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April 2024

The Stork and the Beanstalk

A Mother's Journal

A photo journal comprised of my thoughts on motherhood and other life happenings, as well
as some of professional work as a photographer. Southern California is home.

Tag: Willy

52/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

I didn’t stop loving my husband when my children were born, but love – in general – became redefined. My love for my children was all-consuming and nothing in the world seemed to measure up to the love I had for them. I’m speaking in past tense, but my love for them today is the same.

I payed less attention to my marriage in those early days as my new motherly instinct took over. I didn’t love Willy any less, per say. Rather, I had one little man whose life literally depended on me and one real man who was more or less capable of caring for himself. And so my attention went to my son.

And then, before we knew it, there were two. Everyone says your love multiplies and while I agree with a few astrics attached, I’d argue further that your attention gets divided. And suddenly, Willy fell further from the front of my mind. I didn’t nurture our relationship like I once did. In fact, at times I’d say I even resented what seemed to be an uneven amount of “shared” responsibility. I had envisioned entering motherhood as a team and the reality of it was that I somehow had more responsibilities; my life felt more heavily impacted.

As a side note, our marriage didn’t suffer. I can’t say that this was a hard time for us or that we fought a lot; Rather, there was a lot of adjusting and sorting and trying to keep our heads above water and life continued on and eventually we got our bearings as new parents. A lot of what I’m saying now are things that I’ve recognized in hindsight.

And so, at the start of 2013 when I thought about joining Jodi’s 52 week project, I thought of my husband.

You see, having a second kid has a way of knocking you over the head. When Van came along, our world became chaotic. Not necessarily all at once, but gradually. I mean two kids so close together in age is hard. And at some point in the shuffle I remember looking over at Willy and feeling overcome with gratitude. He is my partner. I get to navigate my way through this chaos with him, my best friend.

It’s funny… You spend your young adult years dating and searching for the “one” and, if you’re lucky, you find him and chose him to be your husband. Then, a few years later – if you’re lucky again – you give birth to a child that granted you don’t really know at all. And suddenly you forget all about the one you’ve chosen and become all consumed with a complete stranger.

In any event, I was called to shoot my husband for this 52 week project for reasons I didn’t fully understand in the beginning. But now, 52 weeks later, the reason for the calling is clear: A reminder, perhpas, that I chose him. And I’m oh-so-glad I did.

I love you, Willy. Thanks for letting me put my camera in your face or behind your back or over your head. You’re a real trooper.

Not sure what I’m going to shoot for next year’s project. I gather I have a week to think about it.

You can check out the complete series by clicking here.

47/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

The weather here in southern California has finally cooled. The wind has been blowing wildly reminding me how grateful I am as I lay recuperating in bed with a solid roof over my head.

This morning, Willy made breakfast complete with hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

46/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project

11.16.201301.22.2018

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Added to Papa duties is taking Hooper to the potty given the fact I’m unable to lift him onto the seat. Time to invest in a step stool, right? Funny thing is we have one and just have yet to put it in the bathroom for him (hashtag: lazy parents). In any event, Hoop has been potty trained with #1 for some time now, but just over the last week or so has he been asking to go #2 as well. You better believe it’s quite the celebration. Today, he got a lollipop with a scorpian in it. He ate part of the scorpian then handed it back to me and said, “all done”.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

45/52

by Ashley filed under Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

This man has impressed me so much over the last few weeks. His ability to adapt and juggle and show love and compassion while doing so has this mama’s heart all aflutter. I know we’re both eagerly awaiting for life to be normal again, but when that day does come, I also know we’ll appreciate the normalacy more than ever.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

44/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Yesterday was the first day I have picked up my “big girl camera” since my surgery. I’ve been on pretty hefty lifting restrictions, as in nothing more than a coffee cup for the first two weeks. I made an exception on Halloween and perhaps paid the price the next day, with an extra sore back and some fun spasms. I couldn’t stand to not document my babes in their sweet lil’ costumes. I’ll share those pics when I get around to it.

In other news, Willy held the fort down for the entire two weeks I was in the hospital. I think he thought he was going to lose his mind and, at times, I thought so too. It ain’t easy running a household, is it? In any event, I know he’s grateful to have his parents here for the past week helping out. I know I am. Hope everyone had a nice Halloween.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

43/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Moments like this make any pain go away and any struggle seem beatable. Perspective is everything and this image puts everything in it’s right place.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

42/53

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week,

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every week, in 2013.

This guy does such a good job taking care of all of us. Not sure what we’d do with out him. This is a throwback pic cuz’ I’m barely starting my long road of recovery following surgery. Thank you all for

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your continued support and well wishes, it means a lot.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

41/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

As I lay here in the hospital, I can’t help but look at this picture and think of how beautifully it captures what was our everyday life. I know our current situation, with me recovering, is temporary but I long to get back to normal and the journey to get there has barely begun.

Pictured above is the moment Papa walked in the door from work earlier this week. I’m including the outtakes this week as well because they’re good for a recovering mama’s soul.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

40/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Well, this guy finally came home. It’s always hard when he’s gone and hard for him to be gone (some of the time, anyway…). It’s been back to “normal” life this week but things are about to go haywire as my surgery is just around the corner. We’re soaking up whatever time we have as a family and mentally preparing for the tough road ahead…

You can check out other posts in the series here.

