Okay, boys and girls, it's official. Jane Photo's new blog is up and running at janephoto.ca/blog. Our website will direct you there as well.
We're so head-over-heels pleased to have both the new site and the new blog functional finally. What a big old January chore, and it took the entire month.
In honour of the new blog and site, the first 3 people to book sessions this week January 26, 2009-Feb 2, 2009 will receive, at absolutely no charge, an 11"x14" print compliments of the refurbished Jane Photo!
Tell your friends!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cutie pie on her first birthday
How often do you get to photograph a baby on the exact day she turns one? I was so glad I was able to schedule Ms T right on time. She was such a little love... Mom brought a cupcake to celebrate the occasion, and when we were all done, she brought it out for Ms T. Ms T looked at her like, You have got to be kidding me! Is this for real? It was, and she made a wonderful, glorious mess. Happy birthday, Ms T!
Here are some things Ms T's mom had to say about her:
Our little Ms T has an older brother. How many years between them? Did you plan the spacing?
T is 3 years apart from her brother J. Yes I did plan to have them at least 2 yrs apart so I can relish each child at their different stages-one with diapers and one without. If they were too close together I think everything would be more of a blur.
Do you have more photographs of your firstborn?
I think I have more pictures of T now. I wanted to be diligent in having as many pics as my first, if not more. Because we decided she would be our last baby and I wanted more infant photos.
What does Ms T do that melts your heart the most?
When she pouts her mouth like a piggy's snout and makes a funny weird sound with it. She can actually do this on demand. I just think she's soooo cute when she does that face.
Does Ms T sleep well through the nights?
She does!!! She's been sleeping 10+ hours a night since she was 4 weeks old. We're really blessed. She sleeps well through growth spirts, teething, and fever. The only thing is that she's a very light sleeper so we need to be very quiet when she's down. And it's difficult to tell a 4 yr old boy to stop making noises of destruction.
What was her first word?
BaBaa (for daddy)
Has Ms T taken her first step yet?
She has taken many steps with children furniture that she can drag along with, but not on her own.
Are there other kids on the way in your family, or are you
stopping here?
I am stopping here at 2. Two is perfect for us.
What is your favourite time of day with Ms T?
My favorite time of the day with Tallulah would be after her first nap, around 3:00pm. We play, watch a little bit of cartoons and take a fun bath which she loves a lot.
Does she have a cuddly blanket or other favourite lovey?
She doesn't have a favorite blankey nor a lovey. I've heard some scary stories when children lose, forget or won't allow you to wash their favorite thing- they can get into this rage and fuss where they're just not happy campers. I didn't want my children to be too attached to just one thing but instead be comfortable with alternating a few favorite things. They need to be flexible. I have 3 organic favs for T-a sleeping bunny, a dolly, and a ducky teether.
Here are some things Ms T's mom had to say about her:
Our little Ms T has an older brother. How many years between them? Did you plan the spacing?
T is 3 years apart from her brother J. Yes I did plan to have them at least 2 yrs apart so I can relish each child at their different stages-one with diapers and one without. If they were too close together I think everything would be more of a blur.
Do you have more photographs of your firstborn?
I think I have more pictures of T now. I wanted to be diligent in having as many pics as my first, if not more. Because we decided she would be our last baby and I wanted more infant photos.
What does Ms T do that melts your heart the most?
When she pouts her mouth like a piggy's snout and makes a funny weird sound with it. She can actually do this on demand. I just think she's soooo cute when she does that face.
Does Ms T sleep well through the nights?
She does!!! She's been sleeping 10+ hours a night since she was 4 weeks old. We're really blessed. She sleeps well through growth spirts, teething, and fever. The only thing is that she's a very light sleeper so we need to be very quiet when she's down. And it's difficult to tell a 4 yr old boy to stop making noises of destruction.
What was her first word?
BaBaa (for daddy)
Has Ms T taken her first step yet?
