30/52: Fine Art

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My love, taking in the view at Half Moon Bay harbor. Nothing says "fine art" more than a pensive gaze... and a man bun.

29/52: Motion/Movement

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Uncle Nick and Ru splashing around at Avila Beach. She couldn't get enough!

27/52: Water

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Backyard geraniums the morning after well-needed rain.

26/52: Photog's Choice

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This is your buddy, Harlan, boo boos. What a cutie, huh?!

Harlan is the very first friend you girls ever made (that is, other than mommy, daddy, and one another), when at just a couple weeks old - and you girls about one month old - his mommy and daddy brought him over for your first official play date. While the adults had fun, it wasn't all that exciting for you at the time. Boy have times changed!

Mommy went to grad school with Harlan's dad, Allen during the 2012-13 school year. It was during that one-year program our families discovered that both Harlan's mommy, Ginger, and I were expecting new additions -  within mere weeks of one another!

In the blink of an eye nearly two years have passed. Seeing your relationship develop from your infancy to your toddler-hood, has been simply fascinating. We had Harlan, Allen, and Ginger over for a farewell barbeque, as they are moving to Santa Cruz to begin a new chapter in their lives.

Looks like your guys' next play date will have to be on the beach!

Two Sweet Boys in Their Second Day of Life | A Berkeley Fresh 48 Newborn + Family Photography Session

Meet radiant new mommy Natalie, enamored new daddy Mitch, and their handsome newborn twin sons, Micah (with the milk mustache) and Noah:

Today is these cutie pies' one-month birthday. As they have been in my thoughts, I wanted to share not only some of their Fresh 48 photos, but also a bit about why they mean so much to me.

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To help build a foundation, I will give a little background as to what a Fresh 48 Photography session is and why I feel particularly called to do this type of session:

What is A Fresh 48 Session? | A Fresh 48 session is a somewhat non-traditional (i.e. no babies in baskets) form of a newborn session in which you have your new family documented within the first 48 hours of your child(ren)'s birth. Usually this session takes place in-hospital (as typically you are still in the hospital during that time frame), but can be done at home, in a birth center, or really anywhere your family is within the first 48 hours of your child(ren)'s birth.

Why Does it Matter To Me? | My daughters were born in Berkeley, California in September of 2013. We were in the hospital for about four days proceeding their birth. While much of that time is a blur now, I do have two vivid memories from those days. The first is the unprecedented sense of euphoria, gratitude, and sheer bliss that was abounding throughout that hospital room. The second memory I have is a bit more tangible; It was early evening and I was writing in the girls' journal, sitting beside the wall-to-wall window that overlooked the street that led us to that room, the sun was coming down and the golden hues in the room were a true reflection of how I felt deep within my soul; warm, enlightened, peaceful. I looked up to catch a glimpse Joe leaning into the ubiquitous, no frills hospital baby bassinet that we had put both girls into to share some bonding time. With tears in his eyes, he was gently whispering to his new daughters; stroking their faces and stealing kisses with a newfound tenderness in his touch.  In that moment I had a realization. I realized that this was our team. Whatever ups or downs may come, we're together now and will always be there for one another.

One regret I carry with me, in terms of that time directly following Ruby and Vera's birth, is that I did not photograph it. You see, while I certainly do have those couple memories to carry with me, I grieve for the details that time will take away from us.

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While contemplating writing this post, I found myself overwhelmed by the gamut of emotions that welled up within me. What an unexpected, wonderful journey this documentation story has taken me on - from my first communication with Natalie months ago, to meeting her and Mitch at their Oakland home to discuss our session, to the day (a mere 42 hours from them welcoming Micah and Noah into the world) I stepped foot into their hospital room to photograph their new family. I knew from those first few emails with Natalie that we would hit it off - though, I never could have expected the profound connection and friendship that have come to be. This really is what life is all about.

Because of my personal experience, I was OVERJOYED when Natalie and Mitch chose me to document this intimate time in their lives. But, more than that, I felt a deep understanding and reverence for exactly what it was that I would be documenting for their family. That morning in the hospital was a real bonding experience; many tears were shed (mine included), many laughs resounded, songs were sung. Simply put, there was no room, in that room, for a contrived photo session. The documentation of that pivotal event had to be real. And it was.

