You guys, I have a problem. I know what you are thinking… just one? But stay with me here.
The first step is admitting you have one, right? That’s what I’m here to do today.
Hi, my name is Brittany and I’m addicted to taking pictures of my kids.
One might argue I have more pictures of my girls than anyone would ever need in a lifetime. Those people may be right.
In my archives (and archives…) of digital files, I’ve documented all important milestones like, breakfast and, oh, that’s a funny face!
With friend, Eleanor, at the library yesterday.
I’ve focused on living more in the moment and I’ve actually gotten much better at… CLICK!
I can’t help it. The real sickness though? That is the feeling that still lurks deep within me that I haven’t captured enough.
I know what you’re thinking… seriously? But yes.
Right now life is too hectic for me even to go back through all the pictures I’ve taken and the family albums I’ve made, but I imagine myself one day down the road between my weekly visits to the girls’ colleges (because you KNOW that’s happening on the regular) flipping through them for hours and laughing about all the fun we had raising them.
And just how darn cute they were/are.
I’ll bet I will even forget about how messy things could get… wait, better capture that as well.
SNAP!
Lucky for them, they do have one break in the camera action.
And that’s when food appears.
Maybe one day I’ll enjoy flipping back through all the dinners we’ve ever eaten as well?
Perhaps.
But for now I love these days with my girls, and though I know the camera can’t capture the true joy of our moments (and on that same note, the I-want-to-rip-my-hair-out sentiment of other moments), it does help me hold onto the memories of this busy life phase, full of the wonder of childhood. So I’ll probably keep snapping…
and ignoring the pile of socks that we’ve been sitting on top of for two solid days now.
After all, one day all the laundry will be folded and put away, the house will be clean and I’ll be packing my bag to go visit them instead of walking upstairs.
So for now, let the addiction rage on.
sherry says
So well written! I think it is time to pack my bags and come visit.
Brittany Dixon says
Please come visit! We miss you!
Karen says
I love this post.
As a mom of a 20 year old college student living at home yet, may I add, I can not wait until I can go to his house and leave my mess behind when I visit!!!!!
Your not quite there yet with your kids, but prepare yourself, it only gets messier before it gets better:)
Brittany Dixon says
Messier?! I can’t imagine. Sigh…
Brynn says
I have the same addiction. Every month my husband and I look back through our pictures and are so glad we snapped even the simplest, smallest moments. We cherish them all.
Jennifer says
I love pictures too. I have been slacking lately but I know I will start taking a million again in a few weeks once baby girl is here.
BTW, we totally sit on clean laundry too for a couple of days if it ends up on the couch like that! Glad I am not the only one.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m glad I’m not the only one- haha! It’s sad some days how long it takes me to get through a load of laundry.
John J. says
If that’s your only addiction (it is, is it not?) then I’d say you’re in pretty darn good shape!
Your pics are precious and life enduring. Keep clickin’!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
it’s a real problem. My husband actually HATES pictures with a passion, so basically I focus all my picture energy on Ryan and my dog.. I actually had to buy a THIRTY TWO gig memory chip for my phone because it was always full. I’m assuming the addiction doesn’t let up as they get older and funnier?
Heather Tatum says
I think I have the same addiction. I like to have lots of pics and videos on my phone, so when I’m having a bad day at work I can see their smiling faces!
Marnie says
What a fun little post! Life has been crazy lately so I have not taken nearly as many photos of my littles as I would like. But I do love poring over my photos. And yes, organizing those photo archives is a job in itself!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
i have that addiction too…and no kids yet! Wonder what will happen when I do!
My dad is the picture taker in our house, and even though it was annoying to have to stop and pose every five minutes, I really do appreciate it now. It’s a gift to have all the wonderful memories captured and organized in photo albums (that’s my mom’s doing!).
Jen says
I think I have the same addiction and my husband hates it! I tell him all the time, just wait because one day when we’re all alone, I’ll be sitting there going through all those pictures crying my eyes out. My new obsession is taking videos too, I want to capture every word they say on film just so I can remember how cute they sounded!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes to videos! I’m trying to get better at taking those too because their sweet little voices just change so quickly. I’m now on a mission to get Kaitlyn saying TOES (dooohhhhz!) on video. Melts my heart!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
They are going to cherish all these photos one day! It’s not a bad addiction to have if I do say so myself. haha
Tracy says
Keep snappin’ those pics, mama! You won’t regret a single one. My kids are teens now and I adore looking back at photos from those years…and they do too!!!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
There are much worse addictions! I love taking pictures of my puppy, and I’m sure when if I am lucky enough to have a family of my own one day, I will enjoy that even more. Or kids and puppy!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
The more pictures of Hailey and Kaitlyn, the better! Those two girls are adorable, and I enjoy watching them grow up.
Leah says
Thank you for this post. As a SAHM, who just he a rough day, it was very timely. I love the last line. It’s a good reminder to stop and enjoy these moments. Time goes by so fast! I take a lot of pics on my phone. I feel bad cause they just sit there. I take out a bigger camera for holidays and such and never find time to download them. I tell myself one day I’ll have the time. In the meantime, I’ll keep snapping away and you do the same!