Faith Turns 21!

 Faith's 21st birthday was on Friday the 25th and it ended up being an all-day celebration! She didn't sleep well the night before, so I was a little concerned she would run out of steam, but she just kept going! It ended up being a beautiful fall day, so I didn't even need to put a jacket on her, which is rare for the end of October. 

Faith in her new birthday shirt! 

This year, she was able to bring cupcakes to HIT. Last year, due to the dietary restrictions of her peers, she didn't bring any treats. This year, however, she is a new room, where they truly love their snacks!

After I dropped her off, I raced around like a maniac getting her ballons, presents, and everything else ready for the surprise party we would be having at the end of the day. 

Faith with some of her staff making a cupcake delivery. 

When I picked her up from her day program, I informed her that some friends of mine that I worked with wanted to give her a special birthday treat. So, we made our way to their apartment. 

After a short visit with them, she wanted to do her usual Friday routine of going to the library. She was able to see a few of her favorite librarians and even got a birthday hug and a few fist bumps from them. 

A mini photo shoot outside of the library. 

Following our trip to the library, we made our way to Northern Plains Dance, where she was going to have her first adaptive dance class. I had been wanting her to try this for some time, especially since I know how much she loves to dance, but the timing wasn't the best. When I saw that the session started on her birthday, I decided to have it be part of her birthday present. 

The ballet teacher paired her up with another dancer and the two of them did great together! I was impressed that Faith really tried to move her arms and body as asked. Part of the class was listening to the music to determine how they should move. If the music was fast, heavy, light, or slow, they would move accordingly. 

The class was in a dimly lit room with the music down low, which was perfect for those with sensory processing issues and also for her primitive startle reflex. As expected, she truly loved it and can't wait to go back for the remaining sessions. 

Faith working with her dance partner. 

Once dance was over, it was homeward bound, where unbeknownst to her, a little surprise party awaited. She had been asking for a party and even had an entire guest list in mind. She wanted it to be just like her graduation open house, because according to her, that had been a big success! 

But I kept telling her we have already done so much for her birthday (like a dinner party with friends from church that turned into an early birthday party and the concert a couple of weeks ago). I tried my best to not spoil her little surprise party. 

When we opened the door to our apartment, her grandparents and a few aunts were waiting for her. They said, "surprise!" when we walked inside. Her auntie Dawn and another friend showed up a bit later. We of course sang happy birthday to her, opened gifts, read the many birthday cards she received, and ate some cake. 

It was a very fun-filled day that carried over into the weekend with video chats and phone calls, and a few more cards and gifts. I think she likes being 21! 

Fun with family 

Her big birthday balloon bouquet!

Her cake (chocolate of course!) 

Just hanging out

Faith with two of her favorite people (Kylie and Dawn) 

Faith with Grandma and Elmo Theodore Bousfield, the big red dinosaur along with her new favorite book, "Happiness Abounds: The Great Adventures of Faith's Dinosaur" by Tesa Graff; edited by Preston Graff. Photos by Deone Lawlar and her assistant, Denae Hoffmann. 

I'm so thankful for everyone who made Faith's 21st birthday extra special! 

She is blessed beyond measure!!!