I am of the belief that Cameron was a gift to me from a greater power. I found out I was pregnant with her on our third wedding anniversary. She was born on my birthday. She brings light into my life, and she is likely one of the best "things" we could have done for Max. I will admit that when I found out I was pregnant, I was a little overwhelmed. Cameron was by no means an accident, but we had just started to suspect that Max was Autistic, and had decided to put trying for baby number 2 on hold. Little did we know that the universe had other plans for us. I am so lucky that I got pregnant when I did, because given what we've been through in the past two years, I don't know if we would have ever felt like we could handle another child on top of Max. Obviously we can handle another child, but you don't know what you don't know.
When Cameron was born, my friend Alana (whose eldest son has Aspergers) told me that Cameron would be a crucial component in Max's development. In the past two months, I have seen this prediction become reality. Now that she is sturdier, I am less concerned about her getting hurt if Max pushes her away or takes a toy from her. Max also seems more comfortable with her now, and will sit next to her and play, eat her breakfast off of her tray, and has even started teasing her. Cameron LOVES Max. It doesn't matter how much he ignores her, runs away from her or grabs stuff right out of her hands, she cannot get enough of her big brother, she always comes back for more.
Max is also a gift, but in a different way. He has opened my eyes up to a community that I was barely aware of, opened up my mind, and changed the path my life will take (or maybe he is my guide, and was given to me to show me the direction I was always meant to take). Cameron is the balm that heals my heart after it has been pulled in too many directions, the child that will give me the chance to experience those things that I won't be able to do with Max. They are both my blessings.
Max is also a gift, but in a different way. He has opened my eyes up to a community that I was barely aware of, opened up my mind, and changed the path my life will take (or maybe he is my guide, and was given to me to show me the direction I was always meant to take). Cameron is the balm that heals my heart after it has been pulled in too many directions, the child that will give me the chance to experience those things that I won't be able to do with Max. They are both my blessings.
Beautiful post! Not to be insensitive when I ask this question, but are Cameron's chances increased for developing autism? And if so, when would she start showing signs? Sounds like you are fairly confident she is in the clear.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great blogging.
So far Cameron appears to be neurotypical. She is a very different baby than Max was, connected, claps, waves, the whole nine yards. I have also had her in the Early Autism Study at McMaster, and so far everything has checked out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words!
Meant to also say that yes, once you have a child with Autism, the chances for other children to also be Autistic is significantly increased.
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