The Caroline Chronicles

My sweet Lily was diagnosed with Autism last month. With so much stigma around ASD and a lack of understanding from the general public, I thought it would be inspiring to share all of the beautiful things I’ve gotten to know about my daughter at three and a half.

01.

Lily is the most Clever little girl! Truly the epitome of the saying “born an old soul”. She has always been quick to think outside of the box and has conquered nearly all obstacles thrown in her direction. I was in awe two years ago when she figured out how to climb up on the couch, then scooch backwards on her belly to the floor entirely unguided. She figured that out all on her own! And she hasn’t slowed down since, picking up nearly every physical obstacle rather gracefully.

02.

She has the biggest heart! I’ve heard that there are many on the spectrum who are withdrawn and struggle to make connections, but not Lily. She seeks out connection and comfort from all of her caregivers, especially Josh and I. We have observed that it is harder for her to make connections with children her age, and we so deeply hope that she will be able to overcome that hurdle so that she might experience true friendship! But her connection to us and her grandparents is so deep and strong! She will dance to our singing, she will literally push us into the playroom so that we might play with her. She loves to snuggle under a warm blanket with us, and she knows through various gestures how to communicate her needs! And perhaps the sweetest thing in the world, she will push her forehead to our lips so that we will give her a kiss 🥺

03.

The way that she moves about each room. It’s like she dances as she runs, so carefree and full of life! I wish that I could peek into her mind just to get a glimpse of what’s going on in there, some extraordinary things I’m sure!

04.

Her little language! Although she is nonverbal, she does have her own little language and way that she verbalizes her excitements, sadness, love, and everything in between! It’s taken some time for us to figure out some of her little language, but it is ever interesting and exciting to see what she’s going to say next!

05.

The way that she somehow seems to know everyone who she meets. Personally, many of my family members have noted how she seems to exude the aura of my great grandmother who passed away two decades ago. It’s like a little piece of her soul was born back into the world with Lily, and the more I get to know my little girl the more I feel that perhaps that might be the case! I am reminded daily by my three-year-old daughter just how much I still have to learn!

06.

Her smile. Her laugh! And the way that she makes my heart fill whole when I so often feel fractured.

07.

How she loves to wear tutus and dresses. It’s particularly comical how she will rummage through her laundry just to find a tutu! If I dare dress her in anything else she will waste no time finding a dress in which to present me with for her to wear. She’s more stylish than her mama already!

08.

Her curiosity. Though this is a trait shared by all tiny humans, it is ever enchanting to watch as she takes in the world around her! And it is my personal belief that the world would be such a happier place if we all lived with such curiosity about each other!