LudiKus

aaand another test

2011-07-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

to see the sharpness

another test of mine

2011-07-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

to see the quality of the picture

A new Photography Blog

2010-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

I am so very excited to let you know that I have a nice photography blog now.

Please go check it out and suscribe to it (this blog here will not be updated any longer):

www.blog.lydiatolman.com

If you wanna make my day, leave me a message on the new blog!!

Thank you for your loyalty!

Lydia

Who does he look like?

2010-01-18T08:59:00.001-08:00

Just yesterday when I talked to Ruth (my sister) on Skype, she told me how she sees Markus in little Max. Well, she might be right but I still think it's pretty evenly distributed. Round face from me, dark eyes from Markus. (Big head from Grandpa Deloy).

So, here's the question: what do you think?

left to right:
Me, Max, Markus

Max can walk! (finally)

2010-01-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

It "only" took him 13 months to be this far, but I take whatever. We are proud he finally has the courage to let go of furniture, big toys, his highchair, people's legs, other kids... ;)

Oh, and excuse the mess, we do have a toddler at home, you know! ;)

Max and the Rocks

2010-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Because we all like random videos, right?

Max and his Papi (Dad)

2010-01-04T10:55:00.001-08:00

The holidays have been nice. It was so good having Markus at home pretty much the whole time.
Max also got used to it.
When he woke up this morning, he looked around for his Papi. Since he could not see him in our room, he started to cry and literally went into every single room (yes downstairs too) to find him. I tried to explain that he was at work, but I guess a 13 month old boy does not understand "work".
He eventually stopped crying, but I know he misses him!

Starting 2010

2010-01-04T10:49:00.001-08:00

On the 2nd of January, we picked up Andi and went to the beach. Before, we stoped at some crazy bakery in mission viejo to buy some "cremeschnitte". Unfortunately, it was not the real deal. Too bad.

In San Onofre, we went on a 8 mile bike ride and then climbed down to the beach. Max was still not sure about the waves, but he loved looking at them.

His favorite part was playing with the rocks.

The three boys.

The Zoo

2009-12-30T10:42:00.001-08:00

I kind of had the feeling, Max would love the Zoo. He likes to study everyone and everything. I loved watching his face as he discovered some animals (the ones that did not move, he did not even look at...)

The Elephant-ride was the highlight. It's one of those silly things I've always wanted to do, and the little SA Zoo made it come true. :)

The ride was SUPER bumpy and would I have known about it beforehand, I would have gone without Max.

Max liked our little trip and was so tired when we left, he fell asleep before we even got on the freeway!

Santa needed to rest...

2009-12-28T07:41:00.001-08:00

We all got together Christmas Eve for a progressive Dinner. We made some music, ate, ate, ate and had fun.

We just got to Grandma and Grandpa's house when Santa knocked at the door asking if he could rest.

My nieces where really surprised and Big Sis was so funny and talkative. She sat on Santa's Lap and was so relaxed talking to him in front of everyone. We found out that she really badly wants a Rat Pet (so random). (Well, her parents know)

Anyways, here some of the funniest things she said that night.

1. Santa asked about how many reindeer's he has... Sis in Law helped her daughter to count while she held up her fingers for her daughter to count... Santa said "if there where more reindeer's, your mom would have to take her shoes off". Big Sis reply: "She cant fly."

(I think she thought, her mom would have to go take off her shoes and jump in as a reindeer...)

2. Santa said something bad about everyone. So he mentioned my ticked for talking on the phone. He said it's a point against me on my record where after I said, that my insurance said it's not. So Santa asked me "who are you with?" Big Sis replied "She is already married!!!"

I was busting up that Big Sis thought Santa was making the move on me. HAHAHA.

I think even Santa had a hard time not to laugh!

Max cried again when he saw Santa. He just does not like him!

Beige?

2009-12-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Since I moved to the USA in January 2006, it seems like everything has been beige.
Majority of people's wall's are beige. Cards are beige. Decorations are beige. Curtains are beige.

What's with the beige? Can someone explain what is so appealing about beige?
Granted, I have seen homes that look stunning with beige walls, beige couches and beige decor... however, have you seen people in pictures of beige walls? If the people are "white" it just looks horrible.

So, without wanting to offend anyone, I will dedicate today to colors, because they make me happy.

See here, here, here... and find more.

ps: this is NOT an ikea "be bold not beige" commercial, even though I am known to be an "ikea freak"... ;)

Camille and our little exchange

2009-12-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

When I heard, that Camille would like to learn more about photography, I was so excited to show her some of my tricks. I asked her to take my pictures in exchange. She did an awesome job on mine and I also like the outcome of hers. This was so much fun and we are both happy about how we did and how we look. Just one of those win-win situations.

