Little by Little

Blythe’s therapist met with me and Jeremy recently and we all shared a laugh about the thought of teenaged Blythe wearing footie pajamas on her first date. 

When I closed my eyes to imagine the scene, I giggled as I picture her getting ready.  Her hair is washed but uncombed, because she doesn’t allow people to touch her head.  She’s wearing biker shorts instead of pan.ties because the elastic irritates her skin. 

Standing in front of her closet, she is trying to choose between jammies adorned with hearts versus kitties.  Her shoes, of course, are either froggy boots or sandals purchased several sizes too large, so that they can strap over the bulky fabric covering her feet.

She is graceful and sweet and full of laughter as she zips up, covered from toe to neck in fleece, her protective suit of armor.

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Before she started therapy, Blythe wouldn’t wear anything but footie pajamas.

Slowly, though, she’s expanding her wardrobe.  The first step forward was wearing things over her jammies.  The second step was wearing a soft cotton dress for a few minutes at a time.  The third step was going to Target and getting to choose a beautiful Spring dress, all by herself.  Fourth step?  Wearing that gorgeous dress every evening after dinner, while she danced.

And now, finally and suddenly, my girl is getting dressed every. single. day.  In real clothes.  She’s even playing dress up – with itchy clothes.

This?  Is astonishing.  Amazing.  Incredible.  I am weeping behind my camera lens.

I am so proud of my little princess.