You've come a long way, my baby

But there's still a long way to go...

It's the little things that break your heart the most. You know? Like birthday parties, for example. Despite the buzz on the playground about numerous birthday parties this year, Daniel has only had one invite, and that was to a party where the whole class were invited. It probably hurts me more than him that other children either don't consider him enough of a friend, or for whatever reason don't think to include him in their plans.

However, it's just one of the many things we have to try to fix, try to progress, try to let it wash over us and move forward. This year we decided to have a small party at home, and invite a few of his friends. Only two out of six came, but that may be partly because Daniel's birthday falls in the middle of the summer holidays. Along with a little boy from our street, though, four children were lively enough! We had smiles and laughter and as Daniel said to me later on, "those games were brilliant" - despite his reservations about the music during Pass the Parcel and having a go at Pin the Tail on the Donkey. 

On the one hand, observing Daniel at play amongst his peers was wonderful, to see how these particular children take time to understand he plays in a different way and look after him if he gets upset; on the other, it was a painful experience for a mother who's already well aware of how different he indeed is. But one thing is certain: with every year and with every experience, his confidence and capacity to enjoy things grows. And that's definitely worth celebrating.