The Underground Review: Girasol Pixie Herringbone

Wrap: ColorfulBABY's exclusive Girasol Pixie Herringbone, Rosa Fuchsia Weft

This wrap is like the dress on clearance because no one likes how it looks on the hanger. The flat shots do it a disservice. I let it sit for weeks, because the moment it arrived I decided it wasn't for me. Oh, how wrong a girl can be when they choose not to try on the dress!

It was due to my beautiful toddler's request for a piggy wrap ride that I finally took it out and washed it. Even taking it out of the dryer, it already looked...different. As I began to wrap my daughter, the buttery softness eased her into a snuggly state. The strength of the wrap held her close, even as my mediocre back carry skills left the wrap somewhat loose in the rails and bunchy around her legs. The beautiful morning sun was offering a soft gleam on the grass, and my daughter and I took to the outdoors for photos and twirls. It was only after the first photo that I saw it: the beauty of this rainbow.

Just like the dress on the clearance rack, this wrap shines in a new light when it is worn. Where the flat shot creates an all too girly pink overriding the colorful rainbow, the action shots showcase its bright, joyful collection of colors without the overly stark contrast of a white weft. Every photo we took offered a fun and unique array of zig zagged lines in myriad hues. The knot shot may be my favorite one of all time. My daughter summed it up best in a simple, content smile and a sincere, "Pretty!" as she cuddled against my back.

If you are looking for a rainbow to wrap up your little one that favors the bright pretty colors and fun, confetti-like zig zags of the herringbone weave, this is the wrap for you. Don't let this deal on the BSTs pass you by...because the clearance tag may be offputting, but it wears beautifully!

The wrap that Goes Unworn

It is said that Earnest Hemingway was once asked to write a novel in six words. His reply? "For sale: baby shoes. Never used."

It is not unusual for newly pregnant mothers to make purchases for the baby they carry in their womb, and will soon to be holding in their arms. In the world of Babywearing, many women take the time to find the perfect wrap for their growing addition. They wrap their growing belly for maternity pictures and plan to retake that photo after delivery, while wearing their newborn blessing close to their heart. They weave their woven wrap between the wooden bars of the crib to add unique color and comfort to the baby's room. They prepare their wrap, washing and rewashing, ironing and braiding, softening it to a floppy and buttery state for their little squish's arrival. The purchase of a new wrap is never done lightly, and especially as a newly pregnant mother, there is a certain tenderness and care with which she decides on just the right wrap for her perfect growing little one. It is done with hope, anticipation, expectation, and love. 

While most mothers are currently celebrating International Babywearing Week, my mind and heart has been elsewhere. You see, October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. One in four women experience a miscarriage, stillborn, or infant death in their lifetime. I am one in four. My miscarriage happened only five months after the birth of my first child. We were so incredibly excited to be adding a little sibling to our family so soon, and I planned just like the women I described above. My little one left too soon, and though I have had three rainbow babies since then, I still miss the baby I never held in my arms. 

I am not alone. Losing a baby is, tragically, much more common than it feels. The sadness, the loneliness, the grief...it can be all consuming if you don't move forward, yet difficult to know how to move forward without losing those few precious memories of their existence. If you are like the woman described above, then you may wonder what to do with the wrap you lovingly picked out, the wrap that perhaps has gone unworn since your loss. You could simply keep it as is, use it for future babies, sell it or give it away (as Mr. Hemingway's story suggests), or make it into a stuffed animal or blanket. When considering these options though, I struggled with the fact that it would never be used for its original purpose--to carry the child it was purchased to comfort and hold tight.

As I considered this topic and the juxtaposition of carrying a baby yet never wearing him or her, a beautiful little business came to mind. Wrap Scrap Frames creates beautiful memory keepsakes from the very wraps we once used...or didn't. The owner and designer, Becca Davis, is a photographer and truly appreciates the memories that can be capture in a photo, even the very first ultrasounds taken of your little one. She not only keeps a stock of different sized frames in a variety of prints, but she can also make custom frames from your wrap if you provide the material. If you or someone you know are considering a way to honor a precious life taken too soon, this is a way that can allow you to wrap your baby in love and keep your baby close in memory in a personal way.

