A few weeks ago, we took our children to a small town here in South Carolina to see Santa. After the children saw Santa and our baby girl cried in terror, we drove to the country.  I happened to take my camera that day and we found a beautiful place to let the kids explore and for us to just breathe in the country air.  As we moved through an amazing field, my husband said, “Here, let me have the camera.”  Honestly, it never occurred to me to let him take my camera.  I thought, my hair isn’t right, this shirt isn’t my favorite, the kids have boogers on their faces, etc.  He wasn’t taking no for an answer, so I handed over the camera and went on my way.  I had Carson in my hands and started to play with her.  My girl is at the age now where she smiles and laughs.  Where you can lift her over your head and she’ll giggle loudly.  This age, is my most favorite age and you can tell by the looks on our faces.  

I have a daughter.  Yes, I have two amazing boys, but it still hits me now and again as I see her pink shoes- I have a daughter.  When I got home from our trip, I looked at the pictures from the day and I saw a ton that I loved.  I am sure some of those will show up here at some point.  However, when I saw this one above, my heart stood still.  Wow.  Yes, it’s an amazing picture, the scenery, the composure, etc.  The husband has natural talent can be my second shooter any day.  Anyway, what took my breath away about this picture is that it is me and my girl.  I don’t know how many pictures I have of us together, alone.   Not many.  We’re a close family, we’re all always – together.

Years from now when I am old, I hope my daughter will look at this picture and be happy she has it.  I promise you she won’t look at it and think, “I had boogers on my nose or mom’s shirt isn’t perfect.”  She will look at this picture and only see us, her and I, happy and together.  She will not remember this moment, but I will for all of my days.

I urge you as parents to give up control and have someone take your picture professionally.  Whether it’s me or not, I don’t care.  Just don’t wait.  There will always be another excuse, another reason to wait and time will pass and the moment will be gone.  Take a breather and enjoy the moment.  This picture of me means the absolute world to me and I am thankful to have it.

::  Mo