{inspired} To Share Life on Instagram

When it comes to social media, I’m a little wishy-washy about what I like and what I don’t. I’ve technically been on Twitter for a couple years since I had my bake shop and felt like it might be fun for my business. Now I’m on as The Mango Memoirs, but I don’t do a whole lot. It’s just too much information for me. I am a fan of Facebook, though I’m spending less time on it than I used to, which is probably best. There is one social media app, though, that I’m absolutely sticking with. It’s Instagram.

2014-04-09 10.57.03 pmrockin it two weeks ago

Wait, isn’t that just a photo sharing app? Yes, and it’s pretty simple. That’s probably one reason I like it so much. The main reason, though, is that it has had an enormous influence on my journey as a parent. I came across the app two years before Sam was born, but it wasn’t until I was sitting with him in the NICU that I discovered it was more than just a way to edit photos. I started looking for friends who might be sharing photos and eventually ran across a few moms of little ones with Down syndrome. Once connected to those moms, more and more connections happened. It was like this ongoing web of parents who were on a very similar journey. Over the last year, my web has developed into more than 150 other parents who regularly document their joys and challenges.

2014-04-07 04.34.15 pmSammy’s first Instagram photo – 15 hours old

2014-04-09 11.06.34 pm

Being able to watch other families though Instagram (IG) has been incredibly encouraging for me. Sam experiences milestones at a slower pace than typically-abled kids, so it’s really cool to be able to share his accomplishments and know there are others who celebrate with the same excitement we do. When I posted a photo of Sammy clapping for the first time, my friends erupted in praise. When I posted a video of him signing “more” when asking for more milk, friends were so proud of my sweet boy. I feel the very same when I see photos and videos on others’ feeds. There have been many times when I’ve tearfully watched a video, over and over, of a little one taking their first steps after two or three years of physical therapy or lovingly holding a new baby brother or sister. I may never meet these other families face-to-face, but I feel like they are dear friends because of our shared lives though IG. We’ve shared Christmas cards and birthday presents while also honestly expressing the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. Instagram is easily my strongest support network as I continue to learn how to be a mama to Sam through each new part of his life.

2014-04-07 04.51.15 pm

I will continue to document our life on Instagram as a way to connect with other parents, but also to share the incredibly blessed life we have because of the way God has composed our family and what he has called us to. I want to show others how awesome Down syndrome is and that this diagnosis is not a burden. Instead, it is an absolute joy.

2014-04-09 10.58.06 pma whole lotta this girl on IG, too

If you’re on Instagram, you can find us HERE or by searching for TheMangoMemoirs. If you aren’t, you can continue to see our photos by clicking on Instagram slideshow to the right or by checking us out {nearly} every Friday for Photo Friday.

**********

A very important side note: It was 50* today. The snow is melting.

And we are rejoicing.

 


Share

7 Responses to {inspired} To Share Life on Instagram

  1. Katie says:

    I love following you on instagram! Sam is so adorable!

  2. Liz says:

    I am a huge fan of Instagram! took a huge social media vacation recently and started fresh a few weeks ago. IG was my first step back in when I knew I was ready to come back to social media. I’m still not sure about FB! Sadly, I don’t feel inspired or motivated after spending time on FB so i probably will stay off it. PS- your son is beautiful! I’m going to follow you now. =)

    • It’s so good to hear when people take a break from social media & feel better from doing it. I’ve really been considering cutting out more FB. I feel like it sucks away my time! Thanks for following! I just found your beautiful blog & will now be following you on Bloglovin’! πŸ™‚

  3. Sarah says:

    Love this! Indeed, those with special needs, are joys! Love that you have been able to find community through IG πŸ™‚

  4. Instagram is my absolute favorite. I could get rid of my Twitter + Facebook and still stay connected to some of the most important people in my life. I am glad I “found” you (however it may have happened…) and LOVE following your feed in Insta ; videos of Sammy are some of my favorites. =)

Leave a Reply to Katie Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Design by: Bumble + Buzz Design // Copyright Β© The Mango Memoirs