Early 2010 Favorite

This is one of my favorite images of the boys from early 2010. It was taken right after I got my Contax 645 and started experimenting with film. It wasn't staged and I adore it; George looks like he is watching James' every move, something he still does today.

Contax 645; Fujipro 400h; Fromex

A Few Snapshots at the Park

Canon 1V; Kodak BW400CN; Fromex

Outtakes From the Trampoline

It's not always easy getting a group of people to cooperate enough in order to take their photo. Being on a trampoline makes it especially challenging. I remember running out when all the kids (and a couple of grown-ups) were bouncing around with my camera around my neck and baby in arm. In went Cash to Aunt Shasha and off went a few frames of film. A couple of incooperative toddlers/preschoolers, bunny ears, and a crying infant made the experience memorable. 

Contax 645; FujiPro 400h; One Hour Photo Avenue, LA, CA

For Katie

Back from October 2011:

Canon 1V

Vacuum

A while back were given a toy vacuum that made its way around the house quite often until a piece broke off and it started scratching the floor. I had to throw it away. From then on when I went to vacuum, George was right behind me asking "Where's my vacuum?" Each time I told him it broke and I had to throw it away. "But where's my vacuum?" would be his response. (I guess the idea of being taken away to a very deep hole never to be seen again couldn't register a two-year-old - who can blame him?) Well, on Christmas Eve we were visiting some friends and George grabbed hold of their toy vacuum. I told Bridget, "Oh, this boy loves his vacuum and I need to get him another one really soon." She sweetly asked that we take theirs because her kids never played with it, so off it went to its new home (Thank you again, Bridget!). So now, George has another vacuum with which enthusiastically follows me around the house cleaning.  Score for George!

Canon 1V; TriX400; Fromex Photo, Marina Del Rey

For My Beautiful Friend

Contax 645; can't recall film but probably FujiPro 400h; One Hour Photo Ave, LA

Cash Master Flash - 5 months

Well, here he is....5 months old! I can hardly believe it, but I feel like this little guy is turning into a real person. We are just starting to get him to sleep for 3 hour stretches (sometimes longer) at night, so that is a huge relief and much more welcome than hourly wakings. He still wants to be held most of the time he's awake and doesn't like the stroller that much. He often stares sweetly and smiles at George, who is the most interactive with him of the two older boys. Cash tries with all his might to roll over, but when you are in the 90% percentile for height and weight, it's a challenging feat (we just stopped swaddling him so that might allow for more practice in the crib). He ADORES going on the swing outside, as well as making noises with his tongue sticking out. I'm trying to get him to bond with something other than me, so I introduced him to this stuffed bla-bla doll. He really enjoys chewing on its arms and I'm hoping it becomes his comfort item. Next month we introduce solid foods!

For the next two, I couldn't get him to stop making noises with his tongue, hence, it's sticking out!

Canon 1V; Tri-X 400 pushed to 800; Fromex, MDR

2012

Hey all! Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Whew, it has been quite the active few weeks in this household, and I'm kinda glad it's over. The tree is down, the ornaments are put away, and I'm looking forward to the start of a fresh, new year; hopefully one that involves sleep. Recently I had to send my workhorse of a camera, my Contax 645, off to the shop to be repaired, so I really haven't been taking many photographs at all. In fact, I think I only took a handful on Christmas morning when the boys were playing with the famous marble game. Other than that, I relied on video to capture some sweet moments. It freed up my hands and allowed me to concentrate on just the moment. There's something to be said about that instead of constantly trying "document it all." Nonetheless, I'm excited to get my camera back in the near future as I'm having withdrawals!
We spent the holidays hanging local here in Venice. I was able to catch up with my family back in Boston via iChat and am so thankful we have source of communication to keep events up to date.  I love seeing my niece and nephew, and the boys enjoy the interaction as well. Anyway, we opened presents in the morning and played with various toys throughout the day while I cooked. We then tried to enjoy a mellow Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, neither James or George had an afternoon nap, so James basically fell apart at the table. (Oh, the joys!) James took a short nap, rejuvenated himself and continued playing with the marble game. Seriously, that is one toy that never fails to please.
I'm going to start the year with a promise to myself to catch up with all the photos I meant to blog but never did. So here's George, a day or two after his 2nd birthday this past September. Grampie sent this ever-loved Superman costume and he totally digs it!

Contax 645; FujiPro 400h; One Hour Photo Avenue