A Baby After Autism

As I was looking at our recent family photos, I started thinking about all the joy this baby has brought to our family. And how I can’t really remember a time before him.

In a way, he healed us. He healed the wounds that weren’t necessarily visible on the surface.

He’s the brother Sawyer dreamed of. Sawyer spends so much time kissing him. Holding him. And talking to him.

He’s told me, ‘I’m not lonely anymore mama.’

And then there is Cooper. The one I was the most nervous about.

How would he react to a baby in the house knowing that his biggest trigger is and was crying.

Well, he’s been amazing. Never once has he shown any aggression towards his baby brother. In a way it’s like Harbor has always been here.

He’s starting to sit near him. Just a few days ago he tickled him for the first time.

He loves his hair. And his sounds. He grabs his car seat for me when it’s time for us to leave. As if to say, ‘the baby comes with us mama.’

‘Harbor’ is one of the words he is trying so hard to learn to say.

‘No baby, No’ is another important phrase.

You wouldn’t believe how much a baby can love a hoarder and his treasures. Cooper is often not amused.

So, Harbor follows him everywhere. And I mean everywhere. He forced his way into Cooper’s world. In a way that I could never do.

Now, I find our family gathered around the baby at night. Cooing at him. Making him laugh.

Sawyer and Cooper even seem closer. Their relationship seems to be emerging as well. The baby seems to be their common thread.

One of the questions I am most commonly asked from moms is if they should be scared to have another baby? I so get it. I lived it.

When I was pregnant, and worried, I had no idea the answer to that question. I was so worried we were making a mistake.

That another baby would be too much.

But now I know a baby can heal too.

Harbor has brought so much joy to our lives. He’s united our family in a way that I didn’t even know we needed.

He already looks at his brothers like they hung the moon. And they look at him the same way in return.

He added laughter. He even fixed some of the heartbreak that we aren’t supposed to talk about. The grief. The sadness.

He healed us. He brought us hope. He is such a joy.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.