Siblings.

One of the most important gifts in my life, is having my brother. When I was pregnant with Noah, one of the happiest thoughts I had, was that Sophia would have a sibling. The importance of my brother in my life goes beyond words.

When Noah was born, Sophia accommodated to the change the best way she could. She still saw him as a rarity. She acknowledged his presence, but didn’t interact with him much. Now that he’s more aware, more awake, she loves having him around. She loves when I lay him on her bed, when I put him on the swing and she can dance and sing to him, or when I am feeding him, and she can sit on the carpet to read his books or play with his toys. Keeping us company.

This week I made a video of the two of them, as well as some photos. I put her in his crib, and it was one of the sweetest things I have seen. I adore my children to death, and would do anything for them. Unconditionally.

This week’s project goes to a traditional celebration of Tampa Bay: Gasparilla. It’s a celebration of the Pirates arriving to the bay, and typically, beads are thrown from the floats that pass through Bayshore Boulevard. Sophia and Dave went to the children’s parade last weekend, and unfortunately, we did not make it to the big parade yesterday, like we used to do when we were younger; but, we did remember such a fun tradition of the city we live in by watching our little girl! Sophia was totally into it, talking pirate and all. To the point where she wore a pirate costume, named herself Issy, and posed for my weekly project. So fun.

Here are three adorable siblings I photographed in December. They were so sweet and good throughout the shoot! I have to say, photographing children is such a blessing

This week’s photo, or photos in this case, go to my Mom. Saying good bye to someone is never easy, but saying good bye to my mom is one of the hardest things I have to do. She left Wednesday. I know, realistically, she’s only a plane ride away, and with technology, I get to speak to her every day. But the space distance feels extreme sometimes. Especially because I have two children and hate that both Dave and I live away from our parents. Still, this time she came to help me with Noah… and boy, does she help me. Sometimes to the point where I had to get mad and tell her to STOP helping. She is such a wonderful human being; a caring mother, an extraordinary friend, an outstanding family member, and a role model as a woman. I do not know what I would do without her… even in the distance that separates us now. She’s the person I fight to be, and the best Mom life could have given me.

I Love you, Mamashita. You are so dear to my heart, and to Dave and Noah and Sophia. We will never have enough words to express how special and amazing you are.

Thank you, from all that I am.

So, my computer decided to die last week. Not the funnest way to start the year, but I do believe everything happens for a reason. It forced me to invest in a newer computer, that I am sure will help my business (and my life) inmensely.

That is the reason I didn’t post week two last week. Thus, I am making two posts this week.

Week 2

Noah turned 12 weeks.

It may seem absurd to some, but counting the weeks on your children makes their growth seem so fast! I cannot believe my little boy is already three months. It makes me happy that he’s healthy and so loved. Here he is! My little handsome boy.

Hello 2012! So much buzz going around about the Mayan predictions of the end of the world, and all that comes to mind, is that the world – and life itself – is just going through changes. Do I believe the world will end? No. But it also depends on how you describe END of the world. Will life as we know it end? perhaps. Nobody knows. What I do believe is that it’s always a good time to reflect and to make some changes of your own. I have been thinking a lot about my goals for the year, and I really don’t like to set myself up for failure with “new year resolutions”. Instead, I like to give myself challenges, and give myself the chance to achieve at least half of them.

This New Year’s Eve, my Dad and Mom were in town. I feel so lucky, and so blessed to have the family I have. But the reason I bring it up, is because my Dad did a very sweet exercise with my nephews; he asked them to think about their new year objectives. And we are talking about kids, no older than 10. It was so awesome to watch my Dad work with them with such enthusiasm and truthful interest. So I came up with an objective of my own. Something I knew would challenge me, but something I knew wouldn’t be impossible to commit to. Yes, I want to exercise; yes, I want to work on my patience; yes, I want to have a more positive outlook on life. But all those usually make me feel a bit disillusioned when I look back at the end, and know I didn’t really feel committed to them as I should’ve been. I am taking my talent, my hobby, and my work, to create a challenge that reflects my life, my work, and most of all, my loved ones.

Each week, I will pick an event and a person (or people) that marked that specific week for me, and I will post at least one photo of said event. I think it will be fantastic to open my blog on New Year’s Eve 2012, and look back at so many wonderful things and people that surround me. Like an in-your-face reality check. So with no further a due, here it is!

WEEK 1

My Dad.

The man whom I know will love me no matter what. Who has stood by me in my darkest hours. And whom I cherish so very deeply. I have made so many mistakes, but he still looks at me with pure love and trustfor better times. A father is that solid strength that guides you with the vision that I think men are gifted with. A rationale that us women sometimes forget because we are so ruled by our emotions. My dad is admirable. And even after his own mistakes and faults, he has turned into such an imperative part of my life.

I am sharing three photos for this week’s challenge. One, is my Dad in his element. At the beach. With his favorite sunglasses, looking out into the distance. His satisfied smile, his reading glasses and the greys of his hair, symbolize a life well lived, and a wisdom of experience.

The second photo is my dad and Sophia. She is walking toward him, and he waits in the distance. This image is very special to me. That is my dad. Always there, waiting with open arms.

And the third photo is my dad with Noah. The way he adores my little boy, is simple love. The care with which he held him, and looked at him, is something that will be present in my mind forever.

My Dad is the best dad, and the best grand dad. I love him, and will keep fighting to make him proud.

After four months, I finally have Noah’s nursery ready! Two gorgeous gallery wraps, and just one more missing (that will be taken when he’s six months), and it’s ready. Here it is!

Well, well, well…. looks like our House Elf Snowflake has been to the movies a bit too much and switched from Team Santa to Team Edward! Good choice by the way, Snowflake, but I’m afraid that’s a little inappropriate for a Christmas Elf. You’re better off sticking to your fellow Elves and North Pole creatures

So, she found what she was looking for… and decided to swoon, like any teenage girl (or grown-up married-with-children woman) would do…

Then, she wasted no time, and climbed up the ladder to get a better view of her dreamboat-sparkling vamp!

But it looks like her shock at seeing Edward in the flesh is too much, and she almost falls off the ladder…. Good safe there, Snowflake!

But then she gets frisky and…. gets him out of the box for some lovin’ (photo for contest)

But it’s too late. Edward’s already married and has a demon child. Poor Snowflake has no chance with him whatsoever, so the only thing left to do, is drink her sorrows away

THE END.

If you’re wondering what’s going on, I am entering the photo of Snowflake and Edward out of the box at The inappropriate Elf Contest over at Baby Rabies So please, head on there and VOTE FOR ME! First place price? An iPad 2.

I also thought It would be fun to poke fun to such a sweet Christmas tradition that we have started this year, and that my daughter is totally and completely into!

To those who love Twilight… enjoy! To those who hate it.. Enjoy too! I like to poke fun at both sides, anyway.

Merry Christmas, and remember to be good… those little elves are watching you!

Here’s a sneak at what I’m currently working on… ADORABLE siblings, are ADORABLE!

This family was such a blast to shoot! Not just because the have the most adorable six-month old twin boys, but because they were such a joy to meet. I’m happy to post these photos, because I had the hardest time picking the best… it’s so awesome when that happens!