The Monthly Photo Shoot

I am sure all dads have been through the process of the monthly "photo shoot" for each monthly birthday. When my son was born, my wife decided to use an idea she got from another parent friend, taking photos of Jake (with sign) at his week 1 birthday, week 2, 3, 4...1 month old, 2 month old...10 months old, etc. Will it ever stop?

When my wife & I were off together during her maternity leave, I did not mind the photo shoot as much because we did it 'together' (mostly her). When she went back to work, this responsibility fell onto my stay-at-home dad "honey do" list. Basically, on the day of Jake's monthly birthday, I print out a sign with his name & date on it. I start putting him in fun poses (not sure he thinks they're fun) with the sign & start the photo shoot. Typically, I take way too many photos because he either closes his eyes, the sign falls down, he crumples the sign (time to get a frame), or maybe I am just nervous that I did not get the perfect shot. My wife should get most of the credit for the finished product as she goes through all of the photos, edits them, and adds the captions.

I know that many parents go through a similar process so they can capture photos every month that they can share with family and friends. One friend told me that they put their child in the same exact pose every month so you can truly see their changes & growth. Another friend told me that they bought the same clothing outfit in 5 or 6 different sizes so they can put their child in the same outfit for their monthly photo session. Someone else told me that they bought one outfit in a huge size so they can take pictures every month, and watch their child grow into the outfit.

I know I am not alone here! Anyone else care to share their experience with the monthly photo shoot or just a bizarre story of one of your friends?