Thank you Camille, you look beautiful.

Those eyes!!!

Yup, my favorite too...

Did I ever mention that single portrait is my absolute favorite? I LOVE it!

Snazzy Suit with Bow-Tie

2009-12-21T08:54:00.001-08:00

Max yesterday, Sunday, before church, playing with his favorite toy in his awesome suit. This suit used to belong to no one else but his snazzy father, Mister Markus. I love it!

The Pew Family

2009-12-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Pew's - good friends of mine.

Emily - Max's friend. They love to hang out!

The Nazarian Family

2009-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

It was a cold but nice day... and how exciting that the gate to the orange trees was open!
I can say, we laughed a lot - thanks for letting me take your family pictures.

See all pictures here.

Some Birthday Pictures

2009-12-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Finally, Max had his first Birthday party. I debated for a while weather or not I should hold one, we decided that we would.

Singing to him, he really did not mind. He loves music general, so I guess this was a welcomed gesture.

Even though it looks like he is blowing out the candle, everyone that was there knows, that in all reality, he "blew" the candle out with his hand! OUTCH!

And yes, that would be the reason he's crying here.

Bad experience followed by a good one - frosting and cake!

But, no - Max HATED the mess it made. He could not feed himself - not solid enough!

Max's friend Emily and her Mom Sarah.

Max's favorite activity of the day - pushing cousine around!

Here with a little more power!

And here, just because it's a cute picture, my mother in law and sister in law!

Balloons for Max

2009-12-07T12:18:00.001-08:00

While preparing for Max' little Birthday party, I had this great Idea for a photo.

We needed our Motorcycle, me, the balloons, a driver and a photographer - thank you James and Markus for your help.

Yes, I do have a motorcycle lisence and yes, I'm terrible at driving one! However, I made the picture happen... and I love it!

And James, of course I wont put my own logo on it, who am I??!

Christmas time, how I love you!

2009-12-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

Christmas time has always been my favorite. I love the songs, I love the atmosphere, I love Christmas itself!

It has been the time of year my family got along the best. I love to remember singing Christmas songs while my father played piano. I love the smell of candles. The 4 advent Sundays, the Zopf, the smell of a real Christmas tree. Going shopping for it, decorating it, lighting the candles.

Well, now I have a fake tree, no real candles on it and forgot to light the first candle last Sunday. However, I still am looking forward to singing the old, religious Christmas songs. Hearing the Christmas story - and yes, I already decorated our small place because I could not wait any longer ;)

Merry Christmas time!

Let us remember what Christmas is all about... the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ!

Happy Birthday Maximilian

2009-12-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is Max today - hard to believe this little thing once has been even smaller...

and hard to believe once he did not cause any trouble ;)

However, it has already been one year, and I remember as if it where yesterday, when my Mother in Law drove me to the doctor.

We ended up in the hospital due to me being 7cm dialated already.

The whole experience was just beautiful (because I had an epidural, no more pain. hahaha) and it was so rewarding to hold this little boy in our hands.

When Max was born, I considered him a great blessing - would I have known him as I do now, I would have also added the joy of my life.

Markus and I feel very happy having such a nice, funny and super cute little son.

We love you, Max!

Here some pictures from right after the birth.

The happy family.

Max and his cone head. Too cute but glad it left him just after a few days!

Monika was there from beginning to the end to support us. Well, we'll do that again in a few months. Hahaha.

The Bryant Family

2009-12-02T09:56:00.001-08:00

Thanks Bryant Family for having me and Max take your pictures.

(Yes, you read right, Max came with me in the backpack carrier! ;)

My favorit shot of the day.

I loved that they brought a "2" with them!

Brittany and her Family

2009-12-01T09:39:00.001-08:00

My impatient, dear Brittany:

Here are some of your pictures. You are beautiful and so is your fiance and your daughter. You guys are so romantic and I think the pictures show how much your Man adores you!

Happy picture revealing day!

I love your ring!

Here are the all of them.

The Martinez Family

2009-11-30T17:36:00.001-08:00

This is a family that watches "America's next top model" and let me tell you, I've seldom seen kids pose more for me. It was a competition. And yes, I loved it!

We had a blast!

See the rest here.

Sneak Peak for Britt

2009-11-25T09:19:00.001-08:00

Brittany, my friend

Because I know how impatient you are, I give you ONE sneak peak of your shoot. This must be my favorite shot of the day!

I hope you are happy. You look stunning! Love ya.

