Why I Snap So Many Photos of My Daughter

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As a self-proclaimed “Momarazzi,” I have to admit, I have a slight obsession with my camera. The thrill of capturing those fleeting moments of my daughter’s childhood creates a little time capsule that allows me to hold onto these precious experiences forever. It’s not just for me, but for her as well. Sure, I’ll have the stories to tell, but let’s be real—Mommy brain is a real thing. I can’t always guarantee I’ll remember every little detail, and honestly, I won’t always be around to share those memories.

While it might look like I’m missing out on the present by constantly documenting our days, I see it as a way to extend our “now”—a means of keeping the smiles alive long after we’ve shouted “cheese!” So, why the countless photos of my daughter, both candid and posed? These snapshots are a gift to her. I want her to see the joy on her face when she’s playing with animals, the expression she makes when blowing kisses, or the pout she gives when things don’t go her way. I want to capture those messy bed-head moments when she wakes up and the sauce-covered cheeks after a pasta feast.

I want her to remember the times she learned to grasp things, her first attempts at picking up a Cheerio (which I carefully cut into tiny pieces for safety), the mischievous way she dismantled her mobile when no one was watching, and the warmth of her hugs around her grandpa’s leg. I want her to feel the love that filled my heart the moment she was placed on my chest for the first time, and those early weeks when she was all snug in a swaddle before she learned to escape it.

I want us to giggle together at the photos of her covered in doodles from my bold lipstick that she found during a car ride, and those chubby little feet that walked in my wedding heels. I want to look back at how she grew through weekly photos: from a tiny newborn curled up in a large chair that soon seemed to shrink as she learned to climb, stand, and taste everything with her mouth.

I want her to remember the joy of a simple sticker and a box of crayons, her attachment to her doll, and the excitement of pumpkin picking. I want to capture her frown the first time she tried broccoli, her delight with ice cream, and her pride when she first used the potty and earned an M&M reward. When she’s towering over me, I’ll want to remind her of the days she stood on tiptoes to reach the doorknob. And when she’s racing from one important event to the next, I want her to remember her first crawls and steps.

When she gets her driver’s license, I hope to show her the photos of her engrossed in pedaling her colorful toy car and riding her first bike. When she loses a tooth, I want to remind her of the first time she brushed those pearly whites with her pink Elmo toothbrush. As she gets ready for prom, I want her to remember sitting on my lap at the salon while they trimmed her bangs.

I want her to look back on family vacations, summers at the beach, homemade Halloween costumes, dance recitals, and the friends she made along the way. I want her to see the house we brought her home to from the hospital and the room she grew up in, where toys she once played with will someday be vintage. I want her to have a way to reflect on her childhood if she decides to have kids of her own one day.

Ultimately, I want her to feel even a fraction of the pride and joy I feel watching her grow. Because one day, today will turn into “remember when,” and with a photo in hand, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to say, “Yes, I do remember.” While I know I can’t freeze time, I can certainly frame it.

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Summary: Capturing countless photos of my daughter serves as a way to preserve memories for both of us. From her joyful expressions to milestones, these images create a nostalgic time capsule that allows us to reflect on her childhood. I cherish these moments, knowing they will be a source of joy and laughter for her in the future.