Wrap Scrap Frames Etsy Page

To all of your wonderful mamas who feel the sorrow of loss as International Babywearing Week posts fill your newsfeed, please know you are not alone. There is someone thinking of you this month, and praying for you and your little one always.

*******************************************

GIVEAWAY

When I reached out to Becca to let her know my desire to include her business in this piece, she generously offered a beautiful Girasol Double Rainbow frame to be given away to a deserving mama. If you have experienced the loss of a baby, then you know the symbolism of hope that the rainbow represents. My own hope and wish is that whomever wins this keepsake will ensure it helps with the healing of loss through the beauty of love.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stories of Hope

A friend wrote me to me recently to offer support for my postpartum depression. Amid the words of support and love, she asked a sincere question that has been echoing in my mind ever since: 

"I am not sure why people are so scared to speak up about postpartum depression, do they think that it makes them a bad person or a bad mom?"

Prior to my own diagnosis with PPD, I was a very passionate advocate for mothers who struggled with this illness. I offer unfailing support to those who mentioned they were in a dark place. I encouraged them to seek help and assured them that there was nothing to be ashamed of. The question above often lingered in my mind, as it was obvious to me this was an illness and something that could be easily treated if they would just be willing to admit to someone what was going on.

Then, when my fourth child was born, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression.

The truth is, everything I told struggling mothers was true. There is nothing to be ashamed of. It is treatable if you will seek help. It's not you, it's the illness. But no one could have convinced me of these things when I found myself in the darkness. How could I not be a bad mother? I screamed at my daughters daily, for no reason at all. When my 2 year old daughter accidentally broke her training potty, I threw it across the room as my irrational rage-filled words brought her to uncontrollable shaking and weeping. I found myself increasingly needing to hide in the bathroom, as the intrusive thoughts that filled my head turned violent and irrational. I couldn't even trust myself to be in the same room with my children. 

I am forever grateful for a strong, supportive husband who immediately offered to take the children to his parents so I could go to my doctor. I am forever grateful for a knowledgeable, compassionate doctor who took the time to listen to my confessions and in the end take my hand and say, "You are not a bad mother. This is an illness, and we will treat it. You are not alone." I am also forever grateful for supportive friends like the one who recently wrote to me, reminding me that Postpartum Depression is not only not something that defines my worth as a mother, but is also an illness that needs to be discussed more openly so the stigma of "bad mother" can be torn down.

I must once again say thank you to Risaroo Baby Carriers for their release of Hope in the Dark, the handwoven Girasol wrap designed to represent Postpartum Depression. Their willingness to bring awareness to this illness has given many mothers the confidence to speak up about their own struggles and even seek help for the first time. Some of these mothers shared their experiences with me, including stories of compassion and support by fellow babywearers, and I want to take this opportunity (with their permission) to share their stories with you. Each one teaches us something about PPD that most people do not know! Let's continue sharing our stories and breaking down stigmas wherever we can.

Ashley P.'s Lesson: PPD can linger for years if we don't ask for help!

"I wanted to share my "Hope in the Dark" story with you. I had my first 8 1/2 years ago. Nothing went as expected (told at 20 weeks it was a girl found out at 37 it was a boy, turned into an induced labor for nearly 48 hours resulting in a c-section). I ended up with undiagnosed ppd, I was too ashamed to talk to anyone about my feelings. I don't remember most of his first year of life. I had my second son 4 years later and never felt the baby blues, instead I was the happiest I had ever been. Except I still had ppd when it came to my oldest. I now have a 1 year old little girl and still get short and anxious with my oldest. I broke down crying when I read about Hope and what it stands for, and called right then to make an appointment to talk with my primary doctor to see what can be done. I knew I needed Hope in the Dark in my life, but like many I did not have receive the [Right to Buy]. I congratulated the winners on Risaroo's post and 30 minutes later a wonderful momma reached out to me. She won RTB a [Ring Sling] and wanted to let me buy it at retail from her. I was going to do layaway if I won, and she said that was fine. We have set up a payment plan and I will be snuggling my baby in our new RS in 3 weeks. I was once again in tears when she reached out to me saying she just wanted it to go to somebody who would give it the love it deserves."

