I am a mama...a full time mama. I've been one for over 9 years now. It's a hard job, not for the faint of heart, but there isn't any other thing that I'd rather be doing now.
Some of my favorite times as a mama, is when I get to take care of my kids. When I am able to hold them and make all things right like only a mama can do. A strange time that I love is those middle of the night times when my kids are having asthma issues and I need to sit up with them in a steamy bathroom to soothe them and calm down their coughing. The other night I had one such time with Clara. I sat on the toilet and held her close on my lap. I rubbed her back and all around snuggled her in. In the bathroom mirror, I could see her big grin in the dimly lit room. “Mama, your skin is warm.” she said with a smile. A few minutes later, still grinning, she said, “Mama, we need a picture of this.” I agreed and attempted to recreate it in my rocking chair today. Sweet, sweet moments that are precious to my heart.
And it feels amazing to have such powerful arms, arms that make everything right as rain again. I love my job. Best thing I can do, hands down.
Awwww! I miss the days when my kids would cuddle on my lap like that. Enjoy it while you can. Two of my kids are taller than me. My baby will probably pass me up by the end of summer.
Charlie had asthma as a child. His fondest memories of his mother, (and I am not just saying this, I'm quite serious), are of his mother sitting up through rough nights with him. He's never gotten over the compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love that communicated to him.
Love your story Amanda. So sweet. I was terribly sick as a child (Asthma being one of the main issues) and the comfort of my Mom was medicine in and of itself. Your children are so lucky that they have such a beautiful, talented, funny, smart, mom like yourself. I hope little Clara is feeling better!!
This is a beautiful shot. I, unfortunately, am having the opposite feelings about parenting these days (if I'm honest). I love it, don't get me wrong, but the battles of teen years have begun, and I'm the loser every time. I take what I can get, but it's a rare moment to get something as close at this. This is stunning, though. and for that it's a fav.
Absolutely gorgeous picture and little essay. You are so right - even though I am a working mother the moments when I know I am able to make my kids feel safe and warm and that everything is gonna be all right - there moments make me feel that there was a reason why I am alive. An I feel strong as a lion. Fav to you and your kids!
@cejaanderson Aw, that is so sweet to hear. Thank you. My son said sweet things to me like that to me during his last flare up. He's 9 now so he understands enough to be able to communicate that. Thanks again!
@eyesmile Thanks so much, Gena. Really appreciate that. This is a special treasure shot for me:).
@alicenellis Love your words, Alice. Thank you so much. Nothing like being a mother, such strength in it!
@darylo My 9 year old is seeming like he is going on teenager. Oh the arguing and resisting me already. Not looking forward to those years...and taking all of the cuddles I can get in the meantime! Thanks, Daryl!!
This is one of the sweetest images I have seen on 365 and the words made me shed a tear - been one of those days today. My son is facing a lot of uncertainty with his job and my sister saw him looking very sad in his car (he didn't see her) She told me and said it had made her think back to when he was a bright and bouncing baby and then a young boy with a wicked sense of humour and always up for a laugh. It made me realise how much of a toll his job situation has taken on him and at 22 there isn't a great deal I can do to make things better! After she told me I reached in my pocket for a tissue and brought out one of my Dad's handkerchiefs which upset me even more! Sorry for the monologue, but this image really struck a chord today. Fav.
@paulaw Great big hugs to you today...and your son, I'll bet he would still appreciate one from his mama:). Love to you and thanks so much. Love to strike a chord.
Your words and the picture are just wonderful! i"ve been there on those distressing nights but can still remember the love that never dies. Her arm around your middle is so sweet! fav
Oh Amanda, this is a great recreation shot, and the story got very close to my heart, since being a mama has been the best job in my life. I always enjoy seeing you with your children. You are a great mama. FAV.
That's such a sweet shot. I loved holding my kids when they were really little and napping in the chair after a long day at work. There is something about having a tiny warm kid on your chest that is so comforting. When they weren't screaming, that is! ;)
Love this peaceful, quiet time you are sharing with your sweet daughter. A wonderful memory to treasure! Wish mine were little so I could snuggle them again. Fav!
A sweet sensitive image and story. I'm amazed that Clara recognized that something special was happening, and suggested a photo to show it. You will both be able to use this photo to remember moments like this.
