As a self-styled “Momarazzi,” I openly acknowledge my camera obsession. There’s something immensely satisfying about freezing those fleeting moments of my daughter’s childhood into a time capsule that preserves these irreplaceable experiences for eternity. It’s not just for my sake; it’s for her as well. While I’ll always have the memories and stories to share, I can’t guarantee how vividly I’ll remember every detail. And, let’s face it—Mommy brain is real. I won’t always be here to recount the events I do remember.
Some might argue that I’m sacrificing the present by focusing on capturing moments for the future, but I see it differently. I believe that taking photos extends the moment, allowing us to relive the joy long after we’ve posed for the camera.
Why I Take So Many Pictures
So why do I take so many pictures of my daughter, both candid and staged? These images are a gift to her. I want her to see the delight in her eyes when she interacts with animals, the sweetness of her kisses, or the adorable pout she makes when things don’t go her way. I want her to remember those mornings with messy bed-head and her cheeks smeared with marinara sauce after a pasta feast.
I want her to look back and remember when she first mastered the pincer grasp, struggled to pick up a Cheerio (that I cut into tiny pieces for safety), or the mischievous moment she took apart her mobile when no one was watching. I want her to feel the warmth of my love from that first moment she laid on my chest and during those early weeks when she was snug in her swaddle.
I want her to laugh with me when she sees the chaos she created with my lipstick in the backseat or the way her little feet fit into my wedding heels. I want us to marvel at her growth through weekly photos, from a tiny newborn in a large chair to a curious toddler who climbs, stands, and explores her world.
I want her to reminisce about the simple joys of crayons and stickers, the comfort of her doll, and the excitement of picking pumpkins. When she’s older, I hope to show her the sour face she made trying broccoli for the first time, the delight of tasting ice cream, and the pride she felt after a successful potty training with a reward of M&Ms.
When she’s towering over me, I want to remind her of those moments when she stood on tiptoes to reach the doorknob. As she rushes from one milestone to the next, I want her to remember the days when she crawled, walked, and ran for the first time. When she gets her driver’s license, I’ll show her the joy she had pedaling in her colorful plastic car.
I want her to remember her first experiences, like brushing her teeth with an Elmo toothbrush or sitting on my lap at the salon while getting her bangs trimmed. I hope she reflects on our family vacations, summers at the beach, homemade costumes, dance recitals, and the many friends she made along the way.
I want her to see the house that welcomed her home from the hospital and the room where she grew up, filled with toys that will eventually become vintage treasures. My hope is that these photographs offer her a way to reflect on her upbringing if she chooses to become a parent one day.
Most importantly, I want her to feel even a fraction of the pride and joy I experience watching her grow. Because one day, today will become a cherished memory, and with a photo to remind us, I’ll be able to say, “Yes, I remember.”
While I know I can’t freeze time, I can certainly frame it.
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Summary
This article explores the reasons behind a parent’s passion for capturing countless photographs of their child’s life, emphasizing the importance of preserving memories for both the parent and child. It highlights the joy of reliving moments and the desire to create a lasting connection through shared experiences.