Category: Family

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Life in Black & White | June

It’s time for another glimpse of my life in black and white… today’s glimpse is a special one.

Nine years ago today I became a mom.  My world was changed for the better, and a sweet little baby boy claimed my heart and made it his own.  Caleb you are such a friendly, charming, empathetic and caring boy.  You give the best hugs (which seem to be reserved just for me).  You are a loyal friend and try hard to be a patient big brother.  Thank you for making me a better person, for teaching me patience, compassion and composure.  You, with the beautiful soulful eyes, made me who I am today.  As I teach you about growing up in this sometimes difficult world, you have taught me to slow down, look around and appreciate my life.  I love you, my Squishy.  (Incidentally, dear followers, this sweet boy is how Squishy Prints Photography got it’s name… because of my little Squishy!)

Happy birthday!

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And just for comparison – here is my little Squishy nine years ago… and also a glimpse of my photography nine years ago.  Yup, we have both grown!

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Please follow the circle to see a glimpse of Vanessa’s life in Black and White.

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Four people in January

Okay so I promised I would blog more…ummm… it will happen.  But one of the things I realized in the fall was that I was missing my kids and my family.  So I have really stepped away from technology this year.  Last year I was on my laptop every day.  This year, I am only on a few times a week.  It means that I am often missing out on the photography forums that I was a part of, or the editing and crafty creating I used to do.  But also means I am more present with my kids.  I have a come to realize that I don’t need to be all things – a good wife, good mother, good photographer, good IDP consultant, good blogger – I just need to be… Just Be.  So that is what I am trying to do.  Just be happy with the way things are… just be a mom some days… just be present with my kids… just be a good listener to my husband… just be appreciative of the many blessings in my life.  And sometimes just be still.  So there are days when lots of things don’t get done – but I will be happy with what is accomplished and what I can be that day.

My other goal for this year is to be a part of the photographic memories Ii am creating for my children.  In 2011 I tried to do a family photo of us every month.  I got to August and then it fizzled out.  But this year I want to commit to those 12 pictures.  It’s just 12 pictures.  I can do it.  In fact I encourage everyone to do it.  If you are looking for a photography goal try this one – take a photo of you and your family once a month.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It doesn’t even have to be with your fancy DSLR – it can be with your phone.  The important thing is to get in the shot. At the end of the year you will have 12 photos that you will cherish.

Here is my family in January:

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And because I adore this photo that my husband managed to get while I carried our tired and grumpy three year old – here’s one more from January that is very special to my heart.

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Happy New Year!

It has been a whirlwind of an end to 2013… so unfortunately I let go of the blogging for while.  But one of my goals for 2014 is to blog more.  So with that I bid you a Happy New Year from my family to yours – see you in 2014!

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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:

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Grayson:

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Meera and Mahaan:

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Mahaan:

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Meera:

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Cohen:

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Cohen with big brother Jackson:

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Logan:

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Logan with his big sister:

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Noah:

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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.

 

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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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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.

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My nephew Brayden | Victoria Newborn Photographer

So I have come to realize that I am a really bad blogger.  I write posts in my head all the time and photograph with posts in mind sometimes.  But then finding time to actually get things on this site is a whole other story.  My poor 365 is slightly totally behind too.  I still shoot everyday, but haven’t edited and posted.  Eek!  We have been a busy family.  Plus I decided to take some more photography classes, plus I got a new nephew, and my sister got married, and we went on vacation… LIFE IS BUSY!

So I’ve decided to just restart, and what better way to do that then to do a post of my adorable nephew.  My three year old calls him “his baby”.

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I love this little boy! And I’m totally his favorite aunt!

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Baby Jonathan | Victoria Newborn Photographer

My friend Julia kept telling me about her friends and the baby they were expecting.  She was so excited for them, and has fallen in love with their little man. I was lucky enough to get to meet them and photograph this beautiful baby boy.  Thank you Tara and Ben for letting me spend the afternoon with your boy.  And thank you Julia for introducing this cute family to me! Welcome to the world little Jonathan!

 

Tara and Ben the link to your full gallery can be found here.  Enjoy!

 

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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!

 

 

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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.

 

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Keira’s Newborn Photos | Victoria Photographer

Meet baby Keira – the gorgeous little girl born to Alison and Shannon.  Keira is a tiny little thing who wanted to spend the day eating. But eventually sleep won for a little while and we got some beautiful images of this pretty girl.  Here are a few of my favorites! Enjoy!

Alison and Shannon, thank you for allowing me to capture these first precious days for you. Here is your gallery.

 

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Sweet Baby Kane | Victoria BC Newborn Photography

Meet baby Kane – the newest little brother in a very busy household.  He is a chubby, cuddly and well loved little man!  His big brothers are already smitten with him. I’m so glad I got to meet him and take his photos!  Congratulations R family!

Corrina and Nathan – your full gallery can be seen here: Kane’s Newborn Photos.  Congratulations on a beautiful baby boy!