“One Evening” is a photo essay series that provides a sneak peek into the everyday lives of the Fairfield County Moms Blog contributors. The evening routine is photographed by Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography and words are written by each mom to tell the story behind the images. It’s a rare and intimate look into each family’s life, one evening at a time.
It’s one of the greatest contradictions of parenting; that raising small children is associated with psychological stress —but at the same time, it’s also scientifically linked to heightened feelings of exquisite joy and fulfillment in life. So how is this possible? How can such an exasperating, exhausting, often overwhelming job with zero pay offer such spectacular rewards?
Three words…the small moments.
In our busy lives, it’s the little moments that matter most.
Small moments also serve a practical purpose. They re-energize us throughout the day if we pause and let them. They remind us that we, in fact, are raising happy, healthy kids. If we PAUSE to savor them we can see that we create an atmosphere of joy.
The catch? These moments can disappear in the blink of an eye.
Which is why I am SO THANKFUL and grateful to fully capture the sight, sound, and warmth of them.
However… the best way to enjoy them is to experience it as it happens.
Parenting is hard. Instead of looking at the big moments – first steps, first birthdays – or the bad days – their tantrums and fights, my impatient exhaustion – I am focusing on all the joy the small moments bring.
After all, loving them is the easiest thing I’ve ever done. And to them, a small moment is everything.
Images for this project are captured by Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography. Anna-Liisa specializes in documentary family photography and loves capturing the real, silly, weird, and tender moments of childhood. She captures that blur of motherhood — the laughter and tears, the real moments and connections, and the unique rhythm of a family. To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
To see all posts in the “One Evening” photo essay series view here.