Mama Mondays: The Happy Pictures

I had someone ask me recently why I only post the happy pictures of our boys because it makes it seem like they’re always happy. My response: because I only take happy pictures of our boys.

If they’re sad, mad, in trouble, hurt, I’m comforting them or punishing them, not taking pictures of them. The last thing anybody would want during a vulnerable moment is for someone to be taking a picture of them pouting, crying, screaming, or frowning.

I want our boys to see the camera as a positive thing that’s capturing fun & happy moments in our lives.

Of course they have their moments, like we all do, but I won’t have any pictures to remind us of it.

Just last week, I was using the bathroom and I heard this loud bang and immediate screaming. I raced to the other side of the house. The boys had knocked over a tall dresser full of toys and stuff. I first saw the twins just standing beside it screaming crying, but I didn’t see Baker. My heart sank and I started screaming his name. As I got closer to the cabinet, I saw him on the other side just staring at it in shock. Praise God! They were all okay.

Sure, I could have pulled out my camera and taken a picture of all three of them standing beside the cabinet screaming and in shock and we probably would have looked at that picture years from now and shaken our heads in relief and laughed a little at the looks on their faces, but it was the last thing I needed to do in that moment. Instead, I huddled them up and hugged them and prayed out loud thanking God for their safety in what could have been a really horrible incident. I then had them sit against the wall as I sternly explained to them why this happened, what could have happened to them and why they will never be climbing on furniture again.

After we all settled down a bit, I did take a picture of the cabinet to send to Brandon because he was out of town letting him know we’ll be bolting all furniture to the wall over the weekend and asking him how in the world I was going to get the darn thing up. It was heavy! I also wanted to post a picture so others who might not have their furniture bolted to the wall could see what could happen and will hopefully do so as well. So so scary! I’m so unbelievably thankful they were okay and back to their silly selves in no time.

The boys know I love pictures. They know how important they are to me and they actually ask me to take their picture a lot. I love that!

There are definitely moments when one or all of them are not in the mood and they’ll tell me and I’ll respect that. I just try to put myself in their shoes.

Sure, if we’re taking professional pictures or a group picture with family or friends, those are moments when they need to learn to be cooperative and I’ll explain the importance of the picture we’re trying to take and I’ll most likely bribe them with some gummy bears or a treat. Usually, works like a charm! 😉

Now that our boys are in the prime toddler years, getting them to cooperate for a group picture is darn difficult. So I’ve pretty much given up on that and try to just capture them in the moment. I let them just do their thing and those are the memories that we’ll want to see forever.

I love showing the boys the pictures I have of them and they love looking at them and recalling the memories. I hope one day to really organize these pictures so they, their spouses and their children can cherish them forever. If you have any great tips or resources for organizing pictures of your kiddos, please do share!

Why are these pictures so important to me? It’s sad, but my memory is just not the same as it used to be, it needs a little glimpse of a reminder sometimes. And I’m sure it’s not going to improve over time, in fact, it will probably get worse. Therefore, these pictures I have of our boys are so important to me as I always want to remember these years and these little moments.

Brandon also travels a lot, so pictures are all that more special to us so we can send them to Dada throughout the week or show them to him once he gets home. It makes for a fun story-time as the boys get so excited showing him the pictures and telling them about our week.

So yes, our boys have their moments (like we all do!) and no, they’re not always happy, but as a mom, it is my role and responsibility in that moment to comfort, encourage, discipline and love on them. My phone or camera never comes out. I know how tempting it can be sometimes to pull out the camera when you want to document a moment that would make for a funny memory for you, but probably not funny to them at that time. Put yourself in their shoes and ask if you would want someone taking your picture in that moment. Probably not. If pictures are important to you, make the camera a positive thing that only captures the fun and happy moments.

xoxo,

Maegan

I’m starting Mama Mondays as a way to discuss life as a mom with other moms. We all have our ways and opinions, but I find it so encouraging and inspiring to discuss motherhood with other moms. Therefore, your feedback is so encouraged as long as it’s respectful. We’re all in this together!

And I’m no expert, as I’m just learning as I go and leaning on other moms for advice, support and encouragement. I hear we will survive! 😉

If you have any topic ideas for Mama Mondays that you would like me to start a discussion about, please email me (info@thebakermama.com) or comment below!