Ten Years in a Born Just Right World

Ten. That seems like a really big number.

Ten

Today, Jordan turns ten years old. I can’t believe it.

I’ve learned so much as Jordan’s mom and I’m so honored she brought me into a parenting world that has pushed me beyond expectations. I’ve learned to be an advocate, a mentor and a founder of a community that means so much to me.

Ten years ago, I saw Jordan for the first time and realized her difference before anyone else did. The moment the doctor said she was okay, I was at peace. Sure, I’ve had moments of sadness. But I’ve always known Jordan was going to be okay.

In honor of ten years of parenting a strong-willed, limb-different child, I’m going to share ten reasons I celebrate living in a Born Just Right world.

1. Having a reason to celebrate being different makes you strong. The same goes for being a parent of a child growing up with a difference (seen or unseen).
2. Raising children around physical differences makes you so aware of how so many of us have something that challenges us in life.
3. Born Just Right has made it possible for us to meet incredible people and do incredible things.
4. There are no guidebooks on how to raise a strong and confident child. This is a challenge I’m honored to figure out.
5. Social media means none of us are alone when we’re dealing with a challenge and we need help finding answers. But also meeting that community in person is so powerful.
6. Trust your gut. If you think something needs to be done differently in the care of your child, ask more questions, learn more and change it.
7. Taking the time to share life experiences so others don’t feel alone is worth the effort. Writing my lessons on this site has rewarded me time and time again when I hear from you and know some of our lessons won’t have to be repeated because we already figured it out.
8. Finding ways to give back to our community is so meaningful. I’m so honored to see how Jordan and I have raised more than $18,000 for Camp No Limits since 2011. This year’s fundraiser continues. She and I are so proud to see so many kids get the chance to attend a camp the means so much to us.
9. Anytime I’ve thought, “she’ll never be able to do that,” Jordan has proved me wrong. (Have you watched her most recently CrossFit video? She’s rocking it.)
10. Parenting is a challenge, no matter what. I’m so honored to be Jordan and Cameron’s mom.

Jordan is beyond excited to turn ten. She’s lucky to have her favorite triplet cousins in town to celebrate along with her Poppy and his wife. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Some of you started reading this website almost ten years ago… I can’t believe we’ve been on this wild ride together. I appreciate the years of support, questions and your online and in-person hugs.

Happy birthday, Jordan!

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If you’re as excited about Jordan’s birthday as we are, please consider helping us send another child to Camp No Limits as a part of her celebrations. We’re so close to sending a fourth child to camp in 2016!