We were at the downtown art fair.
There were thousands of people around. Very close. Mingling and talking. Bumping into her.
She clung to her daddy’s neck like it was her lifeline. She hid her face often. She didn’t look anyone in the eye.
I even rolled my eyes a little when I saw kids her age running after the cartoon characters that were at the fair, because I knew she would just cry and hold on a little tighter.
She did.
I took a few pictures, trying to capture the gorgeous sunlight behind her and her daddy.
And when this one came up on the computer screen at home, I cried.
I got up from my computer, grabbed her and hugged her tight.
And she said, “I sure do love you, mommy.”
And I promised never to roll my eyes at her shyness again.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh how beautiful. My middle one has that shy bug too. We’ve decided to embrace it.
.-= Vanessa´s last blog ..Dogs are now required =-.
I’m speechless. Except for the sniffling. As a mother, I know exactly what you mean.
I was a shy kid growing up too. She will get her footing one day and be as expressive in front of people as she is in front of you… okay, maybe not THAT expressive, but it will get better :)
.-= Jade´s last blog ..I Heart Desserts =-.
No fair making me tear up on a Monday morning.
Oh she’s just amazing – what a beautiful picture :-)
.-= Becca´s last blog ..Celebrating Mom =-.
I was the same way and in some ways still am. I’m definitely not the center of attention but can hold my own now and that’s ok – the world doesn’t need a whole lotta people saying look at me. She’s so expressive in that shot!
.-= jen@ourdailybigtop´s last blog ..dipping =-.
my emma is the same way…
i was always like that as a child, so i try to remember how it feels. the world looks awfully big to such a little person. :)
Amazing photo, love the light, but most of all, love that special moment you captured!
Congratulations!
.-= Rebeca ´s last blog ..Off (130/365) =-.
Oh my goodness, amazingly sweet and gorgeous and WOW, that lighting.
.-= Melissa-The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans´s last blog ..Mother’s Day Interview :: Bridger =-.
Oh my – it makes me want to go hug my babies. I think I will. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Casey´s last blog ..Meanwhile, back at the farm… =-.
Great Photo!! Such emotion in the shot…and I was so shy when I was that age, I wouldn’t even look at people. If someone spoke to me I buried my head into my mom’s neck…She reminds me of myself. I love this so much! Love, Jess
.-= Jessica W.´s last blog ..Impatient. =-.
oh what a sweet little one…and i’m wishing my kids weren’t so rambuncous, and noisy and wild…and are never content to sit on my lap, or hold my hand, or stop to say ‘hi’. she’ll grow out of it.
There is no place as safe as daddy’s neck for daddy’s little girl. Great picture!
I remember how it hurt inside because I was shy like that.
In time she will grow out of it…or not. And it’s fine. The picture really shows how she needs daddy, very real.
.-= Terry Elisabeth´s last blog ..Mardi muet =-.
I love it too, and I love her response to your hug, Simon says that also, it makes me melt!
Aw so sweet! And she’ll bloom in time, hang in there Kellie, you are doing great. And looking great these days too, btw. :)
.-= animator’s wife´s last blog ..i love this but probably no one else will =-.
i loved this photo over at flickr, but with the story that goes with it…..gah!
it fills my heart…so glad you were able to capture it so perfectly.
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..feelin’ pretty :: disposables =-.