It’s week 11 for 52 Wednesdays and our theme this week was “laughter.”  I was really happy to see the theme this week because I have a little giggle monster at home. =)
As a work-from-home mother, Eva spends a little more time entertaining herself than I’d like.  However, I do try really hard to be intentionally present with her when she gets home from school and preferably until she goes to bed.  It’s not always possible if a deadline is pressing… but I try.  One thing that I am most consistent about is taking time from the moment she comes home from school that is completely focused on her.  I found that if she sits on my bed and I sit on my floor I can get a lot more information about her day than if I ask her in the car or even standing around in the kitchen.  Somehow, the bed is like a stage and she tells me all her little secrets and interesting tid-bits from her goings-on of the school day…. or even what she’s thinking about outside of school …. and day dreaming about for her present and future.  It’s a really special time for us and she’s always so disappointed when we have to miss out due to schedule.  It usually only lasts about 5-10 minutes, but I love connecting with her this way.  I’m hoping these are setting a precedent for when she’s a teenager and she’ll still want to talk to me.  One day, I hope she’ll look back on these little chats as very dear times between us. =)
This is from today’s after school chat.
So as I mentioned above, Eva is Miss Giggle Monster — as in this could be her second name actually.  Everything is funny to her, which usually sweet and cute and humorous.  One would think I wouldn’t have trouble photographically documenting this character trait, but usually the giggling goes away the second the camera comes out.  Today though, I thought I would have it with me while we did our chat to see what I could get.  So I started talking to our dog Dash (who was sitting nearby) about his day and how easy his life is.  Somehow me talking to the dog like he’s a person is the FUNNIEST thing Eva has ever heard of.  It is usually a sure bet for a great giggle and here it is:  sweet laughter from my sweet girl.
Now you have the pleasure to continue with this circle via Ms. Amy Grace of A Beautiful Life Photo in San Diego, CA.  She’s super amazing at lifestyle photography and I’m sure her blog post this week is a stunner.  Find it here!
Beautiful words Marla and such a special routine for the two of you! She has such a wonderful smile!
So sweet! Love her smile! Beautiful girl!
She sounds like fun! And I love the idea of you talking to the dog to make her giggle. Very sweet and it worked!
i love this so much marla. it spoke directly to my own heart and experience. you absolutely captured her natural grace, happiness to be with her mama, silliness, and ease. these are the moments that make up the love we are building with these special girls. your words touched me so much this morning…as much as her amazingly sweet face. in my house, these times can happen anywhere and at any time, but are more and more likely to be interrupted . but then there is the nightly shower where i help her sort through the mess of hair she inherited from me, and we get back to who we are, sing, laugh, remember. thank you for sharing this lovely ritual, the closeness between you and your daughter, and her most joyful little smile. you two are both so lucky, and you are so talented <3
So glad for you girls that you share that time together each day. And now you’ve captured it so when she is a teenager, you both will have a reminder as to its importance! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
I love it!! I love the idea of the bed being a stage…Beautiful photos and an amazing moment you let us peak in on!
I love the processing of your photos! There is such a dreamy quality to them.
I agree with what everyone said above. She is a beauty. I love the first one, great portrait. elaine
Your daughter is a precious “giggle monster” and I love your jounaling about your special time together. Thanks for sharing!
Your Eva is just stunning. That first one with her eyes is beautiful. And of course, I adore her giggling. She reminds me of my daughter. Thanks for the inspiration of the time you spend with her.
I love these! Your daughter is absolutely adorable!