This sponsored post was written while participating in my partnership with Sprout and One2One Network, but as always, all opinions, stories and pictures are my own.
I’m not sure what it is with little kids, but they LOVE to look at pictures of themselves! Both kids ask me multiple times a day to “Take a picture of me mommy!” and then immediately “Let me see!” I probably take a good ten pictures of them just doing random things throughout the day. Building a tower. Lining up her My Little Pony collection. Reading a book. Anytime is a good time for a picture according to my kiddos. And then they can entertain themselves for a good while scrolling through all the pictures of themselves on my phone. When they find a picture of us together they say, “That’s you mommy! Look! Look!” and get very excited. And I love that.
During the day I try to be as present as possible. I don’t get on the computer to work unless I have to or the kids are napping. I let them make suggestions on what we should do. I follow their lead when they want to put on an impromptu dance performance. Or make cookies. I take pictures of them when they ask. I read the same book over and over on request. I do this because I know it won’t last forever. I know there will be a time when they don’t want to do any of those things with me. And I want as many memories and pictures of that as possible.
Sometimes the pictures I take look like this one. Both kids really wanted my attention and I really wanted to read. But you know what? This captures us perfectly. There are times during the day when I just need some space or a minute to myself. And that seems to be the time that the kids want or need my attention the most. I have to take a deep breath [or maybe a bite of chocolate] and remember that it won’t last forever. I will miss this!
So we take silly selfies where Ryley is trying to give my butterfly kisses. Or where Avery won’t let me get up from the couch. We take pictures together because that’s what they want do. And I know one day they won’t want to do those things with me in the picture.
I’m submitting the second photo in the Sprout’s Mom is Here photo contest. Why? Well, because I really like the picture and its super easy to enter. Plus, the prizes aren’t to shabby either. [Hello $2000 spa package or $100 gift cards!] I also love that Sprout’s is encouraging moms to get in the pictures with their kids. I think its important to show them we are always there even if that means taking a million selfies. Or giving pony rides. Or dancing in a circle in the kitchen. Because them wanting to do any of that won’t last forever.
To see the official rules and enter click here.
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Crystal says
i totally agree with you!! Take advantage of every minute with them. My youngest is going to be 17 next month. When she wants me to scratch her back, watch a show with her, go shopping with her, etc., I stop what I’m doing and go with her. My oldest is in college about to enter nursing school and I miss those impromptu times. Have a Happy Easter!!
Kelley says
Aww.. You are the best momma! I try to enjoy all the little moments too. Even though mine are still little.. they are already so big! It goes so fast!
Laurann says
Great post Kelley! Love it!
Kelley says
Thanks mom 🙂
AmieJo says
I love how you are trying to be present with your kids. I think that is lacking in many houses. I have been trying to spend more quality time with my kids daily for the same reasons you are being present. I still need to work on not working on the blog when they are awake. I try to keep it to when they are sleeping or we are eating (the computer is by the kitchen table) but it is difficult because I am still learning everything. That way I am not missing out on the playing. I don’t get on the computer during dinner. That is for sure family time.
Kelley says
Yea its tough to balance blogging and family, especially when you first start out. It gets easier once you realize you aren’t missing anything super important in blogland by being away. It took me awhile to get that one. But my kiddos are only little once and my blog will always be here. Plus, they love being involved when I “work”. Thank you so much for commenting AmieJo! I truly appreciate it 🙂