The Hoffman Family

2009-11-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

I have a crush on this family... Yes, I have been thinking of you and how much fun we had and how easy it was to capture you... you guys totally rock and I hope one day we'll do that again!

I really am proud of how this shoot came out, especially since i barley edited anything, I simply thought the pictures look great as they are without much fancyness.

Their kids are just adorable and they kiss on request!!!

The wall that once was blue! Looks good in brown too!

The place that I call mine and Markus. We where the only ones I know of that had their pictures taken there. I love it and yes, I will keep it a secret location. The Hofman's totally pulled it off!

See all pixs here.

Rose Family

2009-11-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

The whole, big Rose family :)

Click here for more.

Nat Johnny and Noreen

2009-11-23T08:19:00.001-08:00

Another awesome family. Great connection between all of them... thanks for having let me take your pix.

My favorite:

To see all pix, click here.

Maternity pix

2009-11-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

I thought Krissandra and Brandon deserve their own post. Maternity pix, how i love them!

see all of those and of the hauptman's pix here.

Hauptman 2009

2009-11-19T15:05:00.001-08:00

I took the Hauptman family's pix last year for the first time - I was so excited when they contacted me for a shoot this year! Some families just put a smile on your face! This is one of them!

The kids are just natural's look at them!!!

I love this one... stealing her grandma's lipstick - too funny!

I got him to laugh! I dont remember what I said, but usually it's something that either does not make sense or is just really stupid (by nature).

R.I.P Vani

2009-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Vani,

I have had you with me since march, 2008. I never thought much of fish, until you. You where the most beautiful, red, little Betta fish in the world. I made sure you where fed when we where gone. I bought you the best food I could find. I also bought you a new home because you looked so sad in the old one. I know you liked the plants, you kept hiding in them...

Sorry I did not make Max stop slamming at your glass, however I did stop him from tossing things in your home.

Most of all I am sorry that I could not rescue you today when I wanted to transfer you into the smaller bowl so I could clean yours. I am sorry you slipped. I am sorry you died like that. I was always worried that one day I would wake up and find you dead - however I killed you. It was an accident, I promise.

I am not sure if you heard me scream hysterically when you vanished, but I am still crying over your now! You will be remembered.

I love you, Vani!

Your Mama.

Vani's last pictures.

Silly how something so small can mean so much to you, even though you didn't even think so!

Anyone who would like to have my Betta stuff, just come pick it up, it hurts me to see it.

A big, round bowl, fake green plants, a hiding rock, rocks for ground cover, food, water softerer, cleaner... get it all and give a beautiful betta at the store a new home. Those animals are held like prisoners in those stores, I hate seing them like that!

Whitfield Family

2009-11-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful family! We had so much fun, Janice and Marlon are hopelessly romantic and looked like they just started dating even though they have been married for 9 years. NINE!!! Together they make a beautiful mix for kids and have the best taste in names.

Max and Kaya. (A lot of you know that I would have wanted to call my Max Kaya should he have been a girl!!)

Anyway, enjoy!

See the whole shoot here.

The news

2009-11-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

We are very pleased to announce that we expect baby number two. The due date it July 11, 2010. Today (6 weeks 1 day) we had our first ultrasound and where released to see a little baby and it's heartbeat!
However, would it not have been for my father in law announcing it yesterday on FB already, you all would have had to wait a little longer not knowing!

I can't believe I'm pregnant again - but I am - and I am very happy!

Atlanta

2009-11-12T11:05:00.001-08:00

Markus and I went to Atlanta for his work - 4 days without our little baby.

Even though I missed him a lot, we definitely enjoyed our time as "just" a couple.

This was my first trip to the east-coast and I liked it! Atlanta had a lot to offer...

Here we where at the Aquarium - sponsored by the Trade show we exhibited.

As a diet coke addict, I HAD to see the coke museum!

Markus' cousin Josh and his wife Jamie live in the woods - for real now. The driveway was like 30% down or something like that (maybe only 25, but i was scared!) Absolutely beautiful where they live! Thanks for letting us hang out there!!

It's good to be back home, but I hope for another get away sometime soon!

Max at first was so confused, he did not even recognize me. Isn't that sad?

After a few minutes he remembered his good old parents!

quality time

2009-11-05T19:51:00.001-08:00

Every morning at 6 Max wakes up for a bottle. After that, he gets to cuttle with me for an hour until I get up around 7. This hour is about the best thing of the day until Markus comes home from work. This peaceful Baby is laying in my arms every morning. -I know I have it good.-

I love my life, my husband and my baby!

Better late than never?

2009-11-04T12:51:00.001-08:00

I finally added all pictures to my uploads... see all the pictures of the shoot here.

