The Road Hardly Traveled: How I Became A Family Photographer
No Mom With A Camera For Me
It’s rare these days that a family photographer, especially a Mommy and Me photographer, does not have her own kids. But I came to appreciate motherhood, children and all the sacrifices and turmoil that goes with it as a teacher. A special education teacher. And more, a special education teacher in the inner cities of Los Angeles.
I’ll be honest. I did NOT dream of being a teacher as a kid. In fact, my aspirations were far, far afield. I wanted to be…..wait for it….a baraoque cellist. Yep. you read that correctly. As a tween, I thought the years 1600 to 1750 or so were the greatest that had ever happened. With supportive and tolerant parents, I was escorted to record stores in Pasadena CA where they purchased for me every relevant Deutsche Grammophon recording I could carry. I discovered the harpsichord, The Brandenburg Concertos and counterpoint. I was in heaven.
From Music Conservatory to Inner City Classroom
I spent the next 10 years studying with the former first cellist under Toscanini when Toscanini led the NBC studio orchestra. Cesare Pascarella was my cello instructor from my tweens all the way through my stint at Cal Arts. He lived in the acclaimed Hollywood Hills in a house from times past. It was filled with all kinds of amazing Italian renaissance art. Since I spent so much time here, there is no doubt I was exposed to elements that would (decades later) influence my Mommy and Me Portraiture.
What happened to my dream you ask? The competition happened and I got my arse kicked. That’s what. I studied hard and I became an adequate cellist. You know, good enough to do garden wedding music, women’s clubs luncheons, stuff like that. The brutal reality was that “accomplished” was not enough in the competitive world of Baroque Cello Performance. You had to be exceptional. I wasn’t. (Fade to black).
I’ll be honest again and tell you that most teachers in LAUSD who I met did not dream of being a teacher either. Teaching served as this huge safety net; something that people who had lost out on a dream came to really appreciate. Teaching is the paragon of “Plan B” careers.
Universal Motherhood
When I announced to my family that I would be teaching special education in some of the toughest schools in the country, it was not popular. My liberal and tolerant semi -Hippie parents were not keen on their daughter trudging to and working in the bowels of inner city Los Angeles schools. It seems Tolerance has a precipice and I had reached my parents’ limits. “Those moms down there don’t care”, my family bellowed. “You’re wasting your time”.
I ended up spending a lot of years teaching. 18 to be exact. And in that time, I saw many social problems, inequities and political red tape. In the early 2000s, LAUSD had over 144 languages represented amongst their students. Diversity was the name of the game. I came upon and saw traditions and belief systems that jarred my own ethical threshold and caused me to re evaluate. I saw every form of parenting imaginable; every reaction to frustration and concern, every strategy a mom could think of to help her child learn and develop.
What I learned is that on the whole, Motherhood is tough for every mom out there. She sacrifices, tries and fails sometimes, adapts and keeps going. I learned that Love, capital L has an expanded meaning within Motherhood. Mom is the main guide for kids, she is the one they call for, the one who soothes and counsels. As a teacher watching this, I was reminded of the elaborate Baroque melodies I admired in my youth. I saw Motherhood as an apt metaphor for these musical conversations about Love. “Maybe”, I thought, “Maybe, there is something here to investigate artistically”. (Camera Enters Stage Right)
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How to Manage Pain During Pregnancy
While mothers are famous for being self-sacrificing and willing to do anything to keep from harming their baby, you shouldn’t have to suffer through severe pain during your pregnancy. Luckily, there are…
Normally, when you get a headache or injury you can pop a few pain pills and hardly miss a beat. However, when you are pregnant, everything you do can impact that precious, growing baby. While mothers are famous for being self-sacrificing and willing to do anything to keep from harming their baby, you shouldn’t have to suffer through severe pain during your pregnancy. Luckily, there are safe ways to combat your pain during pregnancy.
