Sunshine and Smiles

Sunny days come few and far between around here, but we've been lucky to see the sun and enjoy some warm weather lately. Seems like any time the sun comes out, we make a fast dash to a waterfront - usually one of our two favorite spots: Alki Beach and Browns Point Park. The kids love it, and have smiles plastered on their faces for hours!

There's nothing better than these kinds of days - we get a chance to get away from the grind, and our busy lives, and just enjoy each other, the warmth, and the beautiful views.

My husband catches great shots of the awesome scenery (photo credit to him for those shots below); and the girls give me tons to work with, always ready when the camera comes out.

Neglect

I've neglected my blog and photography lately..bad.

My only excuse is that I've been thoroughly enjoying maternity leave and spending time with my precious son, and my sweet daughters who suddenly seem so grown up. Nothing is more rewarding, and I'm savoring every minute I get to spend at home before returning to work, and getting back to the grind. When the time comes, and I have to get back to my old routine, the camera will come out again and take pictures of people and things other than my home and family :). I'm excited - the blog needs a revamp, and my long break has tons of ideas running around in my head.

In the meantime, I'll be neglecting this for a little while longer for these three munchkins who steal my heart every day.

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

I'm happy to announce that my little man is finally here! He's perfect in every way, and once again, I am amazed that I can love this child as much as my other children, when I didn't ever think it was possible to love any one person that much! Our hearts' capacity to love is truly immeasurable. Our baby boy is only 5 days old, and already, I can't imagine what life could've been like without him. He is his sisters' (and parents, of course) pride and joy, and they're thrilled he's here.

His dad gave him his first name, and three middle names after it! Baby Israel was born on April 9th at 9:35 am, and weighed in at a good 8 lbs 12 oz, and measured 21 inches long. Here are a few photos of our newest addition, who melts our hearts every time we set eyes on him!

Thank Heaven for Little Boys :)

Israel @ 1 day old...





And @ 2 days old with his daddy and big sister Eden...


And one with his angel of a grandma, "G-Mom"...


Puckering up!


4 days old with his big sister Taimane...


5 days old :)






My heart is truly full, and I am SO very thankful for my precious bundle of JOY!

Growing too fast!

In a few weeks, our family will grow by 1, and we will welcome our baby boy into our crazy household :). It seems like just yesterday we were bringing our girls home for the first time, and now they're toddlers, approaching school faster than I can believe. My husband constantly says that they will be the best big sisters ever, and I'd have to agree - they're ecstatic for a baby brother!

I wish I could slow time down sometimes; they've definitely grown way too fast for me. It's always so special to me to see that while they bicker as sisters often do, they're the best of friends too. I hope they always stay that way. ♥





Lately, Eden's been quite the ham and jumps in front of the camera any chance she gets, while Taimane couldn't be bothered most of the time..lol!

I ♥...

+ breakfast in bed.
+ pre-Valentine's Day dinners at the Crab Pot.
+ delicious dinners made by my hubby - beats having to fight the crowds, and yummier than a restaurant.
(yes - in general, i ♥ food. lol)
+ handmade Valentine's Day cards made by my baby girls, and how their faces light up with smiles and pride at their little pieces of art.
+ flowers when I don't expect it.
+ a day of endless "I Love You's" and "Happy 'ValenTIME's Day!" from my favorite people in the world.

And I'm thankful for...
+ lots and lots of l o v e.

Lucky me, this Valentine's Day :).

A Year in Review: 2009

It's hard to believe the last day of 2009 is here! And what a year it's been - both personally and professionally for me. In June of this year, I decided to pursue photography - a quiet desire I'd had for a long time. I was nervous to start, and didn't know how things would turn out, but I never would've imagined I'd learn so much, meet so many great new people, and find a certain kind of happiness in doing something I loved, and sharing it with others. On a personal level, I am blessed with an extra-supportive husband, daughters who light up my life, and a baby boy on his way. I couldn't ask for more.

In review, here are some of my favorite images of 2009. Thank you family, friends, colleagues and clients for your support and for making this year so special! I'm excited to see what new challenges and opportunities 2010 brings, and can't wait for all that's in store. Manuia le Tausaga Fou (Happy New Year)!