I can’t believe that just 11 short years ago I was worried about Haylee living a normal life, having friend, doing things the other kids were doing.  And here we are 11 years later and Haylee has attended her first school dance. 

I still think back to the day when she was born and I was told she had no fingers on her little hand.  I remember thinking that day.  Would Haylee be invited to school dances, would anyone want to go to a school dance with her because she is different.  I remember wondering what was Amniotic Band Syndrome and how was it going to effect Haylee’s life.

People look at her now and ask me why were you ever worried.

That is an easy question to answer.

I was worried because I did not know ANYONE else that had been effected by ABS.

I did not have anyone to ask the million and one questions I had running around my head at the time.

Instead I assumed the worst when I could not find anything online except for negative.

But Haylee has amazing me beyond words, she is more than I ever imagined and has accomplished more than most kids her age has.  And the best part.  She has done it all with one hand.

Oh and the school dance went awesome and she had an amazing time.  And told us that she did not kiss any boys…..

It seems like just yesterday she was born and now we are getting ready for middle school next year.

Haylee started the 6th grade just a few days ago.

She made sure she started out the year right with a new outfit, a new haircut and rocking shoes.

She really loves the school she is in and also seems to really enjoy riding the bus.

She has decided she will be playing the bass drum this year in band and is super excited about that because she said she is going to be like her cousin Jessica who is in a band.

She of course can’t wait to get to Jr. High but what child does not want to grow up.

I am super proud of everything Haylee has done in her life already and super excited about all the adventures that are to come in Haylee’s future.

What happened?

I was born like that.  That’s the way God made me.

Does it hurt?

Not at all.

Do you have feeling with your nubs?

Yes, there are tiny veins inside them.  They have feelings just like your fingers do.

Will your fingers ever grow?

Nope they will always stay the same as far as I know.  But my hand will grow.  Not like a regular hand but it will grow as I grow.

Will your hand ever get better?

No because there is nothing wrong with it.

Haylee inspires so many more people then she will ever know.

Daily she inspires Jim and myself to be the fun loving parents we have always been and teach her that it is ok to be unique.

She has helped so many Mom’s or soon to be Mom’s realize that a hand change, or other limb difference is not anything to be afraid of.

But most importantly she brings out the best in herself.

If see wants to swim she does.

If she wants to ride a bike standing up she does.

If she wants to do a cartwheel she does.

Actually anything she puts her mind to she does.

But her most important job she says is to make people aware of Amniotic Band Syndrome but more importantly to teach other children that just because you are different and unique, don’t let that stop you from being the very best.

The Wonderful Wears facebook group is a parent to parent clothing exchange group for our specially made kids!  As I mentioned before it is a closed group so you need to request an invite and the moderator will approve you.  Please feel free to share this group with others you know who may be interested – parents, therapists, etc.

We look forward to seeing you there.

One of the issues that we have found is keeping that little hand of hers warm. Because she does not have fingers to always move on that hand then the circulation is not as good as it should be.

Often times her little hand will get cold or even worse it will start to turn purple. Normally we put on a sock that we got when she had flower her prosthetic hand. But a little hand sock is ok but Haylee wanted something cooler and more fun.

Well one day she came home from school with a cell phone cover that looked like a hoodie. And she had me open up the bottom so that she could slip it over her little hand. That was fun and cool but now we need different colors and more fun.

So I found someone on etsy that knitted and asked her to make us some sweaters for Haylee’s little hand. And I have to tell you it is such an awesome and fun way for Haylee to keep her little hand warm but super stylish.

If you have a little hand and want a sweater let me know and we would be happy to send you one too.

Just click on the contact form and send us an email.

I belong to FTR Nation and they posted this video recently. And this video explains exactly what we have taught Haylee since she was very young.

With Haylee being born with no fingers on her left hand she always seems to have all eyes on her. And from a very young age we have taught her to live life like you dance. LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING! And I will be honest. It has sure made her life more positive and upbeat. Haylee watched this video last night!  And Loved it!  Haylee was so mezmerized by the whole video but more importantly Carrie Dancing.  Haylee just zones on her dancing and said, “Mom I live my life like Carrie dances, like no one is watching.”  That brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you FTR Nation for affirming that this is how Haylee should continue to live! Love you guys!

Haylee has been talking about this movie since she heard it was coming out.  Haylee can’t wait to see it and wanted to share with you the trailer and some images she thought was super cool.

You can also check out Disney Pixar’s facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPixar