My sister, myself

June 9, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

When the Bear received a reward to do two weeks of volunteering in Nepal, I wondered if I would survive on my own with the littles for that long. Thankfully it was little sister to the rescue as Lauren swooped in from San Francisco to lend a hand and meet Babatwo. Hallelujah! We had the most wonderful time. So many laughs, new memories, late night card games and sisterly love. I miss her tremendously and each day after she left reminded me of some kind of post break up mourning. “Oh, this is the last of the pasta we made together” and “Hmm, last time I was in this park, Lauren was there with me”. Oi, the bittersweetness of it all.

Of course I made everyone get a little dressed up for some memory making with the big camera. What better backdrop than a lawn of blooming lavender and the European Commission building at Berlaymont. Bonus shots at our favorite park. Miss you Laurenee and love you to pieces!

This is Easter

April 23, 2014April 23, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. We did! After a long week alone with the kiddos while the Bear traveled, I was thrilled to have everyone back in place for a long weekend. We had a fun time splitting Swedish and American Easter traditions. For the Swedish side we had a Sandwich Cake and spent the afternoon at an IKEA. For the American side we colored eggs, baked a Banana Cream Pie and ate too much. No dressing up here. Most time was spent in pajamas. Babatwo took his first bites (pumpkin). You get the idea.

This is Easter. Last week while driving (driving!) along, I heard from the back seat, “This is Momma. This is babatwo. This is Bababoo”. What?! Bababoo’s first sentences. While she has lots of nouns and verbs, it was somehow so striking to hear a full sentence. So in honor of that sentiment, this is Easter. Enjoy.

OK, as long as he doesn't eat MY food — OK, as long as he doesn’t eat MY food

Things to do with a family in Brussels: Blue bells are ringing!

April 13, 2014April 13, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Everything's coming up bluebells (thank you iPhone) — Everything’s coming up bluebells (thank you iPhone)

We got a car. Woot! That means even more fun things to do with little ones and families in and around Brussels. After four years of carlessness, we have a full roster of unseen awesome things and today we checked one off the list, taking in the bluebells at Hallerbos. After doing some reading, I was not holding my breathe on catching them this late in April. With the early spring, I assumed we missed them. I was very happily wrong!

Located about 15 minutes outside of Brussels, Hallerbos is a beautiful forest tucked between small, typical Belgian villages. When you are there, it is impossible to guess you are just minutes from a thriving metropolis. Lots of parking along a country road and several route options depending on the length of your little person’s legs also would be suitable for prams. We had such a fabulous time looking at the blue bells that carpet the forest floor. You can’t help feeling that there is some magic in the air. We played with sticks, looked at bugs and generally took in the outdoorsy-ness of it all. It made me realize that no matter how much time we spend in parks, it is no replacement for the real thing and I have sworn to get my citified kids out in the wilderness much more.

I would say the flowers have no more than a week left in them so get thee to Hallerbos and enjoy the magic show.

Things to do with a toddler in Brussels: Steer the ship at Parc Liedekerke in Sint-Joost-ten-Node

March 30, 2014March 30, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its beautiful out. Like really beautiful. That means we are out and about and when you have two legs and two years under your belt that means park time! Today we take another one of Brussels fantastic playgrounds. Revealed by the wonderful Lucky Clov during a long ago photo session, Parc Liedekerke is a paradise for the 2+ set. Fully enclosed by tall walls, this parc contains LOTS of great slides, climbing equipment with a flair for the imagination (think pirate ships and castles). It even has one of the very few BATHROOMS in a public park in all of Brussels. Something for the mommas and pappas!

I could not find a good address but it is right next to the main church on Rue Saint Josse. A quick google map search will reveal the way!

We don’t often head in the direction of Sint-Joost-ten-Node but this is worth the detour. Can be quite busy on the weekends but quiet on weekdays. Check out this gem and enjoy!

You’re Two!

March 11, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

My, my how time flies. My little darling bababoo is TWO. She amazes me every day with her fun spirit, artistic flare, commitment to yellow and pink clothes. She is my joy, my inspiration and the giver of all my future grey hairs. Here are some snaps to celebrate her second birthday. Love you dear!

zoe 2-6 — Everything is coming up tulips

Waaay down under

February 10, 2014February 10, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

: On the great Great Ocean Road

G’day mate! Fresh back from putting another shrimp on the barbie in good old Oz. What a fabulous place and a healthy dollop of sunshine to boot. We spent three weeks in Melbourne and most daylight hours in parks, zoo or aquariums. Bababoo and Babatwo had a blast (once recovered from some mean jet lag). Now home and ready to hit the ground running as super busy momma of two.

Took a mini-break from the big camera so holiday photos are courtesy of Instagram and iPhone. 🙂

: Travelling is such sweet sorrow – Abu Dhabi airport

: My sweet angels

: Baby nap photo bomb

: Discovery

: Party animal!

Shadow Games

January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Back from holiday and back to reality. Its a tad on the soggy side and though we were well intentioned to hit Baboes or the Baby Gym today, instead we played and practiced our colors in the studio. That was when Zoe sparked the fabulous idea of playing in the window. The photographer side of my brain couldn’t resist grabbing my camera. The result was magical. Here is our Friday!

Merry and Bright

December 11, 2013December 11, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Happily it has been a very busy holiday season with LOTS of gorgeous families, kids and babies in the studio! But what kind of photographer would I be if I did not dress up my own darling for some time in front of the big camera. Its hard to believe she is getting so big. My Christmas angel.

Life these days

December 4, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The holidays are here. Somehow this year it is a mix of the familiar and the totally new. The year beats a rhythm, and I love to dance. Now the lights, the smells, the cookies, good cheer…all of it feels like a warm hug but somehow I am seeing it now with new eyes. That in fact it is part of a rhythm, a dance, a banner that smooths the ups and downs and somehow brings us closer. As a mother of two amazing babies, wife and world explorer I have turned a new page. Some fear or dislike growing older but feeling now the passage of time, I feel emboldened, more present than ever, loved and loving. I hope this holiday, you take each moment for the gift it is. The ripening of promise and the comfort of familiarity.

Please enjoy these snapshots of a blooming of Christmas cheer. Ho ho!