The Reese's

It has been a year since Emilee was enrolled in Early Intervention. She was a tiny 6 week-old who could barely hold her head up for any length of time. Her goal for occupational therapy (OT) was to increase strength for head holding and to grasp toys. I remember barely sleeping the night before our first evaluation. Why should I expect, what are they going to tell me about her development, are we going to get enough services? Fast forward a year later and I still barely slept last night. We have an amazing team and I knew we will get the services we need. But it was the thought of hearing how delayed she is as they break down categories. I know she isn't crawling like most children her age and walking, this girl can barely weight-bare on her legs for longer than a few seconds. I also know that she isn't interacting with toys like most other children. The age on the toys I tend to laugh at, Emilee still doesn't push things or manipulate them in any way other than chewing. ...

Dear Leila, You are just a little girl, probably around 2 years old, enjoying dinner with your family at Hooters in Ocean City, Maryland. Much like any 2 year-old little girl, you are obsessed with babies. As you ate your dinner you couldn't stop looking and drooling over Emilee and her baby-like stage. Finally your mommy brought you over to say hello. What you don't know is that Emilee is a bit different from you. She was born with something a bit extra and it makes her a little different. But your gentle, kind and caring disposition didn't make her feel any different from you. I hope that realize how absolutely amazing it was to meet you and your mommy and how for an a moment, Emilee's difference didn't matter. Stay amazing, Leila. Dear Leila's Mother, Thank you. From the bottom of my heart I cannot extend my appreciation for walking your baby-obsessed two year old over to my daughter. While it probably didn't seem special to you, it did to us. A...