Motherhood is a journey filled with countless precious moments – from the first flutter of tiny kicks in the womb to the heartwarming sound of giggles filling the air. Yet, during the whirlwind of diaper changes, bedtime stories, and endless cuddles, it's all too easy for moms to find themselves behind the camera, capturing memories instead of being present in them. As a mom and nana, I have come to realize the bittersweet truth that I don't have as many photos of myself with my children and grandbabies as I'd like.

In the age of smartphones and social media, we're often quick to snap photos of our little ones – their first steps, their messy faces smeared with food, their wide-eyed wonder at the world around them. And while these snapshots are undoubtedly treasured, they often tell only half the story. As mothers, we play an integral role in shaping our children's lives, yet our presence, as moms, in these captured memories can sometimes be conspicuously absent.

It's not for lack of love or desire to document our journey together. Rather, it's a reflection of the selflessness that comes with motherhood – the instinct to prioritize our children's happiness and well-being above our own. We become so accustomed to being the ones behind the lens, ensuring that every milestone and moment is preserved, that we forget to step into the frame ourselves.

But as our children grow older and we reflect on the fleeting nature of time, we realize the importance of being present in these memories – not just for ourselves but for our children as well. They deserve to look back on their childhood and see the love and warmth reflected in the photographs, not just the faces of their siblings or the scenery around them.

So, to all the moms out there who, like me, have found themselves absent from the family photo album, let's make a conscious effort to change that. Let's embrace the imperfections – the messy hair, the tired eyes, the mismatched clothes – and instead focus on the beauty of the bond we share with our children. Let's ask someone else to take the picture for once, so we can be fully present in the moment, laughing and playing and cherishing the precious time we have together.

And let's remember that our worth as mothers isn't measured by the number of photos we appear in but by the love and dedication we pour into raising our children. So, here's to capturing more memories together – not just for the sake of the photograph but for the sake of our hearts and the legacy we leave behind for generations to come. After all, the most precious moments in life are the ones we share with the ones we love.

I will be offering Mommy and Me shoots coming up to Mother's Day. If you mention this blog you will receive a free 8x10 print and $25 off session fee!

Mommy and Me Sessions $150

15 minutes with 3 professionally edited digital images of your choice from an online gallery.