Independence Day 2009

Man! What a great night this was! I would have to say this is Simon's first real 4th of July. Last year we just went to a friends' neighborhood and watched the community light off a few of their own. This year, however, we took Simon to 2nd Avenue Pier where the light show was really booming! Loud and beautiful! When we all got there, it was about 8 o'clock and the sun hadn't gone down yet. So, we had alot of time to putz around. I did not plan on Simon getting into the ocean but he had his own agenda! And that, my friends, is how he ended up naked! He had such a great time with his Aunties and cousins! Reuben snapped some really great shots. The air was sweet and salty with a light warm breeze that touched our hearts forever. I was so happy to be with these loving people you see in the photos. Enjoy!

Simon Turns 2!

Though last year we had the big blow out party at the park with a bunch of people, adults and children, this year I wanted Simon's birthday party to be low-key. We planned on having it the Sunday after his "real" birthday but then he got sick with a 105.5 temperature. So, we post-poned it to the next Sunday, being 3 weeks after his "real" birthday, just two days shy of his cousin Lailah's third birthday. I am just grateful that we got to celebrate Simon turning two years of age before his third birthday! We all gathered on Sunday, July 19th, at Grandma and Papa's house. When I say all, I mean only nine of us: Aunt Kay, Aunt Leah and her two boys, Andrew & Christian, Grandma and Papa, Reuben (daddy) and myself(mama) and my friend Klaire, which in fun, we say is Simon's only friend these days. Klaire really loves Simon.
We ate good food: Arica's Organic Hamburgers, Klaire's Delicious Pasta Salad, and of course an eggless Carrot Cake made by none other than myself. Simon has allergies to egg, in case you were wondering. I made Simon a felt birthday crown with a banner to match and neither one of them made it into the photos. I will have to stow them away in his keepsake box for tangible proof! Happy Birthday, little man! We love you so much and love watching you grow before our eyes. We sadly bid the "baby" in you farewell. And eagerly welcome the very, very young man you are becoming!

Early Spring

In early Spring, we set out to the beach. For it was an oddly, beautiful, warm day for March. We met up with my dear friend Ashley and her little princess, Veda, who is one month older than Simon. Reuben captured some great moments in the digital realm; our children chasing a massive flock of seagulls and experiencing all the elements of the beach all over again since last summer. Last summer though, Simon was not at all afraid of the sand. Yet, for some reason this year, before his friend, Veda, arrived, he would not let me put him down on the sand. He clutched to me like white on rice. But, sure enough, when he saw Veda plowing through the beach he had forgotton all about his fears. Enjoy this year's first beach photos. There should be more to come.

Simon in the Studio

As some of you may know, Reuben has started a photography business. So, a few weeks ago he had a photo shoot that we set up in our living room. After our client was finished with her shoot, I jumped into some costume clothes and went nuts while Simon was napping in the bedroom. After about three sets of costume takes, Simon arose from his deep slumber and crept out to greet us with a groggy grin. Reuben and I took the opportunity to capture the after-nap cuteness that we cannot resist kissing. There's an adorable take of his wide-mouthed yawn. And he loves to put our shoes on, so I stuck his little legs in my rain boots. The first few takes were of Simon and I lying down staring into each others' eyes, which is now one of my most favorite memories of my son. He just stared right into my eyes for what seemed like an eternity. The sweetest moment of my life!