My family is on our 1st family vacation together in YEARS! We've decided that it may only be the 3rd trip we've all been on together in my 35 years. CRAZY! When you are one of five children, I kinda get why vacations were not a regular part of our lives (I've realized this only recently traveling with just my little one).
We are staying at Seabrook Cottages on the Washington Coast. I can't recommend this place more! It's so awesome. We're staying in Anchors Away, and it can accomodate 14. The home comes fully stocked w/ flat screens in every room, DVD players + tons of movies, board games, books, toys (even a play room), pack & play, high chair, hot tub, and the best part...bathrooms in every bedroom. It's decorated super cute and is so cozy. There are community beach cruisers that you can take and use for free. There are also fire pits located throughout the community, stocked with wood. You just gotta pack the s'mores! A market & cafe is also located within the community for our convenience. I highly recommed Seabrook and we plan on returning next year.
This is the home we're renting (I'm staying in the carraige house over the garage with the Volkoffs)...
It's so great for the kids because the playground & walking trails are literally in the backyard.
Monday we arrived to my hometown (Olympia, WA) to start our summer vacation and visit family & friends. We make this trip annually with our friends, the Volkoffs. They have definitely been adopted as honorary members of the Avery family. It's been even more fun this year since we both have little girls that LOVE each other. We've been lounging in my parents back yard for three days letting the kids run free, explore, and play. It has been so fun and relaxing. Here are a few snapshots of the girls playing yesterday...
Thursday nights have become Dinner with the Volkoffs. We only live 2 blocks from one another, Thursdays are Dan's day off, and he LOVES to cook for others. So the Volkoffs venture to our home on Thursday eves for some grub and we are entertained by the little ones. Brookie & LuLu are exactly one year minus one day apart. They both get so excited to see one another, it's so endearing! And they just so happened to be matching in colors today, so what better opportunity for a mini-photo shoot. Brooklyn loves to tickle, hug, & kiss Lu. Usually Lu has wondered who this little person in her space is? But most recently she gets excited & is entertained by Brookie. It's so fun to see little ones interact with one another. I love these little girls...
Little Miss Luella June is getting big. So big that she is almost as tall as my Brooklyn (seriously...they are only like 5 inches apart, even though they are a year apart). I cannot believe how strong she is and how much she smiles and laughs ALREADY. This is such a fun age (3+ months) for a baby because they start doing so much and interacting with you. And although she is changing a ton, some things have not changed. For example, that crazy little tongue of hers that she loves to stick out. Silly girl. So glad I had a moment to capture her one more time...before she goes and changes on us again.
Little Miss Lu is quickly approaching her 8th week birthday. In two days to be exact! She is turning into a pretty little girl (but not so much a lady). She likes to stick her tongue out, grunt, fart, and froth at the mouth. LOL! It's seriously funny and exhausting watching this little girl. She is non stop moving and making noises. She is such a good baby...well, until you stick her outside naked and torture her with props, positions, and the constant click of the shutter in her face. She was a trooper for the most part and I think we captured some great moments. Enjoy mama & pops!
Today is Luella June's first week birthday. I can't believe it's already been a week since I witnessed the most amazing thing in the world...her entry into this world! The Volkoffs are coworkers, neighbors...but most importantly, the best friends a girl could ask for. I was so honored to be a part of their labor and delivery. It's a good thing it's taken' me a whole week to blog this, because otherwise, I would be a blubbering mess. I cried for days after! Seriously, it was such an emotional experience. I can only tell you my account but you should check Cora's blog for theirs.
It all started last Wednesday, Back to School night, of course. I actually got some sort of stomach bug that day and went home from work so sick! I was in bed by 7pm, missing Back to School night as a result. I was awaken around 9pm from a phonecall from Aaron and debated whether I should answer it or not. I only did because I quickly wondered if they were in labor. They knew I was sick and I'm sure hestitated to call. As I suspected, they were! I had been asleep and told Aaron that was the only reason I answered. We had always planned on me being there so that I could capture the experience on camera. Aaron asked me what I wanted to do and my reply was...I DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS..I WILL BE THERE! I rolled out of bed and got myself and camera gear ready and met them at the hospital.
By the time I got to LB Memorial Hospital, Cora was already changed and in bed giving info to the admitting nurse. Becky soon arrived too and we awaited the news if Cora would be admitted or not. Meanwhile Aaron and I were making jokes, only to be reminded by Cora that we were not funny! LOL. I can remember the annoying factor being multiplied by 100 when I was in labor, so I was forgiving. Cora was already experiencing contractions and was dialated to 1cm. The doctor agreed to admit her and encouraged her to walk around to help induce labor. At this point, Cora was shaking and even began to vomit. It's seriously the worst thing in the world to watch someone go through pain. Cora quickly dialated to 3cm by midnight and was moved to the labor and delivery room. The rest of the night was spent there watching Cora experience labor...WITHOUT any drugs. She was such a champ breathing through each contraction and trying to rest in between.
By the early morning, Cora had advanced to 7cm dialated and it became evident that this baby was coming SOON! The L&D nurse was bragging all night what a stud Cora was to the other nurses that this was Cora's first baby, that she wasn't using drugs, and she was so mellow! Unfortunately shift change was at 5am for the delivering doctor, which is about the time that Cora felt compelled to PUSH! The nurses tried to delay the process and encouraged her to relax and breathe. Meanwhile Becky and I were freaking out because we could tell the looks on their faces meant Lu was coming sooner than later. Ultimately they had to call the doctor on call and little Luella made her appearance. There was really only one place for us to stand and that was at the feet of Cora's bed. We got to witness the most beautiful thing in the world. I might add that I tend to be on the squimish side and don't particularly like blood. I was not phased in the least and only felt emotion, tears, and love for the Volkoffs and little LuLu. It was truly amazing! I'm so happy and proud of the Volkoffs.
We welcome little Luella June Volkoff. Born on October 1st, 2009 at 5:27am. 8lbs. 7 oz. 20.5 inches. See the baby story here...
And little LuLu's first photo shoot at one week old...
Eeek...I'm a whole week behind on blogging. That woud be because I'm back to teaching and packing to move homes. Not the best timing and planning on my part. But that is kinda how life is.
So, last Friday, Cora and I made a date to capture her last trimester and month of being pregnant. She is just shy of 3 weeks from her due date and we can hardly wait to meet little LuLu! I have to say that I feel very priveliged to have been a part of it all and capturing every moment on camera. You might even recognize the red boots from their wedding day! I really wanted to find a big hilly countryside for our session, but who am I kidding? I live in South LA County. Instead I found an abandoned lot in Laguna. I actually think it made for some great pics. I might add that Cora is the best preggers ever. I'm so happy that she has had a great pregnancy with very little complaining (seriously!). I hope Aaron realizes how lucky he is! I'm even a little jealous.
The big surprise of our session was that Aaron even agreed to be a part of it! We've joked for years that he will have no part in prego pictures. Well, I'm thinking the new pops is softening a bit in aticipation of his little girl!
For all the work that my dear friend Cora has done for me (blog design, logo, and my all around go to girl for graphic design), it is so nice to return the favor and share my photography with her. She is 28 weeks pregnant now and is in her third trimester. It's officially the home stretch and the final countdown has begun. She is due only one day before Brooklyn's 1st birthday. It's so fun to think about this time last year I was exactly 28 weeks pregnant too. It's also been fun for her to think in one year her little girl will be Brooklyn's current age. This session was particularly fun because we did at her new home with all natural light. I think the images reflect her style and personality. Here's a sneak peak. Your comments are always welcome...
