Time goes by so fast...

 It's been over a year since I was gifted a scrapbook kit for Ben's baby album (great gift by the way, thanks Aunt Pam!). So I decided try it out, since my now one year old can semi-entertain himself. I started with a page for my pregnancy. I think it's great to look back and see life as it used to be then and I hope Ben will too someday. Here's a pic (ignore the mess and my awkward leg)...

So I don't know if you know this about me but I am a hoarder, well not TLC worthy but I hoard anything that could possibly have meaning. The card is one I sent Logan while he was deployed as are the pictures. I love that everyone has a story, and I love hearing those stories. I realized as I am scrapbooking that I have a large part in making Ben's story, I have the responsibility of raising him. Maybe one day I will be the reason he loves chocolate chip pancakes or watching a thunderstorm come in...how crazy is that?! 

Something I heard over and over again when I first had Ben was "Time goes by so fast, enjoy it!" I used to think, "How do I enjoy no sleep and spit up in my hair?" But now I see what they mean. As I watch Ben daily and am reminded what a little person he is becoming I want time to slow down, I want to enjoy every bit of it I have left while he's little. It is SO so easy to get caught up in the sleep deprivation or the temper tantrums but I too have become that person who says "Time goes by so fast.." 

Let's be real

Have you ever scrolled down Pinterest and pinned "activities" for your children? Things like "sensory bag" or "creating busy books" even "crafts for your toddler". I have to admit I tried one of these once and I still laugh at the thought. It was a "sensory bag" which I carefully selected things around the house to put in it, Ben tossed it to the side like yesterday's leftovers and moved on to terrorizing the dog. Not giving one glance back...

Not to say these are BAD, as an educator I think they do have some place in the classroom to explore textures and learn colors, etc. but I think parents today get way to caught up in planning activities, centering life around their child. Why not bring the child into your world, teaching them the crazy awesome things around them that are natural. 

Here is a list of things every day things I want to do with Ben...but not on a time schedule just if they arise. 

Puddle jumping

Searching for four leaf clovers

Stirring a batch of brownies (and maybe licking the bowl afterwards)
Playing hide and seek
Picking up rocks in the driveway-finding perfectly round ones
Singing in the car
Dancing in the rain- or in general
Snuggling in bed (maybe even watching cartoons)
Reading a book
Picnicking
Watering the flowers
Finding "rolly pollies" under rocks
Sitting on the front porch, watching thunderstorms come in
Banging pots and pans in the kitchen
Waking daddy up, by jumping on the bed
Running through a sprinkler
Tickles! then giggles :)
Sharing homemade lemonade on a hot day

These are just a few, some I know won't come for years but I still look forward to them. I guess this is a reminder to keep it simple. Kids don't consistently need entertainment, they will EXPECT it if you always do give it to them. Just invite them to be a part of what you do whether it be cooking, cleaning, shopping, opening the door etc. Enjoy them and make memories being real and genuine not "I saw this on Pinterest" or "let me put a picture on Facebook" everyday. That doesn't make you super mom...kissing booboos and being there does.

To Caitlynn

Last thanksgiving a wonderful friend of mine took our pictures and she did such a lovely job (as always). I cannot express enough how important it is to feel comfortable with your photographer. Logan and I cannot keep a straight face with the more "lovey-dovey" poses and Caitlynn just rolls with it, I love her for that...I mean this is totally natural, right?

A little background on Caitlynn, we were collage roommates for two-ish years (?) Although I always joked I never saw her! She was always busy, for real, you haven't met busy until you meet Caitlynn. I'm still not convinced she slept for half her time at college. She is also a teacher and a pretty fantastic one at that. She is one of the hardest workers I know! Okay, back to the pictures...so we were her "firsts" for a lot of things, engagement, weddings, and now family with a baby and dog they consider a baby. She always has a challenge but performs beautifully and at short notice!! Here is one from our engagement...

Then I called Caitlynn and asked if she would do our wedding pictures, but I also have to add she was a bridesmaid. At one point she wanted to hop on a car to take a cool shot, in her bridesmaids dress...that's just how incredibly passionate she is about what she does! I think she's wonder woman for being in a wedding AND taking pictures with the help of her husband (shout out to Nick) of course. So here's a shot from the wedding... (p.s. that's her mom and dad in the background on the left, they are pretty fantastic too).

Fun fact, I was in Caitlynn's wedding and we danced down the isle! Now to the family ones...they were simply beautiful too! Pictures of my family make me swoon but beautiful pictures of my family make my heart melt into a great big puddle. 

Caitlynn you capture people's love in such a way that will be treasured. The moments you create my great-great grandchildren will see and smile, for that I thank you. You are truly a blessing as a friend and photographer. Thanks for making memories!

P.S. Every time I see Friends on T.V. I stop and smile and think of you eating green beans and cheese on our college couch. Those were the days!