Baby, They Are Just Jokes. Now, Stop Crying.

Larkee, When your dad and I say we are going to sell you to the gypsies because you cry a lot, we are only joking baby.

When Dad and I say we are going to put you up for auction on ebay because you cry a lot, we are only kidding baby.

When Dad and I say, we could get a lot of money for you because you are a gorgeous child, we ain't jokin'! Those blue eyes and plump cheeks are worth millions on the baby market. ;)

When Dad and I say we love you, we genuinely, sincerely, truly do.

Lark, we would never sell your sweet face (Your stinky brother maybe, but you, never! :))

You're stuck with us baby!!

A Tiger

Deep in the jungles of our backyard, (or the dirt lots close to our home) lives a very ferocious yet ever so handsome tiger...

He waits patiently for his prey...

When nothing comes he settles for a few nibbles of the neighboring flora.

This tiger is a rare species of the cat family: longlashicusfelinacus. Very rare indeed.

It is an unknown fact that tigers are actually really pensive and thoughtful animals. No joke. ;)

Tiger, Larkin, and I have been exploring our local jungles lately; I have really been enjoying our walks together.

We found this cool rock pile: I love the texture it gave this picture.

I love the blue dumpster in this one:

And, my sweetest boy in some pretty light...

Te quiero, mi tigre!!

When You're Smiling

I just went up to check on my babies, to see the rise and fall of their chests, to listen to their consistent breaths, the rush, swirl, and billow of life entering their lungs. My babes are sleeping. One dreams of Transformers the other ultra absorbent diapers. They are safe. They are sound. The house is quiet, and my heart is full.

I have been pondering the trust children have, especially babies. Trust you will do what is best for them. Trust you will nurture them. Trust you will never put them in harm's way. Trust you will love them and give them what they need unconditionally. Trust you will be there when they wake.

I love Jaren because our spirits connect; we promised to make a beautiful life built on commonalities, shared passions, respect, laughter, and understanding. I love him because has become a tremendous part of who I am.

I love my children because they are literal parts of me.

The love I feel for them transcends all boundaries of the heart; it flows and runs into every thought I have of them, every dream I wish for them, every breath I take for them.

I am inspired when I am in the presence of a mother who feels the same way about her children as I do mine.

I was witnessing something sublime:

Amanda sang sweetly, "When you're smiling, when you're smiling, the whole world smiles at you." Her baby, in some indescribable way, recognized her mother's voice and smiled tenderly, knowing it was someone she could trust, someone who would love her forever.

With bright eyes, Gianna followed her mom's every word and motion. The relationship between a child and her mother is something so delicate and divine.

On Valentine's I spent some time with a new baby and a family that is truly in love with life's beauties and in love with each other.

The main purpose for my visit was to meet this new baby. It's a wonder I don't have more children; I really do love babies. Maybe if mine were as easy as Gianna...

LOVE THIS IMAGE. Possibly my favorite... I just thought the moment was so peaceful, so still, so perfect.

She was very attentive and alert. Awake without crying? There are children out there like that? WOW! What would it be like? ;)

The trust is so evident...

Gianna, is Mike and Amanda's second child. Their first is a darling son, Nico. He welcomed me with a hug and then immediately invited me into his playroom.

Handsome, isn't he?

Word up! Gangsta!! ;) Actually he was telling me to come play with him. ;)

He is a very good boy who loves to snuggle and read. I couldn't resist the quintessential nose-picking picture. ;) These are always good for posterity.

I loved the reflection in both of these:

He is a love and is very sweet to his sister. It is a gift to have a big brother in this life.

Like myself, Amanda is enjoying the change from trains, planes, and cars to softer things.

Pink things...

A few details from Gianna's room:

Hello, Doll-Face!

Although he says he isn't a "good baby person", this picture says otherwise. A moment with Dad:

There was a white bucket in Gianna's room. Amanda was up for any idea I had...

We put the baby in the bucket. :)

At first she wasn't sure. Then she settled in nicely and was content for a long time...

Out of focus, but I LOVED this family shot. It is so true to life; there is constant motion.

I really liked this family image too. For lots of reasons: Baby Gianna is the only person really in focus (stylistically I thought that was cool), Nico is moving which is so true to his personality right now, and everyone is happy, enjoying time together. AND I like how Nico is tickling Dad's feet. ;) Cute!!

Amanda, Mike, Nico, and Gianna, I left your home on Valentine's filled with love. Thank you for sharing the morning with me. Amanda, May you enjoy the time you have at home with your little ones. May you continue to sing happiness into their lives and the hearts of others. Mike, May you see you are an outstanding father! Nico, May you always be filled with child-like love! Gianna, May you always trust those closest to you and may you continue to bless this world; welcome to it baby!!

Paint

It has been raining here. Today was the first day we were really able to get outside to play. Needless to say, Gunnar and I have gotten creative with our fun. The other day we had exhausted all of our playful outlets: trains, pirates, blocks, transformers, coloring, playdough, a swim in the bathtub, even a dance party to Mama Mia. We finally settled on some painting. When I wasn't looking G swiped my face with his brush and a new rainy day game was invented.

I did some damage on G-man.

We were laughing so hard; it was a really great moment.

This one makes me think of Lord of the Flies circa 1969.

And to illustrate my son's photography prowess I have left these pictures completely un-enhanced:

The crispness and clarity here is unbelievable:

It takes years for masters to develop composition like this:

His talent is just so raw and moving:

Gunnie, I would paint anything with you. Thanks for the colorful afternoon. xoxo Mom

Love: A Sneak Peek

Yesterday I met one of the sweetest, most mild-mannered babies ever. Here's just a peek at her...

The Valentine session was filled with a darling baby, an energetic brother, a great family, much  laughter and a tremendous amount of...

Can't wait to share more of this delicious treat!! Stay tuned...

Heart Breaker

Dream Taker, Love Maker...Don't you mess around with me... Yes, I have been teaching Gunnar the words to that song. It's actually pretty good how gravelly he can make his voice on the "Heart Breaker" part.

Yesterday, Gunnar had a HUGE playdate. His friend, Christian, was coming over for the afternoon, and Gunnar's girlfriend, Kyle, and her sister, Emmi, were coming for a sleepover.

I had big plans to get all the kids in on a Valentine shoot. Then we were going to make Valentine's for the mommies with some fun pictures. I told all the moms to bring the kids in Valentine apparel hoping to realize the grandiose plans I had constructed in my mind. (You know...perfect order, kids lining up to have their picture taken, sitting still, etc.)

I got these before everyone came...

Then once the party started the backyard and the mud were way more fun and my shoot ideas were completely thrown out the door along with everyone's clean Valentiney clothes!

I still think I got some great play date pictures though...that can be used for major embarrassment when Gunnar isn't allowed to have co-ed sleepovers anymore. Don't you think Katrina?

Gunnar invites all of his dates in for a shower. ;) (Seriously, they were so muddy I had no other choice!!)

May you all have a happy, healthy, clean, :) and kissable Valentine's day!!