03/04/2026
Recently my husband and I were talking about “the lasts” of childhood. When was that last time we picked up daughter, our sons, and carried them to bed or gave them piggyback rides? The last time we rocked them to sleep? Our children are in their teens and twenties now. We’ve experienced those lasts and are firmly planted in firsts. First love, first car, first job. The morphing from child to teen to young adult is subtle, as days roll into years, but it also feels so sudden and unexpected even.
One night a couple years ago when our youngest was growing taller by the day, my husband picked up all 5 feet of him and carried him up the stairs to bed. He was already “too big” to be carried up the stairs, but my husband created the moment. The last time for the last child.
When I was a young mother, more experienced mothers often encouraged me to “enjoy these days” because “time flies” and “they’ll be grown before you know it.” And honestly sometimes I was just trying to make it until bedtime so I could have a few moments of quiet. But now it’s me, encouraging you.
Slow down. Breathe deeply the smell of your newborn. Hold tightly to those tiny hands reaching for you. Listen intently to that sweet little voice telling you stories. Create the memories. Take the photos.
Chattanooga TN and Cleveland TN family photography
Spring Apple blossom photographs
