8

My daughter turned eight this past weekend and while in the grand scheme of life, this is not that significant of an event, in our small part of the universe this is monumental.  

Children grow and change so dramatically in the young, quick years of their lives. Before we know it they are two shoe sizes bigger or reading a book. On one hand these changes happen slowly but in hindsight, when I look back at my girls, I am like, "How did that happen?"

The ironic thing is that I always notice the rapid developments with other kids who have been part of  lives, even if it's only been a few weeks since I last saw them. I notice the maturing of their face, the shift in the tone of their voice. It doesn't go unnoticed how their legs have grown taller or how their conversations are fuller, richer. It's funny that I notice this with other kids more so than I do with my own. Perhaps that is because I am with my gals twenty-four seven and it's harder to notice the changes when I am with them all the time.

I think this is one of the reasons I so compulsively photograph (and document) the lives of Amara and Havana. It gives me perspective and it helps me to remember; how rapidly their lives have changed in just a few short years. On the day Amara was born, or even when she turned one, all I could think about what was going on in that moment. I had no idea that in several years, Amara would become my little companion in fun and antics and my partner in reading chapter books. Who knew I would teach her to play solitare or take her to get a facial for her eighth birthday? 

That we are instructed by the wisest teachers to live in the moment is for a reason. To live outside of the moment, it takes us from what is occurring right in front of us and it removes the joyful surprises that future will (hopefully) hold. So as Amara begins her eighth year, I will try to stay as present with her as possible and enjoy that journey with her.  I will also try to notice more frequently the daily changes that occur in her young life. I also want to look back on how much she has grown and reflect on how Ms. Amara has been showing up since she landed in our family. Today's post are photos from the present and the past, in my attempt to do just that.

Sisters in the sun on June 6th (Amara's birthday)

At just two days old, Amara was already awake and observant. I knew from the beginning that she was a curious one.

Amara had a surprise from on her birthday; I took her for a facial. 

1st Birthday!

2nd Birthday!

With Juliet, one of her closest friends,  this past weekend.

This photo, at her 4th birthday, really captures Amara's monkey nature. For those who know her, Amara's silly nature shines through here!

June 6th, 2015