I once heard a phrase that literally changed my outlook on life in a split second. It changed how I view myself, my friends and family, and life’s little (and big) challenges.
“Whatever package you come in, put a bow on it.”
This quote is simple, it’s cute, and for anyone who knows my love for a good dot and a bow, it is utterly ME. It stands for looking on the bright side, seeing the best in others and being the best people we can be, inside and out.
Fast forward to last month, when I received a call that Scout’s newborn screening test came back positive for an organic acid disorder. My perfect, 5 day old baby girl, Scout, was not so perfect after all. In a whirlwind of days, we learned that Scout has a rare metabolic disorder called 3MCC Deficiency, that she is at risk for many complications, and that she will always require vigilant care and a very strict diet.
Upon hearing the news, I wish I could say that I immediately looked on the bright side. I wish I was the kind of person who stood at the bottom of this very long, very uphill road and thought, “make lemonade.” But I’m just not. Instead, I wallowed, and worried and fretted for weeks. And then I remembered my quote:
“Whatever package you come in, put a bow on it.”
At that moment, I realized that I can’t control what happens to Scout in the future, but I vowed to enjoy her TODAY.
As I got her and Maxfield dressed last week for our annual visit to see Santa, I realized how perfect her little dress was; it was not only perfect for the occasion, but for our particular place in life right now. A dot and a bow, for one of the most precious gifts (and challenges) the universe has ever given me.
Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday filled with many gifts and a very happy new year…
delightfully,
Chenin
To learn more about 3MCC and other Organic Acid Disorders and to help make screening mandatory, visit:
-Organic Acidemia Association
– Bailey Baio Angel Foundation
-Save Babies Babies Through Screening Foundation
14 responses to “Whatever Package You Come In….”
Blair Van Bussel
December 23rd, 2010 at 15:06
She is just perfect Chenin. No matter what the world throws at your family, she will always be perfect! 🙂
Cecilia Grace
December 23rd, 2010 at 15:14
Totally made me cry. I just had my daughter too and I know of worries that only a mother could have. She may have this disorder, but she is perfect in everyway. I’m sure you already know that. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa
December 23rd, 2010 at 15:39
I love that saying! I will definitely have to repeat that to myself when I’m feeling not so hot…
Your daughter will bring you joy beyond your imagination, even through these new challenges you face. It’s interesting how the universe works that way…
Have a wonderful holiday!
Candice Brooke
December 23rd, 2010 at 21:17
wow! that is a great saying! Scout is sooooooo wonderful, and such a perfect little nugget of joy 🙂
Mindy
December 23rd, 2010 at 21:34
Our little guy has an inborn error of metabolism as well (citrullinemia) but we were not as lucky with the newborn screening His neonatal onset was severe and not quickly diagnosed and has struggled with the effects of that rough dirt year We are only now getting a grip in living life and your message of putting a bow on it just hit the nail on the head Best of luck with your new journey. Scout is so beautiful!!!
Teresa K
December 24th, 2010 at 13:14
What a beautiful baby and she is welcomed into an amazing home…enjoy every single moment of it as best you can…none of us are immune to the half-empty syndrome, so keep working on your *bright* side.
Kelsey Anderson
December 26th, 2010 at 20:50
Your little lady is beautiful and I adore that saying! Thanks for sharing about your little one and that perfect motto!
Karen Lisa
December 27th, 2010 at 06:27
You guys have been in my thoughts, Chenin! Scout is a gorgeous baby girl and it’s obvious she will be loved very much by many people. She will be lucky in many other ways 🙂
Tracy
December 27th, 2010 at 15:10
Scout is a beautiful baby. I just donated to the cause. Your family will be in my prayers 🙂
Mary Hines
December 29th, 2010 at 06:17
Love this Chenin – it is all about our perspective. Thank you for sharing this and I will be praying for your family and little Scout!
amber
December 31st, 2010 at 07:41
we don’t know each other…well at least you don’t know me…i’ve been following your blog for awhile now and am in awe of your photography. we may not really know each other but i do understand how frightening it is when your new baby girl is given a less than perfect bill of health. i know how dark of a place you can go to. i also know that as a mother we will do everything (move heaven and earth) to find the answers and get the very best doctors and treatment for our children. my daughter was diagnosed with a very rare form of pediatric cancer at 8 weeks old. my world fell apart. i wallowed. and yes i dressed her up in bows in ribbons! it is 12 years later. she is happy and healthy. you and scout and your family will get through this. your love, dedication, and strength will pull you though. and yes the bows help. cheers to you and the best of luck on your journey.
Stacy Diaz
January 5th, 2011 at 19:05
Oh Chenin, Scout is so beautiful!!! Im sending good energy to all of you.
Karen (Mikols) Bonar
January 14th, 2011 at 09:49
I can’t speak to a baby with a strict diet, but I’ve had to cut out a LOT of “normal” things in the interest of it not beating up my body in an awful way. Yes, it’s rough, but in the end, I feel SO MUCH better and I know it’s better for my body. I suspect Scout won’t always love it, but in the end, she’ll feel so much better. Besides, the best medicine/food is always love. And we know she has that in spades. 🙂
Ca
January 16th, 2011 at 21:28
You can make lemonade, I know you will. It’s just what parents will do for their child that is so awesome. Hugs…