Five, Fun, and Phenomenal
In a few short days, Micah Man will be turning the big FIVE.
There are so many milestones that neurotypical kids hit by the time they turn five, but with having an atypical kid those milestones may take longer to develop. For me, I have realized that the best way is to 1) not look at what he hasn't accomplished but instead to look at what he HAS accomplished and 2) to look from birthday to birthday (aka a year in its entirety).
In the past year Micah has:
- Said "I love you" (parroted but still) -> Not to me so it's a bittersweet thing
- In the past month alone Micah has been speaking more and clearer, and even to the point that his therapists have noticed and pointed it out.
- Shown more affection and desire for interaction with others, including his peers.
- Has gained weight and is now in the 10% of growth for his age group which is HUGE and he hasn't been there since he was between 6 months- 1 year.
- Interacts/ Plays with Kenley more than he ever has.
- Still isn't a big fan of family pics but he deals.
Micah is amazing, and outgoing, and flexible, and creative, and determined, and fearless, and loving. It may not always seem that way to others because they expect him to act in a neurotypical way but that just means there needs to be a bit more understanding, patience, and learning in the world towards those with autism.
Seriously, look how awesome this kid is!
We love you Micah! We will always be your biggest supporters! Autism is not a disability but an ability and you rock it better than anyone I know! We loved you before you put me through 22 hours of labor and a c-section, and we loved you through all the sleepless nights, the doctor visits, the unknown that something was different, the waiting for a diagnosis, the diagnosis of autism, the changes, the challenges.. we will always love and support you. The McCall family song, I sang to you before your birth and I sang to you after and the meaning still holds true...
"Be still and know that I'm with you Be still and know that I am here Be still and know that I'm with you Be still, be still, and know
When darkness comes upon you And colors you with fear and shame Be still and know that I'm with you And I will say your name
If terror falls upon your bed And sleep no longer comes Remember all the words I said Be still, be still, and know
And when you go through the valley And the shadow comes down from the hill If morning never comes to be Be still, be still, be still
If you forget the way to go And lose where you came from If no one is standing beside you Be still and know I am
Be still and know that I'm with you Be still and know I am"
_Be Still- The Fray_