Tuesday, June 28, 2011

No, it's not a tattoo...

I'm not usually one to write about my personal or family life, not because I don't want to, but because maybe I don't think that I'm the best writer out there.  I'm 'all about the photos' I guess...  That being said, there has been something bothering me for quite some time now, but I think that I've just now realized how much. 

A few weeks ago I was doing some shopping at Zellers and while at the check out, the young-ish girl working the till asked me if the marking on my baby son's arm was a tattoo.  Really?  Yes really...I was so taken back that all I could say was, "God no!."  I explained that it was a birthmark and would eventually fade and that he had to wait until he was 5 to get his first tattoo.  I laughed off the situation, but deep down it really did make me sad.  I guess not even sad for my son, but maybe sad for myself.  I'm not sure exactly which.  He doesn't even realize that it's there, no less that it looks any different from anybody else, so it must be me that I'm feeling sorry for...

When Cohen was born (almost a year ago...sad face...) there was a small bruise-like mark on his hand.  We thought nothing of it, but the nurse said that they would note it and check on it periodically.  Two weeks later, there was a fire engine red mark reaching from his knuckles to his inner elbow.  At this point it didn't bother me in the slightest; I mean not at all!  By the end of his first month, the flat red mark had become very raised and much brighter than before.  It looked sore.  I knew from research and talking to his doctor that it was a strawberry hemangioma and wouldn't cause him any pain, but without explanation, how would I expect others to know that.  "No, I didn't burn him with a straightening iron..."

Cohen was born is the summer and so didn't go out and about much in the early months (paranoid mommy).  It wasn't until later in the season and into Fall that we really started venturing out.  Being that it was cooler at this point, we always dressed our little man in long sleeves, thus covering his arm.  Not on purpose, but for warmth.  Now, as another summer is well upon us, I find myself sick to my stomach...

It wasn't until a birthday party last weekend that I really realized how I've been feeling.  It was a hot day.  A wonderfully sunny summer day.  Cohen was wearing a long sleeved undershirt under a jumper.  He was the only person, baby or adult, wearing anything more than a t-shirt.  I have been hiding his arm.  Hiding it not only out in the world, but also in any photo that I make public or decide to display in my home.  Whether subconsciously or not, I do not know, but I have been.  As I sit here typing, I find myself crying.  Am I ashamed of my beautiful baby boy?  Of course not!  I love him so much that it hurts sometimes.  He is beautiful and absolutely perfect in my eyes.  I just wish that that I wasn't so concerned about what others may think.  It seems so petty for me to worry about a blemish that will eventually fade, when there are kids out there that are truly sick or dealing with much more permanent ailments or difficulties.  I can't help how I have felt in the past, but I am going to try my hardest from now on to think of this as what it is, temporary and a mark that is part of him and makes him the unique person that he is.

So, from now on if it's a hot day, you will see my gorgeous baby boy with amazing blue eyes, blond hair so light that it looks like nothing more than sparkles, and a toothy grin that'll melt any heart, in a tee-shirt or maybe even topless if the mood strikes me (lathered in sun screen mind you)!! 

I must add that I am completely fine answering any questions that anybody may have regarding his birth mark...as long as has nothing to do with getting my baby a tattoo...lol!!

http://www.skinsight.com/infant/infantileHemangioma.htm











Once Upon a Family...

In amongst all of these rainy days that we've been having, there was an absolutely perfect kind of day.  Warm and cozy with sounds of birds chirping and bees buzzing....oh, and the sound of this gorgeous family laughing chatting away during our afternoon photo session.  Three sons, one who just had a work injury to the lip, but was such a trooper, one daughter, who is making a big move next week, a daughter in law, who is definitely one of the family and an obviously very much in love mom and dad.  It was really something else meeting this family.  It is so evident and heartwarming when a family really appreciates and cherishes one another.  Here are a few of my favorites from our photo shoot!


















Thursday, June 23, 2011

There goes another piece of my heart...

As the title states, there goes another piece of my heart.  I often wonder how my heart can possible be filled with so much love.  Love for my family, my babies, my friends, my friends babies...love that continues to grow with every precious addition to this world.  Enter baby K.  What a handsome baby boy.  Such a perfect mix of his two amazing parents.  Two incredible people that are truly more like family to me than just friends.  I am thrilled that they are now beginning this journey into parenthood.  Congratulations to you both and welcome gorgeous baby.












Monday, June 20, 2011

Baby J and Little Lady M

Gorgeous...

That's the word that comes to mind when I picture these two little darlings (although baby J's dad may think that's too girly for his little man!).  These two look more like sister and brother that cousins and since they're lucky enough to spend so much time together, they act like it too!  Lady M is such a proper girly girl and Mr. J is the very stereotypical boys boy; very energetic and borderline mischievous.  Thank you to the parents for giving me the opportunity to photograph your amazing miracles!












Friday, June 10, 2011

Oh Floyd...

I have never in my life seen a better example of 'do not read a book by it's cover'.  Most people (let's be honest now) get a little nervous at the sight of a 100+ pound dog, but let me tell you, not necessary here!  I must now introduce you to the most gentle, easygoing and docile giant that I've ever come by.  I love everything about this dog; from his soft silver fur to his ginormous (and i mean it, they're HUGE) paws.  From his kind eyes to his stub of a tail.  Floyd is, in my opinion, what every dog should be...loyal and very well behaved.  This is a well-loved dog that is more than deserving of a blog!!  Keep on keeping on Floyd!!