Newborn Session – Baby W.

I met Christena and her daughter early one morning while we were at the park. It turns out, that same day was her due date. After playing for a short while in the cold, we made plans for a photo session with the newest member of their family once he or she (a surprise!) joined them.

Last week, I had the pleasure – and I mean honestly, Christena is such a sweet and inviting person, I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend – of photographing her little boy! Baby W. Only 7 days old, he made those perfect little baby cries and blinked with purpose, trying to see the world around him.

I am so honored to have been able to capture these moments in time. A sincere thank you to Christena, Bill, their daughter M. and son W.

Review – The Tomato Bistro in Manayunk, PA

The Tomato Bistro – Photo Courtesy of The Tomato Bistro

The Tomato Bistro, located at 102 Rector Street in Manayunk, has quickly become one of our favorite go-to restaurants. When we were experimenting with a gluten-free diet (in addition to being dairy, egg, nut, peanut and fish-free), we discovered the Tomato Bistro and were so excited that they made what turned out to be a really great-tasting gluten-free/dairy-free pizza! Now, whenever we’re not in the mood to cook, we head to the bistro.

The Tomato Bistro – Photo Courtesy of The Tomato Bistro

The staff here has been terrific when it comes to dealing with Elliott’s allergies. If there’s ever any doubt about ingredients or cross-contamination, they understand the importance of bringing these issues to our attention. Any parent of a child with severe allergies understands how tricky (and life-threatening) it can be to eat out at a restaurant. And while more establishments appear to be food-allergy conscious (new menus listing all ingredients, fancy kiosks where you can browse by specific allergen), in our experience, that almost makes it worse. You begin to trust that they know what they are doing and you let your guard down. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve sent back “plain” steamed veggies that were covered in margarine because the chef/cooks thought that that was an appropriate substitute for butter. (It isn’t.)

The Tomato Bistro makes us feel comfortable in a situation that is normally very challenging. And since we’re usually there around 5pm-6pm (earlier than most), the staff doesn’t seem to mind if Elliott wants to scale the 17 steps up to the 3rd floor and back down again…

5K Race – Mommy’s Light Lives On Fund

On Saturday, April 28, I ran my very first 5K race in Exton, PA. Having just recently began to run again after having Elliott, I wanted to challenge myself to do something new and thought the energy of a race would be very encouraging. When I searched 2 weeks ago for local races, my only criteria was that the race allow jogging strollers so Jon and Eli could also participate. I came across the 5K race for Mommy’s Light Lives On Fund and it quickly opened my eyes to what’s really important in life…

About the fund (from their website) “Mommy’s Light Lives On Fund- Bringing joy and comfort to children and teens by helping them keep alive traditions and simple pleasures they shared with their mothers. To support young people in adapting to their mothers’ illnesses or deaths, Mommy’s Light’s key initiatives include: (1) free Tradition Fulfillment Services to eligible children and teens; and (2) the development and distribution of education and outreach materials targeting grieving children and the adults who are likely to interact with them.”

After registration, we walked around the square where the event was being held and I think I was too anxious about the race to remember what the cause was about. As we lined up behind the starting line, I stood next to a group of people, including a young girl (no older than 8/9) and her father. It was only while I was running near them, at mile 2, that we passed a few volunteers that were taking photos of the race and supporting the runners, that it hit me. It was obvious that these volunteers knew this father-daughter duo and my heart sank. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to keep my composure but I knew in that instant that they were running for her late mother…These are the people in need of the comfort and joy that this foundation provides.

The whole experience was so positive and uplifting. I hope to find other ways to help Mommy’s Light. I know I held Elliott just a little tighter and a little longer before bed that night…

Review – Leelabean Cakes (Way Overdue)

Please forgive me for taking almost 4 months to write this review…Better late than never?

When the time came to decide on a cake for Elliott’s 1st birthday, there wasn’t even a discussion to be had – we were calling Leela from Leelabean Cakes. Not only are all of her creations from the kitchen beautiful and delicious, she is also very skilled at understanding dietary restrictions & allergies and how to use substitutions in a way that leaves me puzzled.

In Elliott’s case, we had a simple request – Carrot Cake - but please leave out eggs, dairy, and nuts! So how in the world did Leela make that into the most incredible cake I have ever tasted?!? I have no idea!

This little guy LOVED his cake!

Sadly, the Lego Man remained in my fridge until the very day we moved from Weehawken to Manayunk…He was so perfect; it hurt to see him go…

Luckily, Leelabean Cakes is located in Manalapan, New Jersey…just a short drive away.

Smith Playhouse & Playground

Even on a warm Saturday afternoon when everyone is longing to be outside playing, the Smith Playground is so large that you can always find a nook to call your own. The Smith Playhouse and Playground is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in Philadelphia…Oh, and Elliott loves it, too!

As described on their website:

“Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse opened its doors in East Fairmount Park in 1899.  Funded by Richard and Sarah Smith, the site was dedicated to the memory of their adult son, Stanfield.  Smith’s beautiful, 24,000 square foot Playhouse was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia’s most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim.  The Playground is situated on its original historic landscape – 6 1/2 acres of open fields, wooded terrain, and sloped hills – and is home to the century old Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a treasured play experience for generations of Philadelphia’s children, as well as other unique pieces of play equipment.

Smith’s mission is to provide children 10 and under from diverse backgrounds with free and accessible one-of-a-kind play experiences that meet their physical, behavioral, and developmental needs.”

We are now members at the Smith Playhouse and plan on spending many days – rain or shine – playing in this wonderful mansion.

Visiting Family in Canada’s Capital Region

We just returned to Philadelphia after spending a few days with my father and extended family up in Canada.

It bothers me that a whole year has passed since my last visit…Elliott is now a little man; no longer a baby. He squeals of joy when he hears his grand-papa playing the violon, and can’t wait to see his aunt Isabelle come through the door after school. I wish he could experience those moments more often…

 

Olivia Turns One!

My first week in Manayunk, I met Jennie – one of the sweetest and genuinely nice people I’ve met in a long time. Jennie has a daughter, Olivia (who Elliott just adores!), and on March 18, friends and family gathered at Jennie and Frank’s home to celebrate Olivia’s 1st birthday.

Here are a few photos of the festivities:

 

 

 

Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your special day, Olivia! Happy Birthday to you!