This is 1 of the picture i love because it says it all... the smile, the cheeks, the love.... There were moments that i hope she doesn't grow big and stay like this. All I know, she is a healthy kid. 
And when she turned 2 years old. i started to wonder, why she never call me MAMA? is she gonna grow up calling me by name? is she gonna call me Mama soon, or when? whats wrong? there were questions i asked myself and Autism did not come in to my mind. I thought, kids can be different. some talks early some they dont. So i googled Speech therapy nearby me. And then i found few places. called for Assessment schedule and Tadaaaaaa! For the very first time,, after the long doubts, i breakdown and cried when they told me that my kid has the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I cried and cried for weeks, but then the mum's instincts kicked in.. i did my research 24/7, i read blogs of those mothers all over the world. It was heartbreaking, there are severe cases/ there are mild. but the pain is the same. the stress level is the same.... and then i realized, 2nd opinion to a good child Psychologist would be better. So we did. And Santina was diagnosed with HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM... yes, she's a smart girl. she can recognized colors, numbers, shapes and ABC at the age of 1 year plus. Then i told myself, she can be genius 1 day, she can be a future doctor, lawyer or perhaps a scientist,,, i should pick up the pieces and start moving my ass off... instead of crying and feeling sorry. And yes, I did. me and my husband giving her the full support, playing with her, talking to her, taking her to the park and giving her more time and attention.
The picture with all the balls and with me is a recent photo of her...