Piper N.'s Lesson: PPD can come on as a result of pregnancy or infant loss!

"I've always struggled with pregnancy, I miscarried twins before I met my husband...and did my best to "get back to normal" as quickly as I could.
After meeting my husband, and realizing THIS was the father to my children. It was time to start our family! Our pregnancy with sweet Addie was amazing. She was a mexican food lover! We made it until the bitter end, but sadly, she was stillborn....the loss of Addie shattered my soul. I had to consciously think about breathing in, and out. My arms were just as empty as my heart, and after a few months I decided I wanted to try again. Avery, our second daughter, didn't make it either. Why wasn't I good enough? Every day was torture, I had no idea what was wrong with me. After many many tests, we foundy blood clotting disorder. Thank you God? At least we know, right? So I took my time processing if we wanted to try again or adopt. We chose to try one more time. We tried for what seemed like forever, and finally, my pickle face (wherever that came from!) Charlie came along. I did everything I could think of. Ate things I couldn't pronounce, took shots in my stomach every day, twice a day....and nine months later, for the first time in my title as a mother, I got to hear that cry! The most glorious day of my life. After coming home, my milk wasn't coming in, and everyone was pressuring me to give him formula....I couldn't sleep....he couldn't sleep...he was hungry...I constantly felt terrible. Physically and emotionally I was exhausted. I noticed myself thinking that if I couldn't make him happy, I should go....he deserves to be happy, you can't do that. So I called my doctor. After seeing her, it all came up...I want Addie. I want Avery. I want my family. What color were their eyes? Why didn't I pay more attention?! Why didn't I soak more in?!...she also sent me to get checked for a blood clot...where I was put in the hospital for a huge DVT...then went back the same day I was released with "the most pulmonary embolisms ever recorded at this hospital"....I spent a week in the ICU....I didn't think my depression could get any worse. ..but that did it. Getting home I was a shell...I tried to push my sadness out of the way for a couple of months and noticed myself feeling better, until I had another emergency hospital stay, this time for two weeks...he won't even know me anymore...I couldn't be a mom to any of my children. Everything came rising back up. And oh how it stings... I've been back home for a couple of months now...I am doing quite a bit better by just living in the moment with my son...and FINALLY, after almost three years, I finished Addie's headstone design. She will have it by her birthday....it sounds odd, but that has been a HUGE hurdle for me...we lost Avery too early on for her to have had a burial, so I incorporated little things to symbolize the entire family. I'm shocked at how much lighter I feel...it's a struggle every day, but I am absolutely honored to have been the one to spend every second of their life with them, and am thrilled to watch my son thrive. Bitter, bittersweet. Wrapping my son close has given me such a full heart...something so simple, changed my life. I get to make sure I experience every second, every smile, fart, and giggle....this, is what I've been waiting for. No matter how rough my day is, swaying heart to heart with that little man always lifts me up."

Leslie F.'s Lesson: Talking about our PPD can be therapeutic!

"So I had my first pregnancy about 3 years ago but I was not in a good place in life.. I was drinking a lot and abusing a couple of substances. It was a dark time for me since I had an uncle and a cousin both die right before I found out.. My cousin died at the age of 8 of a disease that he got because his mom drank and did drugs not knowing she was pregnant... Just like me. I couldn't find the courage to tell anyone or do anything than get an abortion. It was and still is the hardest thing I ever did and still feel sadness over this... anyways soon after I had the abortion I got pregnant.. Again... This time I didn't want to do the same thing as before.. I wanted to get better and be a better person for the little growing inside of me.. I stopped drinking and started to quit the other drugs I was on and almost got completely sober.. That's when I went for an ultrasound and they discovered I had miscarried.. It broke my heart and my spirit.. I felt like I was being cosmically punished for the mistake I had made initially with my abortion.. I felt like I was worthless as a woman who was unfit to be a mother. It took me months of regressing and then self inflicted rehab to finally get myself in shape and clean from everything. I was finally coming to terms with the fact that I was not a horrible person, but rather a girl who had lost her way and made mistakes while doing so.. But I was starting to feel better again and I was getting into the best shape of my life. It was about that time that I stopped getting my period and started feeling nauseous just like before.. And to my happy, guarded surprise I found out I was pregnant again! Fast forward to now, my baby is 11 months old and thriving. It is beyond a joy to have her in my life... But there's always that nasty PPD which likes to follow me around and remind me of the past and constantly make me feel lesser than I (most of the time) know I am. It's hard. And as I sit here writing this alone in my dirty house that I'm supposed to be cleaning while hubs is at school and my baby with my dad, I can only cry silently for relief. I'm not sure why but this is how I spend my free alone time, silently crying, trying to get it all out so I can put my smile back on when everyone gets home. I still am struggling every day. It's not easy but I'd like to think I'm strong for remaining hopeful that one day I won't just sit here and cry, and that the fake smile I put on for everyone will one day be real... That's why this wrap would mean the world to me, even if I don't win though, I'd like to thank whoever reads this for hearing me. I've never verbalized any of this to anyone and feel a sense of liberation just from writing this."

