I Took Photos of My Kids at the Wrong Times

home insemination Kit

I captured countless pictures of my kids during what I thought were the most significant moments in their lives—those grand events that seemed so crucial at the time. We all want to hold onto memories of weddings, baby showers, births, birthdays, school plays, and graduations, right?

The other day, I stumbled upon a video of a school performance my son did over a decade ago. There he was, a little seven-year-old, sitting with his classmates, belting out songs and occasionally checking to see if I was watching. His smile was the most precious thing ever, and those familiar little gestures tugged at my heartstrings. But then it hit me like a ton of bricks: I had totally documented the wrong stuff. While I thought that concert was a big deal worth preserving, I realized I was wrong. The moments that I truly wish I could relive weren’t planned or anticipated. They caught me off guard.

I have plenty of photos of my kids sleeping—whether they were sprawled on the couch, tucked in their car seats, or dozing in their cribs. But you know what? I never once took a picture when they crawled into bed with us. If I could make a deal with the universe, I’d go back to those cozy mornings when all three kids would snuggle up with us. I’d wake up to see tiny arms and legs draped over my husband and me. This memory only lives in my mind now, and I want it back!

One summer day at my sister-in-law’s place, there was a hill in their backyard that had been turned into a slip-and-slide paradise. My boys and their cousins slid down that muddy slope probably a hundred times, and I’ve never seen them happier. I wish I could be there again, scrubbing the mud off their little bodies in the bathtub while they excitedly told me it was the best day ever.

Each year, I took photos of my kids on their first day of school, capturing their eager smiles, fresh haircuts, and shiny new backpacks. But what I truly yearn for is a moment from a few weeks into the school year when my eldest, who usually loved school, climbed into my lap and confessed he didn’t want to go anymore. He just wanted to stay with me. That moment, when he cried in my arms needing comfort, was priceless. I’d trade every flashy first day photo for just a few seconds of being his safe space.

I snapped a ton of prom pictures, capturing the transformation of my son from scruffy teen to dapper young man. But the moment I wish I could relive happened weeks before the prom when he came home late one night and shared how he gathered his friends to serenade his date into accepting his invitation. It was one of those milestones that brought us closer together, signaling our transition to adulthood.

I’ve definitely pointed my camera at the wrong moments, mistaking the flashiness of my kids’ lives for the genuine moments that I would cherish. But parenthood is a never-ending journey. Just the other night, my husband was playing soccer in the backyard with our two teenage sons. They were laughing and enjoying the fading summer light. After two decades of being a mom, I finally remembered to just soak in the moment, breathe in the scents of summer, feel the joy of watching them play together, and yes, I even brought my camera along.

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In summary, while I’ve documented many “big” moments in my kids’ lives, I’ve come to realize that the most precious memories often come from the unexpected, everyday experiences.