so grateful xoxo

I can't believe how lucky we are.  Today Olivia had yet another laser treatment on her birthmark .  When I look at pictures from when she was first born to where we are now it is just so amazing the miracle of modern medicine and what is possible.

sweet newborn Olivia

 I, of course, think my daughter was born perfect and would have never wanted to change a thing, but after speaking with specialists and lots of heart to hearts with Jonathan we decided to have Olivia's large birthmark treated to lighten it as much as possible. Its a journey we started over 3 years ago and we haven't looked back.  The reality of this world is that you want to be unique and special but you don't want to be pointed at, or made fun of, or felt left out.  Words can hurt, and that is the reality of life. I hope that by providing Olivia with this medical care while she is young she will have
the opportunity to meet people and have them notice HER first before they notice her beauty marks.  I know it will never go away, and I am so grateful for her outgoing personality.  I know that she was given this personality- not a shy bone in her body, able to stand up for herself, and no fear to try anything new,  because she will need these traits to be able to explain to her peers why she is the girl with the "dots" or the "red arm".  Kids ask her questions now all the time about her arm, and I trying to provide her with the most simple explanation there is.   "Its my birthmark, its how I was born, and its no big deal!  let's play already!"  I want to teach her to expect curiosity and to demand kindness.  I hope in turn I am raising a compassionate kid who appreciates and celebrates everyones differences.