Also looking back at these I’m all the more excited knowing that mom is now expecting another little one which just means more excuses to get together and take some great photos

Enjoy and happy mother’s day to all you great mamas out there!

xoxo

above: snapped this pic of Iris hanging out this while down at the farm recently.

Anyway, here are but only a few of my favorites from my time with them.. stay tuned for more of sweet P’s first year coming soon! XO

above: Mom snapped this pic of Dad having to carry me and my broken sandal all the way back to my car from the spot we were shooting at.. oh my poor clients and the things I put them through.. ha

above: My favorite part about P’s nursery. Can you believe dad painted these himself?? (and the best part is that the heart on the tree has his and mom’s initials ‘carved’ into it)

So the other week when we went to Prasino (one of our favorite brunch spots off of Division in Wicker Park), we discovered a new favorite dish of ours and I thought I’d share..

ladies and gentlemen – the florentine crepes. A delicious and perfect medley of scrambled eggs, spinach, onions, tomatoes, feta and hollandaise sauce.

I’m not sure what other spices and flavors are incorporated, but there is something in it that totally perplexes us every time.. it is so SO good.

I’d also like to share a few tidbits on why we love Prasino and when we enjoy it most -

* The food is consistently good. every.time. And for every meal – breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It isn’t greasy or heavy, and in fact they use only hormone/antibiotic-free meats, sustainable seafood and organic produce for their meals.  They also have a great menu organized so you can easily  know what dishes are gluten free or vegan.

* The ambiance is so beautiful and a real treat on a winter day for those that suffer from the ‘winter blues’ like myself.  We often go here on a Monday through Thursday between 10am-1pm for brunch, and at that time of day not only is incredibly bright and beautiful (the natural light just pours through their floor to ceiling windows!), but also we never have to wait for a table.

* Aside from the florentine crepes, I highly recommend the chicken chilaquiles or the paris benedict if you’re in the mood for something a little different.

* Three words – TEQUILA BLOODY MARY.

* When you sit down and they bring you a bottle of water for your table, you can ask for the sparkling water instead (we also ask for lemon with this). Vasili and I are addicted to our soda stream at home so this is one of the highlights for myself (hey, it’s the little things!)

lil’ J turned 2.

And this time around J’s mom and I thought it would be fun to keep the tradition of spending her birthday together hanging out and getting a cupcake just like last year (by the way, did you know J’s mama is the founder of Bump Club Chicago?!).  So when J’s birthday finally came I went over to their place, finished breakfast and we all headed over to Bake in Wicker Park for a cupcake (which by the way makes the most amazing cupcakes.ever.).  After we stuffed ourselves with sweets and coffee (excuse me, milk for Miss J), we literally let J burn off all that sugar at the park in about 15 minutes and then headed back home again.

Ahh a very long and tiring last week has left me at a loss for words of how special it truly is for me to be a part of a family’s traditions and special memories.. and the photos I create from those moments are the least I can do to show that gratitude.  Thank you so so much Lindsay for inviting me to spend J’s birthday with you both, I already can’t wait for next year! XO

Oh, and if you’re interested in possibly having a family photography session to mark your little one’s birthday too, or even have me and my camera spend the day with you all, shoot me an email at info@simplybysuzy.com and let’s make it happen!

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And looking through these film scans I’m also reminded of how often baby boys look like adorable little old men hehe Perhaps this Shel Silverstein poem explains it best:

“You know the stork bring babies,
But did you also know
He comes and get the older folks
When it’s their time to go?

Zooms right down and scoops them up,
Then flaps back out the door
And flies them to the factory where
They all were made before.

And there their skin is tightened up,
Their muscles all are toned,
Their wrinkles all are ironed out,
They’re given brand-new bones.

Ol’ bent backs are straightened up,
New teeth are added too,
Tired hearts are all repaired
And made to work like new.

Their memories are all removed
And they’re shrunk down, and then
The stork flies them back down to earth
As newborn babies again.” 

and some polaroid outtakes

Just recently I had the pleasure doing so for a fellow photographer friend who just welcomed their family’s new little guy, Noah.

I took these digitals so mama would have some images to make a birth announcement right away, but I cannot wait to get my film scans back of this session.  Stay tuned for more photos of Noah and part deux with his whole family..

Thank you so much to my friend Laurie for allowing us the privilege of capturing her new family of five and also a big thank you to my good friend Naja for coming to collaborate with me, so much fun to work alongside you! XO

above: peace. 

above: a little break for feeding and soothing in-between

above: I actually don’t often do these prop shots anymore but every now again I’ll hop on the bandwagon for fun. Gotta admit.. when done right, it is pretty stinkin’ cute lol 

above: again, I cannot wait to get my film scans back from this session. Laurie you are so beautiful!

And here are some polaroid sneak peeks I took of mama, Noah and his big sister Tessa (LOVE her!! Laurie, I will so be coming back one of these days for just a Tessa shoot )

above: Tessa and I ‘pretending to be babies’ and lay on the floor haha good grief this picture gives me chills.  As an artist I often find myself struggling to find my own artistic voice.. I’d say this is it screaming loud and proud at me. 

Anyway, you can see for yourself just how stylish baby Zev is and what they’re all up to almost a year later.  Just some of my favorites from my time with this family not long ago below…

Thank you so so much Zevi and your mom & dad for allowing me the privilege of watching you grow XO

above: I found it particularly amusing that Zev kept trying to clean up the mud ha so cute! 

I was also totally delighted to spend time catching up with these four, as the last time I saw them they were but only a group of three.  Now Elliott has a little brother and he’s already turning one.. *sigh*

Anyway here are just some of my favorites from our time together.  Thank you so much, Elliott, Will and your mom & dad for inviting me out to capture your love, and an even bigger thank you for the brownies.  They made for a sweet breakfast when I got home after our play date.

Needless to say, that cute lil’ mug sums up the entire session – adorable.. sweet.. a piece of cake.. a walk in the park.

Literally.

We walked over to a nearby park and hung out, let Miss Claire do her thang’ and just be her silly self.  And the fact that her mom & dad were both beautiful and kind-hearted made this simply the perfect session (and a wonderful afternoon ).  Anyway I’ll let you see for yourself with a few favorites of mine below, and as always a big thank you to these three for inviting me out to capture their love. It was positively contagious XO