Brussels Family Resources: Brussels Childbirth Trust (BCT)

November 6, 2014June 11, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Although it seems like the obvious thing to do, somehow I have not managed to write about the BCT as a family resource yet. Why not? Somehow it just seems so ubiquitous that it would be akin to writing, “its cold in the winter” or “hey, the chocolate is good here!” The BCT is a non-profit, volunteer run family network that has been operating in Brussels since 1979. For expats finding their way in Brussels, whether pregnant or already with little ones, it is one of the most important resources out there for support, friendship, activities and fun events.

I first found my way to the BCT through their “Pregnancy in Brussels” night. In addition to getting the lay of the land, I also made two fast friends who are still some of my closest today (hi Claire and Heather!). Next up was the BCT Nearly New Sale where I managed to stock up on many gently used baby essentials. But by far, the biggest impact on me was the community that has grown out of this wonderful group.

Let’s face it, after all the excitement of being pregnant, giving birth and getting settled at home wears off, many a mom finds herself going a tad stir crazy. In these moments, it is essential to get out and make some connections or risk tipping the scale from stir crazy to all out nuts. Local BCT groups run everything from walking groups, coffee afternoons to cooking and art classes for the little ones. There are fun get-togethers at the BCT playhouse, Imagine, out in Wezembeek-Oppem. The list goes on and on.

I definitively recommend checking out the BCT. There is a membership fee of 50 EUR a year which is well worth it for the wealth of resources. Also a huge personal thanks from me to all of the moms and dads who volunteer their time, energy and resources to make this a truly irreplaceable Brussels family resource. Thank you for all you do!

First look: Iconic Brussels session with Tori and Beckett

October 16, 2014October 16, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Brussels is a crossroads. People are coming and going all the time whether on short or long-term assignments. The fact of people turnover is unavoidable! For many, Brussels is an experience, an adventure and especially so if you bring or start your family here. Here are the parks we played in, this is the house we lived in, these are the streets we walked each day. No matter where you came from or where you go, Brussels touches you forever.

So not surprising that many people contact me to immortalize their Brussels experience during a photo session in an iconic Brussels location. When Tori reached out recently, we kicked around a few ideas but ultimately settled on Place Royale which has a truly gorgeous view over Brussels. Also up for celebration was Beckett’s big #4 birthday. Cheers!

We beat the tourists with a 9 am start and had a fantastic time running (literally) all over the surrounding park, stairs and fountain. Beckett was a blast and absolutely one of the sweetest boys I have ever worked it. We made a jolly trio indeed. 🙂 Great location, great weather and great subjects. Enjoy!

It’s official! Fall mini sessions at Marie’s Garden

October 7, 2014October 7, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

I am proud to announce that Bear & Dragon will be holding a day of gorgeous fall photo sessions on October 19 at Marie’s Garden! An absolutely beautiful setting with wide fields, sunflower lined paths and of course pumpkins. Come enjoy the space, harvest some lovely vegetables and take timeless family photos.

This is the first of two fall mini session dates. The second will be set in a forest or local park to capture the height of fall leaf colors. The location and early November date will be revealed shortly.

Email for more information: BearandDragonPhotography@gmail.com

First look: Maternity at home with Helene and Philippe

October 2, 2014October 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

When Helene contacted me, she said she was looking to do a maternity session that really captured her day-to-day life as she got ready for baby number one to arrive. Something relaxed, intimate and beautiful. So we set a plan to hold the session at her home and to also step outdoors to catch some of the fall air.

Working with Helene and Philippe was absolutely wonderful. A beautiful home and a lovely couple. Even a very sweet (and very energetic) dog named Juncker to round out this growing family. We loved the result and hope you do too. Enjoy!

Things to do with a toddler or child in Brussels: Harvest at Marie’s Garden

September 27, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

If you have been following along with this blog, you might have noted my almost unhealthy preoccupation with the changing of seasons. Apart from the transitions of light quality, I would say the thing I look forward to the most is the coming and going of favorite seasonal fruits and veggies. After many a nudge, I finally managed to get myself and the littles out to Marie’s Garden in Overijse to get our hands dirty and take part in the bountiful harvest of fall.

A beautiful day and such a wonderful time wandering the 10 hectares of land. We discovered so many of our favorites. Butternut squash, late summer raspberries, rhubarb, leeks, gigantic sunflowers and of course PUMPKINS! When you arrive, you get a simple set of instructions: harvest where you see a sign, no eating in the fields (oops!) and off you go with your wheel barrow, bags and scissors.

In addition to having a great time in the fields, I was truly in awe of the beauty of the surroundings. So inspired that I am now in the process of confirming (fingers crossed) Marie’s Garden as a very special photo session location. It will likely be an upcoming Sunday this October. Drop me a note if you would like to take part.

Either way, either by bus or car, find your way to this slice of heaven and partake in the many splendors of fall.

