Personal Diaries :: Everyday stay-at-home-mom

Over the last 22 months, one thing for sure about being a mother, every day is a different story.  Even with a routine, perhaps you have plans, then you have to bail for some reason i.e. nap time, sick baby, etc.  My little toddler is an early bird (6:15am) there are no sleep in's, although if he's sick, my husband and I might get an extra 30 minutes (I know right?  not much but I'll take it!).  My pre-motherhood days, I can now understand why once you become a mother, life is not the same (in a good way), all your free time is limited (so you pick and choose whether a girls night out, or reading a book..) and it can be pretty tiring.

Our typical mornings start with breakfast followed by some dancing.    We love listening and dancing to music; gives us lots of energy and exercise.  Although I do make it to the gym few days a week for "me" time too.  Then a few days a week I enjoy the company of my momma friends.  We sometimes rotate each others house or meet in a public place.  I honestly would not know what to do without my "momma friends" they are the BEST!  I think it is important to socialize about our kids/life and exchange parenting tips.  The remaining time we read, relax, run errands, go to the library and sometime do absolutely nothing. 

At the end of the day, sometimes I feel the day has gone by fast when its filled with things to do.  While other days, it can seem long.  Sometime I am tired and wonder when I get a break, right? LOL  Having a baby has completely change my life and I would not take back a single second or change a thing about it.   My life would not be complete without him, I love him to pieces.

This is the perfect quote: "The joy of motherhood comes in moments.  There will be hard times.  But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."  Elder M Rusell Ballard 

Here are some photographs from our "lazy, chilling" mornings a few weeks ago.   I can't believe he'll be two VERY soon, OMG!

 

 

Sunshine State :: W Family

I've mentioned this before...its sooo NICE to have family in the south especially when you live in the cold.  Not just cold for a month, from October to April...brrrr...I can't wait for spring to get here.

My aunt, uncle and little cousins, I love so much.  My aunt who is an Registered Nurse (RN), has always been my role model since I was a little girl.  I wanted to be a nurse just like her.  Of all the brothers and sisters coming to North America during the Vietnam war, my aunt had the opportunity to pursue an education.  Everyone is truly proud of her and I am too. 

Now, every time I visit,  I feel at home; informal, home cooked Lao/Thai (oh yeah hitting the spot).  Both my aunt and uncle are very good chefs.  I almost never want to leave the warmth of the sun, the company and food but I have a hubby to miss.

Here is their family session as a huge thank you for all the years I have been coming here.  Love you all XOXO

I still remember 'my little' cousins when they were babies, time has flown.

 

I love this photography, Miss M loves her funny faces

 

My beautiful aunt!

Love this one of the two of them too

 

Miss M is just gorgeous...she could be a model!

 

My favorite photograph... I love the lighting especially.

 

Mr.C going to be in high school next year, holy!

 

I know the years are going to fly when my son and I have a photo like this taken.  He no longer has the cute toes, hands, adorable voice...

 

There she is again with the funny faces.

XOXO

Miss M :: Beach Session :: Fort Lauderdale

Perks for living in the cold and having a winter birthday, I always get to blow the candles on the cake in the warm weather.  This year I decided to see my family.  My son and I left Boston on my actual birth day, as soon as I got to my aunt's door, there was a Happy Birthday Banner followed by a surprise cake and presents.  I was already in good spirits receiving some fabulous news and this was just the perfect icing to the cake. 

Miss M, I refer to as my 'little cousin' because of our age difference.  We always have fun together; we paint our nails, updo our hair, watch movies, snack on sugar, go shopping, bake, you name it.

I wanted to do a photo session for my little cousin as a thank you gift.  Now a session in Florida wouldn't be much fun without the beach.  When you see her pictures, you'll also see how could not resist photographing her...she's a beauty!  Just a gorgeous girl!  I hope if I have a daughter she will look just like her :D  Did I mention Miss M LOVES the camera?

 

 

Baby Bump Beauty + J Family

I've been very excited to post this beautiful, glowing momma + bump (due mid-March), her hubby and sweet daughter! Of course it took A LOT longer than I anticipated to blog.  I really love maternity sessions.  We were lucky to have such a mild morning in the middle of January...completely green (can't complain, right?!)  I can't wait to meet Baby K when she arrives!!!  She's going to be a beauty just like her mom, dad and big sister :)

{love} family bond time

Aweeeee Miss K...

 

She's pretty excited to be a big sister and she will make a great one!

 There is such a sweetness in her eyes...

 

Let's get on our shoes...

One of my favorite J family picture!

 

LOVED this idea, marching band!

 

Sooo cute

Just stunning!  I heard a wive's tale when women are pregnant with a baby girl, they apparently take away a mother's beauty, I DON'T THINK SO!  Not even close!

 

Have I mentioned how much I love photo shooting outdoors? LOL

 

Funny faces do make great photographs?!

 LOVE LOVE LOVE

 Can't wait to meet you Baby Kate! xx

Four Generations of Love

Katie contacted me early fall to book a session unfortunately with busy work schedules we were not able to a session.  However she did mentioned that over the holidays they were having four generations of family together and wanted to treasure this moment (which would be a gift to her mother in-law, how sweet huh?), including her brother who lives overseas and had not been home in 3 years.

As soon as I walked in the door, everyone was so welcoming, it reminded me of my mom's family; large, sweet and so close.  My grandmother had 12 children, crazy to think that many kids but times are different.  It was so nice that this family was willing to go outside to take some 'snow' photographs and I must say they turned out pretty.

Thank you for inviting me to your family's beautiful home and asking me to capture this special time for you Katie!

How gorgeous is her mother in-law's house?

Their beautiful decorated Christmas tree...this has gotta be my most favorite time of the year (maybe except the long winter months)

Love this family!

These next two have to be one of my favorite photographs of grandma and great nana...soo sweet

Special bond with Grandma and Grandpa...

Now we head outside...

Katie's brother and sister-in law <3 p="">

I love Baby N's face...he's too cute!

Check out the vintage wooden sled...

I just love this photo of Katie, her husband her her son!!!  The lighting was just magical at 3pm or so.

Grandma and Baby N....awwwwwwwwwwww...

Four Generations: Baby N, his dad, his grandpa and his great grandpa.  Everyone tried to make Baby N to laugh and smile, I think he's was pretty tired at this point (past nap time).

Of course, the ladies.