She has taken many steps with children furniture that she can drag along with, but not on her own.
Are there other kids on the way in your family, or are you
stopping here?
I am stopping here at 2. Two is perfect for us.
What is your favourite time of day with Ms T?
My favorite time of the day with Tallulah would be after her first nap, around 3:00pm. We play, watch a little bit of cartoons and take a fun bath which she loves a lot.
Does she have a cuddly blanket or other favourite lovey?
She doesn't have a favorite blankey nor a lovey. I've heard some scary stories when children lose, forget or won't allow you to wash their favorite thing- they can get into this rage and fuss where they're just not happy campers. I didn't want my children to be too attached to just one thing but instead be comfortable with alternating a few favorite things. They need to be flexible. I have 3 organic favs for T-a sleeping bunny, a dolly, and a ducky teether.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Fabulous Intimates
Just in time for Valentine's Day (see our promotion to the right)...Jane Photo Intimates. We are working on a dedicated blog for these since we no longer have any adult photos on our new site, but for now, just a few. Ms S was a joy and a delight to work with. I draw her, too, and it was fascinating to change my approach for these shots. We had toooo many clothing changes, lol.
My faves, though, are these shot through glass and fabric. I have been wanting to do these shots for just years now, a la my hero, Elizabeth Opalenik. Of course, I hadn't even heard of Elizabeth when I started fooling around with the idea back in rural Japan, when I photographed women half seen in onsen (public Japanese baths). When I was introduced to Elizabeth in Mexico when she was teaching in San Miguel de Allende, I knew that her images were what I was longing towards. I was not entirely certain I could get the same effect just in my studio, but I did myself proud. These images of Ms S are mysterious and evocative and yet still so sexy.
I have many more images I love, but they will be saved for the upcoming Intimates blog.
My faves, though, are these shot through glass and fabric. I have been wanting to do these shots for just years now, a la my hero, Elizabeth Opalenik. Of course, I hadn't even heard of Elizabeth when I started fooling around with the idea back in rural Japan, when I photographed women half seen in onsen (public Japanese baths). When I was introduced to Elizabeth in Mexico when she was teaching in San Miguel de Allende, I knew that her images were what I was longing towards. I was not entirely certain I could get the same effect just in my studio, but I did myself proud. These images of Ms S are mysterious and evocative and yet still so sexy.
I have many more images I love, but they will be saved for the upcoming Intimates blog.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Two Too Cuties / Jane Photo Vancouver newborn photographer
These two dreamgirls reminded me of me and my sis, and also my two daughters. Little sis Ms V was just stumbling along in big sis Ms H's bigger footprints, trying to do everything she did just as soon as she did it. Sooo cute. And gorgeous. Ain't they just so gorgeous?
Please leave a comment for a can to go to the Food Bank!
And scroll down and to the side to see the great new specials at Jane Photo.
Please leave a comment for a can to go to the Food Bank!
And scroll down and to the side to see the great new specials at Jane Photo.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
41 cans
NOTE: I do not seem to be getting my emails currently, so please do try:
janeeatonhamilton@shaw.ca
December's total for our Cans for Comments Food Bank donation is 41 cans. Congrats, everyone who participated! We are continuing Cans for Comments indefinitely, so please feel free to leave comments, everyone, since Jane Photo is committed to (a tiny portion of) feeding Vancouver's hungry. The more comments you leave, the more cans we'll donate.
Woohoo! Our new website is live, so the next project is upgrading this blog. Check out the snazzy new site at: www.janephoto.ca
There are great new specials just below and more on the bar on the right.
janeeatonhamilton@shaw.ca
December's total for our Cans for Comments Food Bank donation is 41 cans. Congrats, everyone who participated! We are continuing Cans for Comments indefinitely, so please feel free to leave comments, everyone, since Jane Photo is committed to (a tiny portion of) feeding Vancouver's hungry. The more comments you leave, the more cans we'll donate.
