Emmalina is a dream sleeper. She’s also quite the beauty:) Jenny and Eric are going to have to keep watch for future boys lining up at the door…and on fb, twitter, + who knows what else!?! Hopefully, big brother Ethan will help keep an eye out with a protective arm around her.

Jenny has been blessed yet again with an amazing sleeping baby. However, she’s hoping that her girl genes will kick in and be more mellow than Ethan. He’s an amazing big brother, sneaking in kisses for Emmalina here and there–so sweet. But he’s an active boy and is keeping mom pretty busy. Baby Emma has daddy already wrapped around her teeny tiny finger. I’m assuming it doesn’t take much to make daddy melt…just one look. Emmalina is lucky to have two great parents. Jenny’s the one who is prepared for everything and anything that comes her way. Eric is her rock and will do anything for her. Both parents adore her to no end. Beautiful family.

posted in babies,family on June 20, 2011 | 1 comment

Waverley is one of those girls who is always on. the. go. She’s full of life, energy, loves to dance, sing and perform: watch out broadway–here she comes!!! Did I mention she’s super cute? She charms people with her eyes and her undeniably infectious smile:) Bonnie and Felix, though are tired of physically keeping up with her, both know they are blessed with having a daughter who just can’t contain her spirit for living life large.

Bonnie hasn’t stopped running after Waverley from the word go. I’m in awe of how much she loves, cares and keeps up with her every move of every second. She’s a devoted wife and working mom that I admire and look up to. Felix finds joy in setting free Waverley’s need for speed and adventure. Yet he also has the instinct to protect her from all harm. Both parents love to travel and expose Waverley’s need to see and experience all amazing things the world has to offer. I’m very curious to see how Waverley conquers the world, and how much it will change because of her.

posted in family,kids on June 13, 2011 | 2 comments

For most of Stellar’s young life, she wasn’t into dresses. Then one day, she decided it was the better wardrobe choice and that was it. I blame it on the following ladies: Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Disney wins, yet again. Recently, she’s been advising me that gloves would make her outfit even more beautiful. Gloves?!?? Obviously, she and I have lots to talk about:P This yellow number is by far her fave.

Well, the dress wasn’t bought by me. It was given by my dad’s new partner. I can’t even say the ‘w’ word even though they are now legally married. She literally came and overloaded my daughters with gifts along with a big 2lb bag of candy. I would say it’s been over a year since my parents separation, but the awkwardness and healing is far from over. Some days I try to see things from her point of view, but it’s nearly impossible. It’s okay if the awkwardness continues with me. Though as a mom, I instinctively want my daughters to be sheltered from all forms of brokenness. I know however, this can’t be done. The journey to discover beauty in brokenness continues…

posted in kids,personal on June 12, 2011 | 2 comments

Jayden has grown so much since the last time I took photos of him…he was only weeks old. Now he’s running, talking, laughing and eating big bowls of food (evidence found in size of belly and cheeks). This particular day he was a little more cautious of the mulchy ground and suspicious looking animals:P Luckily, Jack-Jack, his best monkey friend made a surprise appearance during the trip to keep him company. Those two are literally inseparable.

Judy and Jon are amazing parents. Jayden is loved all around the clock. The way Judy flawlessly plans for Jayden’s every need shows her super mommy dedication to her little monkey. Jon has great patience and is definitely passing down his jokester genes. Jayden has become quite the little tease:) I’ve seen his coy expressions in full effect around my 1yr old daughter Gem. There’s an unspoken bond between them that my husband Lon refuses to acknowledge. Who can blame Gem? Jayden’s got mommy’s beauty genes and daddy’s charm.

posted in family,kids on June 7, 2011 | 1 comment

yes people, I’m now one.So it’s officially been a year since my little Gem Gem, Gemiqua, Gemmy, Gemmifer, Gemalicious, Gemster, Gemalaya came into this crazy world. She’s been such a huge blessing to Lon, myself and especially Stellar. Generally, she’s been super chill & relaxed like Lon. Stellar’s intense & passionate about what she wants, just like her mommy:P We’ve described Gem’s look as Beiber-ish, a little Donald Trump & homeless. Her hair has quite the personality if you’ve seen it up close and personal. Even so, she has the most beautiful smile and can hold her own against her sister when she needs to with hand swats & super shrieks.

