{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.

rockin 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.

Sammy’s first Instagram photo – 15 hours old

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.

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.

a 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.

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

And we are rejoicing.