Last weekend, after a long week of snow days (aka no school) followed by a two-week holiday vacation, we embraced a weekend filled with slow, peaceful mornings—the kind we got a taste of during our extended break. Slow mornings aren’t the norm in our house. Typically, our weekends are a whirlwind of kids’ sports, activities, playdates, errands, and groceries. But this weekend, inspired by the quieter pace of the week before, we took the opportunity to truly savor our mornings.
We were lucky to have my husband’s cousin over last weekend, affectionately known as Jungle Gym Jackie. The girls gave her this nickname because she lets them climb all over her like a jungle gym! As requested by our eldest, Jackie spent the night, and the next morning was wonderfully relaxed. My husband whipped up breakfast, Jackie played with the baby, and the girls and I somehow ended up scrolling through old photos and videos.
At one point, my daughter stumbled across those sweet "memory" videos that Apple creates, and she was hooked. After watching a few, she turned to me and asked, “Mommy, where are you in all of these photos and videos?” That question stopped me in my tracks. She’s probably too young to remember that I was there for all those moments (these were videos from when she was less than a year old). I explained that I was the one behind the camera, capturing everything. She noticed that Daddy appeared in many of them, but not me, and her disappointment was evident. To be honest, I felt it too.
As I look back on these cherished memories, I realize that while I was there for every moment, I’m virtually invisible in the photos and videos. The love and joy we experience while watching them are paired with the bittersweet realization that I’m rarely in the frame. After watching a few more, my daughter finally found one photo with me in it. She excitedly pointed it out, exclaiming, “There you are, Mommy! You were there!” Her enthusiasm warmed my heart, but it also reminded me of how important it is to ensure these moments are captured.
This story is a heartfelt call to action: to all friends, family members, and fellow moms—make a point to take photos of the moms and their children in your life. And dads, this is especially important for you—take as many photos as you can of your wife with your children. These pictures are sometimes called "proof of mom photos." They’re the snapshots that show a mother’s presence, relationship, and love for her child.
Capturing these moments isn’t just for the kids; it’s for the moms too. These photos matter—they’re a visual reminder of the bond, love, and memories shared. Moms work so hard, and they deserve to see themselves in the beautiful story of their children’s lives. So, grab that camera, be intentional, and give these amazing women the gift of being seen. Trust me, they’ll cherish it more than you can imagine.
I have one friend, Randi, who is exceptionally good at capturing these precious moments. I literally owe 90% of the pictures of the kids and me to her. The only problem is that we don’t see each other often—something I need to fix for more reasons than just this. She is a true mom friend, the kind who supports without judgment. Even though she works full-time and has three young kids of her own, if I needed her, she would be there in a heartbeat. Friends like this are a true gift.
I am also blessed to have met another one of these incredible and rare moms since moving to Virginia. These women are the kind of friends who genuinely understand the chaos, joys, and struggles of motherhood because they’re living it, too. They’re the ones who cheer you on when you’re feeling unsure, step in to help without hesitation, and remind you that you’re doing a great job, even when you doubt yourself.
Mom friends like this are far and few between, and when you find them, it’s essential to nurture these friendships. Whether it’s scheduling regular catch-ups, sending a quick text to check in, or just sharing a laugh during a hectic day, these relationships are invaluable. They bring so much joy, comfort, and support, and they remind us that we’re never truly alone in this wild journey of motherhood.
Here’s to making memories—and being in them. Until next time!
Kelly
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