Stacy D.'s Lesson: PPD can affect those who become parents via Surrogacy or adoption!

" I am a mother via surrogacy and adoption and had no idea that I could experience PPD. But you can!!! The chemicals of holding and feeding and loving on a newborn can trigger REAL PPD! I experienced a combination of PPD and infertility-related PTSD that hit me like a wall. It took support groups and a year off from work in disability leave to find my footing again. I didn't talk about it with ANYONE because I thought, "What right do I have, to experience PPD when I fought so hard to have babies???" But feelings and chemicals are real. And having everything about your life turned upside down, even when it's a good thing, is terrifying. Even if you know, with all your heart, how fortunate you are to have your precious babies. It is not a reflection of your gratitude for them. It is OK to talk about it. It is OK to be imperfect. 
heart emoticon Oh! I should mention! When I was REALLY struggling to bond with my daughter, and was feeling hopeless and panicked and like a complete failure, baby-wearing worked a miracle. Every night, I would put her in my Lenny Lamb, and she would fight it at first. But within a few minutes, she would be snuggling, and then she would be sleeping. I would just hold her and smell her and kiss her head, and within a couple of months, she went from not caring who was holding her, to crying when I left her sight. You'd think that was a bad thing, but it was the sweetest relief for me in my PPD fog, to know that she knew I was her mother. Especially because I didn't carry her."

Amanda M.'s Lesson: The memories may linger, but the PPD can end with help!

"Ppd is slowly going away but I will never forget the horrible thoughts that were once in my head. I desperately wanted this wrap and then I read your last article. Babywearing helped me through my worst days, but it was those specific wraps, his cuddles, that helped me. No mother should ever suffer so thank you for making it to where others know it's ok to not be ok."

***If you are concerned about your own maternal mental health, please feel free to check out www.postpartumprogress.com to learn more about the sign and symptoms of illness, and the steps you can take to get better.***

Postpartum Depression, Babywearing, and HOPE

In a home in Warren, Massachusetts, a mother stared in disbelief. Her Wrap Converted Mei Tai (WCMT) laid on the floor, frayed and partially eaten by a puppy with rather expensive taste. How could she have left it out? What would she tell the buyer? She shook away the tears coming to her, already overwhelmed with family struggles and the possibility of losing loved ones any day now. She took to her messages to try to explain to the buyer what had happened...

Meanwhile, in a home in Manor, Texas, a mother wept in her husband's arms. She confessed the overwhelming fear, sorrow, rage, and anxiety that had consumed her every thought. How could her husband still love her? Why would anyone think her worthy to care for her children? He brushed the tears from her eyes and promised they would find help to fix the intrusive thoughts and that he would never leave her. Too overwhelmed with her worry to sleep, she took to her messages to try to focus on something good...

The announcement of a new Girasol Exclusive release came this week. Without any background, the design is breathtakingly flawless, though it is not difficult to tell that a deeper story must have inspired such poignant beauty. Risaroo, the company releasing this gorgeous design, offered the following insight to this design: "Our newest Girasol Exclusive, Hope in the Dark, was designed to illustrate, through color, the struggles with postpartum depression." 

