Happy Birthday to the Old Photographer!

Today is my birthday. I had the realization that now that I’m 35, I’m half-way to 70. I’ve been joking about it since yesterday, and then wham! My back went out this morning. I’m not completely debilitated, I can move around. But my motion is restricted, and I’m laughing at myself.

Last night I had a major case of the hiccups. I felt like a little kid, and it got to the point I was laughing about it quite a bit. I was sitting on the couch with nothing to do but listen to my hiccups (hubby was programming the new universal remote… bo-ring…), so I started to play on the couch like I used to when I was a kid. I sat up on my feet and leaned my head back until I was leaning way over the back of the couch. I got my hands to the ground, but I couldn’t quite manage to kick my feet over. I wanted to end up standing behind the couch. I found my way back up to sitting, and sat there laughing for a while. It was such fun, and woke up my muscle memory from childhood! Of course I had to do it again.

Eventually – after a few tries – I found my way over the back of the couch and made it to my feet. It was like I was a kid again – flipping over the couch, laughing, and just entertaining myself when there’s nothing better to do. So I did it a few more times. No way am I old, right?!

Well, this morning, I came out from my bedroom – a little more stiff-in-the-back than usual – and saw empty suitcases all over the living room floor from our trip to the Midwest last week. I decided by golly, it’s time to put these things away. They belong in the attic, so up I went. And as I twisted to put one of the suitcases in it’s place, my back began to yell at me. Bummer.

So that got me thinking. Am I really half-way to 70?  Maybe I am in the mathematical sense, but I’m certainly not “old.” I’m convinced my back is yelling at me because it was a little worn out after all of the back-couch-walkovers and crazy tricks yesterday. After all the fun I had, I’ve decided to do more of that fun stuff and just get my body used to it again. I won’t back down! I’m a kid at heart anyway. I’d say a reminder to stay fun and playful is an awesome birthday gift! Happy Birthday, Me!

What have you done to make you feel like a kid again? Type your comment below!

Mother & Son Session – Lara Grauer Photography

Happy Birthday to this guy. He’s now the big 1-2. The last pre-teenage year is a big one, isn’t it? We headed back to Richmond Beach for this session – one of my favorite Seattle area locations. It’s just so stinkin’ pretty! I can tell that mom is so proud of her son. And rightfully so. He is handsome, polite, self-confident, and creative!

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was a big day in our house – Molly’s 6th birthday! It’s amazing how fast they grow, the things they can learn, and the wit that abounds at such a young age! We’ve been through Elmo, Dora, princesses, and now Pokemon. We’ve been to many museums, beaches, parks, field trips, and parties. The adventure will continue and we look forward to many joys and challenges to come. I have loved watching her grow, and it’s through pictures that I am able to savor the memories.

You might recognize this cute face; I used to get a whole lot of personality from her, but things have changed. I love this expression – it’s very natural, and what I see in her. But it’s not so easy to get the variety and the exuberance that exploded from her as a toddler. We’ve reached the frozen grin stage. I knew it would come – and it will come to your family if it hasn’t already! It wouldn’t bother me much, except that it means she’s a big kid now!!! NOOOO!!!! I think one of my challenges for April will be to get a big expression from her and post it for all to see.

What I love so much about my job is that I’m going through the stages of parenting myself. I really relate to my clients because I know what it’s all about. I understand the joy and the frustrations. Most of all, I understand what a precious thing it is to capture that beautiful essence that we see in our children every day.