Woohoo! Our new website is live, so the next project is upgrading this blog. Check out the snazzy new site at: www.janephoto.ca
There are great new specials just below and more on the bar on the right.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cool Thing #1 for 2009; help my favourite charity
I am so excited to announce Cool Stuff #1 for 2009!! I will be participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “North America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity.
We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait that will then be entered into the contest.
Models Search Special:
$100 entrance fee, which includes up to a 60 minute model session and one image submitted to the competition. As a thanks for participating, I am also waiving my minimum purchase for these sessions. FYI, all shoots must occur in 2009, so I can't use any of last year's cuties!
Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1 (US), and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, an organization which I am not only a member of, but for which I serve as one of Vancouver's Area Coordinators. To learn more about NILMDTS you can find their website at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.
Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Vancouver is participating in the Seattle finals. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.
If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera. How cool is that? And boy, do I know some cute kids who could seriously be America’s Cutest, from right here in Vancouver! Super cool prizes here!
If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please email the studio at info@janephoto.ca. Please let all your friends know, too. Shooting has to finish up by March 15. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.
We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait that will then be entered into the contest.
Models Search Special:
$100 entrance fee, which includes up to a 60 minute model session and one image submitted to the competition. As a thanks for participating, I am also waiving my minimum purchase for these sessions. FYI, all shoots must occur in 2009, so I can't use any of last year's cuties!
Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1 (US), and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, an organization which I am not only a member of, but for which I serve as one of Vancouver's Area Coordinators. To learn more about NILMDTS you can find their website at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.
Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Vancouver is participating in the Seattle finals. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.
If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera. How cool is that? And boy, do I know some cute kids who could seriously be America’s Cutest, from right here in Vancouver! Super cool prizes here!
If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please email the studio at info@janephoto.ca. Please let all your friends know, too. Shooting has to finish up by March 15. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Jane Photo: Vancouver's Newborn Photographer
I have been hammering and dry-walling and nailing my new website, logo, and blog into being...but they're still not ready! I have moved this week's sessions in the hopes that this group of "buildings" that will hold my biz will be done this week. (I may be shooting some newborns. They come on their own schedules.) I realize that in my distraction I have also neglected this poor blog again, so I'm making a post from the mountains of unposted 2008 sessions.
I have several loves in photography, and after newborns (my favourites of all) one of them is definitely photographing 6-9 month olds. This is such a splendid baby age, when the little girl or boy can't crawl away (a plus for we photographers!) but is solidly sitting. They are so jolly at this age, so full of the possibilities of their lives. I just love them to pieces.
Here is baby M from the fall. Isn't she too adorable?
And just as an aside: we finally dug our second vehicle out of the snow today, but now we are in the midst of our 8000th blizzard so far this winter, and the car is buried anew. Good gravy. I am getting seriously sick of snow.
I have several loves in photography, and after newborns (my favourites of all) one of them is definitely photographing 6-9 month olds. This is such a splendid baby age, when the little girl or boy can't crawl away (a plus for we photographers!) but is solidly sitting. They are so jolly at this age, so full of the possibilities of their lives. I just love them to pieces.
Here is baby M from the fall. Isn't she too adorable?
And just as an aside: we finally dug our second vehicle out of the snow today, but now we are in the midst of our 8000th blizzard so far this winter, and the car is buried anew. Good gravy. I am getting seriously sick of snow.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Congrats to our Giving is Awesome Winner, Brenda
I'm late posting this today, but I wanted to let everyone know that Jane Photo has now gone through all the nominations for our Giving is Awesome holiday gift.
I want to mention how inspired I am by all the nominators...I love that you spent your holidays thinking about your friends and how you might be able to help them. Thank you, sincerely.
The winner is Brenda, mom to four kiddos. The clincher for me was that Brenda's little girls recently donated their hair to help make wigs for cancer victims. That's pretty impressive.