Hike

2009-11-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

We tried to get to the "bridge to nowhere" however we landed in just "nowhere"!

This trail is marked so crappy, i could not even believe it. After getting lost about 100 times (we knew just stream upwards) we had to give up due to time.

We crossed the river/stream about 15 times, trying hard not to get wet.

The hike was actually really pretty - i just wish we could have seen the bridge.

On our way back to the car, we found it - the trail.

I felt like we represented Mario and Luigi in Mario Land, having to find the hidden pathways... we went the hard way... (total of approximately 10 miles, I was DEAD afterwards!)

Max the Panda

2009-10-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

I made Max wear his panda costume today to get used to it for the weekend.

He's just too cute!

Lady-Bug Hike

2009-10-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

While hiking down from Icehouse Sattle, we all the sudden saw all those bugs flying around. Then we realized that those where lady-bugs. Once we started looking a bit closer to our surrounding we saw a lot of bugs..

just a few yards further, there where MILLIONS of those lady bugs. I've never seen something so bizzar and crazy. Those bugs where EVERYWHERE (including our ears).

Luckily those where the cutest bugs alive, so we did not mind and spend quiet some time watching them...

The inch-worm and the lady-bugs fought... guess who lost

Red stuff are all lady bugs. This was a very small section of the whole. Now i wish i would have taken more pics from far to show you really how crazy it was!

Max, Markus and James

Max, Markus and me

Martin, Brenda and Marina

2009-10-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Martin and Markus have been friends since - I am not sure, forever?

What a blessing to have such friends!

This one just makes me laugh - dog kisses...

Isn't Brenda just gorgeous?

walking in circles...

2009-10-21T16:52:00.001-07:00

Do you know how many socks we've lost over the months? Sometimes I'm in the street, walking around and then realizing a sock is gone...

Walking in circles actually CAN be fun... at least for mr. Max

The Motorcycle Accident

2009-10-15T13:16:00.001-07:00

When Markus came in the door late night from school the other day, he asked me if I heard the siren. He looked a little whiter than normal and sounded a little quieter too. -No, what sirens?-
The ones that came for me?
WHAT?
I knew for a while already that we should invest in some colored jacket for Markus' commute. Black motorcycle, black helmet, black jacket and a dark blue jean is just not ideal for a Californian rainy night.
Even though the motorcycle had his light shining into the truck's window that cut him off, the guy did not see Markus when he pulled into the street.
Both drivers reacted fast - no collision. "Just" a crash from Markus' side. He slid for 15 or so feet while still gripping tidily unto the motorcycle.
A few minutes later, Ambulance and Police arrived. Markus luckily was not in need of an Ambulance, though I am glad someone called 911 - you just never know!

Good things ended good. Besides some nasty big burns and scratches on Markus legs, he is doing fine. He did however have a really hard time trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. The day after, the burn looked even bigger and nastier. I always wondered why those exhaust pipes stick out like they to. They are just SO HOT!
The strangest part about it is, neither jacket nor his jeans, socks or shoes have any damage - though his legs and foot do!

We are grateful that nothing worse happened. Grateful for protection. Yes, we did say a prayer of thanks - we can not do it enough!

Markus is now driving our car to work. His wife is a scared thing and wont let him get on the bike for a few weeks...

Baby Pietro

2009-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to be able to take pictures of the baby belly and then meet the actual baby. Congratulations again to Katy and Mike. Pietro is just cute as can be!

Green just fits him fabulously

Proud Dad

Last but not least - my favorite picture of the shoot.

See whole shoot here.

More of the 29 faces

2009-10-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Don't ask why, just enjoy that laugh! (No, they where not fighting!)

Family #1

Family #2

Family #3

I know I just posted about not wanting to envy anymore. BUT DO I REALLY HAVE A CHOICE? I WANT THIS GIRLS HAIR!

See the rest here.

Baby Marina

2009-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

After the treat of having the boys over, we visited another friend and their baby. See how cute she is!

This was just too cute. Max just snuggled up on Marina. He does it to me and Markus too and it's one of my favorite things. He just leans the head on us / Marina here.

Marina laughing at her Dad...

Ah, Babies. I never used to think babies are that cute, until I had one. Crazy how lives change because of those little souls!

Boys afternoon out

2009-10-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

My good friend dropped of her two son's yesterday. They where so much fun. While playing on the playground, Wyatt INSISTED to take Max on his lap every time he slid down the slide. So I let him. I handed him Max every time while he was already sitting down ;)

At home, Wyatt INSISTED to carry Max around. So I let him. Sometimes Max cried, sometimes he did not care. He has to get used to other kids around him sometime.

