Week 17, Pastel | 2014 Project 52

"My daughter Sofia turned four this week, and we surprised her on her birthday with lots and lots of purple and white (and a couple of pink) balloons. Seeing her excitement for her birthday, presents, cake and a party with all her friends makes me so happy. She's growing into such a smart, creative, strong girl and I couldn't be prouder."My poor Sofia. She puts up with a lot from me. We spent a good half an hour on the morning of her birthday "playing" in the balloons. I tried to get her to just play and have fun, but after just a few minutes she was over it and each shot became less and less natural-looking.That's the problem with having a photographer for a mom. I am always trying to get the "perfect" shot. It's hard for me to just let go and accept that sometimes that is not going to happen. But in my mind, all I hear is a voice telling me if I don't get it I will look back on her birthday and wish I had a perfect photo to remember it by.Then, when I finally put the camera down and got down on the floor with her, and watched her open her presents without a camera up to my face, I actually enjoyed myself and made memories. And the photos I did get ARE perfect. Maybe not technically, but they show her when she turned four and her spunky personality, her squinty smile and her joy.A few days later at her birthday party, I took photos of the important things, but then I stopped. I put the camera down and I enjoyed the moment. I was part of her day too and I want her to remember that.Happy Birthday to my big girl. I'm so proud of you xo