Mya Monday

Wow! It’s Monday again and I now realize how difficult it is to blog and to blog so often! Mya Mondays might not be a weekly ritual after all. So – I get a call last minute from photographer friend and future sister-in-law, Jessica from Inch by Inch Photography:

Jessica: “Hey! What are you doing?”
Me: “Nothing right now. Why?”
Jessica: “You think you can bring Mya into the new studio within the next hour so I can do a test shoot?”
Me: “Uhhhh….what’s the latest I can come in?”
Jessica: “Two.”
Me: “Damn. [Long Pause] Okay, I’ll see if I can make it!”

Keep in mind that it was around 1 o’clock when she called and we had to be ready and be there within the hour! My hair was a mess, Mya’s hair was a mess and there was no way we were walking out of the house looking the way we did, but somehow, we managed to make it in time before her first scheduled shoot of the day. With a little help from Mom, a lot of cooperation from Miss Mya, and a bit of direction from Jessica, we were able to pull off these ultra-fab images! I love how mini, mod and modelesque she is in these photos! Thank you Jess for the “test” shoot and the many other shoots that we’ve had in studio with you! You never fail to always do a wonderful and superb job in capturing the tiniest of tots!

Please do check out Inch by Inch Resale Store for your children’s consignment needs and photography services for your lil’ ones! They offer great gently used items for your children including, but not limited to clothing, strollers, swings, toys, gear and more. They also specialize in children’s photography with their newly built studio at their Cerritos location. You can find them online at Inch by Inch Photography for more information.

*Jessica just recently joined the blog world, so please make sure to stop by her new blog and show her some love! We love blogs!!!

Derrick Landon: Bare

Nothing is more comforting than the scent of a brand new baby and Derrick Landon whom was all of 9 months still had that irresistible, lingering, baby-of-a-goodness smell! It really should be bottled and branded! We went for a clean and relaxed session for Baby Derrick. I think babies photograph well in the buff as it really is a reflection of who they are…pure and unadulterated. So there was Derrick Landon – bare, beautiful and in the buff! This lil’ boy had the most creamiest caramel-complected skin, the most scrumptious and mightiest thighs and the most poutiest lips with gorgeous almond eyes to match. I really don’t understand how anyone could resist smothering this lil’ man! We decided to photograph Baby Derrick in bed with white sheets~ simple and relaxed. While I was setting up, Baby Derrick decided in true rocker-style that he would flip the camera off! It was hilarious because it seemed like he knew exactly what he was doing! Derrick Landon rocked this photo session and the images couldn’t have turned out any better! I really have to give credit to Mom and Dad for puttin’ out all that they had to get a picture perfect smile. It’s really amusing to see what parents will try to do to get their little ones to crack a smile and I couldn’t help but to burst into a laughing frenzy along with Mom and Dad throughout the duration of the session! Dad attempted to spin Baby Derrick around in circles and plopped him on the bed to try and get a reaction…any reaction. I would have doubted it to work, but I don’t think it was the first time it was tried…it seems. As wobbly and uncoordinated as Baby Derrick was in that state, he managed to flash a gummy smile and that was all I needed for these stellar images! Baby Derrick was super fun and super delicious to say the least and I thank you, Derrick and Gezal for allowing me to capture his soul. You both are wonderful parents with genes of gold!

Mya Monday

Since my life endlessly revolves around this 2 year old, I thought it was necessary to have Mya Mondays and post photos, stories, current happenings or just random things Mya related. I know this could be overwhelming since Mondays come around more often then not, but I thought it would be kinda cool to document moments, milestones and just life as it happens, because we all know life happens in light speed! So, here is random thing #1 that’s Mya related! Happy Monday!

Mya Monday

Mya: Ha ha ha ha haaaa!!!
Mama: What’s so funny, Mya?
Mya: Ewmo fewl!
Mama: Elmo fell???
Mya: Yeah! Look! Ewmo fewl! Ewmo soo fuunnny!

