Archive for the ‘Mine’ Category
I recently photographed some In the Rose Garden dresses and it was so fun to see these cuties in them! The fabrics are so fun and vibrant and they are just perfect for your little princess. Isn’t it SO much fun to dress up little girls? I adore my son, and when I find cute boy things it rocks, but there is just something so fun to dressing up a little girl. My Addison has even learned how to say, “Preee-ty”, and often says it over and over as she touches dresses and clothes. It starts young, people!
Check out the beautiful designs at In the Rose Garden for yourself!
cali cousins (orange county ca child photographer)
July 6, 2010“Siblings–the definition that comprises love, strife, competition and forever friends.”
~Byron Pulsifer
We traveled to California for the long weekend to visit family. These three are my adorable cousins, and it was so.much.fun to see them again.
It had been awhile–the last I saw them, I was pregnant with Jackson. My children had never met them, so I was so happy for everyone to be together. In my mind’s eye, they were small children that loved to run around, hunting for bugs and sweetly coloring at a table. I got to know three very much older-acting tweens (and a teen) this weekend.
D, the oldest, I quickly discovered loves all things aquatic. He is intelligent and curious.
The lone girl in between two brothers, S, still loves to be creative and has such a sweet, mothering side. She happily chased after Addie as she ran from room to room and watched out for her the whole weekend. 
Little S is the kind-hearted, banana-loving (his nickname is Monkey) younger bro. He loves donuts with sprinkles and can row a mean paddle board. 
It was a fabulous feeling to get to know my cousins all over again in these new stages of their lives. We had a blast and stayed busy the whole weekend. How fun that we now live on the same side of the country. Thanks for showing us SUCH a wonderful time!!
xoxo,
laura
“A vacation is like love – anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia.”
~Author Unknown
My family and I are taking a much-needed vacation to Cali from Thursday, July 1st until Tuesday, July 6th. I will be checking emails intermittently, but will probably be slow to get back to you. Clients, all orders will be processed upon my return. If you email with an inquiry and do not hear from me in a timely manner, be sure that I will get back to you as soon as we get back next week. Thanks so much and have a fabulous 4th of July!!
{snapshot of my little man enjoying the beach two years ago…*sigh*…how time flies!}
xoxo,
laura
“A well tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
~Oscar Wilde
Here is a giveaway for the little dude in your life! Check out the fab ties from Baby B Boutique!
TO ENTER:
Simply visit Baby B Boutique, come back here and leave a comment with your name and tell us what is your favorite Baby B Boutique accessory!
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page. Come back here + leave a comment with your name and saying you did so.
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
Become a fan of Baby B Boutique on Facebook (search Baby B Tutu Boutique). Come back here and let us know you did!
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
“Heart” Baby B Boutique on Etsy as a favorite, come back here and leave a comment with your name and that Baby B Boutique is now a fave!
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and write a comment with your name and a link to your blog.
The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Monday, June 7th, so check back to find out if it is YOU!
xoxo,
laura
my little sweetie (phoenix baby photographer)
May 10, 2010I took my sweet baby girl out to a new fave location to photograph her in the ahhh-dorable dress from designer Lover Dovers. Can you even stand the cuteness in her shop? I mean, you can get an Alice in Wonderland dress for your daughter AND her baby doll! LOVE!!
*Sigh* My baby is growing up.
Beanie hat + flower from the talented Mia of Dolce Vita Mia.
fab fun around the valley for kiddos : az museum for youth (phoenix child photographer)
April 26, 2010So, when we moved here two and a half years ago, Jack was just over a year old. We joined a meetup, made some amazing friends and got out and did things. A lot. I remember the girls and I having to make a point to schedule time to stay at home just so we could get housework done–that was how often we did things! Things slowed down a bit when Addison was born, but I am back to enjoying a packed calendar with tons of fun things to do with my children. I love exposing them to awesome new places and experiences, and love when they can “get their wiggles out”. And hey, let’s be honest–I also love when the added bonus is that they get all tuckered out and take awesome naps so mommy can get work done. I am always on the lookout for new places, but we also have quite a few regular favorites.
This blog feature–which I hope to make a regular one–was born after chatting with a fellow mom wondering what things there were to do around town. I actually get asked this same question quite a bit from my clients that have just become moms. There is so, so very much to take advantage of around the Valley. Get out and further enrich your child’s life and spend some quality time learning something new–or just push them on a swing with the breeze blowing through your hair at a park you’ve never been to!