Vivienne, who nominated this family, also receives a session and a complimentary 8x10 for taking the time out of her busy holiday schedule to think of them. Thanks, Vivienne. They are so lucky to have you in their lives.
Cheers, everyone! I will be counting up the comments on the blog, too, and taking a few bags of groceries to the fire hall where they collect Food Bank donations.
I want to mention how inspired I am by all the nominators...I love that you spent your holidays thinking about your friends and how you might be able to help them. Thank you, sincerely.
The winner is Brenda, mom to four kiddos. The clincher for me was that Brenda's little girls recently donated their hair to help make wigs for cancer victims. That's pretty impressive.
Vivienne, who nominated this family, also receives a session and a complimentary 8x10 for taking the time out of her busy holiday schedule to think of them. Thanks, Vivienne. They are so lucky to have you in their lives.
Cheers, everyone! I will be counting up the comments on the blog, too, and taking a few bags of groceries to the fire hall where they collect Food Bank donations.
Monday, December 29, 2008
For those who love photographers...
...a website of us looking crazed and geeky and everything in between...
http://35mm.instantfundas.com/2008/12/photographs-of-photographers.html
http://35mm.instantfundas.com/2008/12/photographs-of-photographers.html
Friday, December 26, 2008
Jane Photo; Vancouver newborn photographer
Here are a couple faves from Jane Photo yesterday when the dotter and grand-dotter were camping it up. This is Auntie and niece--too cute. It is snowing--again. Hard. Again. Good gravy. We had more than a dozen here for dinner (and some too snowed in to make it), and much revelry was had by all. All the young ones got into the studio props and were flouncing around in pettiskirts--too funny.
Thanks for all the nominations that are pouring in for Giving is Awesome. You guys are awesome. You are really reaching out about your loved ones and friends. The stories that are flooding in are compelling, and I really wish I could manage to gift a session and prints to every family nominated. Stay tuned for new years and the winner.
And cans for comments is still active, so please take a sec and comment on a post here, so I can make a great Food Bank donation this winter.
Thanks for all the nominations that are pouring in for Giving is Awesome. You guys are awesome. You are really reaching out about your loved ones and friends. The stories that are flooding in are compelling, and I really wish I could manage to gift a session and prints to every family nominated. Stay tuned for new years and the winner.
And cans for comments is still active, so please take a sec and comment on a post here, so I can make a great Food Bank donation this winter.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Giving is Still Awesome
It's Christmas Eve, and Jane Photo sends along wishes for a happy holiday to all our clients, friends and family. We have 16 coming for dinner...don't know how we'll fit everyone, or whether folks will be able to get here through all the snow. Digging out the cars has been a procedure indeed, and now they're stuck anew. But isn't the snow a hoot for Christmas?
Thanks to the folks who've sent in a story for Giving is Awesome. http://www.givingisawesome.com/
Jane Photo is donating $475 worth of photography in session fees and prints to a family who cannot afford custom photography, and a free mini session and print to the family or individual who nominated our winner.
You know someone.
You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, is watching their child suffering in the hospital or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty. Tell me about them!
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $475 worth, to be exact. Whether it's family portrait packages, prints for Grandma, or a full maternity/newborn package to capture those moments that they will treasure for a lifetime... it's in your power to give them the beauty they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and another thing... The person who nominates the winner receives a $175 family portrait session and an 8"x10" print! So get nominating!
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a million-dollar-vacation-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in metro Vancouver. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my gift. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story :
The winner will be announced on New Years Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Jane
Oh yeah, and please leave a comment because I'm donating a can of food to the Food Bank for each one.
Here are some snow photos from around our place today. The one of me looking like a bumble bee is by Sarah. The one with the umbrella is our neighbour shovelling the walk with a dust pan. The others are of my first born, home from U of T law school for the celebrations. Soooo glad she's with us...(she's my best xmas present).