I looked over on stage and sure enough, Elmo was sprawled out on the floor! We took Mya to go see When Elmo Grows Up Sunday evening and it was quite the event! Mya’s eyes were glued the moment we stepped foot into the venue and there she was…engaged! It was Elmo’s World, but for the moment, Mya was completely in it and mesmerized! I was convinced she was, because all she could talk about was Elmo, and and and Big Bird, and Cookie Monster and and Zoe, and ELMO ELMO ELMO! Since we were all things Elmo, we took a piece of Elmo home with us and when I say a piece of Elmo, I mean it in the literal sense. A floating Elmo head filled with helium called a balloon which was all of $8 and this is where my complaint kicks in:

$15 for parking
$6 for kettle corn
$4 for a small Icee
$8 for a mylar balloon

Bitter about it? I am…just a lil’ bit, just because I'm a lil' frugal, but since I’m a sucker for all things and a firm believer in anything kids and anything for the kids, there was no saying no to Miss Mya. Nope, not I! $8 and two days later, I asked Mya:

“Mya! Do you remember seeing Elmo and how funny it was when he fell? Elmo fell, you remember?”
“Yeahhh, Ewmo fewl! Ewmo so funny!”

Mya then ran speedily into her room. It was quiet for a split second, so I was wondering what she could be up to. Not a moment later, she ran back into the room with “Ewmo” deflated in her hands and said, “See? Ewmo fewl. He’s so funny!”

Two days and $8 later, it wasn’t so bad - not after this priceless moment!

Natalie: ThRilled to be turning 30!!!

“ThRilled to be turning 30!!!” is her alias on My Space and she couldn’t have a better attitude about it! Natalie was all smiles on her shoot and yes, she does have one of the most brightest and infectious smiles ever! I must say that it is her best feature next to her charisma! Natalie will be having a birthday luau to celebrate her 30th next Saturday and from what I’ve heard, the party will sure to be a big hit! Here is my favorite photo of Natalie from the shoot. I think she looks absolutely gorgeous in this photo! Turning 30 never looked so good! Happy Birthday, Nat!

20th Anniversary Long Beach AIDS Walk

Family & friends,

I am excited to announce that I will be participating in the AIDS Walk in Long Beach on Saturday, June 21st! AIDS Walk Long Beach is the only direct impact AIDS fundraising program in Southern California and in high spirits I am looking forward to giving back to our community and contributing to a great foundation to help stop the AIDS trend in our community. I am asking for your help as my sponsor for this great event by donating whatever you can to help the cause. Any dollar amount will be appreciated whether it be $1 or $100! The funds raised will go directly to HIV prevention & education programs and to direct services. These funds are restricted funds and can only be used to stop AIDS. Funds cannot be used for payroll, overhead or capital expenses. I thank you for your support and your help in making a difference!

Cash and checks are welcomed, but if you’d like to donate online please click here!

Much appreciation,

Navy


***Edited to Add***

I just wanted to thank those of you who contributed and sponsored me for my AIDS Walk! I am humbled by your sweet gesture, so thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! The walk was was quite rewarding and it really meant alot to me to know that I am involved in such a great cause! I am the most out of shape person I know, but I had no doubt that this 5k walk would be a breeze. What's 3 miles...right? Yes, I was a huffin' and a puffin' by the time I reached an incline up the hill, but it felt great to cross that finish line! Mya slept a partial way during the walk, but she was up a majority of the time and overall, I think she really enjoyed being out there. I was a part of the UHC team and walked with a few friends who gave me more of a reason to go out there and walk. Mya made new friends and I think they became her best friends when they took her on the ginormous ferris wheel that they had at the Pike! I am embarrassed to say that I failed to take my own daughter on the ferris wheel because of my fear of heights! :? So thank you Raphi, Jennifer and Julie for making it special!

A special thank you to Alvin AKA: Babe & Baby Daddy, thank you so much for your support and coming out there to show us some love without me even asking! :) It means alot to me and you never cease to amaze me! I love you!

*I realized how difficult it was to raise money when I signed up for the walk, but I managed to raise $95!*

M. Tanay Holmes-Jackson
"I'm so excited for you! Go get'em!"

Tanisha Metoyer
"Walkitout ... walkitout! - Phil, Nisha & Deja"

Varencka Bailey
"I'm so proud of you Navy!!! Keep doing what your doing, you make us all proud of the contribution you are doing!!! :) V.Bailey"

Kelly Cusick
"YOU GO GIRL! RUN FOR THE CAUSE!!!!! ~Kelly~"

Alvin Aska
"Hey Baby, You have such a good heart and that is one of the many reasons I love you. Good Luck!"


