Monthly Archives: January 2014

Happiness in the ‘hood – Wakefield, MA

Aside from being born, there is something undeniably special and unique about a first birthday. “You only turn ONE once” resonates with anyone who has seen the amazing development that takes place in a mere 12 months, even though we obviously only turn X once every year. The sleepy days of a newborn turn to hours of activity, trying to master standing, walking, and first words; the “burp-smiles” turn to can’t-get-enough-full-on-giggles; the sleepless nights (hopefully!) turn into longer stretches of something more sustainable; and the love you didn’t know you were capable of a year ago has grown so much it feels like your heart could simply explode.

The youngest of three boys, little L entered our sweet neighborhood a year ago with his ice-blue eyes and charm. The littlest one on our street to date, he gets more than his share of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the kids and adults alike. He’s holding his own trying to keep up with big brothers M and M and has one of the most contagious smiles I’ve ever seen.

Tracey & Mike, congratulations on making it through another first year! Your boys are beyond adorable. And thank you for being rock-star neighbors (and I mean that literally, Mike). We are so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful neighborhood: kids running around outside all the time (when we’re not in the middle of a polar vortex, that is), kindhearted parents, and a place where you realize the value of your home is not only linked to it’s physical structure, but to the community that exists when you walk out your front door.

Happy 1st Birthday, handsome little L! To view the complete gallery, click here (password protected; please contact the family or me if interested).

 

Double the giggles – Boston, MA

OK, so anyone who has twins (or any multiple!) knows that double the giggles is THE best thing about having two littles at the same time. Of course, two at once also means double the diapers, feeding times, boo-boos, and melt-downs – all at the same time. I applaud and admire ALL of the energy, effort, patience, and stamina it takes to raise twins. Yes, I’m talking to you, Lisa & Eric (and all my other parents of twins: Beth & Mark, Christen & Steve, Jennifer & Matt, Tulin & Eric, Angela & Chris)!

These two little ones, G and S, were so eager to enter the world that they were about 12 weeks early, but they seem to be catching up just fine now. Not only are they trying to keep up with each other, but they have Jeff, their not-so-small dog, to play with and chase all day long. And Jeff seems none the worse for the wear. We had fun hanging out in their home for the first half of this session and then got some chilly fresh air after that with Jeff happily in tow.

What a pleasure it was to meet all of you! Thank you so much for allowing me to document a lovely little morning, Lisa and Eric.

For the complete gallery, click here (password protected; please contact either the family or me if interested).

The happiest of birthdays (thus far) – Southborough, MA

This was probably one day that Christen and Steve could not have imagined when their twins were first born. Three years ago, tiny O and tiny N entered the world on the WAY early side. They just couldn’t wait any longer to show their adorable faces. After 5 grueling months in the hospital, they came home with more appointments than any little being should ever have and strict instructions: keep them home, away from groups, and especially away from kids for the first two years of their lives while their immune system caught up. And that’s exactly what Christen and Steve did, taking every precaution to keep them as healthy as possible.

It has been my pleasure to get to know this family through my lens over the past 2+ years and I was honored to be able to capture their first “official” birthday party. Click here for a quick look back at our history together from the Fall 2011 to Winter 2013.

But here they are now, turning THREE years old, and getting to celebrate their birthday for the first time with all of their friends and family, complete with some of the NICU nurses and specialists that helped them in their journey! They had a cupcake-themed party at Sweet Bakery. The kids got to decorate their own cupcakes with frosting and candies of all kinds. Such a fun and certainly joyous occasion. Happy 3rd Birthday, O and N! It was a well-deserved sugar-filled, fun-filled, love-and-hugs-filled day.

Thanks so much for having me, Christen and Steve. Your party was a blast. O and N, the sweetest of birthdays to you and a happy, healthy fourth year! xo

For the complete gallery, click here (password protected; please contact the family or me if interested).

 

photographystephanie goryl

stephanie [at] stephaniegorylphotography [dot] com

Wakefield, MA

(just north of Boston)