Little Ballerinas

Well, the summer session for toddler dance has finally ended. Em had so much fun and it was great meeting all of the moms. I shot a few images of the final class. Not really a recital, but we got to watch. Of course my kid was the one that was just sitting there. Go figure. See you guys in the fall!




To view the entire album larger and order photos, click the circle logo in the bottom right hand of the screen, then click on the name of the album, Claire's School of Dance. Enjoy.

Pity Your Children

I was tipped of by a good friend that there was a new nasal aspirator on the market. She told me this after her hearing me pin down and torture my 8-month-old while trying to suck the snot out of her tiny little nose. I hate it when babies are sick.

So I searched around and found it. I think I just might buy it. I know it sounds gross at first, but I figure as much time as I spend with vomit in my hair or my hands dirty with poop its not that far-fetched of an idea after all. It's called NoseFrida from Sweden (first Ikea, now this, gotta love them!) and its more than a "hands on" process.

Yes, that's right. Different from traditional nasal aspirators, or booger suckers as I lovingly refer to them, this one doesn't utilize the hand pump, but a mouth suction. Nasty. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good testimonial.

In other baby-related topics, I stumbled across this helpful site for expecting moms in need of some baby name ideas. Its called BABY'S NAMED A BAD, BAD THING. The author Diane Goodman is an editor and freelance writer in San Francisco with this sense of humor not unlike my own. She has compiled "a catalog of naming questions and suggestions posted on several different baby naming (message) boards."

She also comments on them, which is the fun part. Here is an excerpt from her site:

"I've suggested to my sister that she name her little girl to be - Manchester. She's not sure about it but she's considering. What do you think? [Diane's response] Clever. Like being named Pittsburg or Schenectady. Kid'll grow up to be beaten to death by Liverpool fans."

I just think its amusing. But then again, I may just be easily amused. Judge for yourself.

New Bloom

This is AKH at almost 6 weeks old. I love this baby. She is such a pretty girl. She loved being swaddled for her naps and had the most perfect little sleepy-baby face. And when she awoke she had a sweet personality to match. Until she had enough of being a model. That crying face is so cute! Reminds me of my own kids. This was such a fun shoot. Thanks for your patience.

Dance Class

I videotaped Em's dance class. What an undertaking video editing can be! I think I'll stick with stills.

Part 1: Stretching--Em's the one wearing pink in the front with pigtails. Harlow is in black on the left.


Part 2: Warming Up...my favorite part


Part 3: Solo Performances


Part 4: Group Dance


Part 5: End of class and getting stickers for a job well done. The idea is that each child takes turns jumping over the carpet squares to receive their stickers. Apparently this is a challenge for a toddler.


If you would like a copy of the full video, please contact me.