Happy Birthday, Caitlin

August 4th. Caitlin's birthday. Six years ago today we were living in Pocatello, but were within days of moving to Twin Falls. I'd gotten the job at CSI and we were excited to be moving into our own home. We also knew that Cate was coming and that she had Down Syndrome. It was, to say the least, an exciting and tumultuous time. Caitlin was born on the 4th, we moved on the 10th and she got out of the hospital on the 11th. Keri went back to Pocatello, spent that last night in the hospital with Cate, and then brought her home to our house here. And our lives changed forever, as they say.

There are many challenges living with a child with a disability. I can tell you unequivocally, however, that the blessings outweigh the minor troubles. When Cate looks at you like she's doing in this picture, it can make your whole terrible, no-good, nasty day change.

We don't know what the future holds, but Cate is making continual and excellent progress in physical therapy and in her speech. She's not in her peer group as far as developmental things are concerned, but she's doing just fine. And we see the sky as the limit to what she can do. She's a blessing and a delight.

How lucky we are!