As a self-proclaimed “Momarazzi,” I fully embrace my passion for photography, especially when it comes to my daughter. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about freezing those fleeting moments of her childhood, creating a tangible collection of memories that we can cherish forever. It’s not just for me—it’s a gift for her as well. I might have the stories to tell, but let’s face it: memory can be a fickle thing. With the phenomenon known as “Mommy brain” affecting clarity, I can’t guarantee that I’ll always remember every detail, nor can I assure that I’ll always be there to share those memories.
While it might seem that I’m distracted by my camera, I see it differently. I believe I’m extending our present, capturing smiles long after we’ve called out “cheese.” So why do I find myself taking countless pictures of my daughter, both candid and staged? Because these photographs are a window into her world. I want her to see her joy when she interacts with animals, the delight in her toothless grin, the pout that emerges when things don’t go her way, and the messy hair she wakes up with each morning.
I want her to remember the pride she felt when she first grasped a Cheerio (safely cut into thirds, of course), the mischief in her eyes when she disassembled her mobile, and the warmth of her hug around her grandpa’s leg. I cherish those early moments when she was cradled on my chest, those first few weeks when she fit snugly in a swaddle before breaking free.
I hope she can laugh with me when she sees photos of her covered in my bold lipstick after a curious adventure in the backseat and remembers how her little feet walked in my wedding heels. I want to document her growth through weekly snapshots—from a tiny newborn in a big chair to a little girl who climbs, stands, and explores.
I aim for her to reflect on the simplicity of happiness, like being content with just a sticker and crayons or the joy of selecting the perfect pumpkin. When she’s older, I want her to see her initial reactions to new experiences: the grimace when she tasted broccoli for the first time, the delight of cold ice cream, and the pride of using the potty for a reward of M&Ms.
As she grows taller, I want to remind her of those days when she stood on tiptoes to reach the doorknob, and when she transitioned from crawling to walking. I want her to remember the thrill of her first bike ride, the excitement of her driver’s license, and the nostalgia of brushing her teeth with a pink Elmo toothbrush. I want her to look back on family adventures, beach summers, Halloween costumes, and recitals, all while reflecting on the house that welcomed her home from the hospital and the room where she spent her early years.
Ultimately, I hope she feels a fraction of the pride and joy I experience as I watch her grow. One day, she will look back, and I want to be able to say, “Yes, I remember,” with a smile, thanks to the moments captured in photos. While I know I can’t freeze time, I can certainly frame it and preserve these memories for all time.
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In summary, capturing moments of my daughter is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to create lasting memories that both of us can treasure for years to come.
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