Since creating the “Mom Life” series, several journalist have asked me, “What is your message?” The query used to intimidate me, because I didn’t have a response. I was just having a bit of fun with my daughter and my camera! I’ve since realized, that what I want is for parents to laugh along with me, know they’re not alone and most importantly, embrace the wonderful challenges of parenthood.

Every time I am attempting to get myself and my daughter out the door, I feel like I am trying to run a marathon in quick-sand. I’ll plead with my daughter to “Please, please hurry, or we will be late again!” How ludicrous to assume that my two year old would care at all about the social ramifications of being twenty minutes late to everything! Even as I acknowledge to myself how ridiculous this is, I cannot stop myself from trying.

As a parent, I am all too aware of how quickly time is passing me by. I can't stop it, but I am learning to make the most of the moments we share.

My daughter, Mia, counting every raindrop as I wonder if there will be any eggs left by the time we finally arrive at the Easter egg hunt; if it’s still happening despite the rain. Either way, it doesn't matter. Our clothes are on, I cleaned out my car, and packed a snack. I don’t care if we just drive up and down the highway, we’re going somewhere!

I've recently felt as though the culture I live in, and the lifestyle I want, are colliding. Our world is driven by deadlines, goals and the need to be a success. The drive is admirable, but success is usually defined in our society by salary. I think it’s a shame to put so much emphasis on financial success and neglect the importance and value of relationships, experiences and memories. As important as my job, my clients and my career are to me, my family ranks first.

As I am caught up in leaping from one task to a next, constantly worried about reaching the end of my to-do list, or concerned we're going to be late again, I’m missing out on the joy of experiencing the present moment.

I've realized that every parent experiences two childhoods; their own and then their child's. I think the second one is even more magical than the first, and passes by much quicker. It is amazing to just observe my daughter taking in the world that is still so new to her. One night recently, I was rushing to get her to bed when she decided she wanted to go out on the porch to tell the moon goodnight. She then proceeded to blow kisses to every star she could see. Sure she went to sleep late, but I would have missed out on that precious moment if I had hurried her off to bed.

Spending quality time together: I’m attempting to grow food and Mia is attempting to grow puppies. Both possibilities are equally probable at this point.

Sure, dinner is going to be 30 minutes late, over-salted, and leave my kitchen a wreck; but the experience and memories are worth it.

Parenthood is imperfect. Embrace the flaws and the chaos. Love the messy moments you have together.

I frequently give myself the five year test. Five years from this moment, how important will what I accomplished today seem? Will I be glad I responded to all of my e-mails with remarkable promptness? Will I be proud of finally finding the bottom of the dirty laundry hamper? Not likely. Will I remember the day I took my daughter for a walk to nowhere in particular and watched as she assisted a pill bugs back onto his legs and wished him safe travels home? Most definitely!

Being two sure has perks.

The fewer expectations and goals I have for “my perfect day,” sets the stage for a much more rewarding experience with my family.

I want to encourage parents to be easy on themselves and kind to one another.

Happy messy parenting!

All images copyright Anna Angenend Photography©