Take Safe Pain Medication
Most doctors would agree that some over-the-counter pain medications can be taken safely during pregnancy. While you should never take any medication without getting the green light from your doctor, acetaminophen is generally considered safe. Your doctor might also approve ibuprofen or naproxen during the first half of your pregnancy.
However, they are generally not recommended after 20 weeks because of the risk of hemorrhaging during delivery and causing kidney problems for the baby. Bottom line: always ask your doctor before taking any medication!
Try Drug-Free Remedies
Of course, pregnancy is the perfect time to try out holistic pain relief techniques. Massage therapy, hot or cold compresses, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and acupressure are all safe options to try.
Additionally, going to a chiropractor can help you ease pain during pregnancy without drugs. Chiropractic spinal manipulation can effectively treat lower back pain, a common complaint during pregnancy.
Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom
When you are pregnant it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to your body’s cues. One of the dangers of having such convenient pain remedies available is that we can easily pop a pill and ignore the underlying causes. However, when you take the time to listen to your body and find out what it’s trying to tell you, you can usually treat the cause of your pain rather than the symptom. Maybe you are overworking yourself and need to take it easy. Maybe your headaches are caused by mild dehydration. Maybe you need to tweak your sleeping position or go to bed earlier. Maybe you need to wear more comfortable shoes for now. Treating the underlying cause is always more effective and less risky than turning to a quick fix like pain meds.
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you should have to live with pain. First, try to diagnose the cause of your pain and address that first. If that doesn’t work, talk to your doctor for some suggestions. No one should suffer needlessly when there are plenty of safe remedies available.
Have Your Newborn Photos Taken By a Professional: Check This Out!
Issues to Deal With After Giving Birth
The moment you hold your newborn for the first time, your heart will be filled with a joy you've never experienced. But, your body has just been through an extremely stressful ordeal, and it will take some time before you're feeling your best. Meanwhile, you will have some issues to deal with.
Postpartum Depression
It's completely normal to feel emotional after giving birth. You're entering a new phase of your life, and your hormones are out of balance. You may find that you're crying more than usual or easily irritated by small, unimportant matters. You may feel overwhelmed or anxious sometimes.
However, for about 15 percent of new moms, the feelings are more severe and unrelenting.
These women are experiencing postpartum depression. Symptoms include sadness, low self-esteem, guilt, lack of enjoyment, and changes in eating and sleeping. See your doctor if you suspect you might have postpartum depression.
Body Confidence Issues
Your body has just carried another human being for nine months. It's not going to snap back immediately, and you shouldn't compare yourself to body images you see in the media. Give yourself time to recover, and pamper yourself if you can.
Eating regular, healthy meals and exercising will help you lose the "baby weight" and rebuild your self-confidence. Topical creams and laser treatments can help get rid of stretch marks. If you're nursing, invest in a good bra to give you the support you need. A new haircut or manicure can also help you feel better.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems after childbirth are so common, there's a name for it: postpartum insomnia. The combination of hormone imbalance, new emotions, and constantly nursing and tending to a baby can cause you to have problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night.
It will take a few weeks, but you can get into a healthy sleep routine. Try to avoid caffeine, and set aside some time in your busy schedule for relaxation or meditation. Keep your bedroom dimly lit and quiet at night, even if you're getting up to feed the baby. Your body will get back into a regular sleep rhythm soon.
Knowing how your body and your emotions might react after childbirth can prepare you for any issues that may come up. Every new mom is different, but all of them will struggle with something. Be kind to yourself and anticipate the disruptions.
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8 DIY CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS YOU CAN HANDLE
Whether you are looking to sell your car or want to keep using it for long, proper maintenance and regular checks add a lot of value to your 4-wheels. There are several tips you can learn and follow to keep your vehicle in top conditions.
8 DIY CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS YOU CAN HANDLE
Maintaining your car properly and regularly will allow it to perform at an optimal level for a longer period. If you don’t show it some love and care, it will start deteriorating sooner. Several people are not interested in spending on regular maintenance or checkups. But if you don’t do that, prepare yourself for bigger expenses.
