When I scheduled photos with Bridget Eldridge with my family one morning, I didn’t know what to expect. I hoped for good behavior and some smiles. What I didn’t realize is that capturing the everyday moments, whether they be smiles or tears, is beautiful. That one day when I am out of the hectic mornings getting ready for work and school, and I look back at these photos, the real life that is shown through the camera’s lens will be more valuable than a posed smile or a few curated moments.
As I examined the photos, I saw something that I rarely have the time or ability to reflect upon with such intention. I saw the different and meaningful relationships that I have with each of my children and that they have with each other. That day, the kids got up early due to the excitement of someone coming over to capture our morning. We got ready, we ate breakfast, we played, we baked (true confession: that is not a normal morning activity for us), and we walked to school. We spent time together in a very real way and I am beyond grateful to Bridget Eldridge for allowing me to keep those moments forever.
My Eldest: My big girl is nine. She is my first and so we learn everything together, creating a special bond. She is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met, which makes me even more grateful that she is always by my side. She is our earliest riser so she gets the first cuddle of the day and she doesn’t stop hugging me until she goes to sleep. As hard as it is to watch my kids grow up and know that every day brings them more independence, there is also something wonderful about having big kids. They are fun. We can talk, and do activities together that we both enjoy. And I am lucky — I still get a giant hug right in front of the school before sending her inside each morning.
My Guy: I am one of three girls, so I didn’t quite know what to do when I found out I was having a boy. What has developed is a very special relationship. This little guy makes me laugh all of the time. He is so sweet and cuddly (although not in front of the school). Even at seven, he knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like, and he is very clear about both. We are similar in a lot of ways, which sometimes causes conflict, but mostly helps us understand each other. I never had a brother, so I am thankful that my girls get to have that experience and this guy deeply loves (and fights with) his sisters.
My Baby: At two, she is not such a baby. However, she will always be my baby. In fact, they will all always be my babies. My youngest baby and I have a closeness that comes with her being a third child. I am much more relaxed about everything, which means I can enjoy her more. She is silly, and smart, and talkative beyond her age. She is my sidekick as I run around town taking the big kids places. She is obsessed with her older siblings (who are equally obsessed with her) and looking through the photos, it is clear how she feels when they leave her to go to school and when she doesn’t get to do exactly what they are doing.
Siblings: As much as I cherish having special relationships with each of my kids and spending time with them as a group, the most important thing to me is my children’s relationship with each other. Most of the time they love to play together and do so beautifully. However, in those moments when they fight and never want to see each other again, I remind them that this is all they have. That they are the only people with a history that is so closely tied together and with a future that will last the longest. That no matter what, they need to stick together, always.
And finally, a huge shout out to my husband who was there all morning, but let the photos be a story about my relationship with our kids. We snuck in one of him too.
We hope you enjoy this photo essay series peeking into the lives of a few of our contributors. Photos for this series are by Bridget Eldridge Photography. Bridget specializes in capturing moments that show the love in the chaos, the humor in the frustrating, and the magic of the mundane. She is on a mission to celebrate moms by getting them in the frame and show them the amazing job they do everyday. To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
