Vittoria, on Love. Sling Diaries, Vol VII.
The Sling Diaries, Volume VII. A photo-documentary chronicling the art of baby wearing in the lives of families around the world. Over the course of six months, Sling Diarists will create their own Sling Diary though a series of diary entries interpreting a unique theme given to them each month.
Meet all of our Sling Diarists here.
ON LOVE
Dear Jon,
I choose you.
8 years ago we met, and 5 years ago we said “I do” and still to this day, I choose you. Sometimes I forget to tell you that. After long days of being home with a toddler, chasing her around, having her pulling on my clothes for attention, changing diapers, and cleaning food off the floor, I forget to let you know that I love you.
Before Brighton, we would stay out late, sleep in … wait, who am I kidding? We’ve always been an old married couple who were happy to stay in with some cozy blankets and a good movie. I’d like to think we were just preparing for parenthood. But we did go out to movies more often, and we would try every new restaurant when they opened, and ride our scooter all the way to the beach just to watch the sunset.
Together, we’ve weathered the loss of family members, the birth of friends’ babies, the loss of our first baby before we even heard his or her heartbeat. We’ve traveled to Europe and Canada, New York and Big Sur; we’ve spent hot summers and cold winters in Palm Springs; we’ve lived in a studio apartment while sharing one vehicle, never dreaming that we could ever afford more than that if we continued to live in Southern California. We’ve seen different jobs, made new friends (mostly thanks to you because you’re the extrovert of the two of us). We’ve had our disagreements, we’ve had our agreements. We’ve had beautiful days and stormy days. We moved from our home town to embark on a new adventure and still continue to dream of the many adventures that await us.
Together, we’ve made one beautiful little girl. She is your biggest fan. She is devastated when you leave for work in the morning and when she hears the door unlock in the evening her eyes widen with joy as she exclaims, “dada”! In the days following her birth I fell more in love with you as I watched you love her, and serve me when I was unable to do much for myself.
You have made me stronger, you have helped me grow, you have always pointed us to our Creator, and celebrate my strengths while still choosing me despite my flaws. You are hardworking, and you never complain about the sacrifices that you make for your family and for your friends. You are my chosen one. You are my hallelujah. Even on the days where I forget to tell you this because I’m exhausted and cranky, and even on the days where I don’t “feel” like loving you, I do. We are better together
Together, we have learned a whole new meaning of love as our hearts beat outside of ourselves through the life of Brighton and I would be remiss if I didn’t take some time to celebrate you because you and I are on this parenting journey together. So, this one’s for you babe. I love you!
...................................
Follow along with Vittoria over on Instagram, @vittoria_allen, and The Sling Diaries on Pinterest.