Whether you are looking to sell your car or want to keep using it for long, proper maintenance and regular checks add a lot of value to your 4-wheels. There are several tips you can learn and follow to keep your vehicle in top conditions.
We have listed down the top 8 DIY maintenance tips. All of them are useful to increase the performance of your vehicle.
First, go through your vehicle manual
Most of the people completely forget about the owner’s manual that comes with the purchase of your vehicle. Whether it is a new or a used car, you need to get this manual. It will provide you clear insight into your vehicle and makes it simpler to maintain.
The manual has several how-to guides designed specifically for your vehicle. The manual will tell you about the maintenance schedule of your vehicle. It will explain when you need to change your engine oil, how to check fluid colors, and the right level for the best performance of your vehicle. It will also guide you about the type of fuel your vehicle needs.
You can also keep a schedule of your checkups as well as the ones for which you have to visit the workshop.
Changing windshield wipers
Any tools required: No
Completion time: 15 minutes
Most auto parts stores have a sale on their wiper blades and offer free-of-cost installation. But the free installation service is only available if you buy the most expensive wiper blade they have on offer. Therefore, it is better to start changing the blades on your own. After approximately 6 to 12 months you will need a new pair of wiper blades.
The setup varies a lot from one vehicle to another. So you might have to consult your manual first. But the steps involved are not too difficult even for a first-timer.
Lift your wiper blades just like you do when you wash your windshield.
Remove those old blades by emphasizing how they connect with the metal arms.
In most cases, there will be a tab on your wiper’s underside. And you have to push that tab to get it off from the arm.
Now attach the new blade and make sure you don’t bend the arms.
Line everything and ensure the safety and durability of the new blades.
Changing air filter
Any tools required: No
Completion time: 10 minutes
Your car needs a new air filter every 12000 miles or 12 months. The entire process of changing your air filter will only take about ten minutes.
Open your hood and find the air filter. It will be present in a black box with clips on each side. You can always take assistance from your owner’s manual.
Now open the casing and examine how the filter fits inside the box. Also, note which way the face of the filter goes.
Now remove the old filter and insert the new one and close the metal clips.
Changing oil and oil filter
Any tools required: Funnel, oil pan, oil filter wrench, ratchet
Completion time: 30 to 40 minutes
According to the experts, you need to change your oil every 4000 to 5000 miles. This is especially the case when you have better products and new cars. But before you begin, keep in mind not to change the oil when your engine is hot.
Allow it to cool down first and then begin with your process. Also, you will have to jack up your car safely so make sure you can handle a jack comfortably.
Locate the oil pan by getting under it.
Unscrew the plug and drain all the oil into the oil pan.
Put the drain plug back into its place.
Now go remove the old oil filter from the engine using your wrench. Be careful because the filter also has some of the old oil in it.
Now lubricate the gasket on the new piece with the help of motor oil.
Fill the new filter ⅔ with new motor oil.
Now screw in the oil filter and hand tighten it.
Fill your engine with new motor oil with the help of a funnel.
Check your oil level using a dip-stick to make sure you have put enough motor oil.
You can discard the old filter and recycle the old oil.
Maintaining battery
Any tools required: Rags, wire brush, rust-removal fluid, wrenches
Completion time: 20 minutes
A good battery connection is critical if you want your car to keep running efficiently. You just need to run a simple visual check to see when your battery needs your help.
Remove the negative battery terminal first and then the positive one. If they don’t come off, use a flathead screwdriver for prying them loose.
Clean the post using a professional cleaner. You can also use baking soda and water to clean it off.
Dry the post using a rag and replace the battery terminal.
Radiator flush
Any tools required: Funnel, coolant, rags, Philips wrench/screwdriver, coolant receptacle, radiator flush solution
Completion time: 30 minutes
As you use your vehicle, the radiator starts building up deposits that can disrupt your vehicle’s cooling system. Your manual will tell you when you need to flush it, which is usually 1 to 2 years.
Ensure your vehicle’s engine is cool.
Consult the manual and find the radiator’s plug for draining.
