It's been a minute since we've last talked about the subject of my children. So much is going on. Where should I start?
Stacy just turned 6 months yesterday. She is a mover and a shaker. She loves to gaze into our eyes and give huge toothless grins. Rolling? Of course! Since 2 months. Babbling? Yep, loudly! Eye hand coordination? She's a freaking ninja! Fastest reflexes south of the Mason Dixon. Oh, and she's learning her name. Stacie had her first meal and she absolutely hated it. Rice is not for Anastasia.
Next is Lillian and she's bossy. She bosses. Really though. I call her "mama" or "mami" because I am from a predominantly Black and Latino town and these names are endearing yet sassy. I'm about to refrain from calling her that because she might be thinking it's some sort of term of authority. Slow your roll. I love her sassiness though. My mini me, she's a doll. What I am learning, however, is that she is taking her social interaction cues from her big brother. That's what's supposed to happen. It's the natural order of things. The older teaches the younger, but in this case the younger is learning the characteristics that pertain to her brother's diagnosis.
Example Tre, Lilly, Stacie, and myself went outside for fresh air and some evening sun. Other children from the community come out and join in on the fun. Tre immediately sits on the closest bench and watches the other other kids. Lilly follows her big brother's lead. Here we are, me and my "Funky Bunch" all outside. Stacie is in her harness looking like a Joey and I, her pouch wielding kangaroo mama, are playing with Tre and Lilly's toys with the other kids while Tre and Lilly, owners of said toys, are watching from the sidelines. I encourage them both to get up but I was really trying to coach Lilly. I'm seeing that she doesn't know how to function in social settings within a playful environment. She's stand-offish and gives everyone the meanest stink eye she can conjure up. Is she an introvert? Not in the least bit, but she's having some social issues. Autism has taken a toll on my family as a whole, but for it to kick back and set back my Non- ASD child, is a whole nother issue. My husband and I decided that a little Lilly and guest time without Tre is a must. It's going to take more than just a few playdates to rectify the problem, but it is a starting point.
As for Tre, since school has started, he's showing growth. At the same time, we've removed him from all of his therapies. Bad move. It feels like we've set him back, but we're learning. We go through many phases and we're trying different things, but we are only human. We made plenty of mistakes, and we'll make a bazillion more. I am hoping to learn from mine and a few others on how to cope with a child who the world will never see as normal.
As we truck right along through Autism Awareness Month, I hope our story helps anyone who may need it. Even if its just relating ask parents or as a younger sibling.
Other updates include lighting it up blue on Thursday. Last Thursday was Autism Awareness Day and Tre wore a powder blue polo to school in honor of it. No, he wasn't aware, but he's not aware of his Autism yet either.
Good Friday was a hoot. My mom came to town and prepared the Easter eggs for our Saturday Easter egg hunt. That Saturday was awesome. I set up the eggs in the back courtyard of our apartment and I let Trey and Lily hunt for their goodies with their baskets. Sunday, of course we went to church and saw our church family.
Wednesday we had a dentist appointment, and good news, great news! The kids have great teeth. One issue though, we are going to have to stop Lilly from drinking out of her sippy cup. This is going to be a hard task and a long road but it's time for her to give up her "cuppy-cup".
Our week and our lives are chock-full of Gilmore excitement. Can't wait to see what's in store.
Until next time,
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