Casanova Photography Blog

Grayson’s New Smile

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:31:00 +0000

***This post pales in comparison to the stories of adversity that so many families face with regards to their children. I completely understand that. In a way, I feel superficial for making this a big deal. But though my head can think rationally, my heart is feeling otherwise. I wanted to write this down and post some photographs to help in my own healing process***

Grayson has a new smile and I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it makes me feel sad.

On Sunday we spent the afternoon at the park. I spread a blanket over some grass under the shade of a tree to sit and read. I put out snacks and Grayson happily grabbed another graham cracker from its package. JP leaned back onto the blanket and took a moment to rest before he got up to push Grayson on the swing. It seemed idyllic.

As soon as I saw him jumping, I knew that the sharp rocks were bad news. I glanced up from my book to tell Grayson to be careful, though not too worried because for the most part he’s unbreakable. Then I heard the crying and watched JP scoop Grayson up into his arms, while his little hands were clutching his busted lip. I reached for my baby and curled him up in my arms, rubbing his back to reassure him that he was ok. That’s when he told me he was afraid that he was going to lose his tooth. As I carefully parted his lips, I saw that his left front tooth was bent back, and when I tried to push it forward, it wouldn’t budge.

We immediately left the park and went straight to an emergency dentist. Thank goodness for my iphone and Google. The dentist advised that the best thing would be for us to leave the tooth alone. Nothing was broken and there would be no sense in traumatizing the tooth again if it wasn’t necessary. He told us that there’s a good chance that Grayson’s tooth will turn dark….that it will be dead.

When I got home I placed Grayson in front of the TV and then I called my mom. I didn’t call her looking to be comforted but called because I knew I had to. I sobbed into the phone as I explained what happened and she cried with me. After listening to my panic and grief, she sent me on my way with words of encouragement. Afterward, I held Grayson in my arms and we watched more shows. As I held him tight, I let my tears slide quietly down my face.

This morning my baby was perfect. Every bump, bruise, scratch, or scrape he ever received has healed. I realize that it’s only a baby tooth and it will eventually fall out, but for the next few years this tooth will be a constant reminder of how I failed him.

Loving my child is an all-encompassing, powerful, yet impossibly painful kind of love. Grayson is my whole world. It hurts to think about other children asking him what’s wrong with his tooth, or God forbid they tease him about it. It makes me feel physically ill when I let my mind wander in that direction. I want Grayson to have the best childhood, to never face hardship, and to always feel secure. I want to protect him from everything. I know this is unrealistic, but how could I want anything less for my baby?

This evening Grayson remains perfect. He is still the smartest, most handsome Bitty Man in the whole wide world and I am going to do my best to fall in love with his brand new smile.

My Bitty Man’s a Big Boy!

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:52:19 +0000

This was the first birthday that Grayson was actually anticipating and excited about, so of course I really went all out in making sure he had the best Dinosaur Birthday Bash possible. I know he probably isn’t going to even remember this day, but for what it’s worth, he had a blast. Seriously, Grayson had a great time. This time around I made a conscious effort to document the event, and I am really happy with all of the fun memories I get to remember forever.

My sister-in-law bought Grayson a sand box and my mother-in-law bought him some outdoor toys. He literally played inside of it for half the party! I also had purchased a Dino Excavation Kit for all of the kids to play mini paleontologists in the brand new sand box.

We included a fun arts & crafts project for all of the little guests.

So happy that my Grandpa Don could come celebrate with us.

Of course I had to have Dinosaur Centerpieces!

JP was grill master for the party.

More party decorations…..I know I went a bit overboard, but I just couldn’t help myself.

We still have the Dino banner hanging and haven’t found a permanent home for the Stegosaurus.

This is one of Grayson’s good friends, Mabel, who looks remarkably like her father!

Grayson’s first swing at the nearly indestructible pinata….

and this would be his third attempt…..

JP had to finally intervene!

A few more cute photos of kiddies beating up the pinata.

Go figure…my 8 year old niece would be the one to break open Dino. I think by round 4 we were all rooting for her to end the game.

I seem to be the only one not distracted by all of the cupcakes.

Happy Birthday my Bitty Man.

“I’ll love you forever,

I’ll like you for always,

As long as I’m living

my baby you’ll be.”

Cruz Family Photographs: Novato Family Portraits

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:57 +0000

The Cruz family is the perfect example for why everyone should invest in having professional portraits taken while their children are still young. How could anyone want to miss capturing these moments?

Up until recently I have maintained that the time between 1 and 2 years old is the most difficult to photograph. But I do have to admit that I might be changing my mind. Maybe it’s watching Grayson move past that early toddler stage and I find myself missing those days. Or it could possibly be that Grayson has finally taught me true patience and I can now wait for those portrait worthy moments to take place. It’s probably some combination of the two.

What I love most about the following images are how sweet and whimsical they feel. The light is so warm and really highlights the simplicity of childhood. I also enjoy how many different types of photos we got with the whole family. They were certainly troopers!

Every little gal needs a tea set.

What a gorgeous mother & daughter pair!

With all that hard work, a break for water was well deserved.

Yay! The whole family smiling at the same time!

Now we’re having fun!

Here’s some Serious Cuteness.

Look at those eyes.

I love the laughter in the image above and the coy smile below.

Beautiful Family.

Thanks Cruz Family!

Alison & Russ are Married!

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:03 +0000

I just got back from attending Alison and Russ’ wedding, and boy was it an event. Rehearsal dinner on Thursday, Bachelorette Party on Friday, and Wedding on Sunday. I am spent, but feel so happy for Alison and Russ. It was wonderful watching my best friend getting to celebrate such a huge moment in her life. I had a great time meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.

Unfortunately, I took so few photographs at their wedding. It’s not possible for me to be Matron of Honor and still capture images. But I did get to snap a few during the Rehearsal dinner and while Alison was getting ready. Enjoy!

The Happy Couple practicing for the big day.

Alison made us practice the ceremony 3 times!

In true Seattle fashion it rained during the rehearsal. Alison had picked out this white sundress and was concerned about wearing it in the rain. When she paired it with some rain boots, it made a perfectly lovely combination.

Gorgeous Curls!

I love this image.

And this one too.

So pretty!

Congratulations A! Oh, and you too Russ! Have a wonderful honeymoon and I can’t wait to see all of the photographs.