Unscrew the plug and drain the old coolant.
Place the plug back and remove the cap of the radiator.
Add the coolant using a funnel and fill the rest with water and put the cap back on it.
Now, turn the engine on and allow your car to get to its normal working temperature.
Turn the heater on at full and allow your vehicle to run for about 10 minutes.
Switch the car off and allow the engine to cool and drain all the radiator contents.
Refill the radiate with the fresh fluid.
Take the old coolant to your gas station for recycling.
Changing brake pads
Any tools required: Hammer, adjustable wrench, C-clamp, lug wrench.
Completion time: 30 to 60 minutes.
You must change your brake pads approximately every 20000 miles. And consult your manual to see the entire process before you begin.
Jack your car up and break the lugs on the tires to remove the wheels.
Remove the caliper and the pads will slide out. Make sure to keep the brake caliper 12-o-clock position and right above the bolts. And don't allow the caliper to hang on the front brake line. Just find a spot to secure it.
Replace the old pads with the new ones and secure them back onto their clips.
Compress your brake piston and while using the C-clamp put the end and screw it on the piston on the other end.
Tighten the clamp until you can place the caliper back over the new pads.
Now put the caliper back and put the wheel back on as well.
Changing spark plugs
Any tools required: Spark plug socket, 12-inch socket extension, socket wrench, or ratchet.
Completion time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Spark plugs need to be changed every 30,000 miles. Changing them is a simple process but you can consult your manual if you have any ambiguity.
Locate your spark plugs attached to thick rubbery wires.
The number of spark plugs depends upon the cylinders of your car engine.
Only remove the first wire using a ratchet and don’t break the order in which the plugs are installed.
Install the new one and tighten it first by hand and then by a wrench
Reconnect the rubber wire.
Changing the fuel filter
Any tools required: Eye protection, rags, wrenches (open-end), new fuel filter, fuel line washer.
Completion time: 30 minutes.
It is better to change your fuel filter every year and also consult your manual to ensure you carry out all the steps in the correct manner.
Begin by relieving the pressure on your fuel system. Find the relay or fuse of your pump by starting the engine and pull it out, your engine will die.
Now disconnect the fuel line from the filter and find the correct wrenches for the filter fittings.
When the wrenches are in place, put a rag on the fitting to make sure you cover any remaining fuel pressure from the lines.
Hold the wrench on the filter and turn the other wrench anti-clockwise and get the bolt out.
Do the same process on the other side and remove the old filter.
Change the washers which are present on the bolts and install the new filter in the same way you removed the old filter but the opposite.
Put the relay or fuse back before you start the engine.
Final thoughts
All these DIY maintenance tips are pretty simple to execute. And they will improve the performance of your vehicle tenfold. Just make sure you go through the instructions manual before you begin with the process for better guidance. Performing this maintenance work on your vehicle will allow you to save a lot against your vehicle’s expenses both in the short and long run.
Here are some more car maintenance tips you can go through to groom your cup right in the comfort of your home.
3 Tips for Feeling Great During Your Pregnancy
Being pregnant is an extremely exciting and meaningful time in life. To achieve that proverbial pregnancy glow, it is important to take steps to care for your own body and its changing needs. Here are three proven tips to help you feel great during your entire pregnancy:
Exercise How You Can
Medical News Today explains that engaging in appropriate exercise can help you to feel better during all stages of the pregnancy. During the first and second trimester, you should be able to continue the majority of the exercise that you were performing before getting pregnant. Some women find that they need to slow down more as the pregnancy enters the third trimester. Walking, yoga, and swimming are ideal ways to get in physical activity as you nurture your growing baby. A regular exercise routine during pregnancy will also enable your body to bounce better more quickly after the baby is born. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
Pamper Yourself
Pregnancy is a significant physical change, putting the body through a myriad of challenges. As you go through this process, it is important to always listen to your body if you are feeling aches and pains. Do not be hesitant to seek outside help in alleviating some of the most common pregnancy ailments. Congruent Life Chiropractic says that chiropractic has been known to keep expecting moms feeling great physically during your pregnancy by utilizing a three prong approach (bone, ligament, muscle) to allow for optimal alignment and stability to the pelvis and uterus.
