A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

Manech : It was late, we were about to say good-bye to your papa and having to let go of one another for weeks, maybe months, wasn't easy for anyone. We waved good-bye until we couldn't see him anymore. You didn't want to leave. I had to refrain my own tears. failed. We jumped in the car. You asked for papa's song "my dog has cystitis" , the one that makes him laugh, we started laughing and laughed all the way home. 

Marlowe : You had no idea, in the comfort of your sleep, that your papa was kissing you good-bye for more than just the night. I held you extra tight that night when you woke up. You gave me the extra cuddle I needed. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

1 day before your papa left. We were soaking up every minutes we had together. Making more and more memories. You didn't know I was dreading the day to come, all innocents and beautiful that you are. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016 [faithfully catching up]

Manech, I don't know how many candles you got to blow over the span of a week but you did get the hang of it. I only wish I could light a "3" candle every year.
Birthday was late August but I am catching up here, people!

Marlowe, you don't know it yet but down the line there will be cookies and chocolate cakes and popsicles! Carrots aren't all that bad, trust me it's all very worth it.

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

Manech : you pick up your sister's teething toy whenever she let go of it and bring it right back to her. You're the first hearing her whenever she wakes up from her nap and want to be the first by her side then. You run to get her a new diaper when I ask for it. I caught you getting a burp cloth to wipe her mouth because she needed it and I hadn't noticed yet. You hold her hand and whisper to her ear "it's okay Marlowe, it's okay" when she cries.
Manech my boy, you are such a caring, loving boy and I can't stop thinking how lucky she is to have you has a big bro. 

Marlowe : I want to bottle your sweetness. I didn't know what a cuddling baby was until you. My arms are your happy place and your little chubby body in my arms is all I need to feel happy. Our night affair is still going strong but I wouldn't have it any other way right now because I know the day will come when you will be running free, not needing all those cuddles so much anymore. I am soaking it all up and am thankful everyday that you chose me to be your mama. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

While my posting on this little corner of the internet has fallen behind, memories are made each and every day. 
Life has been good to us, challenging us, urging us to find our way. More challenging months are ahead of us, photos with your papa are precious, they will tell our story. The story of a seaman turned tree-climber by necessity being called back by the immensity of the ocean. I have to believe that I am strong enough to care for you both while your papa follows a path that never completely ended. I believe the Universe has a plan for us and we can't just ignore its signs. Our love is strong and while my eyes call for tears, my heart is full of Gratitude for your papa who wants nothing more than our happiness. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2016

How about a family portrait for a change. This is priceless because way too rare. It was a very rainy Sunday and instead of staying home and keeping the energy inside I called for a little family shoot at the canary nearby. I packed my camera and tripod, got kids and hubby in the car and prayed that this would turn out to be a fun little adventure, jumping in puddles and taking the pose. It did. We ended up wandering around for a good couple of hours, discovered new corners, engaged with a a few people, got pretty wet and let the day unfold as we were making memories for us, as us.
​Dear overcast sky, you were good to us. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

Manech : if only I could freeze time. 

Marlowe : high five to a photo of you and [almost] me! You are now turning over, laughing and starting to really interact with your brother. You sucked on your first pineapple and carrot. You are absolutely NOT sleeping at night and I wake up every morning to find you all snuggled up in my arm pit. Because of it I am exhausted but then every day starts with a smile on your face and a smile on my face. And because I know now that this too will pass, I'll admit that I am loving our little night affair. But don't you worry,  I won't get mad if you decide to sleep through the night. 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

Manech : you called for the shot. I love how this little weekly project is sparking your very own creativity. It's not just me taking a photo anymore, it's us.

Marlowe : you are SO chill. Now let the tooth out and get back into a better sleep pattern..will you? Please? 

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016

A passport's baby photo is hard enough to nail, add a toddler running up and down the post office's aisle and you're good to get your husband a vasectomy's appointment.  

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2016

Manech : you were way overdue for a haircut. Your dreadlocks situation was calling for action. I had big plans on taking you to the hairdresser and snap a few photo of your first haircut but your dad convinced me to grab the scissors myself. It went something like "yay I've got this, the boy is sitting quietly" for the first 5 minutes to me running after you for the next hour (if not two hours) all around the yard cutting a strand when I had a chance...quite amazed at the somewhat symmetrical final result.

Marlowe : 4 months, 16lbs 1/5 (7.5kg), 26 inches (66cm). From the size of a ukulele to the size of a stuffed octopus. Growing a lot of sweetness, happiness and a little chubbiness. My fat is all yours to take, baby.