Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Staying Connected

Recently, I posted about the disconnect I have been experiencing with Pen as of late. But, it has been really nice that she now has a later bedtime than the other kids. First off, I think it makes her feel more like we are treating her like the "mature" kid that she thinks she is. Secondly, it is allowing me some one-on-one time with her so I can try and reestablish and strengthen the fraying connection we share.

Rophone and I use the extra time with Pen to play Scrabble or to talk. Often, Pen and I end up going outside to take photos, or she helps me choose my Challenge photo for the day. There are still plenty of issues and times when it is clear that Pen has a different idea of what her role is than we do, but there are now bigger gaps between the times Fine! emerges.

It is giving me hope for the future.

Here are a few of the photos we took while hanging out together last night:


In some of these shots, you can see that Pen truly is maturing and getting older. But in others, like this last one, you can still see the child that she is. It is as though I am photographing two different Pens.


I love them both.

7 comments:

Jennifer said...

Beautiful pictures. Nice that you have some moments together alone. That's a great idea.

Laura said...

Gorgeous photos!

Happy birthday! :-)

The Laundry Queen said...

Thanks guys!

SassyMama said...

Wow! great pictures.
So glad to hear you have more one-on-one time:)

Jen said...

I don't think it will take 8-10, your sentence will probably be shorter. My teenage daughter is emerging into a wonderful friend now at 15 and most 16 year-olds finally "get it" when they have fabulous moms like you. I'm sure she gets a thrill to see how you capture her inner and outer beauty!

Lisa Marie said...

That girl sure makes a great model! I love every pic you've ever taken of her. I can't wait to snap some pics of her when you're here!

The Laundry Queen said...

Pen says 'sure' to that, Lima.