Nourish Your Body
There is no season in life where good nutrition is more important than when you are pregnant. According to What to Expect, while most expecting women focus on how the proper nourishment will positively affect the baby, solid nutrition choices are also important to keep the mother healthy and ready to face the rigors of pregnancy. Be sure to be intentional about consuming extra protein and calcium. The body will take calcium from your existing stores to nourish the growing baby, making it especially important to make sure that you replenish adequately. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids will also keep both you and the baby functioning at optimal levels.
The most important rule to remember is to put your needs first. Taking the time to rest and nourish your body will give your baby the best start in life while also taking care of your own personal needs.
Want to capture the memories of your pregnancy? Contact Panos Production Photography to schedule a photography session that you will treasure for years to come.
3 Reasons Moms Should Exercise with Their Kids
After having a child, it is easy for moms to put their own health on the back burner as the time to eat well or exercise seems to melt away. Maintaining personal health should continue to be a priority, however. One way to do this is by making exercise a family activity. Here are three reasons why it is beneficial for families to work out together.
It Encourages the Formation of Positive Habits
Parents are the primary educators of children and children are more likely to carry habits they learn in their childhood into their adult lives. Consequently, by exercising with their children, moms can demonstrate how important physical activity is and encourage that positive habit to continue. This concept has been supported by a recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics where it was found that the activity level of mothers had a direct correlation with the activity level of their preschool-aged children. As exercise was a larger priority for mothers, their children participated in more physical activity. This effect can be heightened by working out together with children.
It Increases Communication
It's not a secret that schools today are violent, so it's important for moms to have a lot of opportunity to talk with their children and learn about what’s really going on in their lives when they’re out of your sight. Exercising together gives families a structured environment to talk before, during, and after the workout. Participating in physical activity together is also a bonding exercise that can make communication between moms and children easier and more effective. It's clear that spending more time together makes the bond between mother and child stronger.
It's Just Plain Fun
Spending time doing physical activities with your children is simply a fun activity that can bring moms and children together and build a stronger relationship. For the biggest benefits of working out together, you should invite them into physical hobbies you have. Playing sports like soccer or frisbee may be obvious activities to enjoy, but more structured workout routines, like yoga, are extremely beneficial as well. While you might not think about it, there are actually many positives of yoga for children. Yoga is known to improve posture and flexibility, both important factors for growing children. Yoga also improves mental health and gives children the tools they need to understand themselves and have a stronger mind-body connection.
With these reasons in mind, it is clear that making exercise a family activity is beneficial for everyone, in more ways than just physically. Seek to incorporate exercise for the recommended 150 minutes a week.
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5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Future Children
When you're expecting additional children, there are all kinds of things that you need to keep in mind for preparation. Your previous experience can help you grow your confidence. While there's no way that you'll be able to prepare for every possible scenario, you can definitely start off on a strong note. These tips can be useful for helping you prepare for your future children.
Store the Baby Items from Your First Child
Having a second baby can be difficult, particularly if your firstborn is still toddler age or younger. However, it can be easier in many regards. One advantage is that you can save money by reusing items from your firstborn. You should only keep things that you know are worth holding onto. All explains, get rid of damaged items, like toys with broken or missing parts, books with tears, and clothing with stains. You may be able to donate or recycle some of these. You'll want to keep the best quality items.” Store your baby items in a secure location that won't cause any sorts of damage. If necessary, you might consider renting out a storage unit.
Figure out Childcare
If you work full-time, you'll be able to at least get a few weeks of maternity leave. However, you will need to factor in childcare options. If you're already using the services of a trusted daycare for another child, you can continue doing so. However, you might consider looking elsewhere. Ask around for as much advice as possible. There are several options for people who are flexible. If your child is over the age of three years old, then you may be able to enroll your child in a preschool program. This is a great way to prepare your child for kindergarten while creating free time in the day for you to work.