The above photo may need some explanation:

As I was packing up to leave the hospital room, I turned around and saw Natalie and Mitch looking at each other in this beautiful gaze. I couldn't fit you all in the frame so I decided to take two exposures and composite it as one panoramic still. I was processing these images together and, after much tweaking, kept coming back to this: with the boys double-exposed in the same center still. My first thought was that this is their birth story as a family, in that whatever chaos may occur (and the profound beauty in that chaos), the strength of Natalie and Mitch as two pillars for not only one another, but as parents for the boys, will allow them to withstand any gales that may sweep through. Then my second thought was that, in I suppose less of an artistic angle, these are their chromosomes; this is their crossing-over. That is, before this whole journey began there was Natalie (represented by your crisp, smiling image on the right), and her best friend, her husband, Mitch (represented by his clear still on the left); and within both of you the potential to come together and, through the miraculous intricacies of meiosis, the potential to create these incredibly distinct, perfect humans; with, indeed, great potential of their own! So, essentially the discrepancies in the image (double-vision aesthetic) are very purposeful in representing that blending and layering of (now oh so many) chromosomes.

When I delivered Natalie, Mitch, Noah and Micah's images I ended up visiting with them for quite a while; holding Noah (Micah will get his turn next time!), sipping on coffee, munching on pastries (our new tradition!), chatting about everything under the sun, and going through their collection of Fresh 48 photos. When we opened up their USB and began scrolling through the photos Natalie said, "Oh wow, I don't even remember that! Those days are all such a blur now." 

Now they don't have to be, friend.

25/52: Dancing

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Ohhhh my Ruby girl,

We went out to see your cousins, Auntie Laura, and Uncle Marshall in Fresno back in May. Hazey was playing "Frozen" songs and even put the movie on one night. You have been OBSESSED (no exaggeration) ever since. Your favorite song, by far, is "Love is An Open Door," or, as you like to refer to it, "Door." You've begun to get the song stuck in your head and sometimes I'll peek over at you, reading or doing a puzzle, and you'll just start singing to yourself, "doooooo-or-or." I'll sing it to you while you're having breakfast and you fill in the blanks to all the words. Just too cute. 

Whenever I put the song actually ON you just lose it - twirling, clapping, stomping your feet; adding any number of self-choreographed moved each new time. Here you are, yesterday, in the backyard. Jammin' out as only my sweet, spunky Ruby tudes can. (Don't worry, lovebug, your arm wasn't disappearing - I just wanted you to see how smooth your moves were by slowing down the shutter speed).

I love you baby,

Mom

24/52: Sunset

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Took my first look at this week's theme this afternoon, as I've had a busy week. Looked on my sun calc app and saw that sunset was at approximately 8:34 pm today. The girls go down right between 8-8:30 pm. So, I decided to take a stroll about an hour before sunset - 'cause there ain't no way momma is messing with bedtime!

I was focusing on this beautiful church's bell-tower just across the street from our place. When I kept walking down the street this solitary palm tree showed itself. It made me think of how giddy my siblings and I would get at the first sight of a palm tree while road tripping from our home in Washington down to California. Still have to pinch myself sometimes that this is right outside my door.

Welcome To This Vibrant World - Part Two | An Oakland Newborn + Family Lifestyle Photography Session

Who can forget this amazing family?

If you need a refresher, check out part one of their family photo session collection riiiiiiight here.

What a pleasure it was to not only meet this local East Bay family but to get to hang out with them TWICE in a matter of just a few weeks, I mean, how lucky am I?! For this second newborn and family session I had the privilege of meeting Sean, Milo and Liam's loving grandfather. When I say loving I mean completely, utterly, undeniably smitten grandfather. Take a look:

I think Milo's sweet smile says it all! This is one deeply loved grandfather. And, of course, any child with that capacity for love, must have an amazingly loving family to demonstrate it right back:

And, what could be more important than self-love? Liam knows what I'm talking about:

Documenting this family is a sheer joy. I can't wait for the next time!

Featured on Life + Lens Blog | "Father's Day Inspiration."

The Warrior's took home the NBA Championship last night. I was woken up by a kiss from my amazing (and amazingly happy) husband. The girls were in great moods all morning and went down easily for nap. I flipped a perfect omelet and actually had my tea while still hot. How could this day get any sweeter, you might ask? How about getting FEATURED on Life + Lens Blog's "Father's Day Inspiration" post!

