The past month or so has been hard on Haddon. It started while we were away on vacation. After years of begging, Karen finally was allowed to visit the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara. Here Haddon was having a blast - watching the little-winged wonders and trying to touch them. He was also getting used to his newfound ability to move his little feet at breakneck speeds. Well, Haddon created a little track (of sorts) where he could run down a ramp, do a 180 degree turn, run up some stairs, back down the ramp and complete another 180 turn reaching the starting point once more. He was having a blast until he tripped (over my feet) and smashed into a pole. Blood was everywhere. Tears rolled down his face. The other guests of the conservatory thought that a murder was being committed as they heard his wailing. Long story short - Haddon now has a scar on his forehead.
And now, just today Haddon was climbing on one of our chairs. He loves to climb and is willing to tackle anything that gets in his way (even if its not in his way). He loves to take risks. He loves to conquer obstacles. After reaching his goal he stood and then started to lean backwards on the chair when it started slowly tipping over. Karen witnessed the end result from the kitchen - gravity accelerating our little boy's body into the hardwood floor. He smashed his forehead on the ground. So now his forehead is covered with injuries: a scar, a bump, a bruise and a mosquito bite.
Haddon is the kind of boy who will take risks in life. He is the kind of boy who will keep his mother awake at night. He's the kind of boy who won't be stopped.
And even though he (and I) are going to suffer for it, I wouldn't want it any other way.
