I found this scene when I walked into my room two nights ago. Cole must have woken up and moved from his room to mine, carrying his treasured Mario race car and a picture book about New York that Sarah gave me for my birthday.
The perfect vision of tranquility. One that with Cole only lasts the hours of the night and then are abruptly destroyed by his running around like a crazy person during the day. But isn't it in these sweet moments that as Mothers we stand in the doorway and sigh knowing that the days of them looking for us in the dark when they are scared are numbered? The days where they turn to us for comfort and warmth, for fun and smiles? The days when they need kisses to feel better, and hugs when they are sad? The days before they become to big to need us or want to talk with us about what they did at school? It's these small moments that make me grateful for toodlerhood and better able to withstand the tantrums that always seem to happen in front of a crowded store full of people and messy rooms covered in toys.
There are times when I wonder how I got here? To this day, to this life? I sometimes regret going to school for photography when there are so many more things I could have chosen that are more practical or make more money. Especially when you don't really need to major in photography to be a photographer. But then I have moments like these, fleeting moments that may never be captured again and I am grateful that so many years ago I picked up a camera and fell in love with it. I'm able to capture in a very visual form a memory that could so easily forgotten and passed by. A moment that I will now never forget with the click of a shutter. And I am grateful that I get to do that and that I get to teach others how to photograph their own moments too. It's a blessing and a joy. I just need to remember that the next time I think that investment banking would have been the way to go. lol.
Here is the same picture just in another form( black and white with a vintage texture) I'm not sure which one I like best.
Oh, this brought tears to my eyes since all my babies are grown. It happened in the blink of an eye. Thank goodness I'm able to live them all over again with my grandbabies.
You are a great daughter and a loving patient mother. I love all the wonderful moments we have been able to share this year.
Love you Candice!
Posted by: mom | January 16, 2008 at 07:43 PM
If it makes you feel any better I long for a great degree like photography. I know I'm practical and all -- but I missed out on a lot of neat creative ventures in college.
Posted by: Hilary | January 16, 2008 at 09:09 PM
my son is grown and just about to become a dad himself, but there are still moments when he calls me becasue he needs to hear his mom's voice. He doesn't say that, but I know him and I know that. And I can remember how it used to feel when he would curl up in my lap and not want to let go. Now I can't quite do that, but oh to have some of these kinds of beautiful pics to remember by.
Posted by: angelbev | January 16, 2008 at 09:17 PM
adorable. Love them both, but the color one just "speaks"
Posted by: CarrieJ | January 16, 2008 at 09:32 PM
absolutely love the pics. the color one is definitely the better one. the red pj's with the red book. it's almost as if it was planned. enjoy this moments while you have them. they fly by faster than you can imagine.
Posted by: kelly | January 16, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I vote for the colour one!
Oh, and my 9 and 13yo boys haven't given up the need for someone to talk to or to get hugs from yet, don't worry, you've got lots of quality time left :).
Posted by: karin ms | January 16, 2008 at 09:45 PM
So SWEET!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 16, 2008 at 10:58 PM
So sweet and precious Candice! Love this shot :-) They're both awesome, but I love the color one best.
Posted by: Vanessa | January 16, 2008 at 11:23 PM
such a sweet picture...i like the color the best with the glow of light.
Posted by: Kimmi | January 16, 2008 at 11:53 PM
That is an adorable picture! I really like the original the best. The colors are so warm. What kind of software do you use to enhance your pictures?
Posted by: Adrian | January 17, 2008 at 02:21 AM
oh my goodness, love the sweet color version. it's just so yummy and rich. what a great shot!
Posted by: Joscelyne (Joscie) Cutchens | January 17, 2008 at 03:08 AM
as an artist/creative thinker, you can do it all!
even the investment banking. :)
super cool images...
Posted by: paolo | January 17, 2008 at 06:10 AM
WOW....just WOW! I definitely like the color one better. My daughter is 2 today, so I especially appreciate and understand your Mommy feelings.
Posted by: Lisa | January 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I have always loved to see my little monkey's asleep and remember that I love them! ha ha! I love the beautiful colored one. It is so vibrant, yet so tranquil. That is what makes it so cool!
Posted by: Deb | January 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Oooh, what a beautiful photo!! I love the color one! :)
Posted by: Emily (skrpbkmom) | January 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I like color one better!!! great picture!!!!
Posted by: katey | January 17, 2008 at 10:57 AM
The colored photo is awesome! It shows you everything that your son is into now...the colors, his book, etc. Awesome picture! Yes I do agree with the tantrums...they are always in front of a crowd or in the middle of the store! LOL!
Posted by: Brittany | January 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I love the color photo the best... such rich colors.
This is an amazingly lovely shot... speaks volumes.
Posted by: Allison K | January 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Hi,
I'm a big fan of Black & White but in this case, I prefer the color.
Posted by: Margie | January 17, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I totally understand! I have a 3 year old and a 6 month baby...we have lots of tantrums, but also lots of sweet moments. I definitely want to cherish it all, knowing they will too soon be grown up! I love the color photo- the warmth is amazing!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | January 17, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I so needed this post today--as we had a grand toddler tantrum last night. This was so beautifully written. Thank you Candice.
P.S. I love the color version.
Posted by: Brook Andreoli | January 17, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Wonderful photo! I love the warmth of the colored photo (even though I am usually a B&W fan!). It is crazy to thing how quickly these days will pass (I have 5 children 7,6,3,1.5, and 3 months). I know I will miss them, as crazy as they are right now!
Posted by: Christine | January 17, 2008 at 06:16 PM
wonderful shot. one that will be treasured.
the color one brings out more emotion for some reason. it's warmer, happier, and the light is superb.
thanks for sharing your creativity with the world. and may you make a million dollars someday doing it!
Posted by: Suzie | January 18, 2008 at 12:21 AM
So true Candace, so true!
here's to special moments captured :)
oh and I like the color, it has that glowey night before Christmas kind of feel to it.
Posted by: CD | January 20, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Made me cry! I love the coloured one!
Posted by: vicki Boutin | January 23, 2008 at 11:53 PM