I've been meaning to comment on this and finally have found the time... Such a beautiful capture! I admire what you do so much. My mother was a full-time mom of four girls while my father went to the office everyday (for 40+ years now!). She worked hard to keep us fed, healthy, got us to school, etc. Because of her, we lived in a healthy environment in which my dad and me and my sisters could do the things we needed to do to be strong and able to do the things we needed to do to be successful. I am the woman I am today because of her. Her job was invaluable as is yours. I was so lucky and fortunate to have a full time mom. Your kids are blessed too.
@fauxtography365 Love that, my friend. Thanks for sharing. One thing that is hard about being with kids full time is the lonlieness. I miss my coworkers and time with other adults. But it's well worth the sacrifice. My mom did it for me and her mom before that. Thank you for your lovely comments!
@rvwalker I think that she is wise for her years being a third child and all...and I think that she thinks like a photographer as she hangs with one all day long and all the time. She's my kid who will say things like, "Mama, look at that pretty scene over there." She points out possible photos to me. I had to capture this. She is my last one. And I never ever want to forget how it feels. Thank you!
@cimes1 Really appreciate your kind words and fav, Carol. This is one of those shots I will always treasure.
I often think that if we could turn back the clock and have our toddler children back for five minutes this is what I would be doing. So hard to remember the soft skin and muscles when you have a bony 6'1" youth sit on you!! Fabulous to have a photo. I found an old underexposed print of my son asleep on my knee - have tried really hard to rescue the exposure as I love it so much!
@judithg She's my last and I didn't take as many photos of my first two. I am trying to relish it while I can (and capture things like this so I never forget). She just turned 5 and starts school in the fall. Where does the time go? Thanks, Judith. Hope that you can salvage the sweet shot of your now full grown son:).
@archaeofrog Right?! I couldn't have gotten a good angle in there anyway. Small bathroom. Such a comfortable rocker, too. One of our best and most useful purchases! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the back story. Our kids are under our roofs (sp?) for such a short time and moments like this one are so precious, totally dissolved into each other. What a lovely mother and child portrait! Fav!
@pplutz Thank you so much, Trish. Really appreciate your kind comments and fav. Could you check the star again, it didn't take:)? So appreciate it, lady!
this is one of the most beautiful images i've seen on here and the web. it feels great when these tiny beings touch you knowing all will be right with the world because you're there. and it is such a privilege to be given that trust and that love. when my little boy was a baby he got sick and the only way he would sleep was on top of my chest. and then the booger grew up and won't even phone! :-E
Good for you to take a photo of this special time of life. Clara was wise to suggest it, too! It's such a sweet image and for any parent brings back memories of similar moments. I wish I would have thought to do this when my boys were small. FAV
Oh wow, I wanted to thank you all so much for your lovely words, memories you shared and faves on this special photo. this is one of my favorites of mine ever as it is so meaningful to me. A precious moment I never want to forget (or take for granted while I have the opportunity for a cuddle). This one made PP which was really cool considering how special is it to me. Thank you!!!!
@jesperani Really appreciate that, Jennifer!
@monkeykid Thank you so much, Therese!!
@carolmw @kwind @juliac @miata2u @neatz @tremerryn @leananiemand @aprilmilani Really appreciate all of your wonderful comments and kind words. Enjoying every last cuddle while I can. My bigs still give me cuddles when I request them. Love it!
@eyesmile Thanks so much, Gena. Really appreciate that. This is a special treasure shot for me:).
@alicenellis Love your words, Alice. Thank you so much. Nothing like being a mother, such strength in it!
@darylo My 9 year old is seeming like he is going on teenager. Oh the arguing and resisting me already. Not looking forward to those years...and taking all of the cuddles I can get in the meantime! Thanks, Daryl!!
@pittcj17 Thank you so much, Cindy!!
@megmills True words. Thanks, my friend!! Really appreciate that!
@kerristephens Thanks, Kerri. You are so kind!
@leananiemand Thanks kindly, Leana!!
@larissd You are super duper sweet, my nearly birthday (-1 year) friend. Thank you so much!
@axika Thanks, lady. You are so kind!
@simon0128 Thank you, Simon!
@homeschoolmom Really appreciate that, Lisa. Thanks for sharing! Glad to be bigger now, but not for long!
@cimes1 Really appreciate your kind words and fav, Carol. This is one of those shots I will always treasure.
Oh wow, I wanted to thank you all so much for your lovely words, memories you shared and faves on this special photo. this is one of my favorites of mine ever as it is so meaningful to me. A precious moment I never want to forget (or take for granted while I have the opportunity for a cuddle). This one made PP which was really cool considering how special is it to me. Thank you!!!!
@yrhenwr Thanks kindly, David!