When my oldest son came into this world at 10lbs he seemed much older than he really was.  Because of this and the fact that I had somehow forgotten everything I had ever learned about babies, I believed he could accomplish things much sooner than most. Of course now I realize being a new Mom I was a little overly ambitious about what he was capable of achieving. Because of this overly-ambitious attitude I almost always had my camera right by my side, ready and waiting to capture my son’s every first.

Soon enough I got an opportunity when at only 2 1/2 weeks my son decided to roll over. Had it not been for my camera, no one would have ever believed me! Having the camera on hand also came in handy at 4 months when he was eating his first foods and uttered the words “num nums,” or at 5 months when I took him outside to play in the grass for the first time and discovered he could sit up all by himself.

vincent-grass-looking over

 

It was the images that were captured at 9 months though that I will always cherish, because you see, I wasn’t there for a very special first. I was serving jury duty and it was my first time away from my son. Grandma was babysitting for me and just happened to have her video camera. The video she took that day will always be close to my heart: my son’s first steps. Yep, he walked for the very first time when I wasn’t home! Proof that time and babies stand still for no one.My son, who is now 3 years old, had an incredibly special first only 7 short months ago: saying hello to his new baby brother. Now they create memories and firsts together. There and ready to capture it all? My camera.

 

Holding Baby Brother

I often look back on those memories and smile. They are moments in time that I can never have back but that I can always remember and share with those that weren’t fortunate enough to be there.

Over these past 3 years I have learned some very valuable lessons. All babies move and grow at their own pace. My youngest son is nothing like my first and I never know when he’s going to do something amazing. It’s just impossible to tell sometimes when a special moment is about to happen. All you can do is make sure you’re prepared when they come along. Keep your camera handy and always be ready to make memories to share with those you love and to look back on all the wonderful firsts your children will go through.

Guest blogger Monica is a mother of two boys, ages 3 and 7 months.  When she’s not busy keeping up with her little ones, she enjoys photography and digital artwork. You can learn more about her at her blog, First Time Mommy.