Zoe's Ballet Shoot at the IMA

I have truly enjoyed watching this sweetie pie over the last few years. I've been thinking about why I have enjoyed watching Zoe so much lately (because I knew I would be writing this post - and I hate writing- but it's good for me) and I think it's partly because of her age and partly because she's Zoe. Zoe impresses me so much because she is kind, smart, interesting, confident, grounded and a beautiful, talented dancer. I really enjoyed getting to know her more at our shoot! The other reason, the age part, is that I discovered that I really love the tween and early teen stages. Zoe is one year older than my oldest son, so I have been in the trenches with these kids for a few years experiencing this special time in life from the perspective of a mother. I hated the middle school years/beginning of high school years! They were the worst ever. But from a mother's perspective, it's pretty amazing.

I remember hearing terrible stories about the two-year old stage, so I dreaded it. But it was amazing! They you could actually watch the wheels turning in their little brains, they learned and grew sooooo fast. They thought they were so big and independent and were so proud when they did something new. This tween/early teenage stage is the same. They are growing and changing so fast that I'm trying not to miss it. Teenagers can be scary, especially when they go out into the world and you hope and pray that they remember some of what you have taught them. They are absolutely surprising and amazing.

Capture this time so you can remember it forever. Take lots of pictures, even if they don't want you to. Get the braces, the pimples, crazy hair, the awkward extra long limbs. Celebrate the glorious teenager by taking lots of pictures and video, you'll be happy that you did:)