Photo from Risaroo's Facebook Page 

The response to this wrap thus far has been astounding. Mothers have spoken up about their own maternal mental illness with a rare openness and confidence than I have ever seen before. They have also begun to share about the babywearing community's role in their journey to recovery. You see, there is something very comforting and healing about physical touch, especially between a mother and her infant. In cases of the "typical" pregnancy, a mother holds her baby in her very womb, nourishing and caring for her little one for nine months. Even for mothers with complete mental health, the separation of mother from child after birth can cause a fair amount of stress and longing. For the mother suffering from postpartum illness of any kind, this stress can multiply tenfold. So, it should come as no suprise, though it is often not considered, that babywearing--the process of using a carrier or wrap to keep one's baby close more often--is beneficial to both mother and infant during the various stages of development after birth.

In the story above, I was, and still am, the mother weeping in her husband's arms. We have sought help, both medicinally and therapeutically, and we take life day by day, thanking God for the good days and reminding ourselves they will come again when the storm of bad days arrive. The mother whose wrap was affected by her precious little puppy did contact the buyer--who happened to be me. She told me she couldn't sell me the carrier, because it was no longer the same as it once was. I asked if the integrity of the carrier had been changed, if it had become unsafe. She assured me it hadn't, that she even had a plan of how to effectively patch up the torn parts and repair it. I began to cry. I told her I would still very much like to have it. Somehow for me it symbolized my own journey through Postpartum Depression: I was torn apart by the experience, but I was getting help to repair myself, and my integrity and ability to care for my children as I had been made to do was not changed. She willingly repaired the carrier and offered to give it to me for any price I could afford, so as not to add to my stress or anxiety. 

My "Perfect for Me" Mei Tai

The Risaroo exclusive Girasol wrap, Hope in the Dark, will be released on September 28th, at 2pm CDT. I am among many women who would love to own something made to represent our very struggles and beauty. The chances of me getting to purchase one, and being able to afford it, are slim. But I know that my HOPE is not found in a single wrap. It is not found in the threads or the color. Instead, as many mothers can attest I am sure, my hope is found in the support of my husband and loved ones. My hope is found in the ability to caryy my baby close to me during times of struggle. And my hope is found in the loving acceptance and encouragement of the babywearing community, represented by many like the mother who sold me that repaired carrier and offered to be there for me, a stranger, whenever I needed a friend.

Thank you.

***If you are concerned about your own maternal mental health, please feel free to check out www.postpartumprogress.com to learn more about the sign and symptoms of illness, and the steps you can take to get better.***

Are YOU #GayWithStevie?

On Monday, a mother named Stevie shared a moment of vulnerability with her online babywearing group, seeking support during a time of insecurity. By the end of the week, the support has gone international! Photos of the movement have been posted below to share the love. To learn more about the #gaywithstevie movement, click here.

Since the original incident, Stevie has finally gone out for the first time with her son while babywearing with her dream wrap. Doesn't she look absolutely radiant?

Here is her statement regarding the #GayWithStevie Movement:

When I posted about my insecurity in the Girasol Love #alltherainbows group, I anticipated some words of encouragement as the babywearing community is known for. Had I known that it would turn into a "movement", I would have... Done my hair at least (Insert laughing face here). I have struggled deeply with feelings of embarrassment my entire life and after becoming a mother, I have been even more scared for the potential persecution of being a gay parent. As many wrapaholics know, the Girasol Double Rainbow Crema weft is highly sought after for its elegance and beautiful colors. The diamond weave makes it even more stunning and I had been wanting one ever since I dove into the crazy and amazing world of woven wraps. I never thought I would actually own one because they tend to be sold for a much higher price than has ever been in my budget. This summer has been incredibly difficult for me as I am in the middle of a divorce from my (soon to be) ex-wife and was forced to move 1,000 miles away from my sunny Orlando home and back to a conservative town in Maryland with my parents. 

