Letter to Lily

Dear 4 Year Old Lily,

A while ago, I outlined what this blog was supposed to be about and who it was for. I can't find that post and you know I barely have the time to work on a princess puzzle, much less go through a thousand posts from the last 5 years... but if I remember right, this post explains how this blog is primarily for people to keep up with our little family. I absolutely love that our dear ones that live far away and don't get to see you grow check in here to see the latest. For that reason, I wish I could update more, because you're changing so much every day. Then again, some of the daily stuff is just for mom and dad to enjoy...

Like the other day, when you saw some trash on the ground and said, "Uh-oh, someone GLITTERED!"

Now that's for everyone to enjoy, but those beautiful little alternate interpretations of life make me smile and laugh every day.

Anyways, sometimes I forget that this blog is not only for others to read, but it's a letter, a journal, and a picture book from me to the adult you. (I say "adult" because you probably won't enjoy it until then...) I've noticed that sometimes I abstain from posting things that I want to tell you because I fear that I might make people uncomfortable or cause them to question your dad and I. We both prefer to avoid conflict, sometimes at great cost, as you probably know by now (adult Lily).

But sometimes, I can conquer the fear, especially when I think about how maybe I'll forget to tell you this later, or that I won't say it well. And I remember how you aren't afraid of anything (except maybe scary balls...and fans) or what anyone thinks of you yet. You are solely and simply YOU. Four year old YOU inspires me.

So Lily, I've got something to say to you. In this case, a different mom wrote this letter to her son. It is so beautifully written, full of love, and expresses so perfectly what is in my heart, that I just want you to think of it as from me to you.

What this article refers to specifically may be something we never have to deal with, but I'm sure there will be many, many other things that will require the same acceptance and love and support.

Dada and I are your biggest fans, always.

So, here's the letter - click here. To all my other readers, open your heart and see what happens... if it ruffles your feathers, we still love you too.

31-year-old Mama LOVES you, Lily-girl.

Attention Mothers of Babies and Toddlers (and Mothers-to-be!)

As some of you know, Jeremy and I try not to have the TV on - even "age-appropriate" shows - when Lily is awake. Its just one of things that feels bad to us - it is an opinion and an instinct. A few weeks ago, we did an experiment. We turned on Finding Nemo, an "animated" children's movie - for those of you who don't know - to see how she would react. I guess I should preface her reaction by saying that Lily is NEVER completely still, except when she is completely asleep. She doesn't sit still on our laps ever and barely when we read to her, which is her favorite activity. She is alwaysmovinglookingplayingtouchingexploring. When we turned on Finding Nemo, she sat completely still for 5+ minutes, until we turned it off, with her tongue hanging out. (See picture) I have no idea how long she would have sat there.
I am sure that it was partly b/c she isn't used to seeing the TV on, much less with all those bright colors and movements....but, still disturbing to me.

This post might be a bit controversial. Even though I normally shy away from possible drama, I would feel a bit cowardly if I kept this article (Toby found) all to myself. If you are interested, I would encourage you to read the article carefully.

It does NOT directly link autism to TV, it just says there might be a connection (a "significant relationship"), and also has a lot of other interesting things to say as well like this:
"The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends against any TV for children under the age of 2."
and this: "Researchers might also turn new attention to study of the Amish. Autism is rare in Amish society, and the standing assumption has been that this is because most Amish refuse to vaccinate children. The Amish also do not watch television."

I'm not trying to criticize families who do let their babies and toddlers watch the television, I just want everyone to be aware of the possibility that it might not be a helpful "activity".

Thoughts?