Saturday, November 03, 2007

Family Photography Fiasco
I knew there was a reason we hadn't had pictures taken in such a long time... somehow, I had forgotten. But, it all came rushing back to me in one quick instant. When we first got there we were all fine. The kids were giggling and laughing. I was thinking "YES! Happy kids= good pictures!" And we waited. There was a huge carousel just outside the doors of the place we were at. The kids wanted to ride. There was toy store next door. The kids wanted to wander around and beg for things. These distractions made the waiting harder and harder for my kiddos. Little Bug started to get frustrated. "NO!! No no no no no no no no no!" I silently screamed in my head... the lady who was supposed to be helping us was carrying on a conversation with someone who MIGHT get their pictures taken there SOMEDAY. We had gotten there 15 minutes early to sign in and get everyone ready. Our session time came and went. 20 minutes after our appointed time, our photographer finally came over, but by this time Little Bug was done. He had been cute and silly when we first got there. Now he was ready to leave. On top of that, every time the flash would go off and make that popping noise he would scream. He covered his ears and cried.... so our family pictures look like this:

See the lovely smiling faces? Wait... what's that? Little Bug looks completely and totally terrified?? That's because he was...
Picture of the three kids looks like this:

What's that you say?? Red and Baby Girl look stinkin cute? Well thank you! And Little Bug? He looks alienated and afraid?? That's because he was trying to escape, but his horrible mom made him stay and sit there while the flashes popped in his face...we didn't even attempt to do individual photos of him. We had tortured him enough. When he was done, he curled up into a little ball in the corner and jumped every time the flash went off...

SIGH. We did get two good shots of Baby Girl:

Not sure why some of the photos are smaller... :S

And a really good one of Red:And a really nice one of Hubby and I:

When we were done we walked through the toy store. I started to tear up. I was so frustrated as I watched Little Bug giggle and laugh at a train going round and round in circles. Don't get me wrong... I was glad that he was happy again. But it was a HUGE reminder of how different he is from other kids. Then I had to remind myself that he's doing the best he knows how and so am I. Another thing that I need to remember is that it is okay for me to try and stretch him a little by making him do things that are hard. Perhaps if we attempt the hard things, he and I will both grow and get a little stronger each time. At least, that's what I hope.

18 comments:

Randi said...

Awww, they're darling! Now that my kids are older, I really like the pictures that show their personality better than the picture perfect ones.
They look great.
(great colors, too!)

Unknown said...

I don't think they turned out THAT badly and some were even cute. Of course, I am speaking from my own experience: Haddie had school pictures last week and while she did great, teething/sick/moody Bode, well, NotSoMuch....

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I sympathize. We've had the same situation with. J. You can't completelt predict what will happen and when you're at someone else's mercy for time, it's awful.

Time to get someone to do photos for you outside a studio. That's what we did this last time and it went so much better.

Lee said...

What a cute family! You will look back and love the pictures and the fact that your kids are captured personality and all. So cute!

Heather said...

I think he looks adorable in the family picture- even if its not "picture perfect" its your family and they are amazing!

Anonymous said...

That sounds a lot like our family-portrait-taking fiasco a few months ago! (Mental note, don't go for portraits with twin babies any more -- or bring some cavalry for backup!!) During the whole shoot, our Baby Boy didn't crack one single smile.

I think your photos are still really cute. :-)

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

This might actually be one of your favorite shots in 20 years or so. Seriously.

He will adjust to new situations as he grows. He just needs more time than his siblings...

Anonymous said...

I dread taking the kids to get their photos taken. It's so stressful! 4 out of 5 is great!

Jean Knee said...

Melissa, it really looks fine and he cheered up right away.

I have those pictures of Lean screaming in Santa's lap and I'm glad I have them. she doesn't remember and little bug won't either

Tonya said...

I agree with everyone here. I think the pictures are better than you think. You do a great job and you'll be glad that you have such a "real life" picture to look back on. Very nice colors on everyone too.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Amazing pictures...and I think it's actually kind of neat that you've captured some of little bug's individuality there. Silver lining babe, silver lining. ~hugs~

... said...

i think the photos captured who you guys are - smiles, cries, inner frustration, and all. it may not have been what you had hoped for but you'll be able to look back at it and remember it fondly.

i love how you ended this post. being okay with knowing little bug is doing his best and that you are, too, will allow you to find the joy in life. and you two will be stronger.

Yvonne said...

Melissa: I think the pictures are great. I know how frustrating it can be--I remember those days with Brent. I love the way you ended the post--he is doing his best and it's so wonderful that you recognize that.

tharker said...

I like the pictures too. I actually think that Little Bug covering up his ears, even with huge tears in his eyes is pretty sweet. Poor little guy, I don't blame him for being a little freaked about the flash. Your kids all look very cute Melissa.

I think the others are right, years from now, you'll look at these pictures and get a good giggle.

I SO know what you mean about the reminders of how different Little Bug is from other children. That is what makes him who he is, and he's wonderful. I'm so impressed with him, and with you as his mother. You are a good mother for helping him to stretch his limits.

Nancy Face said...

I have a "Picture Perfect" portait from a studio from a few years ago, and everyone in my family hates it...including me! It's just not who we are! I agree with the other ladies...I really like the personality of your family picture! It's cute and enjoyable to look at! And you're a good mom! :)

elasticwaistbandlady said...

Awwww, what great family pictures. Your Little Bug reminds me of my rambunctious 6 year old son.

slyn said...

I hate having to wait to get pictures done! That happened to us last time we had our pictures taken. I didn't even buy any family photos they were so awful. My heart is just breaking for your poor little guy, you are right though it is good to help him stretch and grow and experience new things. You are a great mom.

Anonymous said...

really cool mel! and great idea to pick such the colors of clothes you did. fits just so comfy. take care girl, kathleen :)