Tag Archives: Kids

A BIG SISTER

At 3:53 PM California time, Madelyn Paige Alix entered the world weighing in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 19 1/2 inches long.  Proud parents Beth & Greg welcomed her with great joy and Delaney happily wore her big sister smile. 

I don’t know what it really feels like to be a big sister, but if it’s anything like how it feels to be an aunt, it’s pretty darn amazing!  Madelyn is my 7th niece and Mr. Hallmark’s first niece as an official member of the family and we cannot wait to meet her!

It’s a very strange to know our newest member of the family has finally arrived and is so close, yet so far away.  Something tells me that travel plans to warm and sunny California are in the cards though, kids.  In fact, the departure is quite imminent.  As in, 8 days and a wake up imminent!  Here we come, Maddy!  In the meantime, though, Internet, I’m afraid you’re going to have to settle for the incredibly adorable face of Madelyn’s proud older sister, Delaney.  Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed… Am I one lucky Aunt, or what?  Stay tuned for pictures of the newest member of the family…

 

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@ Amanda- Thanks my sweet! I know, crazy, right? Not that little flower girl anymore, but oh my goodness soo cute! Can’t wait to see you & Cate! @ Marianne- Thanks so much! Hope to see you soon! XOXO

Marianne Kedo

I echo Amanda’s comments on how much Delaney has grown up – matured sooo much since last Aug. Maggie, Mrs. Hallmark I mean:) you’ve done it again – told such a beautiful, warm story with your words and photos. You are amazing, and YES, you are a “lucky” aunt! Have a wonderful trip and give everyone hugs for me! XO

Oh my goodness, Delaney has grown up so much since your wedding! Congrats to Beth and Greg, and the new big sister! Can’t wait to see you on your California trip!

SIXTEEN

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!

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Dory Sanderson

This was so touching! I love the photo of Nate and Matt, and loved your description of our first meeting of Nate. In addition to photography, please consider writing a book. You are a very gifted writer. Love, Dory

Kim

What a wonderful way to mark Nate’s sixteenth! I loved reading your post and remembering.

Dottie

Thanks for the memory and the opportunity to relive with joy Nathan’s entrance into the family. Maggie, you’ve given your nephew a unique gift by including him in your blog. Mama

Marianne Kedo

Oh Maggie~what a wonderful memory. What a perfect present for Nathan.

Beth Alix

What a wonderful memory of the first time we met our sweet Nathan! What a great birthday tribute!

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY: PART I

When his mother called to inquire about taking some headshots of her teenage son, I was really excited!  OK…and little nervous, but after meeting them my fears were quickly put to rest. 

On Mother’s day, Danilda took her son out to the city to get some headshots so he could get his dream of becoming an actor off and running.  What a sweet Mom!  Although I hadn’t met with them before, I could immediately tell that Danilda and Anderson were close.  Stop track. Rewind.  Did you catch that name?  Anderson Sanchez.  Remember it, folks, cuz he’s gonna be a star! 

Anderson, 14, wants to be an actor.  And, he’s not the only one in the family.  Both of his aunts are actresses.  You might recognize one of his ever lovely relatives, in fact: Dania Ramirez.  She has been in shows like Heroes, Sopranos, and she’s also starred in X-Men: The Last Stand, and Fat Albert, to name a few.  AND, his mom, Danilda is no slouch herself.  She is gorgeous, loves acting and writing and hopes to get involved in the business as well.  What can I say?  It’s just in their blood. 

Anderson was a sweetheart and though he was a little shy at first, he warmed right up when I threatened to dance like a crazy woman in the middle of Central Park.  :)  (WARNING: my dancing style resembles Elaine from Seinfeld.)  His eyes lit up in front of the camera.  If his smile and ability to pose at 14 are any indication of how he acts, I’d say he’s gonna do just fine.  Watch out Hollywood, here he comes!

Here are a couple of favorites from our session…And, because it was Mother’s day I snapped a few of Anderson with his beautiful Mom.  Can you believe she has two kids?!  Work it, Dani! :)  Stay tuned next week because the beautiful Danilda will be appearing front and center in her very own headshots!  Cuz, hey, it just runs in the family…

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Dottie

Anderson looks relaxed & comfortable. He obviously felt at ease with you shooting away. One of the photos makes me believe mom & son enjoy teasing one another. Nice job Maggie.

Marianne Kedo

Once again, fabulous photos. And yes, he is handsome~but what to expect with a beautiful mother. Great photos, Maggie!

Oh WOW! I can’t believe how grown up and mature Anderson looks! The pictures are wonderful!!!

Danilda

OMG!!! Maggie, what can I say?? Amazing is a word that comes to mind easily. Thank you Maggie, as soon as I opened the images I was blown away with the quality of your work and your ability to capture the perfect moment!! wow!! you go girl. Anderson loves the pictures he kept telling me, “hey mom I look sexy” lol; but all kidding aside, meeting you was a pleasure and having you take my son’s first head shots was an honor. THANK YOU!! for the lovely work and your kind, encouraging words.

Danilda Ramirez