39/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

This guy has been workin’ like a dawg lately. He’s been gone since Wednesday and let me tell ya, single parenthood ain’t easy. At this point, a week in the hospital is looking more and more like a well-deserved vacation. I kid, it’s going to suck. Looking forward to his return home…

You can check out other posts in the series here.

38/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

This guy always supports me and as I’ve taken the plunge to start my photography business, he’s been by my side every step of the way. It feels good having him believe in me and encourage me. He is my rock.

In other news, I feel incredibly honored to have been invited to participate in Amy Grace’s Chorus. To be included amongst so many other photographers I have grown so fond of makes my heart beat funny and the hair on my arms stand up a bit. You can check it out by clicking here.

And, I posted portraits of my children yesterday. You can click here to check those out too. Cuz’ I know y’all don’t love my hubs as much as I do… I get it. But, he is pretty fab.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

37/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

We spent last Saturday down in Dana Point visiting my sister and her fiance. The weather was lovely and the boys had fun seeing two of their favorite people. I’ll be sharing more pics soon.

Wishing everyone a happy weekend. And special thanks to everyone who has been voting for me over on Top Baby Blogs!

You can check out other posts in the series here.

36/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Been thinking a lot lately about how special this man is to me. Here he is, caught off guard, looking for some new pants for work. At the moment, he’s watching a youtube video on how to tie a tie using the double windsor tie technique. And, for the record, double windsor is where it’s at. Even cooler than a double rainbow. He’s something special, I tell ya.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

35/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

We celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary this week. My parents were kind enough to watch the kiddos for us so we could go grab a romantic dinner. And by romantic, what I really mean is kidless.

I snapped this photo on the way to dinner with my iPhone. I asked for sexy and go this. Apparently this is what sexy looks like after four years of marriage. Hashtag: Love him.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

34/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Yup, that’s

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right… no portrait this week, but better yet, a video. This was at a dear friends wedding. He threw up not long after and the next day he complained of a pulled hamstring. Nevertheless, leg kicks are his thing and if you invite him to your wedding, I promise he’ll deliver.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

33/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Didn’t think I was gonna squeak a portrait of Willy out this weekend, but lo-and-behold, a photo from the Ventura County Fair for the win. That handsome man right there, he’s my favorite.

Hoping to get to the rest of our fair pics when I get back from my best-friend-cation.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

28/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Me: “Hey Willy, give me something to say with your portrait this week.”

Willy: “Tell em’ I miss basketball

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from the 90’s and make a reference to White Man Can’t Jump.”

My husband goes through fads. His fad right now: throwback jerseys. If you ask him, he’ll tell you they’re not a fad.

Some of my favorites from last weeks submissions: I’m down right obsessed with this photo of Oliver… everything from his red shirt, hat, and saltwater sandals… and, omg, his suspenders… his little expression in comparison to the expression on his shirt… and, oh ya, um hello Joshua Tree, you really are gorgeous. Bravo Sisilia, I LOVE that photo. Zoe’s pretty cute too. Other portraits I’m swooning over from last week: Another cutie in suspenders, a little boy and his sandwich smile, and this boy in his really cool belt (gotta love kids fashion). Sorry ladies, the boys stole my heart this week.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

25/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

This man o’ mine has been real into cooking lately (he’s the chef in our house). Two of my favs from the menu this past week: Chicken parmigiana with homemade pink wine sauce

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and Chicken with shallot cream sauce. Then there was the night we ordered pizza and brought it to the park… There’s always a night like that on the menu each week as well. I’m trying to get him on-board with a guest post to share some of his recipes… Stay tuned…

Last week I loved this series, especially the one of the little girl int he alleyway. The colors and the light are magical together. I also loved this series, because I’m partial to other series that involve the hubsters; And the photography is great.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

24/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Tonight Willy and I are spending our first night away from both boys, ever. We have a wedding in Lake Arrowhead and are staying the night so we can actually enjoy ourselves. I have no doubt we’ll be high fiving one another as we pull out of my mom and dad’s driveway after dropping the boys off… Then, an hour later, we’ll be talking about how much we miss them. Such is parenthood, right?

I love these images from last week. Those little hairs on the boy in the last photo on the skateboard kills me. Such great images. And that little ballerina on the floor… It makes my ovaries hurt.

You can check out other posts in the series here.

22/52

by Ashley filed under A Portrait A Week Project, Photography

A portrait of my husband, once a week, every week, in 2013.

We spent part of this last week in Arizona, visiting family. Willy was born and raised there, though he chooses only to associate himself with California these days. California will do that to you, I suppose. In any event, we met the bright blue eyed little girl that has so graciously given us the title of Aunt and Uncle, and we couldn’t be more proud. I’ll share some bits + pieces from our trip next week. I’m also working on a new family video.

I loved this capture from Grow Till Tall from last week, especially the one with her little nose pushed up against the window. So cute.

You can check out other posts in the series here.