Total Donations: $95

Reminded

It’s funny how far we’ve come from the olden days of touch tone dialing and pagers and I was sweetly reminded Sunday morning when I was woken from my sleep by a series of text messages that read:

“Happy Mamas Day! May your day be blessed and spent just the way you want!”
“May ur day be blessed with great gifts from your little ones, and may u relax & enjoy ur day. Happy Mother’s Day!”
“Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful ladies. Enjoy your day!!! Smooches!”
“Happy Mother’s Day! Hope you have a great day!”
“Happy Mother’s Day!”
“Happy Mother’s Day…I wish u all the best in life, love & in health =)”
“HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!”
“Happy Mother’s Day 2 all my beautiful mommies! Thank you 4 all the hard work that u put forth n raising ur children!”
“Happy Mother’s Day”

Whether those wishes came from a form of text messages, an animated graphic or a bulletin posted on My Space ~ I am indebted by just the simple gesture and the thought that transpired into these words. It really is just a sweet reminder of the women that we’ve become, the times that we are tested, the obstacles that we’ve overcame, the joy that overwhelms our hearts and the hopes that we constantly have for our children.

Reminded – I was of the mother that I am, but more so of the woman who reigned supreme in my life…my mother. Never have I known a woman so strong, fearless and resilient to have led the life that she lived. My mother and father were refugees who escaped the “killing fields” in 1979 from the Khmer Rouge. It was terrifying to hear the horror stories that unfolded – stories of their rampant escape from death through the rainforests, stepping foot on human skull and bones along the way, not knowing whether or not their next step would be their last if they were doomed to have set a mine off. My mother and father were fortunate enough to have survived the genocide that took over a million lives and came a very long way before they departed. I take strength and perseverance from my mother and wish she was here today to see the mother that I’ve become. She would have been proud and maybe even a little surprised to see how I morphed into the mother that she was. I am the woman that I am because of her and I am reminded of her every single day whether I relive a moment with her in my dreams or whether she crosses my mind in just a random thought. Always…I am reminded.

Oh how...

...I love my Canon 5D!

Happy Birthday!

This weekend was overwhelming to say the least as we welcomed our newest addition, Jordyn Renee! Kiara was in labor for more than 24 hours. Jordyn Renee finally arrived on Friday, April 18th via cesarean! She was a whopping 9 1bs 5 ½ oz! Holy crapola! Nevertheless, she is a beauty!

On a sidenote~I too, gave birth…to my new Canon 5D…2 lbs 0 oz, that is! Whoo to the HOO! I haven’t had the chance to get to know her yet, but I promise she will get my undivided attention this week!

Deja's First Communion

I had the privilege of shooting Deja who will be having her 1st Communion come May! This milestone will be a special one...so of course she had to be photographed! Spring has sprung and flowers have been blooming everywhere. So what better place to be in a beautiful white dress than a flower meadow full of daisies? Deja made this shoot light and fun because she was ready and willing to do whatever I needed for her to do and it totally made for a great shoot!

Tanay & Sergio

Crazy-Sassy-Fierce-Sweet…are just a few words to describe Tanay. I went to high school with Tanay so you could say we go way waaaay back! Just as cliché as it sounds, it really is a small world as I was lucky enough to cross paths with Tanay again just a few years back at Prescription Solutions. We started the same day and were in the same training class when we took on the job and the girl looked familiar from the moment I saw her. How could you not spot out a Poly High alumni? :) I was always drawn to Tanay’s magnetic personality and I’m positive that it is just one of the many reasons why Sergio fell in love with her! She was one of those contagious personalities and I was definitely affected! Tanay was always one to make me laugh and I’m not talking about the “LOL”, he he, chuckle & giggle type of laugh~I’m talking about the “LMFAO”, “ROFL”, uncontrollable and laugh-‘til-you-cry & snort laughs! These are the moments that are most golden and this girl is definitely the type of girl who knows how to have a good time and make light of any situation with just pure laughter! Tanay & Sergio will be having an anniversary party in December to celebrate their unity. You see…they are already married and will be going on their fifth anniversary come December. Since they never really had the nice and big wedding that they wanted, they thought that this anniversary would be the perfect time to celebrate the way they wanted to and have the party that they thought they deserve! As Tanay & Sergio prepares for this event, they sought me to photograph them for that purpose and I obliged! This session was just as fierce and fun as the couple themselves! Sergio was just as crazy as Tanay if you ask me! He was such a natural and he really did manage to work the camera like a pro and needed minimal direction! I want to thank you guys for allowing me to capture your essence and a small part of your life! You both are truly blessed with a lovely family and I only wish you only the best in your years to come!