I know you’re not supposed to compare children, but I’m guessing most parents have and still do:P We’ve noticed that Gem’s taken her time with most of her development compared to Stellar. It took her most of the year to associate the word ‘mama’ directly with me, she hasn’t started to walk yet (would rather scoot on her bum), plus her first teeth took about a year to come through. But with that said, she does live up to her name, even at the ripe old age of 1. My lil’ Gem is a gem.

posted in kids,personal on May 13, 2011 | 1 comment

I came home one day after running some errands to find Lon passed out in the corner and Stellar as is. As you can see, I really don’t have to do much planning to get quirky pictures of Stellar, simply because of her natural sense of imaginary play. It’s truly amazing to watch kids create elaborate stories with very little to work with. All they really need is a cardboard box. I’ve witnessed some pretty cool cardboard box ‘houses’ set up at other homes. Most of the time, I feel that my money and efforts are wasted on gimmicky type of toys. The ones that require little to no use of imagination.

This particular day, Stellar decided to have twins. She explained to me how it was hard work carrying her babies (she’s listened in to many mommy conversations):P In addition to her twins she also had 2 other children grabbing for her attention. I tried to empathize, but I’m only a mother of 2—hehee. Miraculously, she delivered both healthy stuffed baby pandas in about two whole seconds! Yes, mommy and pandas are all doing well:) Congrats Stellar! OMG, does this mean I’m a grandma??

posted in kids,personal on May 11, 2011 | 2 comments

What a small world. The first time I met Josie’s mom Cindy, I was unaware of the connections between us. Her sister is dating an old friend from my previous Church. Plus her sister met my husband Lon from being in the same wedding party a while ago. Cindy is also a teacher who has also extended her maternity leave as did I:P Josie, her 1 yr old daughter is the sweetest thing. She’s a little girl with lots of energy and joy:) Already a baby ‘supermodel’, she’s been featured in a Babies R Us catalog. With that adorable face, I can totally understand why.

I had tons of fun on Josie’s 1st Birthday shoot. It’s amazing how fast they grow-up, especially when your attention is divided between older siblings. Which reminds me, I have yet to take 1st year photos of my own daughter Gem:P Happy 1st Birthday Josie!!! Hope this is year is double the fun:D

posted in babies on April 28, 2011 | leave a comment

Chester checking out his new baby brother.Who’s waking me up from my beauty sleep?

So happy with momma.

Sweet daddy time.

Check me out in the fur:)I had bet that baby Luke was a girl, obviously, I was wrong:P It was mostly based upon the shape of Sylvia’s baby belly. Round=a girl. Pointy=a boy. I really don’t know the origin of this ‘fact’ but it didn’t hold true in this case. However, there is no mistake in Luke being the most tiny + super fabulous baby boy I’ve seen in a while. He definitely enjoyed being photographed. A natural poser. My fave is smiling while sleeping!

Sylvia is already an amazing mother. She was very well prepared for Luke’s arrival. I even picked up some tips on how to properly separate baby clothes in drawers, needless to say, she’s gifted at organization. I’m waiting for the day she can come out with baby Luke and help me organize my house, for real. No rush Syl! lol. Just watching Sylvia with baby Luke tells me he’s incredibly loved. He’s super blessed to have such a great momma.

Daddy Gary is beyond awesome. He makes sure that Sylvia has as much rest as possible. Even though this is his first son, I can tell he’s a natural. Most nights have been spent with daddy in the rocker…way to go Gary! I’m sure Gary & Sylvia have big hopes and dreams for their little boy, but for now, eating, sleeping, peeing + pooping are at the top of their list. Welcome to the world Luke!!!

posted in babies,family on April 20, 2011 | 3 comments

Bath time ritual: take out crazy knots out of Gem’s hairrub the lucky belly:)“rubber duck’s peeing mom!”Gem enjoys the companyI believe it was at Stellar’s request to bathe together with Gem. We haven’t done it before because Gem couldn’t sit on her own for a while, and I really didn’t think the both of them would fit in the little blue Ikea bathtub. Well, surprisingly, they did. I guess that’s one of the perks of having two petite girls (totally from Lon’s gene pool) Hehee. Needless to say, they both had a blast. Plus we saved water. Bath time is now a high priority on Stellar’s ‘to do’ list.

posted in kids,personal on April 12, 2011 | 1 comment