In Max' room, Wyatt and Shane INSISTED to lay in Max's bed. So I let them. But this time not without a picture. How cute! (You can kind of see how protective Wyatt is of Max.)

And this picture just shows what happens, if a family like ours only has one small TV - not even in the living room. Furniture has been dragged around just to make sure the boys could watch Toy Story.

What a treat for Max and me to have those little visitors for a few hours. We had a blast. Oh, not to forget the brownies we baked and ate. Good afternoon. Come back again soon. We'll do it all over again!

One Big Family

2009-10-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

29 faces in one picture.

Sick Max again

2009-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

It has been quiet hard finding enough rest the last few days. Max has been sick again and did not want to sleep in his own bed, all by himself! The poor boy had a fever for 3 days. His body got so hot, it was worrying. He was burning up just in a "onesie" while we had our thick feather blanket to cover us. Saturday his fever went up to 103 where after we went to the "medicenter" to see a doc. He's got another ear infection. Back on antibiotics. Monday early morning - he's feeling better, amazing how big of a difference medicine can make. He did not sleep through all the way, but he did not insist on being held at night either :)

Do I really?

2009-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I catch myself envying other peoples looks, figure and life. Until I sit down and think.
I don't have it bad at all! I say cheers to us average people. And two cheers for photo-shop. ;)

As promised, here some more!

2009-10-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

As first, my favorite picture. I did NOT tell them how to pose, that truly is the personality of the family. Needless to say, we had a LOT of fun.

(Well, tears too, due to falling and punching eye - on accident.)

WHAT ARE THEY DOING?? ;)

It's called kissing. OHH!

This was a performance JUST FOR ME. (No joke! They sang and danced!)

To see all pictures of this shoot, click here. (See top for slideshow)

A Tooth!

2009-10-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Let's just say Max is in no hurry for getting his teeth! Finally the very first one (bottom front) broke through! And that with 10 months, 2 days! ;)

Little Workspace

2009-10-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Unfortunatley I dont have a before picture - at least not a good one. I guess I knew why not to take one. Boxes just can make such a big difference. It's just nice to have everything organized that I need on a daily basis! ;)

before - after

Sneak Peak - more to come very soon

2009-10-04T00:03:00.001-07:00

I just met you guys, but can I just say it? You guys are so awesome, I can not get over you! :)
More pictures to come shortly.

Celebrating Love

2009-10-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's not our anniversary, not his birthday, in fact no special day at all...
Sometimes you just might remember how blessed you are. Today without reason (no flowers, no special emails, no text's - nothing) i feel very blessed having gotten married to the man of my dreams.
He's patient, loving, kind, smart, funny, good looking (obvious i know) - i could go on and on... yup, I'm in love! ;)

Let's celebrate our love!

A little over the top?

2009-10-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

YOU WANNA BET! Sometimes "over the top" is just what you want!

The pictures where taken in poor light condition and are slightly fuzzy - candid shots sometimes don't allow set up, opening blinds and or perfect camera settings!

I used various actions on the pictures below, adjusted white balance, curves and hue to get the faded, old school look. On the bottom picture, I added some texture and a burn around the edges.

Max just loves my guitar - In a few years, he can get his own ;)

My new website and my GIFT TO YOU

2009-09-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

First, thank you to all of you who follow my blog! Working as a photographer is not only what I studied to become but also my passion. It is so much fun getting to know all kinds of different people and to capture their character in pictures. - Thank you to all my clients! -

I am pleased to announce my new website and hope you will stop by to take a look. You will find all needed information on my photography as well as a little background information about me.
I hope I will be able to launch a new blog in the near future, but as for now, make sure to follow me right here!

As a little celebration, I have a great promotion for anyone who schedules their holiday session with me - see below and make sure you
spread the good word so all your friends can benefit from this promotion!

Classic Cycle Events - El Camino

2009-09-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

As the new official photographer for Classic Cycle Events, we get to see the probably cooles motorcyles in the USA close up. Here some of my favorite TTV shots.
I think this special way to capture pictues matches old school cycles so well.

See the rest of the pictures here.

One minute of Max's faces

2009-09-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hanging on his bedroom door now

Emma

2009-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Emma in her baptism dress. She was just a doll and so easy to work with!
Since the dress is white, I could not use my paper black or white background in the studio - so I decited to buy some fabric to use instead. Even though skeptical at first, after trying, it worked out great. (Admit, paper would have been easier). I love the bright blue in contrast to her white dress and her beautiful olive skin!

See the whole shoot here.

D & K Maternity

2009-09-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun taking Maternity Pictures for Daniel and Kristina. (As well as Rosi and the Belly...)

