film fridays: a personal project where I put down my digital camera and share images created on film

 

Tomorrow my baby turns 4 years old! Can’t believe it. BLAH, BLAH Where has the time gone? BLAH BLAH Yeah, I know. I write this nostalgic drivel every year at birthday time. The surprise of another year gone by never ceases to amaze the Mother brain. I still remember so vividly getting into my hospital gown in the delivery room and looking at myself in the mirror. I told myself, “This is the last time you will give birth. Don’t forget this moment.” I really had nothing to worry about. Even if I wanted to forget, a day that you give birth is a day forever burned into your brain; Like a cow being branded with a hot iron. Yes, just like that. It was an amazing experience that I never want to do again!

Keeping with our yearly tradition, I took Chloe out for an “official” birthday shoot. I realize how redundant this is since I exploit this poor child on my blog every chance I get, but this day was special. Sean, Chloe and I all played hookie one day and went to the insanely gorgeous holy-CRAP-what-do-these-people-do-for-a-living part of Dallas (Highland Park) where Chloe had a rare day with Mom & Dad all to herself. We took pictures, did a little trespassing, ate lunch, got cupcakes at  Sprinkles. Yes, THE Sprinkles where celebrities get their cupcakes and you walk out saying, “these cupcakes were HOW much!?” She soaked up our attention like a sponge. If you have multiple children I highly recommend a one-on-one adventure like this. It’s tricky to schedule with both parents but definitely worth seeing that contented happiness of not having to compete with a sibling for your attention.

I hope you’re ready for a barrage of photos! The first set was in her room with our cat Dora. I am so happy I got these. I want to remember how she tortures this cat! She runs right up to her screaming “Oh, baby Dora!” and practically strangles her trying to pick her up. Then forces Dora to sit in her lap while she watches TV. But what’s even crazier is how Dora never seems to mind. She’ll squirm away but always comes right back for more.

We love this cat so much!

Here’s where the trespassing took place. Can you believe this house? And yes, it’s a house. Not a museum. Sean was a little nervous at my brazen disregard for laws so we didn’t shoot here very long. If you ever go on a shoot with me you will learn my motto for trespassing: “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission”

More Highland Park…

So, truth be told, that little 60’s style crochet dress is more my style than hers. Chloe has an über, frilly, more-is-more kind of style. This bottom frock was picked up at a kid’s consignment shop , which I likely paid less than $5 for. It’s stained and ripped and has been through the wash at least 100 times but this is her go-to dress and she LOVES it. I’m a sentimental fool so I took a few of her in it for posterity.

…pretending to sleep in the grass.

Well, that’s it. Tomorrow we eat cake and have a merry ol’ time. Happy Birthday Baby girl!

All shot on Mamiya 645 with Fuji 400H and Kodak TRI-X 400