Plopped on our navy couches in our media room with the overstuffed pillows that let you sink comfortably into them, Lucy cuddled up next to me as we watched the movie Home for the 37th time. She didn't feel well, so we had a lazy day of movies and pajamas. She snuggled into my embrace and her blanket, the one that she has had since the morning she was born. I looked at her sweet face and realized that she is no longer that itty baby that she was only a few months ago. Her face is changing. And she's almost a little girl. When did that happen? These are the moments I treasure. The slow in-between moments where life seems to slow and it is just us, and we enjoy each other. I took a quick selfie and scribbled in my journal.
I wrote, “I want to remember Lucy's sweet and rare cuddles and the way she makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world."
As I posted the photo on Instagram, I saw an old photo of my mom & me. Every time I see it, I am disappointed that I didn't write a caption to fully express my joy to be with her on this special day. I can't remember how excited she was that I- the one she thought would never have babies- was about to have a baby girl, I can't remember everything I felt as our community of friends showered us in love, I can't remember any specific exchanges as she loved on me (it was at my baby shower). I do remember how excited and blessed I felt to experience this with my sweet mom.
I want to remember every feeling.
Every ounce of love I have for my babies. I want to remember the little moments. I don't want to forget. I want my picturesand handwritten words transport me to experiences that I may otherwise forget.
And in a few years, I want them to know how fiercely I love them. I want them to be able to remember the little moments of love and life that we shared.
I want to remember. I want to see her dirty blonde ponytail sprout- her tree, as she calls it- blow in the wind as we spend cool mornings in our backyard. I want to see her excitement as she chases a bubble across the grass. I want to hear Leeland squeal for joy and pump his arms up in down as if he is trying to fly as his sister zooms past him. I don't want to forget.
I have an assignment for you. Try it - I dare you.
Without looking at any old photos or videos, try to imagine your children 2-3 years ago. Close your eyes if you need to. Now look, what are they wearing? How were their features back then? Now, what did you love MOST about them at that age? You can’t be vague here. If it was their laugh - what did it sound like?
I’m guessing your memories are all mashed together, and you can’t remember specific details. The memories are there, but you can’t seem to get them out.
Now bring out a photo or a journal entry, and the memories will FLOOD back!
We all need these prompts to open the floodgates of memories. Photographs are great. Written words are great.
But even more powerful? Are your hand-written words mixed with a photograph.That’s what you’ll get (and more) by participating in my Dear Mom Project.
Do you want to make sure you can remember the heart-warming moments of your kid's childhood?
Last Chance to Sign Up for Dear Mom Project
Introducing the Dear Mom Project of 2017
What is it?
The result is something that will kick your memories back into gear, so you can experience what I just talked about, the emotions and memories you forgot you had.
The Dear Mom Project creates beautiful artwork of a busy mom and her children, so she can look back when her children have moved off to college or started their next phase after high school and not regret that she was always playing an oh so important support role and behind the camera. The imagery is mixed with her hand-written words answering, “what are you most proud of your child right now?” And the words or drawings of her children answering, “what do you love most about your mom?”
Dear Mom Project & Credit
30 minute portrait session of you and your children showing off your warm, loving relationship
Heartwarming question & answer pages so you can remember what was most important to you about your children during this time of your life, and can feel how much your kids appreciate you with their answers.
$47 portrait credit toward your artwork of choice - great for hanging on your wall or giving as gifts (online ordering or a complimentary reveal appointment)
Complimentary 8x10 artist's choice word & image collage. A mixture of beautiful photographs and hand-written words from your children and yourself will bring back the intricate moments of life “back when”
Price: $127
Dear Mom Project Sessions are next Friday and Saturday, and there are STILL a couple of coveted Saturday Sessions left if you haven't already signed up!
And by overwhelming demand, I added an extra Saturday!
Dates and times:
Friday, 4/7, 9am-2pm
Friday, 4/14, 10am-6pm
Saturday, 4/15, 10am-6pm
Location: Kimberly Danielle Portraits - in the studio
516 Darlington Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76131
903-720-4419
hello@kimberlydanielleportraits.com
Don't be absent from your children's childhoods by not being in the photos with them.
