contact with others - big; or when Luke imitates his big brother - big; or when he puts two or three words together when trying to speak - big; or when Luke pretends like he is talking on the phone and wants me to play too - big; or when Luke laughs appropriately when watching a favorite show - big; or when Luke plays with his friends - big; or that Luke even has friends - really big. The little things are big and I have learned to appreciate them. Through Luke, God has taught me so much and I still have so much to learn, but I am thankful for this little guy.


Luke really is a fabulously fantastic little guy. He is loved more that he will ever know. His family loves him. His church family has been so supportive and caring. They love him too. He goes to a wonderful school with great teachers who love and care for him and his classmates. His best teacher is here at home - his sweet big brother. It is so fun to watch them play together and watch Luke try to imitate everything Nathan does. He is learning so much from Nathan! I sometimes listen to their conversation and can't help but smile. I overheard Nathan encouraging Luke one day while they were coloring at the table: "Oh, Lukey, that is great! You really color great for a 3 year old!" Big smiles :-)

Luke has a million-watt smile and dimples you could just fall in to. He has a way of getting to you (I mean that in a good way!). If I am having a particularly difficult day, he can get right in my face, put his hands on my cheeks, and say "Hi!" in his cute way and I just have to smile. His sweet hugs aren't bad either. And have you heard him laugh? Simply contagious. He truly is a gift. I can't imagine what life would be like without him.

So today, we celebrate him for the precious, unique little boy that he is. We celebrate him for all that he can do, for all the progress that he has made. We celebrate him and the hope we have for the progress to come. We thank God for this gift. I have been told, "Luke is so lucky to have you guys for his parents" but in reality, Roger and I are the ones who are blessed. Maybe Luke needs us but God knows we need him too. He has turned our world upside down and for that, I am thankful. He has changed our lives for the better. Our family is blessed beyond measure!

Happy Birthday Luke!