What the holidays should be about...Part II

In the last post about Enid's family (see http://kristinesoares.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-holidays-should-be-about.html), I mentioned that this is a family of very strong, independent women. What I didn't mention, is that they are also raising them this way right from start. Meet our next sister, Liz and her 2 year old daughter Kaylin.

Liz was really laid back. You could tell that she was in control of what was going on with Kaylin, but she wasn't afraid of letting Kaylin explore and find things out for her own. That's a sign of a really good mother. You always want to protect your kids, but we shouldn't hover. Kids need to make mistakes in order to learn and being independent early on can be a very positive thing for their future. Kaylin, is absolutely adorable. She enjoyed throwing leaves and playing with her Barney doll. Barney songs, are luckily in my repertoire, so we could get some of these smiles!

Onto another young lady, Isabel.

Isabel is a little fashionista in the making, but she is also a rough and tumble kind of girl. Something tells me that Isabel will no doubt be determined in achieving anything she sets her mind to in the future. 

 

Last, but not least, London.

I've talked before, about how pets really are our family. They love us unconditionally, they get excited when we come home and they can be a shoulder to lean on when we need them. I was so happy to hear that Jennie wanted Isabel to bring her dog along for the shoot. London, was energetic, but not overly neurotic. I was able to get some very sweet shots of her even looking in the same direction.

 

I just wanted to thank all of you who were a part of this incredible shoot. I had so much fun getting to know your family and hope I can see you all again soon!

What the holidays should be about

I thought it would be fitting to blog about family, given the holidays coming up. I had the great opportunity to photograph my friend Jennie Dee's family (http://kristinesoares.blogspot.com/2011/10/diamonds-are-girls-best-friend.html). Jennie had said her mom, Enid, has been wanting to do a family shoot for awhile now, so it was time to gather the troops and meet up at Shedd Park in Lowell. Little did we know, that there was a bicycle race going on that day, so we were limited with locations to shoot. That didn't stop us from having a ton of fun.

With just about any family, there has to be a matriarch. In this family, it's clear that Enid, holds this family together. Within just a couple of hours of meeting her, I could tell that family is the most important thing in her life. She and I discussed that it's not even about being blood-related, family is made up of all our loved ones. That's something that rings true to my heart, since my own stepmother instilled that in me when I was growing up. And after hanging out with Enid, I felt like a part of her family too!

 

This is one family made up of strong, beautiful women. There are four sisters, four sisters who truly love each other.

First, there is Jennie. I've only known her for a short while now, but she and I clicked right away. She's incredibly vivacious, witty and easy to get along with. Oh, and did I forget to mention her great fashion sense?

Jennie, brought her husband Joe. He was such a good sport. I don't know many men that enjoy having their picture taken, but he survived! Jennie and Joe have been together for 10 years and they still have such a great connection. You can clearly see it in these pictures.

 

Next, we have Ciara. I couldn't believe what a natural she was in front of the camera. Some people can take a little while to warm up and get comfortable, not Ciara! She was ready as soon as I picked up my camera. Giving me great smile, after great smile. She is super funny and I can tell is a great sister to have.

I will continue with Enid's family in Part II. There's more to come, including why I love when people add their pets to their family photos! 

My Little Guy

 Hi there!

This post is going to be a little biased, since it's all about my favorite little boy, my son.

 

Matthew is my first and only child (well for now anyway). I knew from moment he was born (5 weeks early by the way), that he was going to have such a big personality.

Now 14 months later, as he enters into full toddler mode, he is proving that I was/am right.  Matthew starts his day off with a smile as soon as you walk into his room. He has such a sense of humor for a little kid. He's had it since he was about 8 weeks old. He laughs at all the punchlines, he does his own physical comedy, he already is a star in my eyes.

 
 

Watching him become this awesome little person, has been such a blessing. I am lucky enough to stay home with him every day, so it allows me to be a part of each new thing he learns/explores.  He's finding his favorite things to do, that have now become routine in our house. 

We have to go our favorite park at least 2x a week

We go to a farm just about every weekend. And of course he must choose a big pumpkin!

Filling and emptying baskets/buckets

Helping Daddy on the farm

                                                                                                            

Reading. And if we find a cat, it's a bonus

And overall, he just loves being home. Where he has lots of room outside to run, see cool animals and get dirty!

I love my little Leo, he is such a joy to have in my life.

One proud Mama signing off.  Until next time!