May’s a bit older now so people will ask me if she is talking or walking yet. Is she getting into everything? Is she being a little madam?
I try to be gentle in my response, something like, “No, not yet, but I imagine she will soon.” Which is a lie I tell so that I don’t have to comfort other people who feel unnerved by a little girl who can’t speak or walk.
The response they usually give me is “Ah, bless” which loosely translates into “Oh, your poor poor baby and poor poor you” which loosely translates into “Your baby’s life and your life are so sad I want to cry.”
To which I want to say all kinds of things I won’t repeat on this blog because some of my students may read it. (Hi students! They are still taking donations by the way…)
Recently, because of the pregnancy, the questions have become more specific. Women with glittering eyes and beaming smiles say, “Is your daughter excited about the new baby?”
I don’t have a stock phrase for this yet, but I better get one soon because “No, she doesn’t understand that there is a baby” isn’t going over that well.
Okay, so May isn’t speaking or walking or doing calculus yet. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we are sad. On the contrary, May is very happy. As are we.
We don’t need to count our blessings. Ah bless and amen to that.
I am not even convinced most kids May’s age totally get it anyway! My baby is 13 months and i am fairly confident she doesnt even answer to her own name yet, just turns when the yelling gets more intense.
The picture of May and you is so lovely! Her haircut is the sweetest thing, she looks very grown up!
Good point Abs!
And, believe it or not, I cut May’s hair. Only the front, but I am very proud of my work – so thank you!
I think May is looking so much more responsive with the new medicines. I am confident that May will walk and talk in her own time and at her own pace. Can’t you just say my child has special needs and is progressing and walking and talking are somewhere down the road? She is so adorable that I am sure they would just smile and wish you blessings. Sad that they can’t see all the progress May has made in the few months I have been following you on this blog. I think they is remarkable and so adorable. I think you are terrific as well.
Phoooo to all that ‘typical’ kids talk! May is finding her own pace AND her own way. Yayyy for our cool different kids! Our boy is on his own page (he’s Autistic Spectrum) but he’s flying. He’s beautiful AND there is a lot more to come.
Respecting our kids and really thinking about how much more they are having to push to develop and grow is very inspiring. This gives me personally a real extra feeling of love and wonder about my son. xxx
I don’t think we can ever change people’s perception that walking, talking, reading, writing etc have to develop as is socially required. But it is the other achievements that are so much more important to us. The smiles and the hugs, to me, are more inspiring than anything. May is an absolute angel.
I experience the same thing on a regular basis and i too just smile and nod when asked if my 16 month old is “getting into everything” (He has spastic quad cp) and now i’m 22 weeks pregnant the probing questions from strangers in grocery stores start again….am sure one day soon my hormones will get the better of me and i’ll go into a detailed explanation of his situation with an unsuspecting check out lady at Tesco!!
May always look like a very happy and contented girl in her pictures and like my son am sure she lights up your life everyday, making the tough times and endless appointments that little bit easier.
xx
May always looks so happy and while I have been following your blog has made amazing progress.All children develop at their own pace.
Any news on a new flat?
I’ve been lurking here for months and I just had to say that your story and your family are both absolutely beautiful.
Thank you! And other lurkers also welcome 🙂
Hi Stacie, also a lurker but you may remember me as my son Harry was in May’s class at Small Steps for a while before he decided that Small Steps and him did not get on too well… I just wanted to say huge congratulations on your pregnancy – I was very excited to see you are due in July as I am as well! Not sure what Harry is going to make of suddenly having to share all the attention! Also just to say May is looking so beautiful in your latest photos with her new hair 🙂
Thanks Helen! Of course I remember you – and especially Harry! I can’t say that May always “appreciates” the help that Small Steps gives her either 🙂
Congrats on your pregnancy – July for us both! Wonderful news! I’ll pass on the news to Alex and her daughter Edie who are still in the same class from when you and Harry were with us.