As a self-proclaimed “Momarazzi,” I have to admit my love for photography can sometimes border on obsession. The joy of snapping pictures of my daughter preserves those precious, fleeting moments of her childhood, creating a time capsule I can cherish forever. It’s not just for me; it’s for her too. I might have the memories, but let’s face it, with “Mommy brain” in play, my recollection isn’t always crystal clear. And there will be times when I won’t be around to share my memories with her.
While it may appear that I’m focusing more on capturing the future than living in the present, I see it differently. I believe these photographs extend our current experiences, allowing us to relive the joy long after the moment has passed. So, why do I take so many pictures of my daughter—both spontaneous and posed? These snapshots are my gift to her.
I want her to see the delight on her face when she pets a puppy or the silly pout she makes when things don’t go her way. I want to document everything: the happy chaos of her bed-head in the morning, the spaghetti sauce smeared across her cheeks, and the pride in her eyes when she first learned to grasp a cheerio (which I carefully cut to prevent choking). I want her to remember the time she mischievously dismantled her mobile and that precious moment she wrapped her arms around her grandpa’s leg.
I want her to feel the love I felt the very first time she was laid on my chest and during those early days when she fit snugly in my arms like a little burrito. I want to share her laughter when she sees the artistic mess she made with my lipstick in the car and how her tiny feet could barely reach my wedding heels.
As she grows, I hope to look back at how she evolved from a tiny newborn in a giant chair to a curious toddler exploring the world. I want her to know about the simple moments that brought her joy—like playing with a box of crayons or choosing the perfect pumpkin. When she’s older, I want to show her the frown she made tasting broccoli for the first time and the delight on her face when she savored ice cream.
I envision a time when she towers over me, and I can remind her of the days she stood on tiptoes to reach for the doorknob. I want to take her back to the moments of her first bike ride and her excitement in a colorful plastic car. When she loses her first tooth, I want her to remember the joy of brushing with her pink Elmo toothbrush perched on a personalized step-stool.
I want her to relive family vacations, summers spent at the beach, homemade costumes, dance recitals, and all the friendships she’s made along the way. I want her to see the house she came home to after being born and the room where she spent her early years. These photographs will allow her to reflect on her upbringing, perhaps even inspiring her as she considers starting her own family one day.
Above all, I want her to feel a fraction of the pride and joy I experience as I watch her grow. One day, when she asks, “Remember when?” I hope to respond with a smile and say, “Yes, I do remember.” While I know I can’t freeze time, I can certainly frame it.
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In summary, the photographs I take of my daughter are more than just images; they’re a way to capture the essence of her childhood, preserving memories that will last a lifetime.