As the weather starts to warm up and we all begin spending more time outside, something else tends to come with it, more eyes.

Recently, another mom reached out to me asking how we handle public attention. Now that the weather is warming up, yay for us, more of their differences are visible. She shared that she’s more reserved and struggles with the anxiety of being watched. And honestly? I get it completely. Because I felt the exact same way.

Last summer was hard. Really hard. We were still adjusting to life with Rylen and learning what it looked like to exist in public spaces, with a newborn, but not just any newborn. The reality is, he gets hot easily. We can’t just layer him up or cover him with blankets. His differences are always visible, winter included, and that means the stares come whether we’re ready for them or not.

Trips to the grocery store. Going out to eat. Community events. What used to feel simple suddenly felt very overwhelming.

You start to anticipate it before you even leave the house—the looks, the double takes, the whispers, the curiosity. And even when you understand that most people aren’t trying to be hurtful.. it still takes a toll on you.

Because at the end of the day, we’re just a family trying to live life.

We’re not a spectacle.

We’re not a lesson on display.

We’re just navigating our normal.

We’re just trying to help others feel normal.

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