Marble Game James

James with his obsession, Quadrilla.

Mamiya 7ii; can't recall film; RPL

Two years ago today a 6lb 12oz 19 inch miracle came into the world and introduced me to Absolute Joy. I've never recovered.

From this:

To This:

My Boys & Me

Don't have too many of these with both my cuties. I just had to post it.

Jamer Time

James' cousins call him "Jamers". He's been having a fantastic time hanging with Zebi and Orion since they arrived with Aunt Shasha Monday night. Tonight he climbed in bed with them and watched them as they played their computer games (photos pending). I can only imagine what technological device will have my son's eyes glued to the screen when he's old enough. For now I simply enjoy witnessing James grow more and more every day into a little person who interacts with others, chooses the books he wants me to read him, is intrigued by the garbage truck, and who is learning that "give kisses" doesn't mean "give headbutts".

I haven't been able to catch James' attention that often when the camera is front of me because, well, I guess he's over it. However, I was able to capture a few moments this past weekend, one of which is a real gem, eye contact and all (the blog really warps the image of its quality but you get the picture).

Trip to the Fire Station

It was a big deal. James and I went for a walk through the neighborhood and ended up outside of the Venice Fire Department. The garage doors were open and I saw one man meandering around. After introducing ourselves I asked if it would be alright if we took a look around. The fireman was very nice and gave us a tour of the garage and the numerous trucks. Of course James was in heaven, especially when he told him it was alright to sit in the truck; he even raise the seat up so that my boy could look out.

Taking a look at these photos does not do the event justice. James looks borderline miserable in some of them, but I PROMISE he had a blast!

More Film ~ Contax 645

Taryn and Olive came to stay with us for a few days because my sister had a conference to attend down in Dana Point. We got some good time together and aside from the whining, bullying, aversion to sharing, etc, it was a fun trip. We were able to make it up to Malibu a couple of times where we enjoyed the sun, the beach and of course a little shopping. We'll have to give O and J some more time to really be able to play together but at least they got in some practice. We miss you already!

As a sidenote, I got back some film I took with my new Contax 645 and am in love. I definitely need more practice but am smitten with what I was able to capture. I'll be attending Jonathan Canlas' 'Film Is Not Dead' workshop in July and am really excited about learning more from someone so inspiring. I'm a bit nervous too! Below are some images taken with the Contax 645 of Taryn and Olive's trip, along with some family stuff of the boys.

Contax T3

Not so long ago I got a Contax T3, a small point-and-shoot that takes film. I heard this is a really great camera and figured this might lead me back to including film in my life. These are scans of some of the photos I got back from my first 2 rolls of film, one black and white, one color. The black and white was shot in pretty low light with high ISO, so some of it is pretty grainy, but I must say I love the look of film more and more.


The photo below was taken (obviously) after a lot of rain in Los Angeles. James was super excited to strap on his boots and go exploring. He would all but submerge his face in every puddle he came across and certainly couldn't contain the splashing. His expression below exemplifies what he looked like 75% of our walk. Every time he splashed himself in the face with water, he was both excited and surprised!




Fran and his mom, the real, in person, Gjelina.
Ok, I think my husband looks pretty good here. Agreed?

Fran loves this pose with the kids:

My First Baby

He's not so little anymore! James fell off the front porch last face first onto the rim of a potted plant. Ouch! I was about 5 feet away but unable to catch him in time. I can still hear the "thud" from his noggin' greeting the ceramic pot. We iced him up (something he wasn't very fond of), gave him his binky (even though he's been binky-free for a about a week now), let him watch Builder Bob, and checked on him throughout the night to ensure no concussion. The egg on his forehead has subsided but the area around his eye is red and puffy...could quite possibly turn into a black eye.

Anyway, back to "My First Baby"....yeah, he's not so little anymore. Look at this mini-man (pre-fall)!