Parenting
First Birthday, Take Two
by Lady Estrogen
Updated: Aug. 23, 2015
Originally Published: Jan. 14, 2012
Not every parent is a quick draw when it comes to snapping photos, but times are changing. With the rise of smartphones, it’s easier than ever to capture and share those precious moments on social media or through email. “Isn’t my baby the cutest?” Well, prepare to be amazed, world!
We usually take these pictures for two main reasons: to proudly showcase our adorable little ones and to create a visual diary of their significant milestones. Even those parents who aren’t particularly enthusiastic about photography tend to document the big events—like the birth—and those all-important “firsts.”
- First bath.
- First smiles.
- First teeth.
- First steps.
- First birthday.
Then you have the artsy parents, often photography enthusiasts like yours truly. Brace yourselves, kiddos! Your every move will be captured, preferably in a triptych with a unique angle, and possibly in black & white or sepia. How exciting!
As my twins’ first birthday approached, I was determined to get the best photos possible for this milestone. I typically stick to a budget of $10 per outfit for each kid, but then I spotted the most adorable onesie tuxedos, complete with bow ties and tails. I thought, “Why not?” So, I splurged a little—they would absolutely rock their first birthday in these dapper outfits!
The party was set to begin. The boys were dressed to impress, the balloons were floating, and the cake was chilling. I started snapping photos from every angle, adjusting the depth of field and aperture settings on my beloved Nikon DSLR. Ah, the joy of photography!
A few friends brought along their basic point-and-shoot cameras, but they knew who was in charge of the photos. “Nah, I’ll just get copies from you later; just email them!” Absolutely, no problem at all.
The party was a hit—no drama, just cake and good times, and everyone left at a reasonable hour. We bathed the twins and I settled down at my computer, eager to admire the stunning photographs I had captured. I opened the card slot of the camera and suddenly felt a wave of heat. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. No. Card. I wanted to scream but instead, tears began to fall. How was I going to break this news to my husband?
His reaction was priceless—an exaggerated “I just threw up my lunch” face followed by a gleeful, “Nice job, Mommy! GOOD ONE!” He then mimicked Homer Simpson, prancing around and saying, “Ooooo! Look at me – I’m a photographer!” In that moment, I truly despised him.
But I had a plan. I washed their tuxedos, and the next day, I dressed the boys back up in them. I pulled out the remaining balloons and leftover snacks, and yes, I checked the camera. This time, card? Check!
“Dig in, boys! Make a mess for Mommy… again.”
I managed to capture the shots I wanted, and it turned out that the second take was much smoother than the first—hush-hush, and no one would ever know!
For more insights and tips on parenting, check out our blog on home insemination where you can learn more about creating your family. Also, if you’re considering starting a family, Make a Mom offers fantastic resources for your journey. And don’t forget to visit Medical News Today for reliable information on fertility and pregnancy.
Summary:
Capturing the first birthday of my twins was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when I realized I had forgotten the memory card in my camera. After a humorous mishap with my husband, I managed to recreate the moment the following day, resulting in the perfect photos to cherish forever.