These Boots Were Made for Walking
A little over two years ago, I got serious about taking better photos of my kids. Not just more, but better. And not just better, but ones that captured the day-to-day life of a big and wide family. Thanks, Kyle.
Sometimes the moment presents itself and you just have to take a photo.
Exhibits A, B and C.
They’re a little out of focus and not 100% perfect, but boy do they capture her personality.
There may be something about Mary, but I’d argue there’s something pretty fabulous about Gianna, too. And she knows it.
Being the baby affords her many pleasures – never hearing ‘no’ is probably at the top of the list. I’ve really been enjoying the time with her at home, while all the bigs are off at school. When my older ones were small, I saw it as a burden and a chore to take the gang to the grocery store. And it was. That feat required Herculean effort, a shot of tequila, a sense of humor and a deaf ear to all the “well-meaning” comments from fellow shoppers. It’s no joke having five kids under the age of 8. Then, along came Gianna.
When people hear I have six kids, they react one of two ways: horror or pure joy. I’m hear to tell you that more days than not, it’s the latter, not the former. For all you moms of littles who wonder if it will get easier, the answer is yes. It’ll be a slow fade, though. And, then your kids will remind you that motherhood is hard and you’ll find yourself back on your knees.
In the early days, I prayed for kids to sleep through the night. Now, I pray for my teenage driver to come home safe and alive so I can sleep through the night.
I document all the good, bad and ugly here on the blog for my kids, first and foremost. When I’m gone, I want them to have something to reflect upon, to laugh about and to remember just how beautifully hard life was here. And, I’m always deeply honored when people that aren’t related to me find some joy, solidarity and inspiration here. I have seriously awesome readers.
Lately, Gianna has really been coming into her own. She’s finally saying a few words. It’s hard getting a word in around here, especially when everyone else talks for you. Her curls are absolutely adorable and I can’t bring myself to cut them. She just learned to say ‘no,’ while stomping her foot. Oh ****. And, her favorite phrase is, “I did it!” She sleeps a crazy 13 hours a night and sneaks in a three-hour nap most days. It’s crazy…awesome. She’s almost always happy and will go anywhere, just be prepared for a busy toddler. Aren’t they all?
I adore her. We all do. Here’s to more mornings like this. {Cheers!}
That pose with the boots….STOP!! I can’t stand how cute it is!!! We love you, Gigi!! And my heart gets full when I hear hersay, “I did it!” It’s been so fun watching her grow. : )
The picture with the hands on the hips is too cute! Talk about a sassy southern gal:)
I will echo your comments about things getting easier… when we had a 3 year old, a 2 year old and a newborn, going to the grocery store was A LOT (I don’t know how you did it with your five under eight!). Now that they are 6, 5 and almost 3, it is easier. Everyone can buckle his or her own carseat and/or seat belt. The two older boys can go to the bathroom — by themselves! We don’t need bottles and sippy cups anymore… sigh… time really does fly. Thanks for the reminder that it’s OK to take so many pictures. It’s the only way to make time stand still.
A-MEN.
I LOVE being able to capture my kids. I have 4 ranging from 18 through 3 and it seems each time I blink they are 4 years older. For the past 6 years I’ve been doing “project life” where I document our everyday via photography. (I will use my DSLR or my phone) It doesn’t have to be the perfect picture its just a little simple moment that I hope in the future when my kids are grown and have their own they will look through the albums and see the childhood I hope I was able to capture for them. Your baby girl is WAY to cute! My youngest just got her 1st pair of rain boots and I must say I am kind of excited for some rain so I can capture the giggles in the rain. (FYI – found you via BIS! )
Oh, I bet project life has really transformed your photography! So happy you found me via BIS. They are doing such great things.
LOVE those pictures. Adorable. Seriously cute. And you are right, it does get easier, but in some ways harder. I hear you on the prayers for the big ones. Your worries when they are little are different than the worries when they are big – will they choose good friends and make good choices when under the influence of peer pressure? Will they do well on their test? And on and on. I need to do a better job at documenting the big one; I just hope he lets me 🙂
Finally got to read today’s post. LOVE, love, love this! You know I’m right there with you on the photo front. Just wish I had some littles and all that cuteness to capture. These just make me melt – esp that 2nd one! She is precious! So fun to visit today & hope to see you all again soon!
You can borrow mine anytime? Although, you’ve got some beautiful kids of your own!
Do you have a fancy camera that you use or just your phone? I’ve been (secretly) pining for a DSLR to replace my point and shoot but haven’t pulled the trigger yet on the purchase. I’m terrible at taking photos but want to get better. And am also afraid of spending so much money on a camera to not use it the way it should be used.
I bought a refurbished Canon 6D several years ago and I highly recommend looking into refurbed when you can. Saves you money! Just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. I chose my local camera store and I’ve also bought lenses on B&H Photo.