children – Page 2 – ALLYSON ELL PHOTOGRAPHY

April 25, 2015

Letters to My Littles | April

Welcome to my monthly Letter to my Littles. After you enjoy my letter please continue on through our blog circle to see what my talented friend Christine has written to her littles here. Keep reading through the circle – it’s a wonderful glimpse of motherhood from various corners of the world.

This month’s letter is dedicated to my little Liam Bean.

Dear Liam,

I’m not sure how it happened so quickly, but you are now five… five!!! That’s one whole hand. How did you go from this sweet face…

…to this one so quickly?

You are so full of life! You have a joy and mannerisms that people gravitate too. You have become this kind, compassionate little boy. Recently you had a trip to the ER after having a bad reaction coming off your asthma medications. When you got a sticker, you asked the nurse for an extra one to bring home to your big brother.

Your life has been quite an adventure. You started out so sick with reflux as a baby. Then you had such a bad respiratory illness at a year old, it has done some permanent damage to those lungs of your’s. You now require seasonal inhalers. You are also one of those kids who is deathly allergic to peanuts – you manage this so well. You are so good at reminding others about your allergy and checking in with grown-ups before you eat anything. It breaks my heart to see how sad you get sometimes when you can’t have the cookie or ice cream at a party. But you very seldom complain. You are my tough kid. And my little kid. The steroids for your lungs, and likely the cream for your eczema, have stunted your growth a little – you are in the 3rd percentile for weight and height, and have low iron levels. So you truly are my little bean. But you don’t let your size stop you from trying everything!

For your birthday you asked for a bike – and you are so excited to now graduate from your strider to a pedal bike with handbrakes! I know that you are going to get the hang of this bike in no time!

It is such fun being your mama and watching all the wonderful things you do. It magic for me to see the happiness you have in everyday moments, the wonder as you discover things about the world, and the connections you make with people in your life.

My birthday wish for you is that you will always go through live with your positive, energetic and caring attitude.

You are going to go far my sweet little Liam Bean. You were born with such tenacity. Your first five years have been incredible. I know the next five and beyond will be amazing.

I love you – for always!

Love,
Mama

XO XO XO XO XO

March 25, 2015

Letter to my Littles | March

Dear Caleb and Liam,

March has certainly been a busy month for us. Spring has arrived and with it, spring break – which this year was 2 whole weeks off of school. (Liam you did not get 2 weeks off from daycare, much to your annoyance!) We have really been trying to focus on spending more family time together – unplugging and enjoying new places or exploring the great outdoors.

We took another trip up to “the mansion” at Morningside Estate with Poh-Poh and everyone. It was nice to have some quality time with you Liam- we went exploring, tried to catch a humpback whale and find the koala bears and pandas that you swore were roaming in the area. We also snuggled together at the campfire and roasted marshmallows together. And Caleb you caught 16 fish! You got to fish with great-grandpa and it sure made him happy (even though he didn’t catch anything!) We got to eat the lingcod you caught for dinner. It was delicious! I’m so happy you both ate it. How fantastic is it that we made dinner from something you caught Caleb!

We have been trying to make use of Daylight Savings time. It is wonderful to come home after work, school and daycare, and have it still be light out. We have been trying to go for walks or scooter rides.

During the first week of spring break, I took a few days off work and we kept you home from daycare a few days Liam. The three of us went and had a picnic together at Beacon Hill Park. I discovered that you are officially the duck whisperer Caleb. You called out to the ducks and they all crossed the street and came over to stare at us. It was pretty awesome! Then we went to visit the goats at the petting zoo, and had a run through the cherry blossoms before finishing up at the playground.

Caleb, you and I had some quality time together on our Mommy-Caleb day. We don’t get these very often. We went to the library, had lunch together, and then went for a walk through Sea Bluff loop. We did some photography together. You are slowly learning how to compose and set up your shots. I love how much you want to learn photography.

The three of us had one more special day together. We went out for Mexican food – which you both loved. Then went to the Lego exhibit at the Sidney Museum. Of course all you wanted to do Liam was play with the duplo. Caleb, you were all over the scavenger hunt, and pointing out every Lego Star Wars set you were hoping to one day own. I think we have enough Lego to start our own exhibit!

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We then stopped at the book store and toy store where you each got to spend your money on a few things. Liam you insisted on getting one of those grabber toys. You then proudly used it to pick up all the fancy rocks and pieces of sea glass from Sea Glass beach. We finished this day with a walk along the pier, and of course an iphone selfie!

