Today is Valentine's Day. I have so much love for you I can barely contain it all. You are perfect, precious, sweet, beautiful, and loved. You represent happy in my life. You make me feel happy. You make me feel needed and loved and I demonstrate the need and love I have for you daily.
I thought today might be the perfect day to share the article that was posted in The Hairbow Company's mini magazine Ruffles that they include with orders. I'm a huge fan of The Hairbow company for a few different reasons. Their products are adorable. The also have fabulous customer service. The also believe in children of all abilities. They not only published my article and barefoot sandal tutorial, but they are now using models of all abilities in their advertising. It's amazing.
I wrote to the company about Changing the Face of Beauty. I have been following along Katie Driscoll and her partner Steve and their amazing and successful campaign since we met Katie in San Diego for the InfAntino/Step 2 Photo Shoot with the amazing Kelle Hampton. It was an experience I will never forget and really my first steps of inclusion. I gave The Hairbow Company the contact info, and sure enough, The Hairbow Company is one of 37 who have agreed to use models with disabilities in their advertising in 2015. I love seeing all of this take place.
http://www.thehairbowcompany.com/changing-the-face-of-beauty.html#.VN9udZgfXtE.
Her is the article and photo that was posted Ruffles
I love you so much!!Made with love:
It all started as a little girl. My family owned a department store. Having a very close relationship with my mother and sister, I always dreamed of having a daughter. The minute I found out I was having a girl, my crafty side jumped for joy. I first chose a shabby floral room decor in aqua and pink. My first real project, I decorated a plain lampshade and completely covered it with miniature rosettes. Similar to what you may see in a Pottery Barn catalog, but budget friendly and made with love. Everything I did, I added a loving touch to her bedroom.
As I organized her room, I daydreamed about all things girly that would fill my daughter's life: dresses, skirts, bows, shoes, ruffles, leggings, in all the most beautiful colors. I couldn't wait to meet my daughter. We would read, craft, have tea parties, play with dolls, paint our toes, dance, sing, cook, and love life. All things I enjoyed with my mother and sister in my childhood. We would be best friends.
It seems that you always make your own plan and you forget, God already has a plan for you. Shortly after birth, Savannah was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. At just one month old, she had brain surgery. It was extremely scary as a new mom. As my love was growing and my worries too, it never once stopped me from playing "dress-up" with my new, tiny and delicate, baby girl. It started with an obsession with bows and headbands. However, my favorite, barefoot sandals on her tiny little feet. I loved to add sweet girl accessories to her outfits.
Well, at only eight months old, Savannah decided to add her own accessory, pink glasses. Savannah was diagnosed with cortical visual impairment and is considered legally blind. It's a neurological processing visual impairment. It's extremely complex. I never once thought about how much vision impacts our lives, but it is an extreme motivator in all aspects. I do my best to give her all I can, both emotionally and physically.
My bow obsession continued to grow. My crafty bestie started making bows for her daughter and I followed in her footsteps. I loved the idea that I could make a bow to match any outfit, my own creation made with love. Each bow was different in color, size, shape, and style, just like every child. Bows turned into headbands, barefoot sandals, birthday shirts, Halloween outfits. Do I sound pretty talented right now? Well, I'm really not. I like easy crafts. Crafting is something I have always had a passion for doing, it just became a new outlet for me. A little mommy time to decompress from the never-ending doctor appointments, therapies, and stressful worries associated with Savannah's condition.
Raising a child with disabilities has truly blessed me. At three years old, she brightens my every day and makes me smile. I feel strongly about giving her all the same privileges I had growing up- experiences of all kinds, a beautiful wardrobe complete with bows, but most importantly, love. Everything I do, I do out of love for her.
My love for Savannah has inspired me to advocate for children with special needs. I want the world to see the beauty in my daughter and how raising a child with special needs is truly a beautiful thing. When people look at her, I want them to notice her beautiful eyes, her thick long lashes, her perfect lips, her rosy cheeks, her gorgeous dark hair, her infectious smile, all things that make her beautiful. My hope is that seeing her photo or reading her story will help others accept all children of all abilities. After all, she is a child like any other who is fiercely loved.
Love, Mommy
