January 15, 2007

Autobiography


Schuyler (b&w)
Originally uploaded by Citizen Rob.
This was sent home by Schuyler's teacher, exactly as it was printed off from the BBoW. Apparently the impulse toward memoir is genetic.

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I am a girl. I am 7. I have no brothers. I have no sisters. My birthday is December 21st. I like to dance and play with puppys. I love puppy.

Schuyler


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I wonder if they were specifically asked about siblings. If not, that part's a little poignant.

19 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:10 PM

    Cool.

    That picture of Schuyler is great. So revealing. I can see her personality. It makes me smile.

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  2. She is so cute!!! Inside & out.

    My girl is working on a book this week too. Must be in the air? (Or the parents)?


    Have you seen this little girl's blog?

    http://www.adorasvitak.com/Blog.html

    Little girls are so awesome.

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  3. Anonymous7:40 AM

    It is likely that she is just noticing that the other kids were remarking on their own siblings. My first thought was, isn't that interesting that from her perspective, being an only child is what makes her an individual - or different from the others in class?

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  4. be careful, now. Soon she'll be writing her own tell-all book!

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  5. That may be my favorite picture of Schuyler ever. Just seems so "her."

    Love the writing too. Seems totally on target!

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  6. I understand. It's very normal for a younger only-child to wish for a brother or sister. My experience is that they think about it less and less as they get older and their world expands. Our daughter is also broken, or rather, she has a broken chromosome. Fragile X runs in my family. And when you have one child with a genetic defect, you can't take a chance on a second one. It used to break my heart, but she hardly ever mentions it now that she's older (11.) Can't wait for you book. Sorry this is a bit long.

    kpr54 in Garland, TX

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  7. Either what Lois said (were they taking in turns to say about themselves or something maybe?), or she doesn't understand and/or know the location of the word 'siblings' yet. It'd be much less poignant if it was "I have no siblings".

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  8. Anonymous7:52 PM

    so very - age appropriat answer- to who am I. Very concrete. Lovely lovely. I agree with everyone - love the personality in the photos. Can't wait for the book. Will your photography also be featured in the book?

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  9. That is a gorgeous photo! And the essay is a perfect example of what it is like to be 7. Love it

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  10. I'm waiting for Schuyler's blog. Seriously. ;) I know she'll do it someday. And it'll be all about how great her Dad is. :)

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  11. I always assumed it would be about all the stuff I got wrong.

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  12. They often prompt kids with questions to get them started on this kind of work (What is your name? Where do you live? Do you have any brothers and sisters? What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy?) Often, kids just go down the list and answer the questons. :) (I had an education degree and my mom was a teacher for 20+ years so I've seen this in action).

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  13. Out of everything you might get wrong, it's a drop in the ocean of what you got right.

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  14. Anonymous12:18 PM

    Hey Rob, have you and Julie ever stopped to wonder whether or not your early endeavors and perseverance have helped Schuyler remap her brain a bit thus minimizing her symptoms or is it all random and unchangeable.

    This is not to say that other parents aren't as dedicated or involved but your circumstances may have been unique that led to a slightly improved condition.

    I was just wondering.

    Yours,

    Jim (hank) and family.

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  15. Anonymous4:28 PM

    Cute picture of your darling girl. Does Schuyler have a unique sound (word) for you and your wife?

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  16. Hey Rob, have you and Julie ever stopped to wonder whether or not your early endeavors and perseverance have helped Schuyler remap her brain a bit thus minimizing her symptoms or is it all random and unchangeable.

    My fear is actually the opposite, that if I'd figured it out earlier, then she might be in better shape. I've never forgiven myself for all the years I looked into her eyes and didn't see it.

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    Does Schuyler have a unique sound (word) for you and your wife?

    She does. Imagine "mommy" and "daddy" with no consonants, only the vowels. She usually signs the words, too.

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  17. Anonymous10:36 AM

    I can't think of anything better for a mute child, than to have a dad who lives for writing. Language in your household is so much more than just speech.

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  18. Anonymous12:43 PM

    That picture of Schuyler is absolutely gorgeous. She is such a beautiful girl!

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  19. Puppies ARE very special ~ a pet is VERY important. GREAT PIC! :D

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