Celebrating the Inches
Just days after Hattie was diagnosed, we received an insane amount of mail from the state of Colorado. Family Voices Colorado-"we help families who have children with special needs"…CRCSN-"Colorado Responds to Children with Special Needs"…Early Intervention- "In home therapy with children with developmental delays"…It was overwhelming to say the least. David and I looked at each other and said, “so are we really special needs parents now?...” We were still in shock about everything, and all of this mail was just making it more and more real.
We are still learning about the different benefits that our state offers, but one program that we were definitely interested in was Early Intervention. We went ahead and set that up, and we had our first session with our physical therapist last week. Leading up to our session, I have to admit, I was nervous. I was nervous to find out what all could be “wrong” with Hattie. I was nervous that our therapist would say that she was really behind, or talk about what she probably wouldn’t be able to do. I would find myself researching “baby milestones”, and even going as far as looking at my friend’s babies on social media. I would try and figure out when they lifted their head, or when they started grabbing toys and sitting up. I would even compare their sizes. Hattie has always grown at her own pace- even while she she was in my tummy. She is still only 9lbs 12oz at 3 months, and I have friends who have babies who are younger, and have already passed her up in size. When we are out and about I can't tell you how many people have come up to us and said "Awww wow! She is so tiny for 3 months!" "Oh wow! Was she a premie??". Ugh. I was tearing myself up over it. I soon realized that researching and analyzing other babies was going to do me no good. All it does is hurt, and cause anxiety.
Beth, Hattie’s physical therapist, was so encouraging. She lifted Hattie up with everything she did. Every tiny thing that Hattie did she would yell “Yay!! Good job Hattie!”, and Hattie would smile so big. Beth told us things that we should continue to work on with her, and even gave us some homework—but her approach was so positive. Beth never once made me feel like Hattie was different, or behind. Even though I know that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, Hattie is getting stronger and stronger every day!
Hattie started smiling last month, and we are so thankful for that smile. She also started noticing her hands, and her fingers are constantly in her mouth. Hattie also has great eye contact, and can follow objects really well! There are some things that we are still working on, like lifting her head during tummy time, and “swiping” at toys that dangle in front of her. I have to constantly remind myself that EVERY baby is different, disability or not. These days it is almost impossible not to compare. We have access to EVERYTHING on the internet, and social media can be toxic. Instead of harping over the milestones that she might be a little delayed on, and comparing her to other babies, we are choosing to celebrate every inch. Hattie is going to go at her own pace, and I know that God has already chosen her path! All we can do is help her, and love her! We are working hard every day, and we can’t wait to continue celebrating the inches with our little Hattie Cakes.
-Abby