Two features in two weeks!? (okay, one day over two weeks but "two features in 15 days!" just didn't sound right). What an honor!

On Memorial Day, Joe, Ruby, Vera, and I walked up to the UC Berkeley campus, as it is a quick twenty minute walk down the street. On the way we stopped to grab sandwiches and when we got to the campus, laid out a blanket to have a low-key picnic on the grass. The girls had other plans! The moment they got out of their stroller, they were on the GO. Daddy, to the rescue, found a nook (California Hall) to read the girls a book in. But, that was short lived. I think the stairs were far too tempting. Then, as per usual, Ruby wasn't too happy about being put back in the stroller, so daddy caved and let her play some more. What a softie.

I'd have to say what made this day especially memorable was, as we were strolling through campus preparing to exit, we heard "The Star Spangled Banner" resounding from the bells of the Sather Tower. It was a lovely reminder of why we were able to spend the lovely day with one another.

Some more photos from Memorial Day:

23/52: Rule Of Thirds

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Vee Vee,

Whenever anyone asks me something like, "What makes your girls' distinct? How are their personalities different from one another?" I always, first of all, think to myself "What kind of question is that?! I mean seriously, how the heck am I supposed to answer that while standing in line at the grocery store (or wherever we may be)?!" Then I take a deep breath, in an effort to gather my abbreviated version of just what makes you and your sis unique little humans. Then I usually look at you and say, "Well, Vera here *while stroking your hair* she is our bashful one; she has to get to know you before she opens up. But, once she does, she's the biggest goof ever!"

Now, that may be true when it comes to you and about 95% of the people you meet. But, NOT with your Uncle Nick. I swear, Vee, you not only have been smitten with your Uncle from the first moment you met, but, he brings out a side to you that your daddy and I have never seen before. One time you sung and spun around in circles (aka dancing) for an entire song (and, believe me I KNOW you would have stopped would it have not been for your Uncle Nicky watching). Very impressive. 

Yesterday your Uncle came over to watch the (amazing!!!) Warrior's game. We played in the backyard for a little while before the game started and as usual, Vee, you were showing off your skills -- this time of sitting at your picnic table like a *big kid* --  for precious Uncle Nick.

I love you you cutie pie,

Mom

For My Daughters: Twinheritance

Hi boo boos,

We had some friends over last night to watch the Warriors game. You two have really made progress in your reaction to daddy -- well, pretty much everyone in this case -- hootin' and hollerin' at the top of their lungs when something exciting happens in a game. In fact, you even joined in; flailing your arms up in the air and shouting "yeah! yeah!" when you noticed the commotion. Vera, you have always been especially sensitive to abrupt noises. I'll never forget, when you were just a few months old daddy had a little cough and you would WAIL each time he cleared his throat. It made for some long nights, but was certainly adorable. So NOW, your growing ability to pause and determine the type of reaction you have to those loud noises, it just makes me so proud of you.

Here you are, Vavvy, strutting your stuff at Hazel's school carnival last month

Daddy asked you to pick out your own outfit on Saturday, Ru. You got SOOO excited and, when you did your fashion show for me, holding your plush doggie "Door" tight in your arms, you giggled with delight! Then daddy and I did too!

Girls, I've had something on my mind lately that I want to share with you. Two days ago, on June 6th, you turned 21-months-old. I think for any other mom in the world they might say, "Today you girls are 21 month old! Only 3 more months until your 2nd birthday!" Something of that nature. But, for me, you girls turning 21-months old immediately made me think of one thing. My mom. Your Grandma Melody. 

I'm very sure, by the time you read this, you will have been told approximately 1,000,000,000 times that it is "sooooooo amazing" that you are twins that have a mommy that is a twin and uncles that are twins. Well, at the risk of sounding redundant, I will tell you that it truly is amazing, love bugs. In fact, back when mommy was just a few months old, your uncles, auntie, and I were photographed by the local newspaper in Fresno and your grandma and grandfather were interviewed for a little article about just how unusual it is to have two sets of twins! Kind of cool, huh?

This article says "19 months," but I think your grandma may have been too tired to do the math. Oh well!

