Jacen is 2!

No more Cold Stone. Which means the boys will have to do with not so good looking cakes. My decorating is seriously lacking. Sad, I know. But it tastes good, I promise.

I think he liked it better than the one last year anyway. It's really easy to make. I had a special pan, but I will probably ditch it. You can do the same thing just by layering two round cakes. If you are interested in this particular recipe it's:
German chocolate cake mix
eggs, water, oil for mix
1 can of condensed milk
1 container of whipped cream
1 jar of caramel topping
1 jar of fudge topping
1 bag of toffee chips
1 container vanilla ice cream
Bake the cake according to the directions, poke 1/2" holes evenly around your cake, pour condensed milk on top and into holes so that it soaks into entire cake, freeze. Soften ice cream, layer ice cream, fudge, whipped cream, caramel, and toffee chips on cake to your liking.

Unfortunately, Jace's birthday started out with a doctor visit. We all have sinus infections, and Jace has an ear infection as well. But the good news in all that, is that Aidan actually told me with words, several times yesterday, that his throat hurt. For him to verbalize such a thing again (when he was 2 he could have) is amazing. The dose increase seems to be fine so far and I'm thrilled!!!

Then we took the boys to Big Jud's for lunch. Again, Aidan would have nearly cried at the thought of going into their noisy place. But he actually helped choose it and did great! Jace just loves their fries, fry sauce, and burgers there. So I knew he wouldn't complain.

As for the cake, I was terrified Jace would grab those candles while the wax was still hot. Though 2, he's really more of a 1yr old in many ways. But I have to learn to let him be... you can tell by my expression, it was hard for me.

Grandma and Grandpa Weber got Jace this therapy trampoline. Thank you so much!!! Jace is thrilled with it! He doesn't truly jump on it just yet... he'll get it though.

Lincoln talked me into getting that bubble mower in the background that Aidan was pushing around. Of course (he didn't know it wouldn't, so I don't mean anything negative towards him) it doesn't work and leaks. It's going back today. We'll trade it for a cash register thing that would be like the toys the therapists bring.

As you can see, this trampoline will benefit both boys. Aidan is a pro at it already, but it's still good for him. I've been learning so much about what toys help with therapy. It seems I already gravitated naturally to such toys, because the therapists tell me repeatedly that we have "great" toys. But I'm also learning about how our boys being so on the go, seemingly not settling down, is really a desire for stimulus caused by their sensory issues.

I've mentioned before that I hate the mentality of "let's wait and see" with my boys. I've seen too much evidence that catching these neurological problems early and starting intensive therapy right away makes huge improvements in the abilities of children and later adulthood. Though the damage is a done deal and technically can't be repaired, if therapy is done early their brains can make new connections that will compensate for some or even much of the damage. I am learning to be pushy with my boys care. I have changed doctors, and politely pushed for diagnoses, and prescriptions, and therapies to be done now, not later.

Months ago, I overheard a doctor complaining about me at the ER when I'd insisted on Aidan having an IV with fluids and antibiotics put in, when he'd had that last eye infection with peri orbital cellulitis. I knew, by looking at my boy, he was deathly ill and needed that IV. The criticism hurt, though I knew I'd done the right thing.

Such judgements, now, no longer hurt. I found a neurologist that cares, and gave me the necessary referrals for Jace to get more therapy than what he receives through the state. This is huge, because it's just simply not enough. But the extra will be. I also found a primary doctor that is willing to give all the referrals necessary for both boys as well. Even with the referrals and coordinators, I've had to push almost relentlessly... or so it seems to me. But I've been told by some therapists that the system and even the coordinators will ignore them because they are so young, if I don't push. Giving me that needed boost to continue my insistence.

We don't know exactly what Jace and Aidan will and won't be able to do. But I can at least know for sure that we did everything we could on our end. The rest is in the Lord's hands. And no matter which way it goes, it's okay. Because I will have no regrets. And I love my boys no matter what. They are perfect. Perfect angels, that bless me so much. I have so much respect for them. How could I not, knowing who they really are and what they've had the courage to take on?

They are blessed with Grandma and Grandpa Weber's help in so many ways. They may never fully see it, being so far away and so young. I hope I will do a good job helping them to. Much of the things I accomplish for the boys, is because of something Grandma and Grandpa Weber made possible.

Happy birthday my dear, sweet Jace. We love you forever.