44:52

Yesterday as most of you know, I ran my first 5k ever, for Taylor. It benefited Autism research and I knew that if Tay could go for the last three years that surely I could run 3miles...

I went in with the goal of 45 mins - I finished as noted in the title at 44:52 - I was good until we got to the halfway point when I realized that my daughter struggles more in one day then I was in 45 mins... I ran my heart out for her - I cried tears of sadness, guilt, and anger as I pounded off miles... I was surprised with myself as to what I accomplished.

Taylor, you have such an amazing support system behind you and mommy did not even realize it until yesterday!

Thank you Team Taylor for suffering with me!! :)

You all rock!
<3

Three years has gone so fast.

As I type this I am brought to tears. Three years ago I got to hold Taylor for the very first time. Yes, you read that right - 7 days after she was born I finally got to hold my baby girl. A lot has happened in three years, that I all to often forget about because I am so focused on the bad.

Taylor learned to walk.

Taylor said her first word - Uh Oh

Taylor made her first friend

Taylor learned how to climb and Jump

Taylor went down a slide without screaming

So much more has happened... She turned into a big sister and filled the role amazing. She helped mommy through the last 8 months of Nick's tour in Korea.

She knows just when mommy needs a hug, a smile, or even just a kiss.

On that note - it was almost a year ago that we were told of her diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, I remember sitting in the dr's office - Crying, uncontrollable crying. Taylor was laughing - Yup you saw that right she was laughing... I think it was that moment that I realized so what if the only thing that is wrong with her is Autism... We made it this far and proved people wrong lets do it again...

There is a lot to Autism that people do not understand, please educate yourselves before you make comments... I am an open person as well and will tell you anything you want to know.

Have a great day with your kiddo's I think I am going to go and hold my baby girl for the first time this morning. <3

Dear Taylor.

Dear Taylor,

Three years ago you blessed us with your appearance - a little early but you showed us what unconditional love was and that despite all the challenges to never give up. I will never forget the first time that I got to hold you - you snuggled and even let out a small cry - and being able to comfort you was the greatest feeling in the whole entire world. Each and every milestone and goal that you accomplish makes Daddy and I very proud. You have turned into an amazing big sister and an even more amazing daughter. You have taught both of us patience and perseverance. You have never given up on any challenge that has been thrown your way instead you worked harder than ever to achieve it and master it.

We can not express enough how grateful we are for you and all that you have given to us. You made us a family, you allowed me to see through your eyes when you were diagnosed with Autism and again when you needed glasses. We we will always be by your side no matter what. Now tomorrow, as we prove those doctors all wrong and you wake us up at 6 am, I may cry some tears and its okay Mommy is not sad she is grateful that our miracle baby is alive and well.

Taylor, Keep defying the odds, keep smiling and Please please remember that we love you more than you will ever know.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and Addyson.