The Acrobats

Not only was this family beautiful and fun, but also acrobatic. These kids loved to fly in the air and it was such fun capturing them doing just that. I had trouble editing them down because I loved so many.

A Visit With Will and Phoebe

These are from the beginning of our Northern California trip when we were staying in Palo Alto at a hotel. Josh was working during the days, and once it sunk in that I was on childcare duty, I fled with the boys to Berkeley and my friend Amy and her two little ones. Will was a very good friend of Ben's when we lived in Berkeley. And now he too has a new sibling, but a GIRL! Yep. Hard to believe, but true. Her name is Phoebe and she is adorable.

Palm Springs

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I decided to procrastinate from doing work today by finally editing some personal photos from our California trip. I will begin at the beginning, which was visiting my parents in Palm Springs. Josh wasn't able to make it to Southern California so it was just the boys and my mom and dad and me. For some reason dad didn't seem to make it in front of the lens. He must have been extra camera shy.

Sunday Afternoon in the Park

About a year and a half ago I photographed Jessie and Jason's wedding. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to turn my camera on them once again. And like almost everyone else I seem to know, they also have a new male addition to their family. What ARE they putting in the California water these days? I always have a great time with these guys and Jessie was one of the first people to support my photography business. She asked me to photograph their wedding when I didn't even have one under my belt. Now THAT is a leap of faith.

Brothers

I did a session with the Simms brothers, Max and Odin. Their parents really wanted a shot of the two boys together. Odin had a funny reaction to his little brother. He didn't dislike him and was not jealous of him. He just didn't want anything to do with him. These shots illustrate that pretty well I think.

Old Times

One of the things I love about the internet is the ability to find people so easily. When I was married to my ex-husband he had a friend named Jennifer, who in turn became a good friend of mine. Through divorce and time, we lost touch until she sent me an email a couple of months ago asking if we could do a photo session with her husband and their two girls when I was in California. So the following is a sneak peek of their session as well as an old photo of Jennifer and I taken many, many moons ago.THEN: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AND NOW:

Mornings With a Toddler

Ben: Is the sun down Mommy?Me: Yes. It's not up yet. Ben: Is the sun down Mommy? Me: Yes Ben. Ben: Is the sun down Mommy? Me: It's hidden by the clouds. Ben: Is the sun down Mommy? Me: YES Ben. It's down. Ben: No. It's not down Mommy.

Reunion

Last April I took Gretchen's family's photographs. Little Julian was just a wee one. It was fun to go back and do it again this year. Most of all because they are some of my favorite people. And in the last year they have experienced a great deal of loss. So I was happy to spend some time with them and document their lives and how happy they all are together and what amazing parents they are to Julian. The first one is a little before and after. Except the order is really after/before. Aesthetically it didn't really work the other way. Who says form always follows function? And in case it doesn't hit you ever the head, I am in LOVE with their dog Hannah.

The Payoff

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I got the proofs for our session with Tara Whitney and I was blown away. They surpassed my wildest expectations. I am so happy we did it and I plan on doing it again next year, but this time with Josh. As the family photographer and due to an extreme hared of being photographed (except when I am really thin), there are very few photos of me with my little men. So my request to Tara was to capture our relationship on 'film', which is no small feat when dealing with a tired three year old. So although I have said it a million times, I will say it again. Thanks Tara for the memories.

Last Call

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When Ben was a baby I couldn't wait for all of the firsts. First words, first steps, first "mommy". I just wanted him to grow up quickly because I didn't have the patience to wait to see who he would become. With Sam I find myself wanting him to slow down and take his time. I already see Ben stopping the kisses and hugs and snuggles. Wanting to exert his independence. Getting one step closer to moving away from his mother. And as Sam outgrows each little piece of adorable clothing, I almost mourn for its loss. With Ben, I always knew (or hoped) that another baby would wear these sweet little things. Now I know that someone else will, but that they won't be mine. Don't get me wrong. I have no desire to have another child. But I can understand how some women begin to want to do it one more time. That is why I am still breastfeeding Sam at nine months. For most moms, this is not very long. For me it is a lifetime. And part of me is so happy that he is the last one I will HAVE to nurse. And part of me is sad that he is the last one I GET to. And so I continue. One more day. And another. And another. Maybe by the time he goes to college I will be ready to wean him.