Our Beautiful Annie
Julie, at Autism Blog, posted this week about siblings… and in response to Julie’s post, Marla had some really interesting insights into life as a sibling of a special needs child.
So with this in mind, I decided it was time for a post about Annie - and what she brings to our lives and to our family.
Our blogging friends and regular readers will know of Annie, our delightful and beautiful little girl (yes, I’m biased - but I’m her Mum!!).
Annie entered the world just over 3 years ago, and from the moment she arrived in our arms, she brought with her a sense of calm and great sensitivity to those around her - she was like a breath of fresh air in our very ‘intense’ household.
Growing up as a toddler and now as a small child, Annie has continued to provide our family of four with a sense of calm, and her sensitivity is still intuitive. In her own innocent way, she ’just knows’ when things are particularly challenging - always responding to our needs with ‘Annie style support’; cuddles, cheek stroking or hair rubbing. She looks at you with eyes of knowing, a look that is often beyond her years.
Annie spends much of her play time dancing and singing… in her own little style of course, and when she’s not dancing or singing to herself she is playing house. Her dolls are her babies, and she nurtures them just like she nurtures everyone else in the house.
Over the past few weeks it seems like our little girl has grown up considerably. Maybe she’s just started a new stage of her development, but we’re sure it’s no coincidence that this ‘growing up’ has coincided with Jack now being at school for 4 days a week. Annie misses Jack terribly whilst he is at school, but at the same time, she now has the time and space to be her own person… and to spread her little wings. She relishes our ‘girls days’ and is really thriving with her speech, creativity and play.
Growing up in a world that is often tumultuous is not easy (even though living with a challenge of some nature is common place for many children in our world)…
Annie seems to take the meltdowns and challenges all in her stride. She is very nurturing towards Jack, and very accepting of how things are… but I guess she knows no difference to what life is for us.
I commented on Julie’s post about the fact that I have often wondered about the effects of Jack’s autism spectrum disorder on Annie.
At times we have had to work through ‘copycat’ behaviours with Annie, but then to her, what she sees is normal… and I guess to us, it is normal.
Only time will tell…
I simply have to trust that with our support Annie will continue to grow to be the beautiful person she is…
… loving, caring, and so very accepting of everything around her.
We love you Ann xx
February 29th, 2008 at 2:45 am
A beautiful post about a beautiful girl.
My Annie was sitting on my lap while I read your blog and wants to meet the pretty girl in the pictures
February 29th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Marita, I’m sure our Annies would make great friends!!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:14 am
What a wonderful little girl and a beautiful post. As usual your photos and writing are fantastic. Annie’s inner and outer beauty really comes through. Thanks for the nod and for pointing out Marla’s comment on my blog. You both added to my sib week in wonderful ways that I did not expect.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:22 am
What a beautiful writing on Annie. I love her little toes sticking out behind her head in that last photo. Adorable. I am glad my comment moved you so! What an honor!
I suppose I should write on the subject sometime. Of being raised with my sister who suffered a stroke when she was six.
I am sure you will give Annie all the love and then some that she needs! My parents were often told this, “beyond her years.” in regards to me. I never quite understood that until I was older.
February 29th, 2008 at 6:09 am
My little girl is now acting like the “older” sister. Its strange, but nice that she is so willing to help her brother. Thanks for the link to your friend’s blog I enjoyed it.
February 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
A post filled with much love as all of yours are. She really is beautiful inside and out.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Annie sounds like such a wonderful and integral part of your family. Jack is so lucky to have her for a sister.
And thank you for bringing these other posts about siblings to my attention.
February 29th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
What a lovely child!
Those are excellent pictures. I am sure she is and will continue to be, a great sister to Jack.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Annie is so adorable and is a great sibling. From your words I can tell she has such an important role in all your lives. I think, instinctively, she knows that. Y knows the importance she plays in our lives, especially J’s. She’s always known that and has done it without complaint. It looks like Annie is the same way. Bless her and her amazing, beautiful heart.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
She is so beautiful! Love this post!
February 29th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
There must be something about people named ‘Annie’. The warmest person I know, with the biggest heart in the world, is my Annie. Your Annie would seem to be headed in the same direction. Lucky you. To know someone like that. She looks lovely. There is openness and warmth in her pictures that give lie to her age. She will be kind.
February 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Annie seems like such a sweet little girl, and beautiful!!! I can see why you seem so proud.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Awww…she’s beautiful. What a smile!
March 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Annie is so cute! Siblings are such a blessing for each other. I feel so fortunate that Samuel has both an older sibling and younger.
March 1st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
What amazing pictures!! You can really see her personality in these. A great tribute…
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 am
What a beautiful and exceptional little lady! You are doing an amazing job, Elissa, with both your precious children!
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
What a beautiful post. It would be nice to share this with her when she gets older. What a blessing!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:45 am
This was so sweet! And she is such a cutie pie!!
March 6th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
She is so adorable!
March 6th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Oops, put my blog in wrong!