The time that our children are kids, seems to be so fleeting as life in general can feel. It’s bittersweet because while it is moving so quickly, we get to experience life with the greatest blessing. Those first years especially feel like a mushed up blur with the sleep deprivation parenthood comes with. When my children are grown, and I look back at my time with them, of course I want to remember the big things like bringing them home from the hospital, first birthdays, trips, big achievements, etc., but I most importantly want to remember what our days looked like. All of the small moments that built most of our time. The toys scattered around the house, the giggles coming from down the hall, smudges all over the back door glass where they’ve smushed their faces up to it because it feels and looks funny. Sure, sometimes the mess can feel like a never-ending trap that you just can’t get clean, but it’s also a reminder that they’re still little for now. It’s a reminder to embrace the mess.
For me, a photo can transport me back to that day. I’ve found that looking at photos and videos, especially if I do it fairly regularly, really helps me retain more of my memory from that time. I take quick photos on my phone like any parent, but I also try to make sure I remember to take very intentional photos that tell more of the story by designating specific times or days to pull out my camera and look, really look at what’s around me. I want to help other parents be able to remember their time too. They’re only little once, and once this time is gone, all we have are our memories.
Documentary sessions aren’t about looking perfect or getting a photo of everyone looking to put on a Christmas card or to send out to the grandparents. Those types of pictures are great, but this is more about the real and raw moments. The unprompted imperfectly perfect unpolished moments. It’s about you, you’re family, and the ever fleeting time you share together.
