Being a parent to babies and young children is the most beautiful and cruel process at the same time. They grow so stinking fast, it’s not even funny. As a mom of two young girls, here are some of the everyday moments I think we will all one day realize we miss.
1. The Way Their Hand Fits Inside Yours
You bet I am going to start off strong. Are you crying already? Sending you a virtual tissue and hug. 🥹 Yeah, this one tugs on my heart. Their little hands just happen to fit so easily inside ours. It’s such a simple thing, but one day, those tiny hands won’t feel quite so tiny anymore.
2. The Morning or Nighttime Snuggles
If your kids are anything like mine, one is cuddly and one…not so much. But there are days, especially in the morning or at the end of the day, when she blesses me with the tightest snuggles. It’s hard not to just melt into them. And as for the one who gives me snuggles all the time? I will never not accept them, even if they are tear-filled and follow a colossal meltdown.
3. Being Asked to Hold Them
Okay, listen, this is similar to the snuggles, but I mean actually being able to pick them up while they are still little.
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS MOMENT. Sorry, I got a little intense there. But seriously, they grow so fast, and one day they will stop asking.
4. The Sound of Their Little Voice
Here’s the thing: I am in the thick of the threenager and fournager days. Will I miss the whining? I feel like the answer is no.
But will I miss them singing at the top of their lungs and pretending to talk to Grandma on the phone? So much. Soak in those sweet little voices because they grow out of them just as quickly as they grow out of their shoes.
5. The Beautiful Chaos of Your Home
This one is hard. I know how overwhelming it can feel to see everything that needs to be done – the dishes, the toys that need to be picked up, all the art supplies they pulled out, and the Cheerios already being swarmed by ants in the corner of that one room where your toddler likes to hide things.
But take a moment to step into the minds of your children. They are having so much fun despite the mess, and they want Mom and Dad to be part of their little world, regardless of what the house looks like. It is really okay if some things don’t get done right away. The world will keep spinning, but your kids will also keep growing. Don’t miss out on spending time with them because you’re worried about the state of your home.
Now, this is not permission to never clean because your kids also deserve a safe home. Ha!
6. Watching Them Play
My kids are so much fun to watch while they play. They giggle, get silly, and come up with the funniest things. Honestly, kids are hilarious to watch when you take a moment to be still. You learn so much about them and their quirky little personalities. Again, you don’t want to forget this!
7. The Way They Look at You
One of my favorite things to document as a family photographer is the way children observe their mama. Kids don’t hide their feelings very well…I’m sure you already know this. I LOVE capturing the moment when they simply look at their mom with all the love and adoration in the world.
8. Their Current Favorite Thing
I think it’s really easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and not realize that we are missing important, defining moments in our children’s lives.
We should talk to them daily, ask about their day, and find out what they are most grateful for. Observe them as they grow and notice what they naturally gravitate toward. Do they love music or building things? Is their favorite color pink or yellow? Do they prefer chocolate or sour candy? Nemo or Buzz Lightyear?
Do you know what your kids love right now?
9. Your Everyday Family Routines
I had to laugh while thinking about this one. My kids are very routine-oriented. In fact, my daughters require very specific bedtime routines. I must say a prayer with each of them. Then Elowyn has to have me kiss her “Foxy,” then kiss her, and then give her big hugs. Wrenly is slightly less demanding, although I can’t complain too much because I used to have to kiss every single one of Elowyn’s stuffed animals, and we have thankfully grown out of that. Wrenly just requires her prayer and for me to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to her. Whether she likes it or not, I also have to give her a little kiss and hug.
10. Who You All Are Right Now
How easy it is to forget this.
Life gets busy, and our minds wander to all the important daily tasks. But remembering the kind of life you lived and the personalities each of you had during this chapter is so precious. One day, you will look back and see how much you have grown, and how your children have grown and evolved. Life is ever-changing, and so are we.
Preserve It
Someday, you may not remember the toys scattered across the floor or exactly how their little voice sounded when they called your name. That’s why everyday moments matter just as much as the milestones. You don’t need to wait for life to feel perfect or significant enough to preserve it. This chapter is already worth remembering. Photos help us rekindle memories we thought were long gone.
If you’re ready to preserve the beautiful, ordinary moments of your family’s story, I would be honored to document them for you.