Assemble Your Postpartum Kit
From pads to numbing spray to peri bottles, there are many things you will need. It’s a lot easier to have all that put together and ready to go before your second baby is born. Amazon has almost everything you need. You can read another experienced mom’s ideas on what she had in her recovery kit. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what to expect, again, for postpartum healing. You can also see the ultimate list of everything you will need for your recovery here. You will be so much happier if you do not have to drag yourself around CVS just hours after you get home.
Talk to Your Toddler
Be sure to spend time talking to your first baby about what is about to happen. They may seem fine, but it is good to see what kinds of questions they ask you. It is important to let them lead the discussion to a point. The questions they ask will tell you what they are ready to begin processing. If major changes in room assignment or babysitting are going to happen right away, it is good to explain that to them. Reading books can help too. Of course, nothing will become totally real to them until the baby is actually here. You can try to foreshadow all the phone calls, pictures, gifts for the new baby, people visiting, emails and the myriad of activity that will happen when the baby is born. Be sure to explain to your toddler that these same things happened when they were born. Creating a secret word, or handshake that only you two know can be soothing. Then, when it is crazy busy, you can use it to connect with your toddler so they know they are loved.
Plan a Photoshoot
Ushering in the arrival of a new baby with a photoshoot is something seriously worth considering. Even if you're not yet pregnant, it can still be good to keep this in mind so that you can reserve a desirable photographer as soon as possible. There are all kinds of shoots you can consider, like one of your newborn and their older sibling, one of the whole family together, or one of the baby by themselves. While professional photoshoots might be more expensive than just snapping photos with your smartphone, the investment can be absolutely worth it when you see the finished product. Order extra copies from the photographer so that you can send them to friends and relatives.
Being a parent is all about showing how responsible you can be. This happens over time, and it starts with making good decisions today. Use these tips to help smooth the process. There's no scenario that can't be improved by preparation, and you can enjoy parenthood all the more this way.
4 Biggest Hidden Dangers to a Child's Health
As a parent, you want your child to have the best possible upbringing. This means protecting your son or daughter from hazards that your son or daughter might encounter both at home and in the outside world. Let's take a look at a few of these potential hazards and the steps that you can take to mitigate them.
Peanuts and Seafood
Many children develop allergies at a young age, and you don’t find out until they are exposed to the allergens and they get sick. In some cases, your child could suffer negative health consequences from merely touching a surface that is contaminated by peanuts. The same could be true if your child eats, smells or touches fish or other seafood. If your child shows any signs of an allergy, take your son or daughter to the doctor immediately. It can also be a good idea to have medication handy in case of an emergency.
Mold
According to Behind the S, mold most often affects children, pregnant women, and people with breathing problems. The most common kinds of mold form in damp conditions usually present in a basement, attic or bathroom. If you see black mold, be sure to call a professional right away. It can have an adverse impact on your child's life, and it can also put your own life in danger.
Falling Objects
A blow to the head can cause significant injury to a small child because its skull and brain are not fully developed. This can be true even if the object falls from a relatively low height. To prevent your child from being hit by a falling object at home, keep items on shelves secured with zip ties or similar objects. You can also keep potentially dangerous objects in a shed or other space the child won't occupy.
The Family Pet
You should never leave your child unsupervised when feeding, playing with or otherwise interacting with a cat or dog. This is because even a friendly animal can get scared or angry in an instant, and it could lead to your child being bitten or experiencing other injuries in an attack. According to American Family Physician, dog bites account for 1% of all injury-related emergency department visits in the United States and more than $50 million in inpatient costs per year. Immediate treatment will be necessary to stop the spread of bacteria throughout the child's body.
Children are often curious about the world around them and can be oblivious to the potential consequences of their actions. Therefore, it is important that they are properly supervised to ensure that they don't get hurt. Taking proactive steps to mitigate hazards can also make it easier to keep your kids safe when you can't watch them.
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