Tap Kids

Today, we were in for a sweet surprise! We were lucky enough to have been offered tickets to go see Tap Kids from our close friends Phil, Nisha & Deja. I thought this would be an experience for lil’ Mya and it certainly was! I was hesitant at first about bringing Mya because-let's face it-the attention span of a 2 year old isn't too promising, but I was assured when Nisha mentioned that her 2 year old niece, Kayla was going to be there. It was quite ironic, because Mya and Kayla used to see each other every Monday at Miss Linda’s tap & ballet class!

I have never heard of Tap Kids up until now and so I really did not know what to expect. It was really reminiscent of High School Musical….with tap shoes of course! These kids were amazingly talented and I sat there blown away by each and every one of them! It was moving…literally as I sat in my seat, arms and legs occasionally twitching to the beat! I only hoped that Mya took from it and absorbed every ounce of it only to report back to Miss Linda and tell her that she needed to step up their dance routine in class!

Mya, Olivia & Avery's 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Our posh tots welcomed Spring in fashion by hosting their very 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Their family & friends hopped on over for the fun-filled event which was a hit! We gathered the kids together for a memorable Easter with an egg race game, bunny mask crafts, cookie decorating and of course the main event…the great Easter Egg Hunt! We now have more than enough eggs to know what to do with! Mya did come home that night with a tummy ache as she had more than her share of Easter goodies. We realized it was the case when we found her hiding very quietly, in a dark corner, plastic egg busted into and on the floor with a mouthful of jelly beans and drool down her chin and onto her chest like it was the last time she would ever have candy! Hilarious...really! I wished I could have picked up the camera to get just one shot of that! It was definitely a Kodak moment!



This is one of my favorite pictures of Mya and Olivia thus far. I love this moment and I was lucky enough to have been there that exact moment to snap a picture of it! I added a texture to give it sort of a grungy-antique look and I think it actually gives the photo that “umph” that it needed.

Birthday: March 14th, 1979

I’m afraid I will be going into a deep state of depression soon when it comes time for my next birthday. The big 3O is rapidly approaching and I feel like the grim reaper is right around the corner waiting to jump out and snatch me up! I feel 29 years young, but my driver’s license claim that I am 29 years old. I know, I know…very dramatic, aren’t I?

My girlfriends arranged for an intimate dinner for me at one of my favorite restaurants! As always, we conversed over dinner & drinks, took comical pictures of ourselves and were stricken by random outbursts of laughter! To top it all off, we had a mouth-watering strawberry shortcake cake with a few flamin’ candles! Thank you Paula & Sam for arranging this dinner that was nothing short of sweet! Malida & Arlyn, thank you for the most fantabulous and beautifullest piece of wearable art eva’! Last but not least, I thank my honey, Al for fulfilling my wish and getting me the most lavish yet appropriate gift that an aspiring photographer like myself, can get. It was unwrapped and still in its’ original box that it had been shipped in when it was handed to me. I quickly busted my way into the box and it felt as if there was a beam of light that bursted out of the box accompanied by a quartet of harps as I made my way into it! OMG...a Shootsac!!! I was grinning from ear to ear and couldn’t be happier! So, thank you babe! Many thanks to all who surrounded me during my special day! It’s all of you~whom I appreciate and whom I am grateful for. You all make life much more meaningful and I am truly blessed to have you all in it! You all are my rock!

Friday

Ughh…I’m sooo sick. I cannot believe I’ve gotten sick so many times this past year. It's just been ridiculous...really! I was always one to repeat, “Oh, I never get sick, but when I do…you besta believe it’s a case!” Well...it’s so not the case anymore. I feel like a superhero who lost her superhero powers. I’ve been loading up on Airborne and everything under the sun and it is not fun! Hope I wake up tomorrow with the sun beaming through the window and in my face to a better day, because we’ve got a snow day ahead of us. Mt. High…here we come!

Kiara Renee: Showered

February 23rd, 2008 was marked by the long awaited Jordyn Renee! Showered~she was, with family and friends who came pouring in one by one. Believe me, this puddle was not one to be reckoned with! The shower was all things “Jordyn Renee” from the decorations to the favors and down to the water bottles. I was heavily involved in this day and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome! This was well planned and well executed by our team of contributers and it couldn’t be possible without the help of the people involved! In co-planning this event with Shelia, we thank Ebony, Jessica, Brandi, Davonne, Michael, Mykail, Patty, and all who have lent their hands to make this day an amazing one! We wish only the best for Kiara and her journey with motherhood. May this amazing event be the prequel to the life of Jordyn Renee!

