There is only one cute baby in the world, and every mother has it.
Until that baby becomes a 4.5 year old preschooler.
Everyone likes “cute” and “little.” Who can resist all those puppy and kitten videos on YouTube? Miniature versions of desserts are all rage. (Cupcake, anyone?) Babies are no different. People love their small, squishy bodies, little fingers and their sweet tiny noses.
Loving babies is in our DNA. It’s part of evolution. In 1943, Konrad Lorenz coined the concept of “Baby Schema.” Cuteness is measured by things like big eyes and a big, round head, paired with a small nose and mouth, and dimples. These Baby Schema features trigger a feeling of protectiveness, even when the baby is not ours. Loving our children is not something we choose or are conditioned to do. It’s an instinct that we can’t help- because they are so cute.
But what happens when babies grow up and become preschoolers? They lose their cuteness.
Let’s face it: babies and toddlers get by on their cuteness. Tantrums and potty talk from a 2 year old is cute and funny (even when you don’t admit it to them) but, it’s reason to send a 5 year old to their room without dinner. Toddler hugs are more satisfying, their off-key songs are sweeter, their little smiles more adorable. But when they pass the toddler stage, they are no longer cute.
“But, not my kid,” you say.
Sorry, you are wrong.
A
research study done in China and Canada asked men and women to rate photographs of children ranging from infants to 6 years old to determine each face’s likability and attractiveness. “Men and women rated infants as more likeable and more attractive than toddlers, who, in turn are rated as more attractive than young children.”
[J Pincott, Psychology Today] What they found was, after 4.5 years old, the features deemed “cute” are no longer prominent and the likability rating dropped off like a lead balloon.
But does cuteness matter? Probably not.
You see, parents don’t really care about research when it comes to someone telling them whether their child is cute. Research doesn’t know about snuggles at story time, homemade cards and art projects or “Phineas and Ferb” quotes being recited at random times. Research doesn’t prove to me whether I think my 5 year old’s missing front teeth are adorable or if my 7 year old’s excitement when making s’mores is cute, or even if my 13 year old’s incredible imagination is lovable.
Is it a coincidence that if you ask a parent what their favorite age is for their child that it always seems to be the age that child is right now? I have four children, three of which are past the “age of cuteness.” And I wouldn’t trade even one of my beautiful children for a world of cute.
Did you make it to the bridal show last Wednesday? We had a booth to show off our photography and the Cheeky photo booth. It was great to meet brides and grooms and chat about their upcoming weddings. Next week, we'll will post the tips we shared at the show. We handed out cards that gave helpful ideas on how to make your wedding day run smoothly to get the best photographs possible.
"For the shoe connoisseur who knows precisely what color combination she wants and knows exactly the heel height she loves, the Milk and Honey™ design my own heels web tool allows the discriminating customer a one-of-a-kind shopping opportunity. Choose from our signature collection of pumps below or design your own shoes!"
But you are in luck!
Vine- I just recently discovered Vine and I am obsessed with this video app. I now think of my life in 6-second, stop-action looping videos. I am not a master videographer, and the app could use a few more options, but I love this one. If you want a muse, Vine will do it!
The distinct ambience and character of a Madison wedding shines when the ceremony and reception are both in the beautiful downtown area. And what better place to get married than the oldest church in town, Grace Episcopal Church. I love old buildings, and especially old churches. Madison is lucky enough to have quite a few, but Grace is the iconic church that everyone knows- the church with the red doors across from the Wisconsin State Capitol.
I love fun details. Cecilia's shoes were definitely a fun detail. Blue! What a fun way to include the wedding tradition of wearing something blue. The bridesmaids were in short black bridesmaid dresses, starting with yellow heels and transitioning into yellow flip-flops. Hair was done by Rana Kay Design and the dress was from Brandi's Bridal.
Cecilia and Jason had a warm day in June for their wedding. Actually, I think it was one of the hottest days of the summer, but the heat of the day is always forgotten once the party starts. We went across the street to the Capitol for some photographs before heading to their favorite "biker bar" for drinks.
