A very happy Mother’s Day to everyone whose baby turned out a little bit… differently… than expected.

To the mother who met her baby for the first time and thought, “Uh-oh”, but didn’t say it out loud (and maybe even kicked herself later for having that instinctive first response).

To the mother who met her baby and asked, “…That will go away, right?“ but deep-down knew that it wouldn’t (and later pondered the ethics of trying to “fix” her child).

To the mother who met her baby and realized, “I haven’t the foggiest idea how to handle THIS” (and still kinda doesn’t).

I see you, and I wish you a Very Happy Mother’s Day.

Parenting is an exhilarating and terrifying ride in the best of circumstances. To those whose launch into motherhood included navigating this strange (and strange-looking) unforeseen new territory , I salute you.

You have fielded bad medical advice. You have fielded weird questions. You’ve over-thought every social encounter past, present, and future. You’ve wondered how the world will receive a child looking like yours.

And I’m here to tell you that it will be OK.

I’m in what is arguably the worst season of parenting – the teenage years. Body insecurity. Hormone swings. Friend drama. Social pressure. The dawn of dating. The rise of academic pressure. Sports schedules. And looking weird on top of it.

And it’s awesome. Truly – every. single. minute.

My teenage girl with the weird face is thriving. Yours will, too.

I know that doesn’t wipe away your fears, or keep you from feeling the stress right now. Your child looks unique. That brings unique fears.

But it also brings some uniquely fantastic adventures. There are bonuses to being memorable. The blessings your unique-looking kiddo brings this world are exactly what this world needs right now.

So take a deep breath. Your parenting path isn’t quite what you might have expected, but you’re doing great. Your child is gorgeous.

And they’ll be fine.