I love photography, but I love my kids more than photography.
Kids are messy. Kids are exhausting. Kids are filled with surprises. Kids are demanding. Kids are beautiful. Kids are experts at pushing my buttons… buttons I didn’t even know I had. Kids are amazing. Kids are smart. Kids are my life. Kids will not be kids forever.
I’m a mother to three boys who are 11, nine and eight years old. And I’ve already reached that stage where I’m telling mothers of infants and toddlers, “Oh enjoy these moments. They are wonderful. I wish my kids were this age again.” Really? Wasn’t I just bringing my oldest home from the hospital? How did this happen?
Yes, these are the same words that others would share with me just a few short years ago, and I would think they should have their head evaluated. Instead I just smiled, walked away and thought they were crazy! I was in a sleep-deprived mama of three boys under the age of four.
A normal day consisted of me literally dragging my feet around the house because my two older boys are sitting on my feet with their arms and legs wrapped around my calves begging for my attention while trying to nurse my baby. There were days I was wishing I could fast forward to naptime. I was physically and mentally drained. How could they want to go back to this?
Truth is, it is frustrating to pick spaghetti off the wall for the 100th time. It is exhausting waking up three times a night to feed a baby. It hurts when you step on those blasted Legos that are lying all around the house. Stepping over the rows and rows of cars that have been lined up in the kitchen can be a nuisance.
But all of these things you will miss. I promise.
I challenge you to look at these messes differently by looking at them as art.- as an opportunity to see the world through their eyes. Photograph the messes and creations your kids make in everyday life. You will appreciate capturing these memories more than any posed family portrait you ever have taken. Guaranteed.
Kids are messy. Don’t fight it. Embrace it. Kids are beautiful. That’s a fact.
Joey, Johnny and Jake are my beautiful messes and I thank God everyday for them.
* Want to win a free photo session? Go to my Sweet Lemonade Photography Facebook page and enter a photo of your beautiful mess.
Heather Wanninger, mom to 3 wild and crazy boys, began her photography business in 2011 after being a stay at home mom for 11 years. Heather has photographed several weddings, in addition to engagements, newborns, families, commercial, modeling headshots, sports team photos, and events. With her fun loving personality and a God given gift to capture emotions and human connection on film, her business has grown rapidly. In 2014 she will be photographing weddings in California, New York and Florida. Contact Heather so Sweet Lemonade Photography can capture your family’s sweetest moments.