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I am so glad I got to take a few days away from work to spend with you boys. I know it’s hard to have a mom and dad who have to go to work everyday. If I could pick you up from school every day Caleb, I would. If we could spend your finally year before Kindergarten together, Liam, I would be with you everyday. But the reality is, mom and dad have to work for all the things we have – our house, our car, and all the things inside. We want to give you both the best lives possible. So although we don’t get as much time together as we would like – I’m happy the time we have a good times, fun times, quality time!

I love you both!

Love,
Mama
XO XO

March 17, 2015

Life in Black & White | March

Welcome to another Life in Black and White blog circle post. Here’s a glimpse of my monochromatic life. Be sure to follow the blog circle to see some more amazing images from my photography friends. You can check out Meredith’s post here.

This month I wanted to keep it simple and just take a few images in the gorgeous morning light we get in our dining room. These two were mostly willing subjects.

February 28, 2015

Letters to my Littles | February 2015

It’s time for another Letters to my Littles blog circle. After you enjoy my words to my children please go to my friend Jess’ blog to see the words she has written for her little loves.

Dear Caleb & Liam,

February has been all about family. I hope this month has brought you memories of wonderful times that you will always remember – not because of the events, but because of who you shared this time with.

We spent the Family Day weekend at a wonderful and relaxing house on the water – which you two have dubbed “the mansion”. Our whole extended family stayed together under one roof enjoying each other’s company, eating, relaxing, play games, watching movies (and hockey), fishing and canoeing/kayaking. Caleb you caught a lingcod with Uncle Regan – you were both so proud of this first catch. Liam, you set up Monopoly Junior and taught poh-poh how to play. I love that we had this special time with her and the whole Sunday dinner clan.

Your great grandmother has taught me some very valuable lessons in life. The most important lesson is that family is everything. Spending time together with those you love, and having rituals together, make family bonds that bind tight together. Poh-poh has taught me to cherish not just the big holiday traditions, but also all the little moments too. She has taught me to document and remember all the little moments. Time goes fast, she always says. Enjoy life.

Enjoy life… this is something we are trying to do a lot of. Especially in these next few weeks and months – I want you to really enjoy and appreciate the life you have. There are going to be some big changes soon, and sadness. So for now, enjoy life.

We get busy. But we will always make time for family and friends. You both enjoy spending time with your social circles. Some of those friends you have we now think of as family too.

Liam you always know how to make your friends laugh. Have I mentioned you also have a new found love of hair coloring? I’m so happy you are such a loving and accepting friend. You try to include everyone into your games. You love to make people smile. It’s no wonder people love to be around you.

Caleb you are a loyal and devoted friend. You are also someone who is accepting of others and tries to get everyone included. You have such a kind heart and gentle soul. People are drawn to you too. I’m so happy that you have some very close best friends. You and B have been friends for almost 5 years now. I love overhearing conversations you two have about being roommates in the future and living an apartment with heated toilet seats. I’m so glad you that you have Cub Scouts together, and still spend so much time together, even though you no longer share a classroom at school.

I hope as you both grow older you will also see the value in being friends with each other. Although you fight – a lot… I know you do love each other. I know it’s hard for you to be affectionate, and Caleb you are indeed having a hard time hugging your brother back. But family is everything. No matter what changes life brings – you will always have each other. Remember as brothers, you’ve got each other’s backs.

I’m glad we’ve been able to have some fun together as a family this month. I love that as we make present memories we are also reminiscing about the past. You are learning about your family histories and a little about your culture. Caleb you have finally embraced the fact that you are half Chinese! Liam, you like to tell this fact to people.

Life is an adventure, especially with you too. I’m so glad I get to enjoy life with you.

Love,
Mama
XO XO

January 31, 2015February 28, 2016

Letter to my Littles | January 2015

Welcome to a new series: Letters to my Littles. I have joined in a blog circle chronicling the lives of our children through monthly letters. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my family life. Please continue to read through the blog circle, after you have read my letter please click over to my friend Ann’s blog.

Dear Caleb and Liam,

When you were both born I started writing you monthly letters describing everything you had learned, milestones you had reached, and the fun we had as a family. Over time, I sadly stopped updating our family blog. (I think the last post there was from August 2012…oops!) Recently I showed you this old blog Caleb, and all the stories and photos from your early days. You have loved looking back on your early childhood. So I have decided to try again. I want to be able to share in words and pictures the story of us, so that you can one day see your childhood through my mommy eyes. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of this moment in time.

