This weekend my beautiful boy is turning seven years old. One of his favourite things to ask me about is 'what could I do when I was 3, then 4, then 5, mum?'

So I thought it would be good for me to think about the things he's achieved this year.

First and foremost of course, is the fact that he started at school. From going 6 hours a week at the beginning, he now goes every day. He has a friend. He chats and negotiates with his brother and sister. He can play basic games (although he still struggles with competition). He is becoming more flexible. He is understanding more. He can write and draw. He has basic, friendly relationships with adults. He dresses himself. He eats a little bit more widely. He manages much better in the classroom. He can sit in church. There's a lot more subtle stuff too with improvements in his basic thinking and relating skills.

I'm pleased.

Obviously he still has a long way to go, but if he improves this year coming in the same way he's improved over the last year, I'll be even more pleased and thankful. 

Happy Birthday!