We are from Philadelphia. We actually just moved to Pittsburgh in January from Brazil.
April 17th, 2018
Magee
Dr. Okeefe
We were both pretty scared because everything happened very fast.
We did everything together, so there was no real reveal that I was pregnant.
I eat healthy (most of the time) and exercise regularly.
We have chosen names for the baby but we are not revealing them until the baby is born since we don't know if it's a girl or boy.
Yes! We created an "around the world" themed nursery.
My husband will be taking a few weeks off from work, so he's going to be the main help. We will also have some family visiting.
Yes and it was quite an adjustment for me because I'm very much a person that likes to handle things herself.
I think I had an idea and it's pretty much what I was expecting.
This was a super hard thing for me! I ended up getting most of my things at Target.
I had different stages of food cravings, the most notable of which was tomatoes!
We thought it would be something that would be great to have in the future to remember this phase of our lives.
We wanted something simple and easy because we were already at 37 weeks!
Be an advocate for yourself. Everyone will give you opinions, but decide what is best for you and your family and advocate for that decision.
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
from Natalie, the Jewelry Lady
Are you overwhelmed about deciding what to wear to your upcoming photoshoot?
I hear that all the time! I enjoy dressing my family for photoshoots but I realize that I am outside the norm! Last week I was at a Premier Designs Jewelry open house where my friend, Natalie gave my mom and I great tips! Natalie is a mama of five, lives in a beautiful farmhouse in the Bethel Park area and likes to help women elevate their look. I asked if she'd share tips with readers on the blog.
Begin with a simple 1-2-3!
1. Start with staples | classic tops, tanks, solid dress, neutral colors.
Great colors for tops: white, ivory, blush, gray, tan, black Great colors for bottoms: white, denim, gray, tan, navy, black
2. Add fashion |accent with trending colors, prints and textures (jean jacket, scarf, bomber jacket, kimona)
Great accent colors: red, cadet blue, violet, orchid, lime, jade, lavender, peach, chili, yellow
Great accent patterns and textures: polka dots, stripes, plaid and checks, florals, fringe, blazers, bubble sleeves
3. Complete the Look | the right accessories will be game changer for your closet. Your style is in the details, with jewelry.
Six Additional Tips:
1. Create an Impact Zone | Always wear earrings! They draw attention to your face! Larger earrings can take #10 pounds off your appearance!
2. Make a Vertical Line |Wear a long necklace to create a slenderizing vertical line!
3. Bangles are Classics! | Wear three quarter length sleeves or push long sleeves up and wear classic bangles. This pulls attention to the thinnest part of your body! Plus bangles are a classic, they never go out of style!
4. Match Shoes to your Hemline | For instance, if you wear black plants or a black skirt, you should wear black shoes. If you wear a black top and white pants, don't wear black shoes, wear white ones. Shoes should always match the bottom, not the top.
5. Elongate your Neck. | Try wearing a slim V- neck or leave a few open buttons to show off your clavicle to elongate your neck.
6. Appear taller and thiner. | Did you know a V-shaped necklace is the most complimentary? It gives you an hourglass shape and makes you appear taller and thinner.
Did you know that accessories can give your style a name? Popular styles include: classic, natural, boho (bohemian) and dramatic. Your accessories define your personal style!
Do you have an outfit but need the right jewelry to complement it?
Did you know you can have a FREE closet consult with Natalie, the Jewelry Lady? Ask how! www.premierdesigns.com/Shiff
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
I'm excited to share highlights from a recent first birthday party that I had the privilege of documenting. The first birthday party was held at the Bethel Park Historical Society. It was built in 1905 as the Bethel Township High School. The room was full of natural light from the large picturesque windows. While I LOVE taking pictures for families, I also LOVE meeting the families that live in the Pittsburgh area! It's truly an honor to be welcomed by so many families to celebrate milestone events and be trusted to capture the moments that turn into memories.
I’m from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2011.
He was 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20.5 inches long.
Now he is 23 pounds and 30.5 inches.
We call him little monkey.
He walks, can speak some words in Spanish and English and can eat by himself.
He has eight teeth.
Mama, dada, papa (dad in Spanish), agua (water), toy.
He loves rice, apples, pasta and salmon.
His favorite toys are cars and anything with sounds he can ”play” music.
His favorite activities are swimming and dancing.
?
When we blow him kisses, and when he plays with bubbles.
We had a party at the Bethel Park Historical Society. Around 30 guests came to celebrate with us. The theme of the party was Mickey Roadster Racer. The food was from Pasta too (he likes pasta) and the cake was from Bella, Christie & lil Z’s.
Found the blog and liked her style
What is your favorite photo from your child's 1st birthday party?
When I’m holding him while he sleeps. He is so active now that those moments are rare but perfect.
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
We've lived in Pittsburgh since 2014, and prior to that we lived in central PA.
He was 22 inches and 7lb, 12oz. at birth.
Today he is 30 inches and about 24 pounds.
When he is sitting in the bowl looking down.
He can walk, chatter, and give lots of hugs and kisses!
He has eight teeth (soon to be 9!)
He says mama, dada, hey, and he makes car/truck/tractor sounds.
He likes books with noises and books with trucks and construction vehicles.
He likes guacamole, berries and broccoli.
His loves his fire truck toy and puzzles best.
He likes exploring outside,
He laughs at funny faces and when we try to chase him.
We had our immediate families (grandparents, aunt/uncle and cousins) get together for a Little Blue Truck themed party. Everyone really enjoyed watching Theodore get into smashing his cake!
We did a Google search, great photos!
When he is sitting in the bowl looking down.
All of his outfits and the banner are from Etsy. The corduroy fox and blanket are from Land of Nod. The balloons and poufs are from Amazon. The cake is from Whole Foods Market.
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.