I should have known. I mean, hey, I told you already, it runs in the family, but I still found myself amazed by her talent.
The stunning Danilda Ramirez makes a repeat appearance on the pages of www.maggieharkov.com, folks, and this time, she’s in the hot seat. Dani, as she likes to be called, is one lady who knows just what to do in front of the camera! She made my job a piece of cake (yellow with milk chocolate frosting, please) and we had such fun galavanting throughout New York’s fabulous Central Park.
Dani is a beautiful mother of two. Yes, you read that correctly. Mother of two. How is it possible, you ask? I don’t know, but I plan on finding out her secrets and implementing them immediately! I’m gonna go with genes. Thanks, Mom & Dad! :) (Kidding.) Dani is hilarious, full of life, and she is completely in love with her children. Personally, I think the whole family should just get a show with HBO to showcase all their talents as there are MANY!
Well, here she is, Internet…a few of my favorites of the gorgeous, Dani.
A few months ago, my friend Amyrose and her son Evan came over to play and have some photographs taken together. Sounds of laughter and the pitter patter of his fast feet filled our New York City apartment and it immediately made me miss my nieces and nephews back in California. Sophie, our petrified little puppy was a little alarmed (I know, shocking news for those of you that have met her) at having a small person running about in her space, but she soon learned that having a little person around had its advantages. She loved chasing Evan and jumping up on him as he stuffed apples with peanut butter into his mouth, hoping she might have more luck with him than she would with her Mom. (She was not mistaken.) But, really, I can’t blame her, I mean, after all, it is peanut butter and I’d do just about anything for peanut butter. I do love me some Skippy and Jif. :)
After rolling out orange, blue, white, and green play-doh, we headed to the park for a little photo action. It was wonderful to watch them play together and just capture them in their ordinary, everyday moments. Moments that were and are just Evan and his Mom.
I was only in the fifth grade when it happened. I remember being a little worried about the whole thing, yet filled with that feeling you experience only when you’re really excited about something. You know, when you lie awake at night, too beside yourself to close your eyes because, really, if you slept, the day would never get here and it would be much less fun if you didn’t arise like a limp noodle from sleep deprivation the next morning. Butterflies bounced about in my tummy. I couldn’t wait to meet him!
The night we first met Nathan is one I will never forget. I sat perched at the window, peaking through the blinds at the car lights kissing the streets, hoping the next one would hold sweet baby Nathan. Finally, they pulled up. An aunt, I thought, I was cool now, and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone at school just how cool I had become, totally unaware of what being an aunt really meant. I would come to learn that being an aunt would be one of the greatest joys of my life.
Sixteen years ago today, my first nephew was born. Small and filled with wonder, Nathan came into the world and changed our lives forever. He smiled, laughed, and cooed and everyone instantly lit up. His first steps, words, and triumphs were treasured by all and he filled our lives with joy. It’s funny how no matter how much things change, they stay the same.
Today I’m reminded of that young boy who really isn’t such a child any longer. That boy that we all once rocked to sleep in our arms, and taught me that I couldn’t wait to be a mother is now taller than all of us! I am so proud of you and all that you are, Nathan. You are an extraordinary young man and I truly admire your big, beautiful heart and how much you love and care for others. Happy Birthday, Nathan, I’m so glad you were born, and that you’re our nephew!
And… Happy Memorial Day, Internet!
In case her cravings for Cold Stone & Creamery, Golden Spoon, or Ben & Jerry’s didn’t give it away, she’s pregnant, kids. Yep, it’s true, my sister Beth and her adoring husband, Greg are having baby number 2. It seems like only yesterday that they had the ever precious Delaney and now Beth Anne is just a little over a week before her due date! Wahoooo! Aunt Maggie & Uncle Ari we become! This little piece of joy will be niece or nephew number 12 for us! Any guesses? Boy or girl, internet? Anyone?… Anyone?… Bueller?… Bueller?
I have a big family, in case the number of nieces and nephews didn’t give it away, folks, and I LOVE it! While visiting my family in California in March, I begged Beth to let me take a few pictures of her adorable little belly. She wasn’t totally thrilled with the idea, but she indulged me and let me take a couple shots and was gracious enough to let me share them with you. I hope you enjoy her little baby bump as much as I know we’re going to enjoy the little bundle inside. And, because I know she’s going to be an amazing mother all over again, I’ve posted a picture of her greeting Delaney after being away from her for the weekend. To me, her expression encompasses all that she is and all the joy she experiences being a mother. The visible love and genuine happiness she finds in motherhood is awe-inspiring and she simply glows. What can I say? She’s one extraordinary mother.
We can’t wait to meet you baby Alix!!
Amy & Lenny are loved by many and it isn’t difficult to see why. Along with their wedding party and closest friends, they laughed hysterically the entire day together. It was incredibly evident that they were a close knit group and that was such fun to witness.
One thing I loved observing about Amy & Lenny was the sweet sense of comfort and ease they seemed to feel in each others presence. Despite the nerves they must have felt on their wedding day, they experienced a peace together that is rare. Amy & Lenny were a joy to be around and I had a blast shooting their wedding with the ever talented Jose Reyes, who teaches me more and more every time I have the pleasure of working with him.
The ceremony took place at this little church in Staten Island and was followed by a really lovely reception at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, New Jersey. And, boy do they know how to feed and serve people! I have never seen such an incredible spread of food in my life. They had a room filled with appetizers of every cuisine you could possibly imagine. And, after a fabulous meal was served in the dining room, a room full of decadent desserts beckoned me to indulge. I’m not going to lie, I was kind of tempted to just park it at a table with plates full of food and eat everything in sight, but I held back and shot on! If you’re looking for a great place to hold an event with some great food and wonderful service in New Jersey, definitely check them out!
And now, a few of the stunning Amy and her Lenny. Happy Monday!
by maggie
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