Mommas, we give up a lot for our kids.  We give a lot of ourselves for them.  But, we can all agree that we gain so much from them too - around our middles, on our hips, across our rears, extra chins. . . (grin).  And, as forgiving as we are with our babies, we are equally unforgiving with our looks. So (and I am speaking to myself) we take the pictures and don't offer the camera up to someone else.  We cringe when we see ourselves straight-on, or in profile (or, heaven forbid, from behind). 

I'm late to the blog party on this one, because in recent days so many have said it more eloquently, but we need to get in there with our kids and let it be recorded (for all of eternity for them to remember).  It's going to be scary.  We will have to do it NOW, not after we lose 15 pounds, or color our hair, or change out of our stained shirts.  We will have to look at ourselves without our own critical eyes, and with the loving eyes of our babies.

After spending so much time photographing families, and the relationships between moms and kids, I can say with absolute certainty that the kids don't care!  They think squishy bellies are a soft place to rest, 2nd chins make it easier to grab mommy's face, and wider hips can carry them better. Still don't believe me?  Take a look at these mommas being loved by their children:

He stole my heart when he raised his hand and asked me if he could give mommy a big kiss!  

Right before I took this picture, the oldest daughter slipped her hand into mom's.  I hope my girl does that when she's a teenager!

Isn't this how every mom in the word feels?  I think we would all do well to embrace the hugs that hold our legs in place!

They love us, no matter what we look like, and often in spite of how we act, and we need to document it - for them, and for us.

Get out your camera, your phone, or give me a call!  But, make sure to take pictures of your kids WITH you!