Picture Albums vs Video
As I look back on the journey our family is on, I know some things we have done that are really smart. We also know steps we took that were foolish. I remember worrying about Heather putting the Fisher-Price farm animals in the Fisher-Price school. I wondered how she could ever learn to read if she was confused about where cows go. I remember being concerned about her skipping. I took her to art class too early. She has been disinterested in drawing ever since. First borns really are in a tough place. Somewhere along the way, I discovered she was doing quite well. Her mother, on the other hand, was learning life lessons from a pro.
The other day I overheard a mother say, "We are catching every moment on a video." I wonder about that. Will videos provide the connecting and the sweetness of time so valued in my home with picture albums? I did do picture albums. Both children have a baby book. We all have family albums that have accumulated through the years. This is something smart I did. They should have been made from steel..... but they are grand. Some have corners chewed from puppies who were aging too slowly in our home. Others have had their pages turned so often, they are a little loose in the hinges. Through the years, during times of transitions, from nursery school to elementary, from junior high to high school, friends and acquaintances were invited over to stare at the picture albums. There were giggles. The pictures of Dave and I before children always bring squeals of laughter. My hair was funny. In quiet moments, each one of us can go down and regroup, remember, and review shared moments.
My children are older now. Moments together are always noted, always celebrated. Our lives are busy and our days are filled with traffic and different zip codes. The picture albums are still there. They record our adventures. I can look through them at a leisure pace. I can stop and recall the camping trip where we finally just zipped Elizabeth in the tent with us and went to sleep. Now she is planning a trip to London to attend a wedding. Her sons will stay with us and camp in the yard. We will take photos.
Picture albums give you time. Videos select their own time and pace. Take a few moments with glue and paper this summer. Invest some time to record this remarkable journey called "parenting" to savor in your future. Picture albums remind each family member they have been included in important moments. Too often we only notice growth and change when pajamas are too short.
The other day I overheard a mother say, "We are catching every moment on a video." I wonder about that. Will videos provide the connecting and the sweetness of time so valued in my home with picture albums? I did do picture albums. Both children have a baby book. We all have family albums that have accumulated through the years. This is something smart I did. They should have been made from steel..... but they are grand. Some have corners chewed from puppies who were aging too slowly in our home. Others have had their pages turned so often, they are a little loose in the hinges. Through the years, during times of transitions, from nursery school to elementary, from junior high to high school, friends and acquaintances were invited over to stare at the picture albums. There were giggles. The pictures of Dave and I before children always bring squeals of laughter. My hair was funny. In quiet moments, each one of us can go down and regroup, remember, and review shared moments.
My children are older now. Moments together are always noted, always celebrated. Our lives are busy and our days are filled with traffic and different zip codes. The picture albums are still there. They record our adventures. I can look through them at a leisure pace. I can stop and recall the camping trip where we finally just zipped Elizabeth in the tent with us and went to sleep. Now she is planning a trip to London to attend a wedding. Her sons will stay with us and camp in the yard. We will take photos.
Picture albums give you time. Videos select their own time and pace. Take a few moments with glue and paper this summer. Invest some time to record this remarkable journey called "parenting" to savor in your future. Picture albums remind each family member they have been included in important moments. Too often we only notice growth and change when pajamas are too short.
