Piper’s Pre-K graduation looked a lot different than I imagined it would the day she walked in to her classroom at the beginning of the year. I ordered a cap from Amazon and she wore it for a couple photos. Her teachers showed up on our back porch with a large envelope full of her things wearing masks. We all resisted the urge to hug each other while we reminisced over the past two years.
Parker’s preparation for school has been a lot different too. Much like his last few weeks of speech therapy, he’ll meet his pre-k 3 class behind the safety of a computer screen at home. It all breaks my heart a little. Piper has been looking forward to going to kindergarten since she was old enough to understand what school was; my social butterfly. We ordered some Kindergarten materials, set up a daily schedule, and organized our books today. It was weird, but I’m trying to find the silver linings in all of this.
I get more time with my kids- time that I can never get back. Piper lost two teeth, Parker is talking more than I ever imagined he would, we’ve baked lots of cookies, started a responsibility chart that actually works, completely a lot of home projects, taken lots of walks, gone fishing, dances, sang, watched a few too many movies, and spent countless hours cuddled together for what’s felt like an extended stay at an overnight camp.
But looking back at this summer and ahead to the foreseeable future, I am thankful. That’s not to say that I don’t get annoyed and frustrated at the way things are going, I just know I’ll be happy for this summer when they’re no longer stuck with me.
This is part of ARTIFACT MOTHERHOOD – a project shared with other female artists who are documenting our journeys as mothers and creating memories for our children through our photographs and words. Go next to the wonderful artist Paige to read her post in our blog circle.
These are all beautiful Lauren. Hope you are well and safe.
I couldn’t agree more. This pandemic does have it’s challenges. The silver lining is that we get to spend quality time as a family without the distractions of too many outside commitments. I must say, it’s opened my eyes to the importance and beauty of a slower pace. I am always taken aback by how you manage to capture every season with such honest-raw beauty. Motherhood through your lens is always so refreshing to me and incredibly relatable.
Lauren, this is so beautiful. It’s like you’ve written these words for all of us.
Beautiful images and words Lauren. Family time has been golden in these otherwise strange and sometimes heartbreaking times. Sending lots of love xx
As always beautiful storytelling and I love reading your words and getting a glimpse into your life. This pandemic has really created such surreal times but the togetherness it has brought with our families is such a gift.
It’s always with honesty and an open heart that you write and illustrate your motherhood story, the ups and downs. It’s always kind and understanding, and it’s such a soothing read. Every single time. Thank you for this gift.
Such joyful photos grasping at those lovely silver linings you talk of. I am sure this surreal, abnormal summer has so many moments to treasure and will be precious when you look back too
Beautiful storytelling through your images and words!