Monthly Archives: December 2009

HOLIDAYS AT THE HARKOV’S

In light of the upcoming holidays and upon our impending departure to Cal-i-for-nia, I thought I’d share the holidays with you at our house.  Well, this year, not so much, I put our “tree” up like, yesterday, but we lit our menorah almost every night, folks!  No Christmas cookies, or caroling, no weeks of planning gifts for the ones we love most.  Unfortunately, it’s just been a blur since Thanksgiving (can you relate?!) and I feel like I’m missing out my favorite time of the year (minus the weather).  When we get to San Diego, however, the gloves come off.  I’m baking cookies, singing Christmas carols and wearing a Santa hat.  Kidding.  Totally kidding.  That’s reserved for our sweet Sophie who will be playing on a farm in Connecticut while we defrost in San Diego.

Here  are a few pictures of the holidays at the Harkovs…

Happy Holidays to all!  May this year be filled with much love, peace and joy!

XOXOX,

Maggie

NEW YORK CITY NEWBORN PORTRAITURE PHOTOGRAPHY: SWEET LUCY BEA

WARNING: the following images may contain pure cuteness.  If sweet little babies (particularly ones who sport amazingly adorable bright pink tutus) make you swoon, you may not want to view the images that follow…

But, for those of you that can handle some preciousness….On November 21, 2009, sweet little Lucy Bea was welcomed into the world by a proud Mommy and Daddy in none other than the great New York, New York.  Her doting parents, Jennie & Frank could not have been more overjoyed to hold their first child in their arms and see this amazing girl that had just changed their lives forever.  

When I arrived at their home for their portrait session, it looked as if they’d been doing this their whole lives, they were completely at peace and were simply aglow.  It was as if they were meant to be doing this all along.  It was such an honor to watch them radiate with such joy and to capture these delightfully sweet and tender moments in their lives.

Upon my arrival home, Mr. Hallmark casually asked how my shoot went with his eyes cast down at the Week in Review section of the Sunday paper.  It wasn’t until he looked up and saw the expression on my face describing how amazing Lucy was that the deer in headlights look came over his face – one that resembled the face he’d made this past summer when I got sick on the side of the road and my father asked, “You’re not pregnant, are you?”  Not to worry Mr. H, it’s just you me, & Sophie for a while, but what can I say?  Babies make me swoon and Lucy Bea is certainly no exception.  Many congratulations Cattano’s, you have such a beautiful family!

For a slideshow of sweet little Lucy Bea, please click HERE.

To see a slideshow of the adorable Lucy Bea, click HERE!

Marti & Tony Oppenheimer

The cutest baby ever!!! She is so adorable! We are so happy for you all and can’t wait to meet her! Have a wonderful 1st Baby Chanukah!
Lots of Love,
Marti & Tony

maggie

Aw, you are too sweet! Thank you so much! :)

maggie

Yay! :) Thank you Cattanos! It was SUCH a pleasure to work with you all and I look forward to capturing many more special moments in the years to come! XOXOX

Kendra McGuire

Wow, wow, wow!!! Maggie, even though at this point I shouldn’t be, I am continuously amazed by your immense talent!! And Jennie, Frank and Lucy Bea……simply beautiful!!

jennie + frank

maggie!

omg – look at her! we can’t stop looking at these pix…which is funny b/c she’s in the next room ;)

thank you so very much! it’s amazing to have these, especially with her changing every day. she’s practically got a ponytail now. lol!

you have an incredible eye! should we book you for her 1st birthday, bat mitzvah, graduation + wedding now?!

xo
jennie, frank + lucy “i love being photographed” bea cattano

DEAR INFLUENZA

Dear Nasty Influenza Virus,

Thanks so much for the 102-103 fever accompanied by hacking cough, complete and utter exhaustion, chills, aches, you know, the whole nine yards.  Thanks for the loss of appetite, headaches, and sexy man voice.  Thanks for it all.  You, disgusting as you are in every imaginable way, have made me thankful.  For were it not for you, I would not have stopped to think about all I am blessed to do every single day without even thinking about it.  Were it not for you, my days would not have been accompanied by the deliciousness that is Orange Julius, and that, Nasty Influenza Virus, is something to be truly be grateful for.  Were it not for you, I would’ve worked the hours away and not had the opportunity to take day long naps with sweet Sophie asleep at my feet.  Were it not for you spreading to Mr. Hallmark, we would not have had uninterrupted time together.  Even if you just made us cough and sleep in excessive amounts, it was together, and it forced us to just stop and take care of ourselves and each other and get well.  Were it not for you, movies, both good and bad would not have been watched.  Were it not for you, I would not have remembered how fortunate I am to know that though I felt awful, it would only be temporary.  So many people have conditions that never go away, that they have to live with day in and day out for the rest of their lives.  So for opening my eyes and reminding me how much I have to be thankful for on Thanksgiving and always, Nasty Influenza Virus, I thank you.

And for all you Orange Julius lovers out there…I’m about to divulge some seriously top secret news here.  I am passing along our Kwajalein originated Orange Julius recipe – a treat our family only enjoys on Christmas morning or when feeling under the weather.  May you be well and enjoy it as much as we have over the years.

ORANGE JULIUS

3 oz. Orange Juice Concentrate

1/4 C. Sugar

1/2 C. Milk

1/2 C. Water

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

4-5 Ice Cubes

Blend together and enjoy!

orangejulius

influenza

myfriend

maggie

Amen! :) XOXO

Hannah Williams

Love it! If you’re looking for it, getting sick can be a great source of gratitude. For most of us, it is the only thing that will actually make us slow down for a little bit. xoxo

Dottie

Your photos & prose say it all! Having been sick sure makes you appreciate feeling well. A blessing we can take for granted. You and Mr. Hallmark don’t HAVE to share everything you know. And thank goodness for dogs that like to cuddle. Love that Orange Julius too. Stay well!

alyssa

hope you guys are feeling better! puppies are just the best! such good company when you aren’t feeling well!