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.
Prior to giving birth, I worried about Hooper not being the center of my universe. I grieved the inevitable loss of time and attention I’d have with him and be able to give him. In Van’s first week of life, I’ve found the fear to be a reality. I’ve heard other mom’s to two say that it was harder for them than it was for the older child; harder to watch your first baby rely on others for things you alone used to be able to provide for them. I relate with this entirely. Hooper is fine, but as I watch him dance around me or walk out the door with his Papa to get ice cream I feel a hint of sadness. Like he’s cheating on me. This morning Willy bragged from his room, “I’m getting the longest unsolicited hug right now”. My heart sunk. I needed that hug.
That’s the downside. The upside is that, under the best of circumstances, parenting is a two person job. It’s bittersweet. Bitter to watch Willy get hugs he used to only reserve for me. Sweet to watch him embrace the man I love, the man who helped make him. I’ve watched their bond grow over the last few days and it makes it hard to complain when in actuality a beautiful thing is unraveling right before my eyes. The more time Willy spends with Hooper, the more his love for his son grows as well. So ya, there’s a lot of love flowing around these parts.
Hooper insists on holding his brother, but then can’t decide between his brother and Gabba Gabba.
Your first outing wasn’t to the grocery store to pick up milk or eggs. It also wasn’t to your grandma’s and grandpa’s. Instead, it was to the tattoo shop. You may not have any recollection of it, but you were indeed there when your grandpa Niles got your name tattooed on his shoulder, right under your brother’s name. We joked before you were born that we were going to name you “Handsome Andrew” just so he’d have to have “Handsome Andrew” tattooed on his arm. I know, total jail bait. In any case, the other day you became legendary and joined an award winning array of other legendary tattoos…
like the famous trout tattoo…
Or the Arizona flag tattoo…
And, of course, the “Hooper” tattoo…
I have to admit, I’m a little bummed we didn’t go with “Handsome Andrew”.
You will be inked on your Papa’s arm soon enough. Stay tuned.
My mom is hardly one of those moms that has every little bit of their children’s childhood tucked away in the attic. In fact, if you open any drawer in any un-used room in my parents house, it’s empty. This includes the bathroom that is only used for guests. My mom is “on it” when it comes to donating, organizing, and keeping things clutter free. That’s why it’s so surprising to see how much cool stuff she’s unearthed (from where? I’m still not exactly sure). Whatever the case may be, she handed down an awesome collection of vintage puzzles. A couple were even hers as a child. I know, this lady I call my mom totally rocks. Anyway, here’s a few:
Etsy has a plethora of vintage wooden puzzles available, but here’s a few of my favorites and a few of ones just like mine just for kicks: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