First up is one of my faves–Jack LOVES it, and so do I. The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is located in downtown Mesa and has inside of it a place called Artville. Oh, Artville, how we love thee…particularly on blazing summer days. Artville is an interactive play area for children ages birth-5 years old. I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass as it can quickly add up if you go there a lot. Children under a year are free, and there is a great little padded play area for kiddos under one. It has mirrors for them to look in and soft little hills for them to crawl over. The exhibits in the actual museum rotate (right now there is Play Ball, there is also Sounds like Art right now).
This photo gives you an idea of how long we have been going to Artville…doesn’t my now-three year old look so little here?
If you head out to Artville, or are already a regular, I would love to know how you love it too! Leave me a comment to share your own experiences!
xoxo,
laura
iphone friday (phoenix photographer)
February 26, 2010“Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.”
~Menachem Mendel Schneerson
One. So hard to believe. My sweet Addison is one today. Everyone tells you how fast time flies, but it is hard to really feel what they are talking about until you experience it yourself. I have a mixture of emotions today. I am sad that my baby is growing up, I am happy for her smiling little face, I feel content that we made it through that first, wonderful year that is also filled with challenges–a year of many sleepless nights trying to help her figure out a sleep schedule, countless hours of nursing, teething and getting used to having two very young children. See, though, it is hard to call these “challenges”, because as I write this I just see the amazing blessing. All those nights spent up with Addison in the wee hours of the night nursing her each time she awoke were precious, quiet moments that I got to spend with her and only her. Moments that I already long for and miss. I *almost* want to wake her up some nights just to rock her. Notice I say almost. Sleep can happen when I’m old. Right now I have my beautiful children. My mind travels back to laboring with her and wanting so badly to bring her into the world with peace and love and calmness and being present. Realizing as she lie next to me in the still of the night with her big, wide eyes staring back at me and not making a sound, that THIS is how it is supposed to be. THESE are the amazing first moments of having a baby. Not being drugged up, not tears and sadness, not fear and worry, not wires and ventilators or not holding your baby for ten days. Addison, you healed me. I saw that those first days can be relaxing and exhilarating. You make me so happy and I feel so incredibly blessed to have both you and your brother. I love the relationship the two of you already have–you one and Jackson three. Wow. I have a one year old and a three year old. How did that happen?! The past three hundred and sixty five days have been nothing short of spectacular, my love. Here’s to enjoying the joy of a million more.
all the love in the world,
mommy
will you be our valentine? (phoenix children’s photographer)
February 14, 2010
“I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.”
~Author Unknown
Happy Valentine’s Day! Last night we had a little incident. Jackson was a bit confused, and it just broke my heart. You see, in the month leading up to Christmas we had Nemo the Elf staying with us so he could watch over Jack and Addie and then report back to Santa. When Christmas was over, Bob thought it best that Jack’s “buddies” (his tattered, extremely well loved bear that he has had since he was born) go back to the North Pole with Nemo. After a few days and seeing that Jack very much missed his Buddies, I decided that he should return. Fast forward to last night, when I hear Jack sobbing in his bed. When I went to his room, he said, “Maybe if I hide buddies behind my back or in the bathroom Cupid won’t take him!”
I guess Cupid, in the mind of a three year old, is much like Nemo the Elf. Apparently he takes children’s lovies. How sad! He broke my heart hearing his concern and saddness. I of course reassured him that no one would take his beloved buddies and that he would be with us for some time. All was well, and Jack happily asked where Cupid was this morning.
Happy Valentine’s Day, folks.
thinking of ava
February 5, 2010“A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep.”
~Ilene Woods (Cinderella)
I never met her Ava. I never got to see the energy and the spunk with which I know she lived. I, like so very many others in this world, feel like I know her, though. Sweet Ava the Superprincess, given to heaven three years ago today. My thoughts are filled with her today. I photograph my daughter and think of her. Think of the many times that Ava’s mother photographed her and her beautiful smile. What an amazing blessing to have those magical images. I think of her as I watch my son running and jumping. He is three, the same age that Ava shall forever remain. I feel the need to do something to honor her life, to honor the unspeakable pain her family must feel.
Especially today.
I will hug my children tighter and laugh more today. I will say prayers for a strong mother who is living a different sort of life without her beloved Ava.
If you don’t know Ava’s story, grab a box of tissues and prepare to be changed. Moved. Broken. Sheye Rosemeyer writes with such eloquence and unadulterated emotion about a life changing experience no parent should ever have to live through. She wants to share Ava with the world, and she does so with not only her beautiful words but with her truly breathtaking photographs. Sweet Ava. On my mind…
I think of you as I hear the giggles of my own children. Your laughter lives on.
thinking hard, random facts about me!
