“One Evening” is a photo essay series that provides a sneak peek into the everyday lives of the Fairfield County Moms Blog contributors. The evening routine is photographed by Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography and words are written by each mom to tell the story behind the images. It’s a rare and intimate look into each family’s life, one evening at a time.
Those were the days…Or so we’ll say twenty years from now. We’ll sit and reminisce about when the kids were little and life was so crazy and chaotic. When the “witching hour” was a real thing. When we’d get home from a long, exhaustive work day and still have to make it through dinner, bath, and bedtime routines. When all we wanted was for a five minute stretch where no one called our name. When there was so much clutter everywhere because there was never anytime to finish a project before moving onto another. When a good bounce could cure everything.
When they’d lick the wall and we’d rush to disinfect their mouths.
When wiping up after some one puked on the floor was a daily occurrence.
When this smile could wipe away all of the day’s negativity.
When truer words had never been plastered to a letter board.
When the kitchen was a perpetual mess.
When splashing in the tub equated to pure joy.
When we just needed everyone to be still. Just be still.
When cereal for dinner was on the menu.
When a standing meal was as good as we were going to get.
When they started to show some signs of independence, letting us taking a tiny breath, and praying that we were doing the right thing to lead them to be successful adults someday.
When they still wanted to share things with us.
When we couldn’t believe what had just come out of their mouths.
When it started to feel like there wasn’t enough room for both of them on our laps because they were getting so big.
And, when all anyone wanted was our cuddles and kisses.
I am so grateful to Anna-Liisa of Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography for capturing some of my family’s most precious moments. We’ll be able to look back and laugh about how, in the thick of this life stage, when there doesn’t seem to be enough coffee in the world to simply make it through the day, our lives were in fact perfect.
Images for this project are captured by Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography. Anna-Liisa specializes in documentary family photography and loves capturing the real, silly, weird, and tender moments of childhood. She captures that blur of motherhood — the laughter and tears, the real moments and connections, and the unique rhythm of a family. To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
To see all posts in the “One Evening” photo essay series view here.