The Garn's

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ronald Zachary Garn 8 years old today! Wow how time flies.

I can remember the day he was born. May 23, 2002 7lbs 15oz. He was such a sweet baby. He was mellow and slept through the night starting at around 7 weeks. I think he was giving us a break early because he knew what was coming later.

The day he was blessed was very special. We went to California and blessed him in Lawndale ward. Our old ward in Cali. It was a great weekend of family and friends gathering for his special day.

Zachary was our smallest baby yet he made up for that pretty quick. It was always the fun part for the Dr visit to see how much he weighed. It was funny that he was so big because he would throw up everything he ate. After eating Zach was like a time bomb. 1 oz in and 2 oz out.

Only 15 months apart Zach had a partner in crime early on with Max. They somehow got a muffin of Ryannes off the counter and shared it. It was the funniest thing to see Zach have the 'oh crap I got caught' look and Max refusing to look at you and keep eating.

Then came the hard part. At almost 3 years old Zachary was diagnosed with Autism. It had to be the hardest time we had gone through yet as a family. The behavior, the head banging, no speaking and tantrums. No wonder I am almost bald. This is Zach in therapy. Starting at age 2 Zach had Speech, Physical and Occupational therapy once a week. It's like night and day to see Zachary today and think of how he was then. Then came special needs preschool.

Zachary spent almost 3 years with these amazing ladies. He still has speech therapy with Tina and we are still in contact with Shellie. We had the love part down with Zach. We love him with all our hearts. These amazing ladies helped us learn the being effective and consistant parents to a child with Autism part. Many a day Zach would be dropped off to school with a mommy in tears and Miss Shellie was always there to help me. Even when he started kindergarten she was there on many a night phone call to help us deal with the transition of how to help him adjust. Not only were they teachers and therapists but wonderful teachers and friends to us.

And of course in between the hard days were funny days. How can you get mad at your son who is learning to be a kid and play when he fills the toilet with stuff. A tea pot and trash from the trash can kind of stuff. I won't mention what was in the trash can though. One can only hope that the toilet was flushed before his little playdate with a teapot.

And now comes the amazing part. Watching him grow and progress into a wonderful 8 year old boy. We are so grateful for you Zachary. Heavenly Father has blessed our family so much to send you to us. We love you!