My extended family has always been very involved in the Christian and Baptist churches, and I was brought up being taught that gay people were sinful and bound for Hell. I was a somewhat troubled teen and ended up in a evangelical Christian boarding school called New Horizons Academy for my junior and senior year of high school, and that only cemented my fear of ever being "out". If any of you have seen the documentary called Kidnapped for Christ, that was my school. They had campuses in Indiana, Ontario, and The Dominican Republic (which is where the documentary was filmed). I attended both the Indiana and Ontario campuses. It is a kind of Christian based, military style, "therapeutic" boarding school. It has since been shut down but reopened under a new name and in a new location to avoid bad publicity. I didn't even come out to myself until my senior year and I kept my sexuality hidden because many of the students who were known to be gay or bisexual had a much harder journey in that school. Many students were sent there by their parents simply for being gay and were sent to be "converted". I was sent there because I was caught the first time I got drunk and my parents were scared that I would follow in other relatives' footsteps who had experimented with drugs among other destructive things in their teens. What was promised to be a "month or two" turned into a 14 month stay until I graduated. We were taught to be ashamed of what made us different and to conform to the evangelical Christian standard of gender roles. When I finally was able to go home, I hid my new found sexuality from my parents until I was 19 and knew that they couldn't send me back. I had begun college in North Carolina where I could be exactly who I wanted to be without fear of my family's disapproval, and I had built new confidence in myself. Being the only gay person in a Christian family is really difficult. Once I got married, most of my family became distanced from me for one reason or another but when you're the only one who is "different", it becomes easy to question their intentions. Fast forward 7 years and I am a single, gay mother trying her hardest to raise a confident child in a not always encouraging world. 

When I found that wrap at I price I could afford, I was elated but also nervous at the same time. I don't "play straight" but I also don't walk around flaunting my sexuality to everyone I meet. I was concerned that this wrap, being a rainbow, might be viewed as my own personal pride flag which was far from the truth. After I received it, my son was having trouble falling asleep for his nap so I excitedly wrapped him up in my new Gira and walked downstairs to get him a bottle. As soon as I entered the kitchen, I saw my mother standing there and I walked up and said, "Look! Snug as a bug in a rug!" To which she replied, "You look gay as shit!" And I immediately felt defeated. I tried to explain that it was a highly sought after wrap and that it had nothing to do either being gay but she isn't knowledgeable of the babywearing world and she didn't give her joke a second thought because she and I have always joked around and teased each other. If she had known that I was already feeling insecure, I know that she would have never made the comment because she is the opposite of homophobic and she has never been one to poke fun at my insecurities. My mom truly is an incredibly supportive mother and her smile and joyful spirit are contagious. I didn't confront her about her comment because I knew that she meant no harm and it was my own doubts of confidence that caused my sadness. So I took my pain to the "Girasol Love #alltherainbows" group and what began as a discouraged mom looking for confidence ended with a proud mom feeling as if she can take on the world. I have made dozens of new friends and have felt more kindness and generosity than I have ever felt in my life. And a new wrap being named after me? I never even thought I would find a key chain with my name on it, let alone a WOVEN! I cannot express how truly grateful I am for the babywearing community and I hope that the Gira Love never stops building up families across the world. Thank you everyone for being #gaywithstevie! This is a ride that I will never forget.


Here is just a small sample of the beautiful and incredible support the #gaywithstevie movement has generated. Black or white, gay or straight, male or female, the support is never ending!

Rhys and Po are #gaywithStevie

Proud to be a member of the #gaywithstevie support movement! Love without limits:-) 

Love is love!

We are #gaywithstevie because everyone deserves a life full rainbows smile emoticon

 My little guy and I are proud to stand up and be#gaywithstevie. 

proud members of the #gaywithstevie movement. We love without condemnation..

are proud of our rainbow wraps and happy to support #gaywithstevie!!!

I'm a#Biasshit mama married to a man. Sorry that people are giving you crap for the way you were born frown emoticon 
One day things will be different. I feel it. ❤💛💚💙💜
Until then, stay strong. And fuck what people think about your preferences.

#gaywithstevie. Sharing and forever supporting the love in Europe. Love is NEVER wrong!

#gaywithstevie

These two mammas are #gaywithstevie

Rocking our Gira Chakras rainbow! Totally#gaywithstevie and PROUD OF IT.

We are rucking #gaywithstevie all the way!

