“See and appreciate the significance in the mundane, in the everyday, in the fleeting. The big moments are important, but some of the best moments are the in-between ones.” – Karen Jacot Photography
When I heard about the opportunity for Karen to come into our home and photograph us in our “element” before 8am, the photographer in me was intrigued. It felt like an opportunity to journey into a remote African safari, where you’re driven straight into the natural habits of wild animals to observe and photograph their rarely seen daily routines. Who knows what you might see and experience in the wild! As the client, it felt terrifying. My “morning look” has been known to scare small children and our routine feels like running a marathon you’ve never really trained for despite doing it every day since becoming a parent. Let’s get down to the bare bones of the whole experience: it felt vulnerable. Well, it’s good to be vulnerable and let foreigners into your habitat every now and again. I am so glad we did. These images remind me that while the days are long, the years are short. One day in the not so distant future, we will reminisce about these seemingly mundane and exhausting days with fondness. The frustration over toddler tantrums will be replaced with fond memories over just how little and sweet they once were. So thank you for these memories, Karen.
Our Saturday mornings start early. When Karen showed up at 6:00, my daughter was already awake and my oldest son was ready to start his day!
I love those early morning snuggles. Bed head is also a favorite of mine (my kids’ bed head, not mine).
Our twin son is usually up decades before anyone else. In fact, he’s been known to make his own “breakfast” before any of us realize he’s awake. He makes a mean bowl of Pirate Bootie. Today he opted for Daddy snuggles.
My oldest son was recently given a couple of puzzles by his grandparents. No better way to get your mind moving than with a puzzle. I chose coffee. Lots of coffee.
Our kids love to help in the kitchen, which is good news for me, because the kitchen is my least favorite place to be, maybe in the world (is that too dramatic?). Let’s just say I have other strengths.
This is a perfect example of how the twins look up to their older brother. For better or worse..
This looks suspect.
It’s great to be reminded that some day she won’t need the chair or her tiptoes to reach the counter.
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It’s a love hate relationship with these two.
My husband is an amazing chef and I love how much our oldest loves to cook with his Dad. They are so similar. I’ve learned a lot about my husband as I navigate parenting our four-year-old.
They’ll do anything for a laugh. Which is great, because most days I really need to laugh!
Laps are precious when you’re a twin. When you see one, you snag it.
This image brings a sense of peace and gratitude. We are in the thick of it – raising twin toddlers and a four-year-old. Life is busy and loud. This is a beautifully quiet moment of prayer. Also, it reminds me that we have a cat. Two actually. I should go feed them.
You like sugar, huh?
Is there sugar in syrup?
Yes.
Then YES! -Elf
Learn from the older brother, my babies!
Saturday mornings are all about play time. Within moments they’re in their own little world.
Most Saturdays start with coffee and pancakes followed almost immediately by running. Lots and lots of running. A special thanks to Karen Jacot for taking the time to capture our Saturday morning. I love how ordinary these pictures are, and I mean that in the most extraordinary way.
For more pictures and a peek into Karen’s perspective of this Life Before 8am shoot, be sure to check out her post here. And don’t forget to check out the rest of the posts in this amazing series as well!
