As I was posting these pictures, it occurred to me that a stranger looking at these images would have no idea of all that Holden has overcome. They would have no idea that our Little Monkey is achieving things that some doctors said he could never do. But how amazing that we are where we are today. I love watching Holden play with his friends because they treat him just like any other kid. Fortunately, we are going in that direction, and in many ways, he is now just like any other kid. Hopefully soon, there will be no difference, other than he'll have quite a story to tell someday!We (especially Monkey) had a big weekend. Holden's friends Alaina and Nathan (and their friends Leah and Lindsey) came over to our house for Halloween. The kids had pizza, played and then we all went Trick or Treating as a group. Holden was Mickey Mouse. Although I was bummed that his Mickey ears were droopy, I still thought he looked adorable.
Nathan was Nemo and Alaina was Jasmine. They all looked precious. Between the 3 of them, they could be in a Disney ad!! It is fun to watch Holden with Alaina. She is able to make him smile and giggle like crazy. We ask Holden if she is his girlfriend. And his Mom and I are already planning the wedding!
Holden first went to visit Ms. Carol and Mr. Ken. The first couple of houses he did not get the concept of accepting candy. Rather, he thought we were there to visit and would try to get into the house. He soon caught on and would politely select one piece of candy from each person and drop it in his bucket!
Holden did great walking for most of the night. He would occasionally lose his balance and fall on his rear. And since it was raining/wet, his costume absorbed lots of water! But that didn't hold him back for one second.
We got to see his friends Maddie and Max who also looked adorable!
On Sunday, our friends the Counts and the Leigners came over for dinner. Holden finally got to meet Ryan and Brennen (and Ms. Betsy). The boys played great together. While on one hand, the boys were not too rough (treating him like any 20 month old infant), but they also acted like "boys"- playing football and wrestling with Monkey, treating him just like any other kid. And Holden loved it.What a difference a year makes!!
