One California dad decided to choose his battles carefully when it came to his toddler daughter. After picking 3 outfits for her and the little girl declining them all, he told his wife that he let the child choose what to wear for picture day. When the parents saw the final result, they couldn’t help but post the school photo online for all to see. They never expected the response they got, though.
Kaylieann Steinbach of Rocklin, California, is a very special girl. In fact, you could say she’s pretty super. She’s independent, she knows what she likes, and she’s not afraid to show it. She also doesn’t let anything stand in her way. The three-year-old proved just that on school picture day when she decided on the perfect outfit to wear. Little did her parents now, a school picture makes a big impact.
Austin Steinbach wasn’t offended when Kaylieann refused the three outfits he picked for to wear on the day of school pictures. “I’ve always wanted her to be as independent as possible,” he explained. Kaylieann decided to pick her own attire, and it just so happened to be a Supergirl costume. Don’t worry, though, she had the perfect accessory for the outfit too.
“She walked up, looked over each of her choices, turned and said ‘Pootergirl!’” Austin Steinbach recalled, according to Huffington Post. “And well, I couldn’t argue with that answer.” So, sitting proudly with her “Pooterman,” as Kaylieann calls him, the child smiled brightly.
With Superman as her sidekick and the two donning their matching outfits, Kaylieann looked simply adorable. When her parents got the school picture, they loved how it showed off Kaylieann’s unique love for superheroes and proudly posted it online for their family and friends.
“Grandma! My school pictures came back today!” Austin wrote alongside the image, which would capture the attention of so many more than just the girl’s grandparents. As the photo drew more and more attention, it was soon revealed there was so much more to little Kaylieann than just her unique wardrobe inspiration, Fox 40 reported.
Yes, little Kaylieann certainly loves superheroes. In fact, Austin wasn’t surprised when she chose the costume since she dresses up in them for school all the time. “I love her wearing these,” he said. So, her outfit didn’t come as a shock at all. But, something else definitely did.
Her parents were surprised that the 3-year-old’s fashion choice went viral as her picture was shared all over the country. Apparently, plenty of others found it downright adorable too. “I’m still astonished by it. I still can’t believe what’s happening,” her mom, Jami Steinbach, admitted.
The photo has gotten a whole lot more than just laughs, though. “The reaction and turnout from the deaf community is amazing,” Austin said. “I still haven’t been able to get through all the messages of support and kind words people have sent me. I could never have imagined how much her picture could have touched so many.”
That’s right, Supergirl’s parents quickly found themselves overwhelmed with support from the deaf community. You see, the Rocklin toddler is 75 percent deaf in both of her ears. That’s the reason she struggles to hear and pronounce the letter “S” correctly, saying “Pooterman” instead of “Superman.” Even so, Kaylieann’s an inspiration, proving, “Being deaf isn’t necessarily a disability,” Jami explained. “You’re still able to go out there and be yourself, be creative.”
Indeed, the outfit is just a reflection of the superhero that brave little Kaylieann actually is. Faced with what others would deem an unfair challenge, Kaylieann still proudly displays confidence and her individuality, proving that a so-called disability can be all about perception. She certainly isn’t letting her “struggles” keep her down. Perhaps we could all learn a little something from this super girl.