This is our neighbour clearing his walk with an umbrella and a dustpan (sooo Vancouver):
Thanks to the folks who've sent in a story for Giving is Awesome. http://www.givingisawesome.com/
Jane Photo is donating $475 worth of photography in session fees and prints to a family who cannot afford custom photography, and a free mini session and print to the family or individual who nominated our winner.
You know someone.
You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, is watching their child suffering in the hospital or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty. Tell me about them!
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $475 worth, to be exact. Whether it's family portrait packages, prints for Grandma, or a full maternity/newborn package to capture those moments that they will treasure for a lifetime... it's in your power to give them the beauty they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and another thing... The person who nominates the winner receives a $175 family portrait session and an 8"x10" print! So get nominating!
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a million-dollar-vacation-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in metro Vancouver. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my gift. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story :
The winner will be announced on New Years Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Jane
Oh yeah, and please leave a comment because I'm donating a can of food to the Food Bank for each one.
Here are some snow photos from around our place today. The one of me looking like a bumble bee is by Sarah. The one with the umbrella is our neighbour shovelling the walk with a dust pan. The others are of my first born, home from U of T law school for the celebrations. Soooo glad she's with us...(she's my best xmas present).
This is our neighbour clearing his walk with an umbrella and a dustpan (sooo Vancouver):
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Jane Photo; Vancouver newborn photographer
Here are some wonderful sibs to go with the baby bambino in the post just below this one. I think the image of the three of them from above is one of my fave ever...it just melts my heart every time I look at it. I totally lost my heart to these two, three and four years old. They were sooo good and easy, and so photogenic, and they were just smitten with their new little brother.
Please leave comments here and I'll donate a can to the Food Bank for every one.
Oh, look at this chub...can anyone in their right mind resist this shot of babe on mama's shoulder? Adorable!
I wanted a shot that expressed how much love older bro feels for his new little guy, and this one for sure sums it up:
Oh, just yummy, isn't it? How wonderful to get such a fabulous shot of the whole kit and kaboodle of children:
Big sis was so loving to her new little brother, and she just looks like she is in thrall:
The little munchkins together...aren't they precious?
Please leave comments here and I'll donate a can to the Food Bank for every one.
Oh, look at this chub...can anyone in their right mind resist this shot of babe on mama's shoulder? Adorable!
I wanted a shot that expressed how much love older bro feels for his new little guy, and this one for sure sums it up:
Oh, just yummy, isn't it? How wonderful to get such a fabulous shot of the whole kit and kaboodle of children:
Big sis was so loving to her new little brother, and she just looks like she is in thrall:
The little munchkins together...aren't they precious?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Meet an adorable munchkin!
This little fellow was a month old and pretty well awake during most of his session despite all the heat we were throwing his way in the hopes of sending him off to dreamland. He was such an adorable little guy, with a wonderful thinker's forehead, chubby arms, and deep, startling eyes. I was so surprised at his ability to track what was going on around him, and also by his neck strength. He was big at birth, and at a month a full 12 pounds. Isn't he just the sweetest?
Please leave comments below. One comment=one can of food donated to the Food Bank for the holiday season!
This little fellow was a month old and pretty well awake during most of his session despite all the heat we were throwing his way in the hopes of sending him off to dreamland. He was such an adorable little guy, with a wonderful thinker's forehead, chubby arms, and deep, startling eyes. I was so surprised at his ability to track what was going on around him, and also by his neck strength. He was big at birth, and at a month a full 12 pounds. Isn't he just the sweetest?
Please leave comments below. One comment=one can of food donated to the Food Bank for the holiday season!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Nominate Someone in Need
You know someone.
You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, is watching their child suffering in the hospital or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty. Tell me about them!
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $475 worth, to be exact. Whether it's family portrait packages, prints for Grandma, or a full maternity/newborn package to capture those moments that they will treasure for a lifetime... it's in your power to give them the beauty they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and another thing... The person who nominates the winner receives a $175 family portrait session and an 8"x10" print! So get nominating!
