The story behind the photo shoot

Isn't it funny how one can look at a series of photos and know exactly what kind of day it was or be contrarily fooled into thinking it was something it wasn't? I think almost everyone who has seen these photos so far thinks that my daughter is a natural in front of the camera and smiles whenever someone says, "Cheese". May 8th was definitely not that simple.

Due to poor planning on my part, the day I had booked for our photos turned out to be the same day as my daughter's 18 month needles. Since both appointments had been booked for awhile and neither would have been easily rescheduled, I decided to try to fit them both in. That morning, I packed the car with a change of clothes for us both, some snacks and a full diaper bag. After work, I picked her up at the sitters and rushed in town to the doctor's office for a 3:45 appointment. I got there a few minutes early so I took her to the washroom for a change of clothes and a quick clean up. Back in the FULL waiting room, there were still people there waiting for their 2:00 appointments. Not a great start. Luckily there was a basket full of books and this kept her busy for the hour or more we waited for our turn. As it turned out, the 18 month needles consisted of three different needles. I could not get over how well she took the long wait, the needles and then the rush at supper time to a photo studio. It's amazing what a few grapes can do!

We arrived 5 minutes late for our 5pm photo appointment, but the girls there were wonderful and immediately took over. They sat her on the platform and gave her a few toys. What's the first thing she does with the toys? Throws them on the floor and laughs and then whines to have them back. Well this was the only way to get a smile. Give her something...anything...wait for her to throw it and take the picture really fast before she leans over to see where the toy landed or whined for someone to retrieve them. In between each photo we had to reposition her, try to comb her hair (which she immediately messed up) and find something else for her to throw. This is why most of the photos are in the same position. We just couldn't get her to settle to do anything else. The one with the rose petals was a total fluke because those rose petals were on the floor more often than not. The end result was a beautiful set of prints that show off a very photogenic and calm child, and a very exhausted mommy.