It is hard to believe 2015 is here. This is the year Caleb turns double digits – I can’t believe my little Squishy will be 10. How did you grow up so fast Caleb? And Liam Bean, you will be turning 5 and going to kindergarten in the fall. It is bitter-sweet for me. As much as I love watching you both grow up and experience life, I miss out little snugly baby days.

This year started with skating for both of you. Liam you were so determined to make us keep our promise to take you skating at the outdoor rink. This was your first time on ice skates ever. You loved it! I did too, and I’m so glad daddy captured this moment for us.

Caleb you also went skating in a school field trip with all the other kids in your grade. You did not love it. You struggled a little. Although you tried to have fun, at the end you were frustrated and tired. But I am so proud of you for trying. I know it is harder for you than your peers. One day we will talk more about your past therapies and your DCD. For now thought, I just want you know how much I love you and how glad I am that you tried. Your friends were pretty proud of you too.

I always find January a little sad because we have to take down Christmas. You two were sad to say goodbye to our elf Jack, but were pretty okay to demolish the gingerbread houses!

This month we celebrated great grandpa’s 89th birthday and had our first cousin sleepover. You loved having our little cousin Brayden spend the night. You were both so good at watching him and helping to take care of him.

This month we also registered Liam for kindergarten. It’s hard to believe this big milestone is coming up so soon. Liam I know you are ready for kindergarten… but I’m not so sure kindergarten is ready for you and your antics!

This is going to be a big year of growth and change for all of us. I can’t wait to see what adventures you will both get up to. I love you both!

Love,
Mama
XO XO

December 9, 2014

Life in Black & White | December

It’s hard to believe we have reached the end of the year already and December is upon us. This December is different from last year… we’ve recently lost a loved one, and will be losing another in too short of a time. So this year we are trying to cherish each moment even more. In many ways, though, this December has been much like the others. We have our family traditions that we do, and our holiday routines. As I have gotten older and become a mother, I have learned to really appreciate the significance of tradition. This year my children seem to really value and appreciate it too. And while we may see the same Santa at breakfast each year, and my children will always order the same things for breakfast, there are so many other little details that I can see within the sameness. Each year, I will see my children physically growing bigger. I will watch their mannerisms as they eat – how they start to refine their grip on their forks, how they sip their drinks, how they order their meals. I will watch as the magic gets questioned, as they seek to find the truth and hold on to belief. And I will watch as they bicker and bug each other. As they try to push in each other’s photos and compete for our attention. But I know that my children watch too. They watch how we do things, and remind me when I forget things. They tell me about the traditions they find important. They remind me that these traditions are creating lasting memories that they love to share with others, and that they will grow up to cherish as much as I do.

Thanks for following the Black and White blog circle with me this year. I have truly enjoyed it.

Please follow the circle to Jennifer’s post.

October 14, 2014

Thankful | Life in Black & White | October

It’s time for another glimpse of my life in black and white. Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I decided to share about how thankful I am for the life I have. The last two years have not been easy. Our family has faced the loss of life, life changing illness, mental health problems, marital issues, job loss, and a car accident. There are times where my husband and I have hit rock bottom, sometimes individually and sometimes together. But through out it all we have managed to hold on. The ability to support one another, and to gain strength from one another is something we work hard at. I am so grateful to have the love and support of my husband, and my whole external family network. But mostly I am grateful for my children. They have been the light and joy in my life that reminds of all the good there is in the world. Their smiles, hugs and innocent view of the world, has kept me grounded and helped me to survive being an adult. They remind me daily to slow down and focus on the little joys of everyday moments. And throughout all the stresses, they have remained calm, happy and loving.

I am thankful that they have sat patiently and offered love during a few too many hospital visits to see family:

I am thankful that they have have given me hugs and wiped away my tears as we remember the little brother or sister that they lost. My four year old even offered his loving and gentle perspective on life when he and I recently visited the Little Spirits Memorial Gardens to remember his lost sibling:

I am thankful at the maturity my oldest has shown as he has persevered through missing a month of schooling. Now that grade four has officially started for him, he has taken on his studies with such a quest for knowledge and eagerness to learn:

I am thankful for the way my youngest keeps us laughing with his wonderful personality. No matter what happens he is the one we can rely on to make us smile:

I am thankful to be a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend, a documenter of all the things that make up our life. I am thankful that I am reminded daily by my boys to stop, pause, breathe and just be.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Please follow the circle to Vanessa’s post.