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a million-dollar-vacation-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in metro Vancouver. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my gift. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story :
The winner will be announced on New Years Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Jane
Oh yeah, and please leave a comment because I'm donating a can of food to the Food Bank for each one.
You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, is watching their child suffering in the hospital or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty. Tell me about them!
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $475 worth, to be exact. Whether it's family portrait packages, prints for Grandma, or a full maternity/newborn package to capture those moments that they will treasure for a lifetime... it's in your power to give them the beauty they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and another thing... The person who nominates the winner receives a $175 family portrait session and an 8"x10" print! So get nominating!
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a million-dollar-vacation-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in metro Vancouver. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my gift. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story :
The winner will be announced on New Years Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Jane
Oh yeah, and please leave a comment because I'm donating a can of food to the Food Bank for each one.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
'Kay, everybody, Jane Photo is proud to announce that from Monday Dec 8 to Monday Dec 22 we will be donating one can of food to Vancouver's food bank for every comment left on the blog.
So get busy leaving your comments! We'd love to donate enough to make a difference to at least one family.
And just 'cause it's hard to post without a snap, here's a pic I may have taken myself as a very little girl of my mom and one of our newborn foals--just to show I was into newborn photography even back in Ontario in the sixties. We had a turquoise Bakelite intercom, and through this, mom would spend weeks listening for the sounds of the mares going into labour. What will it sound like? I'd ask. How will you know? Mom, can I watch? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Finally, on one occasion, I remember my mother waking me up and carrying me in her arms out to the barn in the middle of the night. The air was chilly against my bare feet and I wiggled my toes, testing it, and could feel the hem of my long flannel nightgown. I'm guessing it was March or April. The stars winked as if someone had poked holes in black fabric, and I was enchanted by the sight--and by being in my mother's arms in the dark, still night. In the barn, where my dad was waiting, it was warmer, and smelled of manure and ammonia, and it was quiet in every stall except for the last one where a restless mare was down on her side, ribs heaving, nostrils flared. Mom tucked me into a corner, burrowing me in straw, then turned to soothe the mare, stroking her cheek and neck and cooing in a reassuring tone.
The mare showed the whites of her eyes, and struggled to her feet as the foal came slithering out hooves first in its white bag of cowl, falling gently to the yellow straw, and sending up plumes of steam into the chillier air. The foal twitched in her bag. My mother pulled the cowl open, and the mare licked the birth bag away. Minutes later, the little foal rose on shaky, spindly legs, fell, then got up again for good, nuzzling for milk.
I was beyond enchanted. I was in love with every tiny particle of this experience, and have been in love with birth--and mothers and babies whether animal or human--ever since.
I wrote a poem about that magical night once, though I don't think I included it in either of my poetry books.
So get busy leaving your comments! We'd love to donate enough to make a difference to at least one family.
And just 'cause it's hard to post without a snap, here's a pic I may have taken myself as a very little girl of my mom and one of our newborn foals--just to show I was into newborn photography even back in Ontario in the sixties. We had a turquoise Bakelite intercom, and through this, mom would spend weeks listening for the sounds of the mares going into labour. What will it sound like? I'd ask. How will you know? Mom, can I watch? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Finally, on one occasion, I remember my mother waking me up and carrying me in her arms out to the barn in the middle of the night. The air was chilly against my bare feet and I wiggled my toes, testing it, and could feel the hem of my long flannel nightgown. I'm guessing it was March or April. The stars winked as if someone had poked holes in black fabric, and I was enchanted by the sight--and by being in my mother's arms in the dark, still night. In the barn, where my dad was waiting, it was warmer, and smelled of manure and ammonia, and it was quiet in every stall except for the last one where a restless mare was down on her side, ribs heaving, nostrils flared. Mom tucked me into a corner, burrowing me in straw, then turned to soothe the mare, stroking her cheek and neck and cooing in a reassuring tone.