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

She had one of the smallest, cutest bellies for someone ready to give birth anytime!

For the whole shoot click here.

Yet another video...

2009-09-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Max is growing!

2009-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Max is growing and growing - and getting in trouble already! :)

Below a picture of what Max does anytime I go in the Garage to do the Laundry...

Disneyland

2009-09-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

Aunt DeAnne invited us to go to Disneyland with her. Along came Monika and LilSis.
Our first experience was the funniest though also the most frustrating.
We all where about ready to go on our first ride, The Rocket. When I got there with little Max in my arms, the Sir being in charge of assigning the rockets told me Max is not allowed on ANY rides if he does not wear socks or shoes.
Even after trying hard, he would not let me on.
We had to go buy socks at Disneyland. Thank you Monika and DeAnne for them. (They where 10 bucks!!)
Anyways, DISNEYLAND ONLY SOLD GIRLS-SOCKS FOR KIDS 3 AND UNDER.
Max looked ridiculous with them and we all had a good laugh.

Never ever forget to bring socks for your little baby that does not even touch the ground with his/her feet!

Before we bought the socks - ready to rock'n roll (we thought)

We did make it after the purchase

LilSis' favorite ride!

Max with his Oma and Aunt DeAnne in the background

LilSis was so tired, she fell asleep with her lollipop in her mouth. Her Oma tried to get it out, LilSis woke of from it and freaked out cause her lollipop was gone. Too cute!

Aubree B-Day and New Logo

2009-09-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

New Logo:
Due to some confusion, I decided to re-name my photography to the very standard name: "Lydia Tolman Photography"
Right now, we are working on all the necessary changes to update my digital portfolio. We will inform you shortly about a new website and more.

Aubree's Birthday:
Max got to punch a pinata (1st Time), went down the slide and had a good time even without liking grass on his skin. Thank you Aubree for a great Birthday. Happy 2 years!

Let's also not forget to acknowledge "cat in the hat" enduring over 100 degree F, while playing and laughing with the Kids for hours.

I'm not sure if I'd die of heat in this costume, or if I'd pay to go home early. Hahaha.

Click here for more.

Mister Max

2009-08-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

Not so sure if he likes the grass. But without doubt, he loves his animals.

Does it make sense to state "he grows up so fast" referring to a Baby?

Max is mobile. His freedom, my captivity.

2009-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had to upload the super small version. Quality suffers, but at least it can be viewed.

Aubree

2009-08-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe, how much Aubree has grown since last year's photoshoot. She's such a cute and well behaved little girl - it was a lot of fun to take pictures, even though there where thorns.

My mother in law let me use her old school table and bench and Aubree just loved them. She almost refused letting them being taken away from her.

Click here for more. (Last year and this year.)

I saw a Tarantula

2009-08-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

One of my worst nightmares has come true. I saw a live tarantula in the wild. (Well, it was on a street, the beast was walking towards my in-laws house.

Anyways. It was after a shoot in the woods and I almost ran it over. I just needed to prove that I could get close enough to one to take a shot. And see there, my shoe (foot was in it, and yes, it was MY foot) is less than a foot away.

I might have nightmares again, but now I feel tough. (I hope I'll never ever see one again. hahaha.)

Addition to our Family

2009-08-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

I bought some knitting patterns online and started a few hours after I received the patterns. I actually ended up online half the time looking up terms and techniques. I don't remember when I started a knitting project the last time before that... must have been back during school. And even then, I never had to use a written pattern - quiet complicated for a beginner.
However, I MADE IT! It's not even close to the original, but it's cute anyways. The headband was not part of the pattern, but he looked so naked without any cloths. Hahaha.

He's a boy called dog. I always said, if I'd have a dog, his name would be dog. Here you go.
(I bought 5 patterns total, so you'll see some other creations in posts to come.)

Look up Rebecca and her patterns - I love her knitting...

Camping in Mammoth

2009-08-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

We went on a little family vacation to Mammoth. If you've never been there, it'd be a great place to camp. A different picture of CA.

We stayed all the way in the National Park, in Tents of course...

A lake super close to the camp we stayed in. Water was refreshing... Yes, I did go in, but not very far! hahaha.

Hot Springs. Due to some new found hot spots, we where not allowed to go in the water. :(

I was so looking forward to swimming in a warm river...

On our way to Rainbow Falls.

Two monkey's coming back out of the FREEZING water. All the guys went for a swim to the waterfall. Brother in Law first, then the rest.

On our way to Devils Postpile...

All but me and Sis In Law

Devils Postpile. Just captivating.

Soda Springs.

For some reason we all thought it'd be huge. We even put on our swimsuits to swim in soda... how stupid that sounds once you see the actual soda springs... TINY!

