I am big toddler now!

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Sweetest bloom

The funny thing about being a baby and child photographer is that somehow I have started taking many less pictures of my dear bababoo! I have no idea why. I love photography but maybe it feels more like work? Anyhow, she is so sticking cute that I had to break out the big camera the other day and snap a few candid shots. I am amazed at how much she is starting to look like a toddler instead of a baby. Whhaaaaa!

happy weekend folks. Supposed to be 17 degrees and not raining (angels sing!) on Saturday so you can find me in Parc de Woluwe doing my first outdoor spring shoot of the season…just in time for June. 🙂

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Here comes trouble
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Le artiste
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What dreams may come

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Visit a farm!

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Let me in!

Howdy-ho folks! Spring is here to stay. We are so excited to get our sunshine on! Bababoo has had a busy week, taking first steps, babbling up a storm. One of her favorite things in the world is to read books. One of the big discoveries I have had as a new mom is that it is nearly impossible to find kid’s books that don’t feature animals in one way or another (why would you want to?!). So bababoo is quite well versed in chickens, cows, monkeys, elephants, lions, horses and sheep.

Well I realized the other day they though she knows them well in the pages of her favorite books, besides the occasional dog, cat or police horse, she had not seen many animals in person. Well the sun was shining and birds singing so we decided to pack it up and head out to one of Brussels many animal farms, La Ferme Nos Pilifs.

About a 20 minute drive from Chez Bear & Dragon, La Ferme is a true slice of heaven. In additional to lots of happy, well-cared for animals, they also have a lovely little cafe, organic food market and flower and plant nursery. Another really cool aspect is that it is largely run by people with physical or developmental handicaps, providing them with meaningful work and training.

We started with a quick bite in the cafe and soon took a walk to see the animals. We saw some of the greatest hits for sure. Zoe squealed, smiled, touched and altogether charmed a succession of donkeys, horses, cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, goats, sheep and baby lambs. Also two giant pigs that turned out to be favorites. I can only image that this was her first Disneyland-type experience of watching animals she was familiar with come to life before her very eyes. It was truly magical.

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Apparently I had so much fun, I barely took any pictures. 🙂 I know we will be back many times! So check out the Ferme and soak in the sun and giggles.

Where: Trassersweg 347 – 1120 Bruxelles

When: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 18pm and Sunday from 10am to 18pm

How much: Free!

Here are some other farms to consider. Did not check them out (yet) but they are on the list.

La Ferme de Parc Maximilian: http://www.lafermeduparcmaximilien.be/

La Ferme du Planois: http://www.lafermeduplanois.be/

Ferme d’Uccle: http://www.tournesol-zonnebloem.be/fr/

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Clutch
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Bunny heaven

First look: Emma and Yuliyana

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Prima ballerina

The wait is finally over. Birds are singing, leaves are unfurling, the sun dares to shine and the temperature creeps into the double digits most days. Spring! What a wonderful thing. I am so excited to soon start booking outdoor portrait sessions. I am picturing green hills with blooming trees. Can you see it?

This morning I am happy to share a recent photoshoot with the dynamic duo of Yuliyana and Emma. Keeping with the Brussels theme of internationalization, Emma is a Bulgarian-American beauty with soulful eyes and the very sweetest smile. I was so happy to get to play and photography this lovely mother and daughter. Enjoy!

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Building blocks
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Oopsie daisy!
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Sweetness

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: The Toy Museum (Le MusĂ©e du Jouet)

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Ride ’em cowgirl!

Hello people! News has it that today should be 20 degrees. 20 degrees! Its cloudy now but just you wait. I can already feel the warmth coming!

It was on a not so warm Sunday about a month ago that the Bear and I flat out ran out of Sunday Funday ideas. it was just then that I remembered a recommendation from long ago. Check out the Toy Museum. We’re in!

I love museums, the Bear is not so much a fan (protests were quieted after a pre-museum beer) and Zoe’s one adventure to the Barberini Museum came when she was way too young to decide. Anyhow, off we went and I must say, it was an interesting time.  Le MusĂ©e du Jouet is a massive four story home turned into a toy wonderland. Very impressive displays of antique and handmade toys. The best part was that it was quite interactive with lots of games for the little ones. Also THE most impressive set of play kitchens manned by a number of over-zealous 6 year olds on a birthday party.

It is a tad on the expensive side (5.50 EUR) per adult, under 4’s for free but still cool to check out. Did I mention they are open 366 days a year. Impressive!

Most recommended for the over two set. Happy playing!

Where: Verenigingstraat 24, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

When: 366 days a year (WOW) from 10 to 12 am and from 2 to 6 pm.

PS Alot of people have been asking how the photography business is going. Great! I am having a blast and meeting all sorts of lovely little ones and families. If you want to learn more about Bear & Dragon Photography, check out our website here. http://bearanddragonphotography.com/

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And around and around they go!
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Putting Easy Bake Oven to shame
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A Bear steals the camera. 🙂

First look: The lovely Lalvanis

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Grace

Well the weather has turned and even the most reluctant of trees appear to be ready to burst forth with their much anticipated buds and leaves. Is there anyone in Brussels now who is not salivating at the thought of shedding winter coats and hats in favor of sundresses and sandals? Ok, that might be a bit optimistic but you see where I am headed, right?

Luckily the studio is always warm and even more so when families like the lovely Lalvanis stop by. Three year old Milan and three month old Olivia kept us all on our toes and we played, tickled and snapped some photos. This exotic German-Italian/Indian duo lit up the space and I am happy to be able to share some favorites with you.

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Tickles!
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Sweet smile
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Proud

Spring lovin’

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Buongiorno bellissima

Boy oh boy, is it nice out today!! Being a native Californian, my spring buzzer starts going nuts around the beginning of March. What starts as an annoying jingle soon becomes an all out four alarm fire of must have sun now-ness.  It is with great relief that the snooze button has been pushed by this lovely respite of kind weather.

That brings me to the nice park day I had with Bababoo today. Let me be honest by saying that the Bear and I are already anticipating a teenagehood on high alert. Zoe is tall, blond,  and with her nordic good looks (not from her momma, sadly), lets just say Bjorn is currently investigating gun laws in Belgium. Add to that her sparkling personality and appreciation of older boys and we have a real doozy on our hands.

Today is a perfect example. We were minding our own business, eating blueberries and breadsticks, when a older (maybe 2?) hazel-eyed Italian had to come over to say hi (buongiorno) to Zoe. Well, naturally she was all smiles and a terribley sweet baby flirtation ensued. Luckily I travel nowhere without my trusty Canon so here is the replay. Ahh sweet spring love!

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Oh, why, hello handsome!
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Ummm, Is that your mom?
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Better kiss and run!
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Good bye my prince