I have two boys. My oldest is in college. I am reluctant to admit that he is taller than I. If the moment is right, I can still see vestiges of his boyhood in those amazing blue eyes. My second son is rapidly becoming a young man and while touches of a boy are still in his face and stature, I know how quickly that is changing.

As parents, especially as mothers, our sons and our daughters have no idea when we are listening to them speak, that we can also multi-task and think about who they are in general.
I listen intently to what they say and yet from time to time, my mind drifts as I stare at them.
I wonder where the baby who I held for hours has gone to, where the adorable little toddler who I couldn't stop kissing has run off to. They seems like 2 different people, the baby and the teenager, the toddler and the man and so I look for traces to join the two.

I am so glad I kept detailed baby books, writing down all of their achievements and idiosyncrasies. I was sure I would never forget those days while they were happening. When I read those details today, I see that I have forgotten some, now replaced by new expressions and different ways of growing. While there is something in every parent that doesn't want to see our children grow up, we wouldn't trade the joy of who they become for the world.
 
This photo shoot gave me a chance to relive the joy of chasing a 2 year old boy.  The delight, the laughter, the wonder is so beautiful. I realized that one of my goals can be achieved and that is to capture childhood the only way we can, through photography. His mom, who is an amazing woman and a devoted, loving mother, was amazed at how her son put his little hands behind his back and pensively looked down at the waves and the sailboat. She said she had never seen him do that before.  I was so honored to be there to capture that moment.  It reminded me of Ansel Adams, a brilliant photographer and one of his best quotes:

 "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

While nature and wildlife are extraordinary to photograph, there is nothing as important as observing our children, both protectively and aesthetically. As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing the wonder of childhood and children. Truly one of God's greatest gifts.