Boho Girl

me & lisa, at her station in the salon

me in the salon bathroom, post color!

My mother in law is in town and she graciously offered to watch Cedar so that I could have some much needed girl time. So, my sweet local friend, Lisa treated me to a new hair color today. She is an artist to the core and has the intuitive ability to give me highlights and rich colors that totally suits me where I am at in my life at that moment.

I sit in her chair and she says “what do you want done today my dear?” and I always respond “whatever you feel inspired to do. I trust you.” Every time we begin with this conversation and each time I love seeing her eyes light up. As so many of her clients come with a photo or idea of exactly what they want, I come in wanting her to create her own vision.

As an artist, it feels so good to know that your client is so very confident about your work that they trust your intuition, your talent and wherever it will guide you. I love giving this gift of trust to her as she gifts me with her ability to take care of not only my hair but my heart. Such a tender exchange each time.

This time in particular was extra special. I came in as a tired momma that hasn’t had time to shower regularly, let alone look pretty. She just got it and lifted all those parts in me that felt neglected and worn. Thank you, Lisa love.

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As for another treat (a really juicy one), the winner of the Tree Pixie Hat is…

Katherine, who said:

Katherine, please send your mailing address to denise (at) bohophoto (dot) com. Congrats my dear! Vicky and Jimmy chose you…but all three of us resonated and our heart strings were tugged by your story. ; )

Thank you everyone for entering! I loved reading your words and thoughts and I know Vicky wishes she could knit each of you hats fast enough.

THE PRIZE: tree pixie hat (newborn to 3 months) from everyday beautiful,
photo by vicky

I am so honored and excited to be able to host a giveaway for one of my favorite artists Vicky, from Everyday Beautiful.

I fell in love with her hats when my dear friend Emily gifted one to Cedar, which he wore in our first family photo session with Tara Whitney. It was so perfect for his little gnome/fairy spirit.

cedar in his hat, photo by tara whitney

Now, we are giving away the same hat, in the color yellow, here on my blog! If you would like to win this beautiful treasure for your own bebe or as a gift for another, you just need to leave one word in the comment section. Leave one word that describes “earth” or what it means to you. I chose earth because Vicky is a lover of nature and weaves earthy vibes into her art. Only one comment per person, please.

In Vicky’s own words, here is her description of the Tree Pixie Hat above (Newborn size):

This delightful hat has been carefully hand knit in 100% pure New Zealand wool that is not at all itchy, very important quality in a childs hat! It is a thick, chunky knit that will keep your little persons head nice and cozy. It will fit a child from birth and most likely until they are about 3 months . The tree has been hand cut from cotton and appliqued on.

Vicky and her husband Jimmy (all the way in gorgeous New Zealand) will be choosing the winner. You have until midnight on Thursday, February 26th to enter. I will announce the winner Friday morning.

Until then, my mother in law is coming this week and we will be marinating in her deliciousness. I look forward to her company, her vivacious spirit, her yummy cooking and the look on her face when she sees what a big boy Cedar has become. ; )

I wish you luck and blessings, friends.

{one word comment idea is inspired from kelly rae and her give aways. i always give credit where credit is due!}

nap time for cedar.

cedar, taken with my camera phone

I’ve wanted to come here so many times the last few weeks to spill the well of emotions I’ve been experiencing. Yet, on those free moments when Cedar is sleeping or his daddy is taking care of him, I seem to only have energy for the simple things…like eating, showering, cleaning, etc.

This has left me feeling a bit disconnected, a bit inarticulate or able to express it all and that is difficult because writing has always been such a creative balm for me.

I have so much inside of me that comes to the surface when I am rocking my son to sleep, helping him get some relief from his reflux pain. Those quiet hours with my babe draws me into the truth of all that is stirring within. One would say lately I’ve had too much time to think but I welcome it, really. I know when it is time to take a break from the overwhelm, so I trust myself to keep that balance.

The last few days have been emotional for me. Pondering so many areas of my life. A sweet friend of mine just recently went through an adoption and her experience brought back that sacred time last November during Cedar’s birth. Especially the relationship with our birthmother and the mysteriousness behind her selfless act of love and how the idea of feeling grateful just doesn’t seem enough. This is a post in and of itself that I’d like to explore soon.

Then it is my friendships…and how they are all shifting lately. It is a beautiful thing. I feel so supported and understood, even though I am unable to give as much as I want to right now. They’ve all been on this journey with me and wanted it for us as badly as we did and the forgiveness I am receiving for not being fully present in all of my friendships is humbling. Again…another blog post topic all together.

Then there is the whole self image mind game party in my head. Now that I am surfacing from the stress and depression of infertility and adoption, I’ve realized how different my body looks and how I really feel this extra 25 (or 30?) pounds on me and how I am so ready to return back to taking better care of myself. I long to feel more comfy in my skin (and in my clothes) and to tap back into that curvy sexy girl that once felt confident enough to walk around in her undies.

So much, right? I know I will someday soon be able to grasp those moments and meditate and digest and explore and write about the tumbling of all these things in my life…but right now, I just can’t seem to go there.

Then I gaze into the eyes of my sweet son and he brings it all back to the moment and it quiets my mind and reminds me to slow down and embrace the beauty of what is. Right now. Here. In his eyes. He helps me to chill out and let go and be more gentle and forgiving of myself. Being fully present with him while we work together as a team to heal his body puts it all into perspective for me…truly.

How can anyone NOT feel centered when looking into his eyes? ; )

I was in the mood to show all of you Cedar, live, in the flesh yesterday. My timing was totally off. This was before his feeding, so he was wondering what the heck I am doing pointing him at this little white and orange box with a red light. He was so over it and wanting to eat. BUT…he is a cutie, nonetheless and I wanted you to see that for yourselves.

Perhaps next time I’ll video him post-feeding when he’s all smiles and coo’s and talkative. ; )

{update: when/if you can find a moment, go here and give my adoption journey sister, Jamie some love. grab a tissue…you’ll need it.}

the bohos, photo by tara whitney

I have been having this conversation with a few of my friends lately and now I want to include you in some research I am doing.

Post baby (whether naturally or from adoption), how long did it take for you and your partner to get intimate? Hit the sheets? Tumble in the cotton? Have s.e.x.? ; )

I imagine a lot of couples have to reinvent their romance in the midst of caring for a new baby and finding their footing not only as parents but as a couple aside from it all. I’ve loved hearing my friends stories, not only because I found them intriguing and all so different but because it was healing for them to talk about it.

I think it is a topic a lot of people are afraid to talk about for fear of them feeling worried or ashamed or afraid that what they’re experiencing is not “normal” so to speak. I think people would be surprised that most couples struggle with this. Not all…but most.

It isn’t me who wants to know. It is the friend of my cousin’s brother in law’s aunt’s sister that I am doing the research for. Seriously. I mean it. ; )

I fully expect there to be many “anonymous” commenters out of respect for sacredness and privacy. In all honesty, I almost feel more comfortable if you commented anonymously! I don’t want to get anyone in trouble!!

Disclaimer: I think my husband is extremely hot and sexy and I feel butterflies just thinking about him. I will not share our story only because family and coworkers of his read this. Need I say more?