One evening, we all sat outside and did little more than enjoy the air in our shady front yard.
Ephraim (who was sick) lay down on a blanket and rested for a while. Clive (who was not sick) went inside and fetched his blankie, which he then took to the little red wagon and made himself a comfy bed for a few moments. He then got up and did his very best cat imitation by going inside the house, then coming back outside, then going inside again, then back outside before I finally refused to get up and open the door for him again until we were all going inside for the night.
Anselm dutifully sat where I put him, playing with grass and the blanket and a toy I had brought out.
After a bit, I noticed the afternoon sun had peeked through the trees enough to send a little sliver of light across the yard. I first tried to make Clive stand in it, but he has been feeling fairly contrary lately; he would stand where I asked, but he only made faces while doing it, so I let him go. He went to stand by the door and try to let himself in the house.
Anselm is my favorite child to photograph at the moment; he won’t move when you plonk him down somewhere, and he also hasn’t learned to hate the camera very much. Plus, his crooked front teeth. I love them.
So I picked him up and moved him, setting him down in path of the light.
It’s funny what a little change of scenery and perspective can do.
Dad says
Anselm son, you’re still not transitioning from sitting to crawling or anything for that matter. Your photographer mom appreciates that aspect, but come on guy–get with it!
Also, keep the joy you have now. Life will try to rob you of it. don’t make the fight effortless for the enemy.