She just sat and said cheese with no prompting. It was the least stressful time I've had taking pictures to say the least. And also she tends to be super smitten with boys ;)
I had a very humbling experience before we left to get them taken. A few months ago she had a frightening accident happen that left a big scar on her face. I remember feeling a bit perturbed as the ER doctor told me a plastic surgeon needed to sew her up because "You don't want a scar on a pretty little girls face." And, "With boys it's not as big of an issue." I know he was coming from a good place but I couldn't help thinking I wouldn't want a terrible scar on my child's face even if they were a boy. But regardless, that doesn't mean my little girl would be less beautiful and that's not the most important thing anyways!
So taking pictures mean you want everyone to look their best right? I kept thinking, I'm going to cover up her scar with makeup so it won't be as noticeable, and she will look her "best." A thought entered my mind that I should not do so. This is who she is at this stage, and I want to be able to look back and remember that even though it was frightening, something even more terrible could have happened to her in that situation. And seeing this scar reminds me that she is not more hurt; that she is running and playing without permanent injuries; that she is beautiful even with a noticeable scar, and that I will forever be grateful that it brought us closer as a family; grateful that she is my sweet little angel that God knew I needed.
Scars can be emotional or physical, but they don't define us. They give us character and strength. We shouldn't be scared to show them; to be vulnerable. We shouldn't be ashamed that we have them. I think we are beautiful BECAUSE of our scars, not in spite of them.