I think all parents compare their children to kids of the same age. I know I always have. CJ was always behind in his small motor skills (just like his mama) but I never let it bother me. I knew that he would catch up and he has. However with Lily I find that I can be at times a little obsessed with my comparing. For instance, Lily plays soccer on Saturdays (pics coming soon!). I watch to see what the other kids on her team are doing and what she is doing. They are playing soccer. She is doing ballet, jumping in mud puddles, waving to the crowd, stopping to drop a one-liner here or there, etc.  So for a few minutes I feel concerned and slightly frustrated. But then I remember CJ playing t-ball at her age. I remember him digging in the sand when he was suppose to be a 2nd basemen. Him doing handstands in the outfield, etc, etc. Taking a deep breath I realize that this is just my daughter's personality. Not everything can be blamed on Canavan. It's just hard sometimes or me to tell the difference.

We are truly blessed that we had CJ first. CJ provides an excellent basis of comparison for things that Lily does. He keeps me calm because I can look back on things he did at such and such an age and realize that most things are just her personality.

Lily has had 4 evaluations. 3 done by Akron Children's Hospital and 1 done by Green Local Schools. All the evals say that Lily is just about where she should be for her age. That is very much a cause to celebrate! Now I just wish that medical professionals would stop saying to me "Let's just hope that continues." I REALLY don't need to be reminded all the time that it may not. Trust me, I am more aware of it than any of them could ever imagine.

I try not to over push Lily and try to be aware of when I might be just a little (or more lol) over the top. She has to move at her own pace and I know that if I push, she may just back slide. But it's hard sometimes. Finding that perfect balance. Between pushing to what she is capable to do and trying to push her beyond.

Thank you for reading!