“We’ve all been told as mothers that our children will grow up in the blink of an eye,  that if we’re not careful we’ll miss it and that before we know it they won’t want our kisses, hugs, hand to hold and more. I think about this often and wonder why society often gives mothers the message that we’re not to dote on our children. If my little one is going to grow up and I’ll only have the memory of what it was like to hold him, then I’m going to spend as much time as I can with his little arms around my neck as I rock him to sleep. I’m going to lay next to him and just listen to his heart as he drifts off to sleep. I’ll breathe in those peaceful moments when he looks more like an angel than a little boy. This isn’t to say that I want to give every second of my day to the will of my child. I simply want the freedom to enjoy this phase of our time together for what it is. Knowing that this season is so short, if I feel that saying yes to his pleas to go to the park is more important than folding the laundry, I won’t let the weight of everyday tasks overwhelm.  We will go to the park.  The laundry can wait.

These photos represent the much too short phase that I have described, and that I have grown to miss as I’ve watched my child grow. I thought of all of these things as I photographed Abby and her sweet boy. It was clear to me as I watched them interact that she was fully immersed in their world together. He asked to be held, and she scooped him into her arms without hesitation. She doted on her little one, but to me it looked a whole lot more like she was loving him deeply and devoting each part of him to memory. Hopefully these photos will serve as a tangible reminder of those memories that will be treasured dearly. The days are long, but the years are far too short. Another phrase we’ve all heard. I hope to remember to fill my own cup with memories that I’ll dote on for years to come.” Taylor, Photographer

TAYLOR CATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY