This photo was taken by my better half back when he was an acquaintance. We were at a friend's wedding and he asked if he could take my photo... 'Ummm....ok?' We had a great time that evening getting to know each other a little better. It may have been the first time I saw his smile! And now, to think all of this (sweeping my hand in a grand gesture to indicate the house, the blog, the jolly baby sitting on my lap), began with this photo!!!
That night was one of the few times (outside of high school) that I have ever worn lipstick. It was Chanel, Dragon? I think? I bought it earlier in the day. I have never bought another Chanel item, or department store beauty product since then. Actually, I don't often wear makeup, but I will admit, a simple stain on my lips transformed me for the evening! It made me feel beautiful, playful and confident.
Now I am the mother of two. I don't often have time to fix myself up. I am not the girl in the mirror anymore, but she is still somewhere inside me. Sometimes I wonder where she is hiding, especially when I am wiping the spit up out of my cleavage (cleavage I never used to own), or when I skip shaving my legs (again) because my toddler wants to jump into the bath with me (again). I know motherhood comes with its own beauty, confidence and playfulness, still...there's this photo
hmmmm....I feel some sort of resolution stirring inside me (more tricep dips, less gingerbread men)...but the baby is starting to fuss, and I have to get us ready to pick up my older son at preschool...a little bit of blistex and we are out the door (without combing my hair)...
Beautiful post Shannon - as a mom I think we all go through the same and it seems to go in waves. Mine are 4 and 2.5 and I still barely get my hair cut or buy myself new clothes. And all of us know that it's important to also have time for ourselves or put ourselves at the top of the list sometimes, but it's hard to do - we book our babysitter once a month even if we don't know what were are planning and that gives us a chance to dress up a little - my son said last week as I was dressed up for the X-mas party - look daddy, mommy is so pretty in her new dress...that tugged at my heart.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll start wearing lipstick as a little pick me up?
Shannon, you look beautiful! Before seeing the photo you posted of yourself (the first, I think) a few months back, I always pictured you looking like Sarah Richardson. I think you hair reminds me of her... And you look great in red lipstick! That's something I can't pull off with my skin tone - or maybe I just haven't found the right shade!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo, and such a beautiful description of life with little ones. Sometimes I want to get all dressed up just so I can remember what it feels like, but most nights I'm happy to snuggle with my husband and daughter and I realize that they don't care if I put makeup on or whether I did my hair (or even washed it!). And I also realize how happy I am with my two favorite people. : )
ReplyDeleteokay girl...First off, you are GORGEOUS. Secondly, such a lovely post that captures the moment you are in....these crazy days with our children driving us mad will quickly pass. I complain now..but know I will miss it later... I think there is no harm in remembering the old you and splashing on that lipstick. If mommy feels good....everything and everyone else feels good. Even if its for 5 minutes ....
ReplyDeleteWow Shannon, you are gorgeous! And you wondered why your better half wanted to take your photo? :-)
ReplyDeleteSo...why was your 'better' half in the washroom with you?! :-) That looks like a hand dryer in the mirror there :-) BUSTED!!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you like it...it's a great shot!! I think we all feel what you have described here, but as long as we all keep a part of our former selves, embracing our new selves is easier! And taking time for yourself will get easier as the kids get older too! Happy Holidays pretty lady!
ReplyDeleteyou said it! :) I used to be the glamour girl, always one step ahead of the trends. i wore the skinny jeans before skinny jeans became the norm du jour. now it's all about Baby C and renos. It is almost criminal what I look like leaving for work in the morning.
ReplyDeleteyou're very beautiful and really, don't need any makeup. blistex is THE way to go.
I find that we are our own worst enemy sometimes. too critical, too demanding. but I do think that we owe it to ourselves to dedicate time to ourselves. Maybe not today, with a newborn on your hands. But do make that time for yourself.
ok, and for a dose of cheezy: I really liked the finishing lines of Sex and the City - the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves. It might not always be the top priority, but it should never be the last priority either.
You nut bar!
ReplyDeleteWe were in the bathroom...it was this open ladies/mens with the washrooms set off from the sinks...at some art gallery. I forget the name of the place...
That is a beautiful shot and your deep analysis is just why blogs were invented. Well done.
ReplyDeletethat's funny, i thad the same question! ;) ... and your post is so touching.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. Gorgeous pic -- I love that you Mister took it back 'before' :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture! It's pretty neat your husband took it too, pre to the rest is history. It is hard to balance it all. It is important to try to do things for yourself. Even if they end up being small things.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I definitely understand why you love this photo. The story is so cute. But you look gorgeous now, too, without makeup!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous photo! That is the perfect shade of red lipstick! I know what you mean... I look back at old photos and I feel like that was a totally different person... as my boys get bigger I've been wanting to feel like the old 'me' again, don't even know if it's possible!!!
ReplyDeletei think i should buy more of that lipstick! why not?
ReplyDeletelike sarah r? that's funny!!!
ReplyDeleteand thx!!!
it's true, snuggling in comfy clothes is the best!
ReplyDeleteit is not like i used to dress up every night before, either....maybe i need to try a little when we do have special occasions - like xmas eve!!!
:)
ReplyDeletethx and so true....one day i will wonder how my babies became little men !!!!
i like that line too!
ReplyDeleteexactly!! it's weird that pictures of your former self now seem to be an unattainable standard... i mean - it's me! but then again, it's not me anymore!
ReplyDeletethx!!!
ReplyDeletethx!!! i had no idea he was into photography at that time!
ReplyDeletethere are so many small things i need to just DO - like exfoliate!!!
:)
ReplyDeleteThanks N....i feel like its a bunch of half formed thoughts...it is hard to get a handle on what i am really feeling...so many pleasant distractions!!!
ReplyDeleteor maybe thinking too much is actually THE distraction? :)
thanks!
ReplyDeletei am not sure what part of my former self is still in here....but i think all newborns have a way of making you feel that way!
thanks!
ReplyDeleteit was a really great night!
Hold up, this is the beautiful gal I traded a birdy with? Shannon, you're gorgeous. I'd take a photo of you, too. Although, I have no idea what it's like to have children of my own, I know it's tough. But that girl's in there so yank her out to play some time. Lipstick looks great on you and you remind me of a sweet Kate Beckinsale!
ReplyDeleteOne word: Gorgeous
ReplyDeletex Chantal