William was anxiously awaiting my arrival to the farm. When I arrived, William came out of his room wearing nothing but a t-shirt and underwear. Crystal had just gotten out of the shower and was trying to get herself and William ready. We all know how easy it is to get ready with a little one in tow…easy right? Psssh.
While he was happy I was there, in true little boy style, he took the first opportunity to run outside.
“I’m gonna let Boh out!”, he screamed, as he ran out of the door…almost before I could grab my camera.
Crystal shook her head as she tried to get him to come back inside. Telling him to stay out of the mud and he shouldn’t be out there without a coat or his boots. He reluctantly came inside after some gentle nudging.
I asked William what kinds of things he liked to do with his mommy. He showed me alllllll kinds of stuff! His puzzles, his fish tank, his toys, books, and games. He told me all about his cows, which he loves so dearly. And, this boy and tractors…WOW. You want to know anything about tractors…this is your guy.
Crystal explained how William has been making amazing strides with his speech. There was a time when they weren’t sure if William would actually speak real words. A worry that Crystal was determined to extinguish. Crystal fought hard for him to get the services that he needed. The years of speech and occupational therapy have proved to be a success because William is such an intelligent and talkative little guy.
I loved watching William and Crystal giggle with each other when he wouldn’t find a match to his memory game, but instead, make the noise of the animal. Then look outside to see if they could see any of their animals in the pasture.
Attention spans are short when you’re 5 years old. A book was the next logical activity! Crystal and William loved the book “Muddy Paws Day at the Farm” because the dog looked just like their family dog. William grabbed his puppy for story time and snuggled in close to mom, “helping” her read the words that he knew, as they have done probably a million times before . You could tell that this will be a story and a moment that will forever be remembered by both.
As the session wrapped up, William told me that I have to come out to see his new cow. And in a flash, we was putting his “farm gear” on! Crystal always loved to farm. You can see that she has instilled her passion for livestock in her child. And she was just as excited to show off her new addition to the crew. Without missing a beat, Crystal assisted her little “farm hand” in getting to work!
“We ain’t afraid of no mud, rain or cow poop ’round here!’
And you honestly can’t be, because the duties of the farm have to be done rain or shine. The work ethic instilled in this boy is something to be admired.
ALL WORK NO PLAY FOR WILLIAM…
…OK, maybe a little play
Keeping up with a boy is hard work. Being a mom is hard. Being a mom to a little boy can be exhausting. Add in acres and acres of farming, cows, a dog, chickens and whatever else farm life entails. Whew…I am tired just thinking about it. But it’s clear that she is doing something right.
The connection between these 2 is like none other. Even though he replied, “Daddy” when asked who his favorite is, he instantly gave her the most rotten smile and a HUGE hug. I think we all agree that it doesn’t matter who they name as their “favorite”…
…they are always gonna need their momma. <3
Jess this is absolutely beautiful!! You certainly have captured William and Crystal in a moment like no other. Every day is a gift to be cerished and its great when a photographer can capture it as if “time stands still”
Thank you so much! I was hoping to catch those moments that would otherwise go undocumented. I am so glad to be able to give you and Crystal these memories to look back on!