November 2, 2009“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
~Mother Teresa
So, I have had the pleasure of being tagged to write ten interesting things about myself by an awesome blogger (Christi of Peepadeedle) that I have been following for awhile now. She is a blogger to be jealous of. Christi blogs every.single.day. and I love to drool over the amazing and interesting photos of her two boys. They really are such handsome boys–go see for yourself! Christi is who I got the idea from to make my personal blog into a book from blurb.com . This is her post that got me excited about blogging the daily happenings of my children. Isn’t that book awesome?! So, thanks, Christi! Here goes…
1. I am an army brat and have lived in ten states, two countries and the District of Columbia. Up until my sophomore year in high school, I never lived anywhere for longer than two years. I started my freshman year at a school with 5000 students in it outside of Washington, DC and only lived there for ten months before moving again. It was a challenging year.
2. Mother Teresa rode in a Ford Astro Minivan. She came to the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, on the campus where I went to college. We saw her during mass, but as we were leaving out a side door, we saw her walking right by us with a group of nuns. She looked at us, put her hands together in prayer and slightly bowed. Such a huge soul in such a small woman. She got into the minivan and they drove away.
3. I swam competitively on swim teams beginning at the age of ten and in college. I would have loved to have started earlier, but my mom understandably wasn’t sure if I was serious about it. I can’t blame her, you should have seen me try to play soccer.
4. I once met Montell Jordan (one hit wonder from the 90’s, “This is How We Do It”) in a Burger King in Amsterdam. He was seriously rude. Maybe he was just on something. It was Amsterdam, after all.
5. In college, I interned at the Department of State. I worked in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Chemical, Biological and Missile Nonproliferation. I had to obtain a Secret security clearance before I could work there. I found out I got the internship while I was living in Spain. It was comical trying to explain to the Spanish authorities why I needed to have an FBI fingerprint chart done. I did learn the Spanish word for fingerprints, though.
6. When we moved to Louisiana, some things were like learning a new language. I mean, I ask those of you not from New Orleans to explain to me the following things: Lagniappe, mirliton, Tchoupatoulous, neutral ground, makin’ groceries, “dressed” and mom-n-ems. We miss it.
7. My little sis and I are almost nine year apart. I was so happy the day she was born that I leapt across the sidewalk and screamed out loud. I had been hoping for her for some time. I made a bet with my dad that she was a girl. I was a wimp–I only bet a penny. Man, I could have been rich.
8. I’m a cat person. Well, we had a dog named Ranger when I was little but…I have had cats for awhile now. The cats I’ve gotten since I met my hubby have been named after places…Petey (St. Petersburg), Sara (Sarasota) and NOLA (New Orleans). We’re not all that original. I’m sure there are ten thousand other people in New Orleans that have pets named NOLA. I know there were at least 5 at our vet in Louisiana. Our NOLA lived through Hurricane Katrina. When we returned to our home after the storm, we thought for sure she and her mama didn’t make it. I mean, you didn’t even hear birds or see any bugs. She made it, though. We took her in after that. Oh, and Sara turned out to be a boy, so he is now Mister Sara.
9. My mother and I traveled to Paris together in 2005 and it was such a memorable trip. I had been to Paris several times before, but never had it held such charm for me. It must have been the company. While at the hotel there, I got stuck in an over-capacity elevator. I had to go to the bathroom really bad, too. The two German tourists with their entire house stuffed into their luggage started freaking out. I lived in Germany for three years, but there was no way I could even make out one word of what they were saying. They were quite excited. We ended up having to climb out in between floors. I just kept hoping two things–that the elevator wouldn’t start up while I was trying to climb out, and that I could get to a bathroom soon.
10. I taught high school Spanish for seven years. Thanks to my hard working hubby, I am able to stay home with my two beautiful children now. Thanks, babe. I am blessed to be able to see their smiling faces every single day and to be able to do photography as well. My family is amazing.
Okay, so now I feel really vain for writing so much about myself. Sorry! Now, for those I’m tagging, here are the rules:
1. Say thanks and give a link to the one who gave you the award.
2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.
3. Present this award to 3 other fantastically brilliant blogs of content or design, or peeps that have encouraged you.– I tag Mia at Dolce Vita Mia, Kim from TomKat Studio and Lyndsay Stradtner of Life In Motion Photography.
4. Tell those 3 people they’ve been awarded and make sure they’re informed of these guidelines.
And, because a post is always more interesting with a picture, here is an old “turn around” snapshot of my sissy and I. I love the pink-ish shades I was rockin’.
