First and foremost today guys, I wanted to tell you all that this is STILL going on! But only for a few more days, so don’t miss your chance!
Now that you’ve done that – today’s tip will be a big help!
As hard as it is for me to believe, my youngest is already 14 months old (how did that happen?!). He grows and changes so much at this stage that – like many Moms in my shoes – it’s extra important to me to take lots of photos.
Not only that, to take photos with the two of us together! I want to be able to look back with him someday and show him what it was like when he was tiny and the two of use were best buds.
What I’ve come to realize, however, is that a successful selfie with a baby is not exactly an easy thing to come by.
I offer you, Exhibit A:
Yesterday was a gorgeous day so I decided it would the perfect time to snap a selfie with baby for charity.
I’ll just hold up my phone and give him a little tickle to make him smile…
Um, no.
Ok, maybe we just need to get closer. Maybe if I just pick him up…
Nope. Wiggle worm was having none of it.
Hmm… How about a cute photo of Mommy kissing little man on the cheek?
Oh right, I’m wearing a hat and aiming the camera the right way while simultaneously kissing him and getting him to smile is NEVER going to happen.
Then, finally, inspiration struck…
See that face? See the happy pictures in our direct future?
Know why???….
Because we’re spinning!!!
Weee! Oh the Joy!
And, after a little cropping, this is the super happy Mommy and Baby Selfie we ended up with for #UltraHug. (I kept a few photos with the background un-cropped too as I think the blurred background is pretty fun).
Obviously you’re not going to use the trick for every photo but it’s nice to know you’ve got a new trick in your back pocket when you just want to document what your little one looked like smiling at 12/18/24 months.
Side note: Please excuse the blurriness of these photos – M has used my camera as a chew toy one too many times and the lens on the selfie side is just a bit smudged.
And, in case you’ve gotten this far in the post and still haven’t clicked through, the reason we’re talking about taking photos with baby today is because of the opportunity to do so and earn a worthwhile project in your community some big bucks!
What You Can Do
Parenting is a busy and overwhelming task, often not leaving room for a whole lot else. Maybe you’ve thought about ways to volunteer or give back to your community but have gotten stuck trying to find the time or the momentum to get started.
I’m so proud to be a part of the wonderful Spread the Love Project with Huggies. It’s such an easy way to take a step back from ourselves and give back to others with just a single click.
And here’s another great thing – there is so much inspiration to be found there. Maybe you want to give but just don’t know where to start. Take 20 seconds and check out the page and then the hashtag #ultrahug on Twitter. The ideas of ways you can contribute will come flooding in – I promise.
Personally, I’ve been thinking a whole, whole lot about foster children lately.
All those kids out there who haven’t been as lucky as mine. Who have found themselves in the home of a stranger with nothing but a small bag containing all that they hold dear in the world.
I want to gather each of them up in my arms, I want to hug them and tell them they are safe, that they are special, that things will get better.
Of course I can’t do that – but I’ve been wondering what I actually can do to help the children in the foster care system in my community. A little digging and I came across a truly inspiring organization called Treehouse.
This is their mission statement…
Every Child Deserves a Childhood
With fierce optimism, Treehouse invests in the lives of young people who have faced the deep wounds from a crisis of parenting. In helping them to secure the essential education, basic material needs, and social experiences they equally deserve, we help kids in foster care discover their own resilience and strength. Treehouse is committed to leveling the playing field for youth in foster care, so that each is included, may prosper in, and contribute to society.
What I find most impressive about this organization is how they strive to stand beside foster children in every facet of life. From basic needs like clothing, toys and school supplies to enriching experiences such as summer camps and Driver’s Ed – they are continually providing for kids in the foster system.
People involved in Treehouse also give a great deal of their time. The organization is always looking to grow their network of mentors and volunteers involved in all aspects of the children’s education. This might mean assistance with changing schools, tutoring, providing summer learning activities, and even setting up college scholarship funds.
I really can’t say enough about this incredible organization and I truly hope you’ll take the time to check them out, and also to check out the Spread the Love campaign and find a super simple way to give back to your community!
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