January 6, 2014

Life in Black & White: January

As promised – I am blogging more this year. To help me stay accountable and to help me learn and grow in my black and white photography, I have joined in on a blog circle with some other amazing photographers. Here is my first photo – a glimpse of my life in black and white…

I love my little Batman!

January

Now go check out the fabulous Vanessa: http://www.lbg-studio.com/2014/01/life-in-black-and-white-january.html

November 7, 2013

The Class of 2031 | Victoria Newborn Photographer

I usually do individual blog posts for each session. but alas, the fall session has me totally behind in blogging, again! Oops. This summer was definitely the season of babies. I photographed so many adorable little faces. Many of these little ones are friends of my nephew Brayden. A few are friends of clients and a few just happened to find me, and have become a part of our Squishy Prints Photography family.

So may I present the cute faces of 2013 – the future graduating class of 2031:

Rylan:

Rylan_06

Rylan_03

Rylan_42

Rylan_24

Grayson:

Grayson_newborn_15

Grayson_newborn_03

Grayson_newborn_07

Grayson_newborn_30

Meera and Mahaan:

Sidhu_newborns_24

Mahaan:

Sidhu_newborns_05

Sidhu_newborns_13

Meera:

Sidhu_newborns_35

Sidhu_newborns_32

Cohen:

Cohen_newborn_13

Cohen_newborn_16

Cohen_newborn_20

Cohen with big brother Jackson:

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Logan:

Logan_28

Logan_23

Logan_09

Logan with his big sister:

Logan_07

Noah:

Noah_35

Noah_19

Noah_05

Noah with his big brother Kingston:

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There is one more 2013 newborn to share – but his parents maternity photos deserve a post too – so stay tuned for more cuteness coming soon. Thank you to these wonderful families for letting me capture your children’s first few days. I really enjoyed the snuggle time (the poop, not so much). But the snuggles, smiles and unconditional love you moms and dads have for these sweet faces are totally what make me love my job.

October 14, 2013

Thankful: Tiny Light Mariah | Victoria BC Photographer

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is a day to give thanks for the many blessings we have. Admittedly I have had a very unlucky 2013, and have been having difficulty appreciating every little blessing in my life. I was going through some really difficult personal issues when I met and photographed Mariah and her family. Mariah is a beautiful 10 year old little girl who is full of spunk. She also has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has survived more hardships in her ten years than most of us will face in a lifetime. She may be tiny for her age, but she is definitely full of pre-teen attitude, and her spirit is huge. Thank you so much Mariah for letting me be a part of your life.

May 13, 2015 update: Mariah grew her angel wings toady. She will be missed by so many. My heart aches for her family. Please say a little prayer for them.

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Mariah_25

Mariah_23

Mariah_17

Mariah_15

Mariah_10

Mariah_31

There are many children and families like Mariah’s. These Tiny Lights remind us of all that is good in life, and reminds us to count each day as a blessing. Please visit the Tiny Light Foundation to learn more about how photographers and these special families are being paired up to create memories. I am so honoured to be a photographer with them.

June 3, 2013

Baby Isaac | Victoria BC Newborn Photographer

I have been a bad blogger – sorry. A car accident and some personal family issues have left me tired and super busy. But without further delay, here is a peek at a newborn I photographed in April.

I had the pleasure of photographing baby Isaac – who’s mother is a good friend of my sister’s. (Thank you Melissa for helping out with Isaac’s photos). He was such a delight to work with. Marie and Craig congratulations on your beautiful baby boy. Thank you for letting me capture his early days. I look forward to updates about Isaac from Melissa!

April 19, 2013

Silas and Lila | Victoria BC Photographer

One of my son’s best buddies is Silas who was born on a week before Liam. Silas and Liam don’t get to see each other very often, but when they do get together they are a barrel of laughs. I recently did a Spring photo session for Silas and his little sister Lila to celebrate their birthdays… Lila’s first and Silas’ third. We had a very fun time at the park, complete with a little BBQ picnic. Thanks for the fun day Silas and Lila! Liam was happy to see you again too!

Kristy and Jeff your gallery can be seen here.