By the way, it really tasted like soda water. We all tasted it. (Except Max...)

Yes, we have been eating like Kings. This Pot of Pancakes reminds me so much of the little leprechaun's with their pots of gold.

Waves

2009-07-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Picture by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai

I've been afraid of waves for a very long time already. I don't remember when it started... but I don't know if it will ever end either.
Yesterday, we had a little party by the Beach. Our Brother and Sister in law lend us some of the foam boards to go surfing. Markus has asked me for a while already, if I'd be ready again to try.
I gave in and went in the water with him.
The waves where small and smooth. (Not small enough for me). They did not curl much, just went in a peek.
Anyways, everything went OK until I tried to catch this one wave that looked scary.
I was laying too far in the front of the board - the wave caught me (surprisingly), carried me, pushed the surfboard top into the water, launched me like a rocket through the air and tossed me into the water. I spun about three times under water, not knowing where was up and down. Until i saw the light (not the famous one). I swam up as fast as possible (the water was probably only 10-15 feet deep, so I guess it could not have been all that bad... ) and took a breath.
You know how it feels breathing, after having swallowed a lot of salt-water.
I'm the kind of person holding my nose, when immersing my face in water. the one that stays under water for two seconds... definitely not the ocean person...

That was the end of me surfing. I thought I'd drown.
Here some pictures of when Markus and I first dated. I was being brave and tried to surf to earn some extra points. HAHAHA. (True.)

Me, Markus and my Sis in Law...

Markus, me and my Bro in Law

The Boyer's

2009-07-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Some family pictures...

Check whole photoshoot here.

As time goes by...

2009-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Max is getting big... He belly-crawls all over and is trying to pull himself up on anything he can. He also started to whine. Also, he is reaching for people now. He crawls to my feet and makes sure I understand that he wants to be picked up... crazy, how fast they learn... Anyway, Max did NOT pull himself up on the bed, I helped him, but I still think it's one of the sweetest things seeing him holding on to things.
Thanks goodness there is a plastic protector on the crib. (Thanks Sis In Law for lending me your crib... I will make sure you'll get it back whole!)

Trash Man

2009-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

As I went to load the washer I heard Mister Trash Man drive by. Besides the fact that we have pick up on Tuesday. I realized the empty spot for the trash can, dropped the dirty laundry, run up in Max's room, sneaked by the sleeping baby, ripped out the little bag, opened the garage and ran out.
Mister Trash Man was already way around the next corner. I sprinted to catch up, got him, tossed the little bag in the back of the truck and run back home.
Well worth a sprint for a bag of soiled diapers not having to rot in our garage for a week!

Lulu, Mark and Co

2009-07-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'll keep my comment short on this one. Who would not want to look like Lulu, being pregnant? (Or anytime I guess.)

The whole family was so good looking, I think I could have done whatever and it would have turned out!

I could keep going on... there are toooo many good ones to chose from! Click here for all pictures.

Austria - Max's Adventures in Salzburg and Klagenfurt

2009-07-08T14:20:00.001-07:00

Uhren = Watches. Timeless!

Max floating over ground. (He was higly supervised...)

This one is actually not Max...

I think that is it for today. I have to be productive too... go clean, little worker, go clean!

Switzerland Geisslis - May 31, 2009

2009-07-08T13:44:00.001-07:00

Those little ones live close to my Oma's home. I love goats, they remind me of my childhood... we used to take walks to visit some goats around where I grew up.

One day I might own one. :)

Markus' working...

Switzerland Interlaken - June 1, 2009

2009-07-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Interlaken... a very nice, touristy city. My sister moved real close to it, so we spent some time with all the real tourists.
Worth to go but Bern is still my favorite city! :)

Switzerland Aareschlucht - June 4, 2009

2009-07-08T08:36:00.001-07:00

This time we decided to do some tourist things while visiting my country... I remember the Aareschlucht from a school trip... but this time, with Markus and Max, it was so much nicer...

Sorry, and also James, not to forget!

Max looks so big with me...

Max liked it! :) buckling in on the way back to my sisters home...

Horn #1

2009-07-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

How many times have people told me to NOT leave my baby unattended on higher surfaces once he begins to crawl? I don't know.
All I know is: He was asleep on my bed, I desperately neeeeeeded mascara, went to the bathroom mirror, then a thumbbbbb, crying baby, me running to the bed, seeing baby on the carpet (clearly he hit it on the bedside table) crying...
I freaked out, tried to calm him down... wondered weather or not this is a case for the hospital (realized fast it wasn't), him stopping to cry before I even was able to calm myself down.
I feel terrible... luckily our bed is really low!
I am pretty sure he went for the book when he fell, it used to be on the table!!