One Love One Heart ❤💛💚 Here ya go girl! #gaywithstevie

#gaywithstevie all the way

The whole #gaywithsteviething has reminded me of my brother (rip) who used to say "everyone's a little gay". The perfect response to people who thing "gay" is a bad word.

 #oneLOVE My husband and I wear our kids in rainbows all day everyday!!!! We are proud to be #gayasshit and#gaywithstevie

Acceptance is love #gaywithstevie

#gaywithstevie Rainbows are the best part of a cloudy day! I am proud that rainbows represent nothing but LOVE!

Add caption

#gaywithstevie I'm an Ally and volunteer at our local GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services nonprofit! I specifically wanted a rainbow wrap to show my support for the community and will raise my Rainbow Baby with nothing but love in her heart!!!

Like a rainbow, love is bold, and unmistakable and not to be ignored. Find your rainbow, let it shine, it will bring you light even in your darkest times.

May this world be a place filled with rainbows and positivity empowered by those proud to be on their own skin and we can all be #gaywithstevie just because we love our children regardless of sexually

Because everyone deserves to be loved.#gaywithstevie

#gaywithstevie My family loves being #gayasshit. Maybe even #gayerthanshit. So here's what I really want to say: Love is love. Love makes the world go round. Love keeps smiles on people's faces and joy in our hearts. The color of love IS a rainbow no matter who you love!

We are #gaywithstevie. Name: Stacy Dow. Raising my girls with zero expectations about gender identity or sexual orientation!!!! To be LGBT allies and advocates. And strong warrior women!!!!

#gaywithstevie

My son believes rainbows have no sexuality or gender, and that everyone deserves to be comfortable in their own skin. 

#gaywithstevie

Unamused baby loves her #gayasshit Gira snuggles!

My family is happy to be #gaywithstevie

My son and I being #gayasshit. My family and I support your cause, even my husband 😊 As I said before, my sexuality plays no part in my color preferences. #gaywithstevie

You do your thing girl!!! #gaywithstevie

I love wrapping my daughter in a rainbow. She is cradled in beauty and love and always looks fashionable in our #gayasshit magical Gira! I'm forever going to be #gaywithstevie in this baby!

#gaywithstevie

Doing some yoga and being #gaywithstevie because the light inside of me sees and honors the light inside you.

My teenager, Cheraya, is happy to be #gaywithstevie too!

We are totally #gaywithstevie

Proud to be #gaywithstevie

#gayasshit times 2. Our house is covered in rainbows for many reasons. My babies are my rainbows, we are proud allies, and rainbows are just cool as shit. We are proud to be #gaywithstevie

We support #gaywithstevie this is my Rainbow Baby Evie! We were told we couldn't have any more after our first who was also a rainbow baby after two losses!#loveislove I would consider myself a Christian who supports people who love each other no matter their race, gender, religious beliefs or ethnicity! The rainbow signifies Gods promise. His love! I think he just wants us to be happy with whom ever we choose to intimately share our life with! ❤💛💚💙💜

#gaywithstevie "I'm fearing the day I have to explain to my son what homophobia is and that it still exists"#loveislove #lovedoesntdiscriminate

#gaywithstevie

#gaywithstevie

#gaywithstevie

 Gay means happy and rainbows are the ultimate happiness. So I am beyond thrilled to be #gaywithstevie #gayasshit#inarebelrainbow

Keep you head held high, we are all behind you!#gaywithstevie

All 3 of us are #gaywithstevie 

We are happy to be #gaywithstevie 

#Gaywithstevie 
Be strong Be you !!!!

#gaywithstevie

It's a little rainbow but we're #gaywithstevie

Not a gira but totally rocking this rainbow today.#gaywithstevie

#gayasshit #gaywithstevie #rainbowmusicwrap#thatrainbowlifetho

#Gaywithstevie #rainbowlove it's my rainbow baby in a rainbow, rock the rainbow Stevie

I am a hijab wearing Muslim and I am #gaywithstevie 😘 (not a Gira, but still a gorgeous rainbow) My daughter loves her rainbows too! We must be #gayasshit

#gaywithstevie

I don't have a Gira yet but I'm still #gaywithstevie