She’s my smiley little niece and goddaughter and I love her to pieces! To get ready for her second birthday, my friend and cousin-in-law, Rochelle, asked me to take some photos of Lorelai for her invitations. We spent about half an hour at a park a block away from my house and just let this little girl let loose. Don’t underestimate the tiny-ness of this child – she’s a sassy daredevil who seems to have mastered the art of posing before the toddler age of two. 
Category: ~ Babies & Kids
Maximo’s 3rd Birthday – Toluca Lake, CA
Old friends – love them. Literally – LOVE. THEM. Adriana and I – we’ve known each other since we were five years old. For those of you doing the math, that’s 30 years of friendship! I had the honor of being there when her son was baptized, when her son turned two and most recently was there to celebrate Maximo’s 3rd birthday.
Sometimes I can’t believe that Maximo’s mom is the same woman who, dressed up as Snow White’s evil queen when we were in the fifth grade; the same girl who forever refers to me as her first Filipino friend. But here she is, such a wonderful mom to a vibrant little boy and someone who I’ve never known to spare any detail and expense when it comes to doing anything. This year, Adriana and her husband threw their son a Toy Story-themed party, and aside from the faces of Buzz, Woody and friends decorating the surroundings, they also found a way to keep Maximo’s little friends, busy.
Who didn’t love art when they were little?! Small tables topped with paints, markers and piggy banks were the kids’ playground and they loved every minute of it.
Adriana and Gonzalo – you two never disappoint! Congrats on three years of parenthood!
Baby Leila – Los Angeles, CA
It seemed just like yesterday when we were doing my high school bud, Jen’s, maternity session. Next thing I know, she’s asking me to shoot newborn baby Leila’s first photos. Where does the time go?!
Jen still lives in the same house she grew up in; the same place we had pep squad practice during the summer, except now she had her own family.
Big sister Ava, ever the scene stealer, pulled me straight into her bedroom as soon as I got there so she could tell me all about everything hanging on her walls, everything stowed in her jewelry box, and everything sitting atop her dresser drawers. It’s so hard not to love this little gal! She’s such a friendly sweetie pie!…and a smarty pants. Here’s a conversation she and I had while her mom and dad were tending to Leila:
Ava: Who are you married to?
Me: Ummm…no one.
Ava: How come?
Me: I don’t know.
Ava: Why don’t you know?
I couldn’t help but crack up. Now even 4-year olds were inquiring about my marital status. I started to wonder if maybe little Ava had a conversation with my mom before my arrival. haha!
And Leila? Oh goodness gracious – cuteness galore! From her various hair accessories and outfits, to her Stuart Weitzman ballet flats and baby Jordans, to her adorable, look-at-me-I’m-tiny features, it was all just a joy to be around.
Oh Jen – so happy that we’ve been able to catch up! What a beautiful family you have! Thanks for letting me document such a wonderful time in your life!
Anna Gonda Photography 