Recently, I took a deep dive into the archives of my phone. You know, that obnoxious device that’s always glued to my side. But here’s the thing: I’m not addicted to my phone… I’m addicted to my camera.

I’ve always loved photography. Especially when it comes to my boys, they’re the perfect subjects. I actually went to school for Electronic Media and Film (which, in theory, should make me an expert reel-maker). And while I do enjoy making reels now and then, still shots are where my heart really is.

Lately, I’ve decided to turn that lifelong love into a real hobby, this blog being a big part of it. It’s a space where I can showcase the photos I cherish most: the ones of my kids, our adventures, the quiet moments, and the chaos. I know some people probably roll their eyes and think I’m trying to be Instagram famous or something, but trust me…I do not have the time or energy for that grind. Influencers hustle hard, and that ain’t me…not for instagram anyway. I’m over here trying to post a reel without my coffee going cold. I’ve got mad respect for the people who do this full-time, but I’ll be real: I’m not cut out for that life. I haven’t got the time or energy, and I’m okay with that.

This blog… It’s 100% for me. And I’m so glad you’re here to share in it. I’ve been shocked (and delighted) by how many people have stopped by to read, but even if I were the only one reading it, I’d still be just as content.

Here’s something you might not know about me: I grew up as an only child, raised by my mom. Just the two of us. We were close, but growing up that way meant I never experienced the daily chaos, connection, or comfort that siblings bring. I didn’t know what it meant to have someone to whisper to under the covers at night. Or to steal clothes from. Or to fight with and make up with a hundred times a week.

So watching the bond between my boys unfold has been quite amazing.

It’s something I never had and it fascinates me. The way they know each other so deeply. The way they push each other’s buttons and then, five minutes later, curl up like puppies on the couch. It’s wild and beautiful and sometimes a little loud (okay, a lot loud). But it’s sacred, too.

The Unexpected Gift of 2020

Looking back through the photos, especially the ones from 2020 I realized something I hadn’t fully appreciated in the moment: how deeply that year shaped their relationship.

Because of the pandemic, Charles never went to kindergarten like he was supposed to. Adrien got an unexpected bonus year with his big brother home. One more year of backyard games, fort-building, freeze dances, brotherly spats, couch cuddles, and endless imagination. That wasn’t the plan, but it became a gift. One that rooted their bond in something unshakable.

Would they be this close if the world hadn’t shut down for a while? Probably, but I don’t know. I’d like to think yes, but something tells me that extra time together changed everything. It gave them a shared world of inside jokes and made-up games, a rhythm that still beats between them now. And as I scroll through those old photos, those little moments that felt so ordinary at the time…I can see it. The way they leaned into each other. The trust. The joy. The brotherhood. I have so many photos of Adrien where you can really see just how much he admires his big brother.

And now, years later, I get to watch that foundation carry them forward. Through new schools and new friends and new challenges, their bond remains this steady, quiet force in the background. It’s kind of magic. That said, I do have to stop and remind them of all the great moments they had during that time. They tend to argue just to make sure the other one is mad. That’s where we are at now. It couldn’t be as simple as picking up a basketball and playing.. nooo, it must have twenty different rules but the rules are different for each person… It’s a lot!

So, Here We Are

This blog is my love letter to motherhood. To the big, messy, beautiful, exhausting, hilarious, heart-wrenching ride that it is. It’s a scrapbook of sorts. A virtual shoebox full of snapshots. A space for stories, reflections, and memories that I don’t want to forget.

And yes…it’s 100% for me. But I’m really happy you’re here.

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in your camera roll, wondering how time moved so fast… you’re not alone. If you’ve ever doubted whether the chaos is worth it…spoiler: it is. And if you’re just here for cute kid photos and funny stories from another mom, welcome. You’ve found your people.

Let’s continue capturing meaningful stories, one photo at a time.

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