As a pediatrician and a parent, I often find myself reflecting on the journey of raising a child, particularly in the context of documenting those fleeting early moments. The other day, I realized with a twinge of sadness that we missed out on taking our little one to a pumpkin patch this fall—a cherished autumn tradition that was high on my list. But why did this upset me? Am I particularly fond of pumpkin picking? Not really. Is it the joy of bundling up my baby for an outdoor excursion, which might end with a warm cup of cider? Perhaps. Ultimately, it’s the idea of capturing that perfect image of my baby perched atop a giant pumpkin in an adorable fall outfit that truly resonates with me.
In truth, I often contemplate whether I engage in activities for the benefit of my child or simply for the sake of the photograph. It’s a hard truth to face, but the reality is that my child is just a few months old and is easily entertained. As long as he’s fed, comfortable, and has someone making silly faces, he’s content. However, I find myself craving those picturesque moments—those Instagram-worthy snapshots that I can treasure.
I must admit, I frequently orchestrate scenarios for my baby, all in the name of creating the perfect photo opportunity. My smartphone is always at hand, ready to snap every precious moment—even if it means staging a few scenes. How many times have I taken a picture, analyzed it, and retaken it after removing an unsightly smudge from his face? I might even adjust the background or edit his eyes to make them pop a little more. What’s the point? I don’t even share these photos publicly, complying with my partner’s request for privacy.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I can count on one hand the number of baby photos my parents took of me. Most are grainy, candid moments that capture my true self—usually with a pacifier in my mouth or smeared with baby food. The scarcity of those images adds to their value and authenticity. In contrast, I’ve accumulated countless pictures of my son, sometimes taking dozens in a single day, especially when he’s in a particularly playful mood.
With my smartphone always within reach and the simplicity of snapping a photo, it has become routine to document each milestone. Dress him up, click. Feed him, click. Playtime, click. Bath time giggles, click. It’s both exhilarating and overwhelming to realize how many images I have already captured. At what point does the pursuit of a perfect photo overshadow simply enjoying time with my child—messy moments and all?
Fortunately, my partner reminded me that there’s still time for pumpkin picking. After all, there are no rules against enjoying fall activities beyond Halloween. Perhaps we’ll create that memory together—and this time, I’ll leave my phone behind.
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In summary, while the urge to document every moment can be overwhelming as a new parent, it’s essential to balance this with simply enjoying the journey of parenthood and creating genuine memories, even if they’re not picture-perfect.