Here is mama-to-be who is still fly and flawless just before the party. All images were shot with the 24-70mm 2.8 lens. This was a rental from Bill’s Camera in Huntington Beach. I had rented the 50mm 1.4 lens from here before for a Christmas shoot and was happy with the service. The good thing about renting on a Friday is the amount of time that you get to have the lens for. $40 was not bad for having the lens for the weekend.

Lollipop favors! Yay!!! I absolutely love these lollipop favors! I made these from pink, brown & beige washcloths and we incorporated them into the centerpieces on the tables! Ughhh...too cute!

"Jordyn Renee" water??? You guessed it! Hey...maybe she'll get her own Vitamin Water one day!

I love the kids!!! (Can you tell?!?)

Pitter Patter Cards

I’m enthralled that the talented people of Pitter Patter Cards has posted our 2007 Christmas card on their blog! I absolutely adore the final product! With the numerous edits and proofs that I had made over the time span of a couple of weeks to try to perfect it, I really have to give many many thanks to Pitter Patter Cards for the open communication lines and the ease of it all! I have to admit that I am not an easy client to please! ;) Their designs are modern, fun, fresh and nothing short of chic! Please check us out on their blog to see what they have to say and drool over their awesome new card designs at: http://www.pitterpattercards.typepad.com/!

I [heart] Avery

Not only am I a mother to a beautiful and an amazing 2-year-old, but I am also Godmother to a vibrant and charming 1-year-old! I shot this a couple of weeks ago as I was on another shoot and although it is not the best picture that I snapped of her, it was just one that I quickly scoured over to shop! Boy, do I love that perfect pout of hers! Just one of the many reasons why I [heart] Avery!

Kiara Renee: Maternity

This past weekend, I was honored to capture the lovely Miss Kiara Renee! I was very thrilled to photograph Kiara for numerous reasons. Firstly, she is just the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen, secondly she is my friend & niece and not to mention, this was my very first maternity shoot! In the midst of these shoots, I’ve decided to explore the world of lenses that Canon has to offer. I know I want to invest in another lens sometime in the near future, but we all know how much money that involves! Yikes! SO, a better solution to finding the next perfect lens was to rent! I found this cool place in Irvine, called Pro Photo Connection, Inc. and they have tons and tons of everything and anything camera! I decided to try out the Canon 16-35mm 2.8 lens for this particular shoot and I absolutely love it! I mean...I can really see myself using this lens like...ALL the time! I love the zoom factor, which is something that the prime lens does not offer. The images were crisp and sharp and is just great in low light situations. This lens is definitely a must-have in my camera bag and hopefully it will be my next big purchase!

The Color Purple

Everything has been non-stop this week and somehow, I managed to schedule myself for three different events all in one week on top of last minute Christmas shopping and Christmas of course! Paula and I took Nadia, Eileen and Deja to go see High School Musical on Sunday, Al and I took Mya to go see Princess Wishes on Ice on Christmas Day and I took my “ma-in-law” to go see The Color Purple at the Ahmanson Theater on Wednesday! I know….ridiculous right!? I really can’t complain though, because I absolutely love going to these events! The highlight was The Color Purple hands down! It was amazing and I would go see it all over again times ten! It was a soulful and heartwarming performance with an exceptional cast. Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child played Shug Avery and Latoya London, who was a contestant on American Idol played the part of Celie’s sister, Nettie. If you had to see only one musical this season, I highly recommend The Color Purple! Although it was a Christmas gift for my “ma-in-law”, I made sure I indulged in it as much as I could! ;) I enjoy outings like these and especially when I’m able to share it with family and friends that are near and dear to my heart!

New Year's Resolution

SO! I've been so inspired lately by fellow photographers, bloggers and my creative peers that I've decided to venture into the world of photography! In retrospect, it is a tad bit scary and intimidating, but once you step foot into something to get a feel of what it is like and you are actually in it~ it's not so daunting! About a year ago, I made my first Digital SLR purchase and bought the Canon Rebel XTI and I have to say it's been good to me! I'm superanxious and superambitious at this point, even though I'm still in the process of researching business licenses, requirements, domains, etc. I do think this will be my New Year's resolution after all! Forget the boring 'ol dieting, eating better and exercising resolution! I've got a better and more creative resolution ahead of me. That should be inspiring enough for me to finally prosper this upcoming year. I am also ecstatic about my first post as a blogger, so to pay homage to that I have to give you a sneak peak of what's in store by posting a photo from a my recent shoot of the love of my life...my daughter, Mya!