Where: Marie’s Garden: Valkenweg 116, 3090 Overijse, Belgium (just 10 minutes outside of Brussels)

When:

– Mon : closed
– Tue : 13.30 – 17.00
– Wed : 13.30 – 17.00
– Thu : 13.30 – 17.00
– Fri : 13.30 – 17.00
– Sat : 10.30 – 17.00
– Sun : 10.30 – 16.00

First look: Falling in love with fall family sessions

September 23, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

There are many reasons why I love my job but right now the top one is the sheer amount of time I am spending in luscious Brussels parks photographing beautiful families. To get very photography nerdish on you, the best thing of all is the light. Low, even and golden, it literally makes everyone glow. No wonder that this fall is shaping up to be one of my busiest ever. To top things off, due to the shortening of days, the so called “golden hour” is currently in reach even for our little people with the best light between 9:30 – 11 and 4 – 6pm. Hooray!

Today I share a very fun session set in one of my favorite parks, Parc du Cinquantenaire. At almost two, Leni-Marie was full of happy energy and played and laughed and let me chase her around with a camera for a good 90 minutes. A really wonderful time with a really wonderful family. Please enjoy.

Brussels Family Resources: Antenatal and Baby

September 21, 2014June 11, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

So you have found yourself living in Brussels and pregnant. Date is getting closer and you realize its time to figure out this whole giving birth thing. Where to start? Your doctor? Too busy. Your friends? Good but perhaps subjective. Mom? Well, you survived into adulthood but may be interested to hear about the latest developments in child birth. Time to call in the professionals.

From what I have found, there are really two resources out there that offer high quality support to would-be mommas and poppas, The BCT and Antenatal and Baby. Both special in their own right, BCT will be the subject of a later post but today I want to zero in on Jo Everatt at Antenatal and Baby.

After hearing the name from so many of my clients, I decided it was finally time to investigate myself. So I asked Jo to lunch and got to know her a little better. For those who have not had the pleasure, Jo is one of those people who seems to feel completely comfortable in their own skin. One who has seen it all and been left unruffled. Someone you would want on your side in the new show, Survivor: Pregnancy edition. She has been a practicing midwife for 26 years in many different settings. Around four years ago, she set up Antenatal and Baby and now focuses on offering antenatal courses, breastfeeding support and home visits as well as special topic classes and a mom and baby group.

As we talked more, we found that we had a shared core belief that if you do what you love and are passionate about it then you really can’t go wrong. As such, Jo has established a practice where she is able to offer exactly what she is best at; accessible, practical care based on extensive clinical expertise. Except for being present at birth, Jo is a one stop shop for support before and after birth. Based on what I learned, Jo’s “moms” have her cell number and free rein to call at any hour. And they do.

I could go on but her website explains it much better than I can. Suffice to say, I think Jo is someone to be trusted. If you are looking for someone to be by your side and set you up for success on your birth, I think she will do just that. The Mom & Baby group also seems like fun. 🙂

So what is the difference between BCT and Antenatal and Baby? This is a difficult question to answer and I can only give my opinion. The BCT has been like a second home for me and is amazing based on its network of committed Moms that share their experiences, lives and coffee on cozy afternoons and in fun play groups. I did attend the antenatal class there and enjoyed it. BCT also offers breastfeeding support as well as mom-to-mom after birth support, which is fabulous.

With Antenatal and Baby, there seems to be a bigger focus on the clinical side of setting up for a successful and realistic birth. Jo is really the backbone of the organization and if you want to benefit from her experience then she will be with you every step of the way. Antenatal is smaller and so in someways more flexible and personal. I suggest looking into both and deciding which fits your needs best. Either way, you win. 🙂

Disclaimer: I have not been paid in any way for this review. I just like writing about things I like. 🙂

First look: Balloons!

September 8, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Marie first contacted me after she received a gift of a photo session from her partner. She had tons of great ideas on fun things to include in the session for her 10 month old, Diane. Summery outfits, bright colors and best of all…balloons! Now sure to be a staple in the studio, it was so much fun watching Diane play and intensely pursue these bright globes. A doll from start to finish and in an act of happenstance, sharing a birthday with my own babatwo.

Enjoy the show. 🙂

First look: Jumpin’ Jack

September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

What a week! Bababoo started school on Monday and I think she likes it. Come on, they have a pet rabbit! Excited to get to spend some one on one time with my little Babatwo who, let’s face it, is not so little any more. 10 months old on Friday, crawling and talking up a storm including a rather unusual first word, color.

It has been a busy time in the studio as people reach out for back to school and last summer hurrah in the park pictures. Last week I had the chance to meet a lovely American-British family, in for their first photo session with 3,5 month old Jack. Such a sweet boy and with the most amazing eye lashes. Why do little boys always have the longest lashes?!

Please enjoy these sweet pictures and the late summer bump of sunshine. Cheers!

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels