The 2015 Love That Max year in review

In January, I ran my favorite post of all time: a guest post from Max. As I mentioned, when I started this blog I couldn't have imagined Max would type out his thoughts, but he did. Also: A shell creature got the best of me.

In February, Max started asking if we were OK, I refused to help him (for his own benefit) and I attempted to take back the hospital where Max was born.

In March, Max waved his hands in the air like he just didn't care—a reminder to us all; I pointed out how Max is doing a good job of raising me; and I discussed how to respond when someone uses the word "retard" without using the phrase "My name is Inigo Montoya, prepare to die!"

In April, the kids made a big announcement about our family, I was grateful for this girl's small act of kindness, explained why "uts" is an amazing word and discovered 22 freebies, services and grants for kids with special needs.

In May, I swooned when Max drew a heart for the first time. Plus, I summed up special needs motherhood in GIFs.

In June, I pondered the amazing things I saw in a video of Max and what he would teach his new baby brother.

In July, I shared 10 emoticons for special needs parents and felt grateful that Max appreciates the little pleasures in life.

In August, Sabrina wrote about her baby brother to be, I mouthed off about a staring incident and what people didn't get about the hot model with Down syndrome, and mused on the time of day when the worries go away.

In September, I melted when Max sang "When You Wish Upon A Star" in music therapy, pondered the progress and explained what not to expect from your child with special needs.

In October, Ben!!! Who brought a whole new level of love to our family.

In November, Max read The New York Times, overcame his fear of stadiums and went to a Jets game and helped out around the house and with Ben. Also, oopsie, my head exploded at the pediatrician's.

In December, I revealed yet more things heard around our house, shared a story about a father of a boy with Down syndrome who helped open a teaching hotel for people with disability and celebrated the OMG moment at our back door.

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, progress-filled, fun, low-drama, sane-ish and satisfying New Year. And enjoy your children. If yours has special needs, I know just how it feels like to want him to mature and to wish you could speed up time but they are only little once—savor it.

xo