As the leaves fell and Halloween faded into memory, I found myself feeling a pang of disappointment. We missed out on visiting a pumpkin patch with our little one, something that had been high on my autumn agenda. But as I pondered the reason for my sadness, I realized it wasn’t about my love for pumpkin picking or the thrill of outdoor escapades. It boiled down to the desire for that perfect photo—my son perched on an enormous pumpkin, donning his cutest fall outfit. Yes, that was it!
I often ask myself, “Am I doing this for my child or for the photo?” Let’s be honest—I’ve leaned more toward the photo side of things. My baby, at just six months old, is incredibly easy to please. As long as he’s fed, clean, and entertained by my goofy antics, he’s a happy camper. He doesn’t require elaborate outings or trendy onesies. But I find myself craving those picturesque moments for the sake of a snapshot.
It’s true: I often orchestrate scenarios just for the sake of capturing the perfect image. With my smartphone always at the ready, I’m on a mission to seize every adorable moment, even if it involves a bit of staging. How many times have I taken a picture, scrutinized it, and had to retake it because of a pesky booger on his nose? Afterward, I might crop out my messy bed or enhance the brightness to make his eyes pop. And for what? I don’t even share these images on social media because my partner has requested that I keep them private—something I grudgingly adhere to.
In contrast, if I sifted through my parents’ photo albums, I’d likely find a handful of images of my own babyhood—if I’m being generous. I take that many pictures of my son in just a week! On a particularly joyful day, I might snap two dozen shots in a single afternoon. The photos my parents captured of me are a mix of grainy, candid moments—often with me not looking at the camera, wearing stained clothes, and a pacifier in my mouth. They are authentic, and the rarity of each makes them even more meaningful. I can easily recall those moments. But if my son tried to remember all the photos I’ve documented, he’d be overwhelmed!
With my phone practically glued to my hand and the convenience of the camera, taking pictures has become a routine part of parenting. Dress him for the day? Snap a photo. Feed him pureed carrots? Another photo. Snuggle in his car seat? Click! Playtime before bath? You guessed it—photo time.
I’m torn between joy and disbelief at the sheer volume of images I’ve accumulated. When does it become too much? When does the pursuit of that Instagram-worthy shot overshadow the joy of simply enjoying time with my baby—boogers and all?
My partner kindly reminded me that there’s still time to visit a pumpkin patch. There’s no rule that says we can’t pick pumpkins after Halloween! So perhaps we’ll still create that memory, and maybe this time, I’ll leave my phone in the car.
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In conclusion, while my obsession with capturing baby photos may sometimes overshadow the simple joy of parenting, I recognize the importance of balancing both. After all, it’s those genuine moments that truly matter.
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