The mare showed the whites of her eyes, and struggled to her feet as the foal came slithering out hooves first in its white bag of cowl, falling gently to the yellow straw, and sending up plumes of steam into the chillier air. The foal twitched in her bag. My mother pulled the cowl open, and the mare licked the birth bag away. Minutes later, the little foal rose on shaky, spindly legs, fell, then got up again for good, nuzzling for milk.
I was beyond enchanted. I was in love with every tiny particle of this experience, and have been in love with birth--and mothers and babies whether animal or human--ever since.
I wrote a poem about that magical night once, though I don't think I included it in either of my poetry books.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Little Ms S was such a delight to have in the Jane Photo studio! She had such a wonderful look with her springy curls of dark hair--and her funny faces. She had me cracking up from beginning to end, that's for certain. I haven't met a single soul who can do a fishy face quite as well as the divine Ms S, and I'll just bet she's been endless entertainment for her loving parents, T and M. Here are a few to enjoy!
As always, feel free to leave blog comments below.
Take it away, mom:
S is the cutest patootie wootie in the western world. Do you just look at her and melt?
Ummm, yes. I can barely get anything done in the house, I am so busy trying to take in her every moment. I dont want to miss a single expression (except maybe the screaming ones). I think as every mom knows, you could never imagine before baby how obsessed you will become with them.
S is the only baby who has ever made me laugh out loud when I was editing her images.
I have a whole series of S making faces that just crack me up. I know you said she is known for making faces. Why do you think she does that?
Thats the big mystery of Sophie. Since the very day she was born, people have commented on the strange and funny faces she made, especially the things she does with her mouth. She has a whole range of looks, from Zoolander, to fish face, to kissy mouth and beyond. The more annoyed she gets, the weirder the faces she makes. Half of all the pictures I take of her are variations of her "funny faces"....maybe she likes the feeling of her mouth making interesting shapes, or maybe thats her nonverbal communication....if she still does it when she's older I'll be sure to ask!
How has it been for you and M moving from being just a couple to being parents? How has your relationship changed?
Well honestly, it was certainly a shock in the beginning. Sophie took up all of my attention of course and I dont know that Martin was prepared for that, but as the weeks past, he readjusted his expectations of me and of our relationship. Now he is completely in love with Sophie and our relationship is more layered and meaningful than ever before, but it took a few months to get there.
What is the best thing about being a mom? When is S at her most adorable?
Sophie is at her most adorable when she wants us to make her laugh and when she is first waking up in the morning. When she wants us to make her laugh, her eyes light up and start sparkling and she starts screeching and kicking her little legs and arms to attract our attention. I know right away that shes in the mood to laugh her little head of, so we entertain her until we are all laughing together. Also, first thing in the morning, her hair is standing in every direction and she smiles the sweetest, most contented smile when she sees my face looking over her crib. Her cheeks are all rosy from sleep and she lifts her little arms out to me to be picked up. I live for those moments.
How has it been getting up nights to feed little Ms S? Do you enjoy your quiet late night moments together, or are you mostly nodding off and hoping to get back to bed?
Luckily for us, Sophie has slept 12 hours straight pretty much every night since she was 3 months old. So the odd night she wakes me up, when shes teething or not feeling well, I try to enjoy the peaceful sounds of her breastfeeding, the quiet in the house, and her warm little half asleep body instead of rushing back to bed.
What are you looking forward to doing with Ms S as she grows up?
Everything! Listening to her talk about what she is learning, thinking and feeling. Watching her experience the world and trying to see it through her eyes. Sharing in her interests and trying to forge a bond that will keep us close for the rest of my life. Bringing her joy and helping her become who she wants to be. Well, and because shes a girl, perhaps a bit of mommy daughter shopping and spa adventures.
Any thoughts/suggestions etc for other new moms?
Every day, every passing month, It just gets better and better. Try to enjoy every moment, takes loads of pictures and videos, because they change so quickly and your memory for details you thought you'd never forget is remarkably poor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
