I am pleased to introduce you to Mr. William Ryan. He is an adorably round little man who digs strangers and is 100% likely to steal your heart.
He came into this world after a fairly “uneventful” labor and delivery. Those are Kelly’s words. I can’t imagine any delivery being uneventful but she’s a tough broad so it doesn’t surprise me.
He’s much like his dad, Chris. The two have a close bond and Kelly says that he lights up for him in a way he doesn’t for anyone else. They both savor their own quiet time and William will pensively relax at a window or in his crib for a while without any qualms.
William was about 3 months old when he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. In very basic terms, this means that his muscles don’t receive signals from his nerve cells so he is unable to move most of his body. His muscles will continue to atrophy since they are not being used. It is a very serious genetic disease.
Kelly and Chris refer to him as their “floppy” baby. Rest assured that SMA hasn’t stopped him from happiness. After all, he has an amazingly loving family and a somewhat loving dog named Jack. Jack’s affection ranges from licking to indifference.
William’s photo session involved many rounds of Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (did you know there was a second verse? I didn’t.) and high fives.
Do you like William’s duds? Kelly is obsessed with Primary.com and their solid colored, super soft kid’s clothes.
To me, the most incredible aspect to this family is their one pacifier policy. They only have one pacifier. That’s it. One. *Mind blown*
William completely has my heart and his parents are pretty great too.
The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.
~ George Santayana
p.s. To donate to Cure SMA via Team William, go here. There are making great strides and offering hope to families like William’s.
