...everything comes to a standstill. My daughter caught the flu last Sunday and lots of worry in our house. Hence, I haven't really worked and I do apologize to all my portrait clients who are waiting for their images. She is recovering nicely though and I hope to be back on track by the end of the week. She felt so good yesterday that she set up a smurf world in the living room. And good mother that I am, I took some pictures.
We went to the Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney today. If you have children, this is a very cool place to check out. Even if you don't, it is pretty amazing. I have never been up close and personal with an octopus, but being right in front of one, was pretty special. My favorite aquarium was the blue one with the beautiful orange jellyfish. Just the colors are breath taking, but watching them swim up and down is fascinating and makes for great pictures.
These are for my friend Debbie.
Our pup turned 6 months a couple of days ago. Still only 4 pounds body weight, most of it fur, well they call it hair in that breed. She is pretty cute and lots of energy.
Her favorite position, on her back.
Her eyes are so big and very dark brown.
I just had to post this image of my mom who is visiting from Germany right now. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out.
Yucky stomach flu bugs and cold bugs made our way into our home. I have been taking care of my munchkin and now I am down a little. A million thanks go to my amazing friend D. who supplied me with all sorts of good drugs, help, advice and lots of TLC.
Spring has finally arrived. There is nothing better than to sit out in the evening and enjoy a lovely sunset without freezing. Just when the sun went down, I saw this cat sitting on the neighbor's fence. Not that I have my camera with me at all times, but I had to sprint inside to get my camera to catch that moment.
OK, here is another installment of our new puppy, the ferocious Koko. We went for a Mother's Day hike yesterday, and this little dog really surprised me. She ran up this sandy and rocky steep trail. I had to stop her so she would not hurt herself on the sharp rocks. She is officially a mountain dog now.
She made me step away from my computer today and play with her. Here are some snaps from that.
She is really tiny. She just looks big because I get so close to her when I take pictures.
Ready to play.
While I tried to get these shots she came running back with her toy and jumped on my back. She is more difficult to get a picture of than kids.
And a closeup.
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
- Unknown
As promised, here is an update and a new picture of Koko, the puppy. She had her booster shot yesterday and went from an exorbantly happy busy little puppy to an almost comatose stuffy. She hardly moved all day. But today she is all back to normal again. The picture below was taken yesterday. She stayed in her house all day long, sleeping and sleeping and sleeping.
Her name is Koko and she is just 10 weeks old. You will probably see more photos in the weeks and months to come. Stay tuned.
January to March are usually quiet months for me. It gives me time to ponder on new projects and undertakings. I write everything down, my famous 'things-to-do' list. At any given time there are at least 15 items on it. I just finished one project. I made a book out of my blog entries. That was fun to do. It also gives me a nice record of what I have photographed throughout the year. The blogbook for 2006 is finished and I am currently working on the 2007 book. I am also working on new wedding and portrait sample books. Last year was so busy that I didn't have time to gather up all the images I took and show them off properly. So there is another big project. Now that it is getting nicer and the days are longer, I love to go out and take nature pictures. The flowers are just about to come out. This is also my time to get my garden in order. It is quite a mess right now because we worked around the house on and off during the winter months. But this is coming to an end soon and there are flowers to plant and vegetables to grow. You are probably wondering why I am writing all this down on my photoblog. Quite frankly, I don't know myself, just chatting today. Oh, and nothing is complete with at least a picture.
This is an old card I made in 2004. Still love it and so Valentine's.
Have a happy one today filled with hugs, kisses, flowers and love.
We were invited to go sailing yesterday. What a treat to be out on the water on a beautiful day. We sailed to Sidney for lunch and came back in the late afternoon.
We even put up the spinaker and moved along really nicely.
Please forgive me, L., but I love this picture of you... the windswept look. :)
Back at the Oak Bay Marina in the late afternoon. Lovely light.
When I am working on the computer, playing with images, my daughter is close by doing her own thing, which is art. Here is a picture of her and Oma (German for grandma) going shopping.
One of those precious moments I want to hold on to.
Yes, I know, I am late with this update. But here it is... first day at school. Our baby is going to first grade now. She was very excited, can't you tell.
