I started to Instagram this picture, but there was too much I wanted to say about it. Then I was all, "Wait, I HAVE A BLOG."
Here are my 5 would-be Instagram captions:
1. When Madeline was 4 months old, I could not have imagined this glory. Darling, do not fear what you don't really know. Vision loss, hearing loss, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism - whatever the diagnosis, whatever the life-changing, dream-changing, scary unknown, do not assume what your child will not be able to do. Just wait and see. If there are things they cannot do - that's okay. Who they are is enough. But what they can do - WHAT THEY CAN DO - will surprise you every day. Kids are brilliant, resilient, spectacular little people. Dear special needs parent, do not fear what you don't really know. Madeline the hope-giver wants to be an artist and and astronaut. Who ever would have thought. There is so much hope.
2. I need a new phone, STAT. Here's a game: let's pretend this is really bright and clear and happy and gorgeous!
3. It is so important to display kids' artwork in their home. I remember the wall above my parents' headboard, filled with pictures from my brother and I, and I remember how proud it made me feel. There were some really beautiful ideas of how to display kids' art at apartment therapy a few months ago.
4. I am rich. When my heart fails within me, I only have to look at this wall to remember. I am rich. Parenting matters SO MUCH. If I only ever get two things right in life, I want those things to be loving Jesus, and raising Madeline, Sam, and Henry Conner.
5. I will sing its praises again - y'all, $2 for a roll of washi tape is worth it times a billion. (I loved this ode to washi tape on the walk in love. blog.)
(This one isn't on Madeline's wall. It's going in my room:)