Aside from the sheer amazing-ness of you girls being twins, I often times ponder (and probably even more often am asked by strangers to ponder), "How in the world was your grandma able to manage so many children at once and (on days when your Great grandpa couldn't help) on her own?!" As, shortly after this, your grandfather was no longer in the picture. Then, sadly, my next thought is "I'm not sure she did manage."

Eight days old. Eight. Days. That is how old your siblings would be today if mommy (and daddy) had a second set of twins at exactly the same interval as your grandma Melody did. I've been thinking a lot about how it would be to incorporate two newborns into our family. Even with the wonderful support system our family has, it would be a struggle. A struggle financially? Sure. A struggle physically? YOU BET! A mental struggle? Let's just say, I am sure I would probably be too stressed for my own good. Period.

You were so fascinated by your cousins' slinky, Vee. You knew you were being silly and just kept on doing it. I love that about you!

Ru, you want to be a big girl so bad! I think these girls were jealous of your sweet shoes ;)

I think I may be subconsciously skirting the main reason I want to share this with you. So, I want to be frank. When I said that I am not sure your grandma was able to manage all four of us at once, what I am saying is that she allowed that stress to get the better of her.

Your grandma Melody had Bipolar Disorder.

Simply put, when she was up, she was up -- extremely energetic, creative, impulsive. It was during these "up" episodes that she would go on her vision quests, of sorts; once vanishing for a couple weeks, returning home to tell us she had been seeking out her biological family, spouting off tales of her adventures; never alluding to her real goal of trying to find understanding and acceptance of her own childhood struggles.

And, when she was down, she was down -- erratically violent and abusive, recklessly self-medicating, and deeply depressed. It was during this time that I would find myself pacing outside her room, told "LEAVE ME ALONE!" in my 8-year-old effort to comfort her as she loudly wept behind her locked bedroom door. My heart still breaks for her in recalling those low moments.

Because she is no longer living, the only way to recollect those very dynamic moods is through the hindsight of memory. Unfortunately, however, in an effort to protect both you girls as well as myself from the pain of my past, it's difficult for me to ruminate on your grandma's mental condition. So, for these thoughts to cross my mind, upon you girls reaching 21-month-old, I wanted to be open and honest about them with you.

I guess the big thing I want you to know is that you don't ever have to be ashamed of your feelings. Right now in your life you are both unabashedly honest about how you are feeling and what is on your mind. It is an admirable quality to be freely expressive of your emotions. Even if it is not the most positive of emotions sometimes.

One of your very favorite books is "Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You" by Nancy Tillman. Whenever we get to the page that reads, "So hold your head high and don't be afraid to march to the front of your own parade..." I repeat it emphatically, as the thought that you would choose to be anything other than YOU in an effort please others would be depriving the world of the unique marvel of Ruby Joan and the unparallelled wonder of Vera Kathleen. So, I'll reiterate it again:

Hold your head high

and don't be afraid

to march to the front

of your own parade.

If you're still my small babe

or you're all the way grown,

my promise to you

is you're never alone.

Promise promise.

Being chased by daddy on the UC Berkeley campus. You are so beautiful Ruby!

I love this expression, Vee. You were NOT happy when we first arrived at Hazel's carnival (you CANNOT deal with no nap), so we left and decided to try going again after you girls had eaten and calmed down a bit. I'm so glad we did. You were roaming all over that elementary school lawn like you owned the place. Love that sass!

At Illum's 2nd birthday party, you girls wore your new swimsuits that your cousin gave to you. Ru, you were most excited to swim...

and Vee, I think you were most excited to show off your new suit :)

I love you so much boo boos,

Mom

22/52: Shadows

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Today the Warriors played a huge game.

My photo for this week originally was going to be one of the girls eating lunch at their picnic table in the backyard (as I hid *in the shadows*). Somehow, with the hoopla of the game and my absentmindedness, I misplaced this week’s original selection (I reeeeeally hope it reappears because the girls’ interactions when they are seemingly alone is too adorable to not share). So, here is a photo I decided to take today; not necessarily in lieu of the original, but, with the same intent; to be the subject within the shadows.

This is the view from our bathroom window.

Featured on Fearless & Framed | "Turn Bring Your Kids to Work Day into a Documentary Photo Shoot."

So honored to have been featured on the fantabulous Fearless & Framed blog today! I'm especially proud of the fact that it was a post originally written For My Daughters. Link to the feature can be found by clicking on this photo: