She is only 3.

So this morning while browsing Facebook I came across this picture about a three year old... and I realized, I do not let Taylor really just be a kid... I am so focused on her meeting goals, meeting milestones, that I forget some times the best learning is that of just playing... We are in no where as strict as some parents,  I mean my children jump on the couch, ground, beds - really just about anything they can... Not once have I gotten on to them for it... in fact the way Taylor learned how to jump 2 years late is all thanks to the couch. :)

I challenge everyone to just let their children be children - they can not sit still for as long as we can, sometimes eating spaghetti with their fingers is the best way - Now I am not saying do not have rules, but before you set them make sure you remember, they are only children once!

Have a great day with your munchkins - remember only a child once. ;)

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.

I thought I would share this -

I am the mother to two beautiful preemie girls - One ( Taylor ) was born at 31 weeks and Addyson was born at 35 weeks.

"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect.She has just the right amount of selfishness.

"The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect.

She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.

She will never take for granted a spoken word.

She will never consider a step ordinary.

When her child says 'mama' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it.

I will permit her to see clearly the things I see ignorance, cruelty, prejudice and allow her to rise above them.

She will never be alone.

Often I feel alone in this journey with Taylor and I question why?! But I am envied because of Taylor's challenges people envy the strength it takes for us to overcome challenges.

Just thought I would share what an amazing God we all have!

Sight Seeing.

As most of you know - Taylor is in need of a eye surgery that can potentially save her eye sight. She was born with a condition known as ROP - and the immense amount of oxygen that was given to her in the NICU only made it worse. We have been fighting harder than I have ever had to, to get Taylor this surgery. Our Insurance is refusing at this time to pay for the surgery so I have been really busy writing letters and mailing them out to see if one of the pro - bono surgeons can do the surgery... So for now we fight and wait.

xoxoxox

Taking Off.

Taylor continues to surprise me on a daily basis. Just last week she decided she needed to go potty like a big girl and is conquering the goal of potty training so well that even as a mom I have a doubt it will actually work.

In OT - taylor finally went down the slide on HER own... WHOA. Hold on a sec, My child the one who is terrified of the slide - went down?! Im sure Ms. Katie thinks that I am crazy when I look at her shocked. My child is cutting with scissors, building towers and climbing and jumping.... dont slow down Taylor!! Keep growing!!!

In speech - she is now telling stories. Speaking more than just two words at a time, and I can not be more proud of her!!! GO TAYLOR!

So off we go to speech this am just wanted to share some happy news with you all this am.