Update to Audrey’s story 2016

I decided to write an update to my Audrey Story written over 2 years ago. With all the news about microcephaly and the Zika virus, I can’t help but give an update to all the scared parents out there. I know because I was one of them when my pediatrician told me my Audrey had microcephaly. How could that be I thought! I had a great pregnancy, C section delivery, she was my first baby and you are telling me there is an issue ? That is not what any new mom needs to hear. So after googling microcephaly, because who ever heard of that until now! I wrote a story a few years ago on my daughter and all of the positive, amazing things about her to give some moms out there hope.
Let me first say they do not know if I had the Zika virus, that wasn’t even a thought in the the US 3 years ago. But when I look back I was in Puerto Rico for our 1 year anniversary and I was pregnant but didn’t know it at the time. I remember getting bit by mosquitos so much down there but also back at home and used to say that mosquitos love pregnant women! And the doctors told me I must have been exposed to a virus while I was pregnant because it is not genetic. Makes me wonder now….
The message I want to send is one of hope and positivity. The most important thing a parent can do if their child is diagnosed with microcephaly is to get your child into Early Intervention (EI) as soon as possible. It is available for 0-3 year olds and is a life saver. This will become routine and you will learn so much from all of these amazing therapists . Learn from them and work with your child, the earlier you start the better! Read everything you can on different therapies, like hippo therapy, slow treadmill therapy, intense physical therapy, etc. Network with different families in your neighborhood and online support groups. There is a whole world out there of special families that were given these special children for a reason. Take help when people offer it to you and don’t lose yourself in the whole process, make time for your spouse and take care of yourself. Spread the word of what microcephaly is, there are so many different spectrums of it and we can all help each other. Most of all, be positive and celebrate all the little things that your child does, the clapping of hands, hugs, first steps and hold my breath…the word Mama! I am still waiting for that one but the day I hear it, you will see tears of joy!!!
Audrey is 3 now and is in a special school and has amazing therapists. She has come so far from her EI days but if it wasn’t for her PT, OT, Speech and Special Ed teacher should would have been so much further behind. They were a part of our family and I can’t thank them enough. Audrey is walking so much better now and you can see it in her face how determined she is! I think it is because she wants to keep up with her baby sister! I know Vivienne will look after Audrey and protect her out there!
Audrey walks, talks, runs and plays in my dreams so I know this will happen one day. She has taught us patience and appreciation of all the little things in life and I am forever grateful that we have been blessed with such a happy, smart, perfect little girl.
So please, all parents, cherish these moments, teach your children to be kind when others are different and never give up hope. Your children will surprise you!