being present

It’s a concept that is a daily struggle for me. I feel like everything I do I’m doing it while simultaneously thinking of the next thing to be done. Answering emails = what photos are still needing to be edited, talking on the phone = what house chores are being neglected, working out = what to do for dinner, eating dinner = what needs to be done before bed, …. you get my point. I fight this like a disease, but sometimes I wonder if I should simply embrace it. Like it’s my God-given womanly make-up that leaves me this way and maybe it’s not such a terrible thing. I will say that I am one efficient woman.  This is just one reason why I love photographs all the more. They help us freeze those moments in time that get lost in the mix of things to-do. Even moments when you’re eating dinner with your husband and you notice the sun poring through the window creating a star shape around his scrumptious head. “Keep talking … I’m listening” as I run off to grab the camera …

But, whether I should simply embrace my seemingly natural make-up, fight it or add it to my “strive for balance” list this week I have decided to fight it. My favorite drunk … errr … toddler is coming to town! All the way from California that little guy – just to spend six solid days with his favorite auntie. And, although I am going to be exhausted I cannot wait! Just me and him … spending quality time together. What a blessing. I’m grateful for my sister who has been so willing to allow us (my parents have my niece for the week in Tennessee) to be loved on by her children.

I know this is bound to be a few days where I will grow as a person and I want to be 100%, fully present. No thinking of the next thing. Just thinking of him and the blessing that he is to this world. And, to me. I know that times such as this are so rare and so special and I don’t want to miss an ounce of it.

Just be present. What a gift. I’ll make sure to document all aspects of it. He’ll be certain his favorite auntie has a camera for an eyeball.

{taken this past April}

Slobbery kisses & squishy-faced hugs,

jc

p.s. and, yes that is beer my husband is drinking from a wine glass. that’s how us Southerners show off our type-A class. ; )