Anyways, there is one funny thing: I only had one eye done at the time... HAHAHA
Poor Max. He's now laughing again, playing and everything. (This happened about one hour ago!)

HERE YOU GO: DO NOT leave your baby unattended on any higher surface EVER.

Clips

2009-07-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

After seeing some practical clip thing on a website I thought I'd make my own (thinking it would be much cheaper... did not make a huge difference).
Some ribbon, some buttons I already had, and some clips - VOILA.

It's designed to keep in your bag, in case you are somewhere without a bib - you can make pretty much anything into a bib with this clip thing... pretty smart. (Not that it was my idea...)

(Not sure if Max likes it, but he wont have another choice come time... we'll use it sometime I'm sure!)

Bath-time

2009-07-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

We had one of those slanted bath-tubs which I think is mostly designed for tiny babies. I loved it while Max was small - but since he's a junky-monkey, he does not fit in it anymore. Bathing him has been quiet hard... the bathtub was too slippery and giving him a bath in our sink (as a friend of us suggested) did not work either, due to not have a proper plug for it...

Anyways, today I gave in and bought an anti slip thing for the tub.
He seemed to do much better and he looked just too cute for me not to snap a pic. Today was the first time, he sat alone in the tub, playing with some toys. He enjoyed it and was almost disappointed when I got him out...
He can sits like a big boy now!

Introducing my Family

2009-07-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

My Parents: Werner and Jutta

My Oldest Sister Esther

Esthers Children: Melinda and Anes

My Second Oldest Sister Sonja with her Husband Thorsten and their Children
Jona, Jakob, Samuel, Salome

My Older Brother Thomas (his wife is missing in the picture) with their children

Dominic, Noel, Alwin

My Sister Ruth with her Husband Michael and Anouk.
(She's the "Twin-Cousin" to Max.)

My Younger Brother Martin

My Oma (Grandma) Gertrud

Knurr und Murr...

2009-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on. I don't even know where to start. We went to visit my family in Switzerland, we went to Austria and I stopped working... I MIGHT post pictures later. (I am a bit overwhelmed right now so, you have to wait...)
Anyways, in Switzerland I made a beautiful discovery.

As a child my Oma (Grandma) had a book called "Knurr und Murr die Löwenknaben" that my niece at a very young age destroyed. Ever since (MANY YEARS) I have been looking to find that book again. In Bern Markus and I went to a bookstore that sells old books - I asked for the kids section and as first book, i pulled it out - Knurr und Murr - and the best part was, it only cost 12 Sfr. (About 10 bucks.)

I was so excited that I decided to use some of the images for Max's room. I took pictures and sent them off for printing. (If there would have been any published prints, i would have used them... but there are NONE.)
Here are the pictures I used for Max's room...

The book is by Herbert Kikli.

Katy and Mike - Maternity Pictures

2009-05-25T08:42:00.001-07:00

Nice couple, lucky baby!! :)

Click here for all photographs.

butt nacked

2009-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Influence of a Commercial

2009-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Last night I saw this commercial.
So, consequentially (subconsciously), this is how i dressed Max, while still singing the Song to him... when done, I realized he looked just like one of those little guys in the commercial...

And here's the best part of it: I want to eat them, the mini sirloin burgers!

I don't even like burgers!!!
Influence of a commercial... CRAZY!

Yeepy ai ey, mini sirloin burgers... IT'S STILL STUCK IN MY HEAD!

RANDOM: Max's first self written blog...

2009-05-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

um xz b f76 nt b........kkj, m mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnm b /li

and the winners of the give-away...

2009-05-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

...are to be seen here :)

Ikea Meal-Deal

2009-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

A while back we bought a mattress to use when we have visitors. I thought we could just store it underneath our very low bed. Did not work. So I decided to talk Markus into buying a bed for Max, so we could store the mattress on top instead of having it lay in the middle of the room. (And some other stuff too.)

His request was, he wanted to work out that night - so he rode his bike there while i picket up the truck from his Parents and drove it there with Max.

Here's the Deal.
If you eat at Ikea restaurant, between 10-30 dollars, you will get the same amount credited to your purchase that day, if your purchase exceeds 150 bucks.
That's what we did.
We wanted to get every cent worth of our money, so we bought food for 30 bucks.
-two meals (Get the meatballs with gravy, not the pasta with tomatoes!)
-two desserts
-four drinks
-8 baby food jars (one is hiding in the pic)
We had to take 3 of the drinks home as well as the 8 jars of baby food. (We'll start the little guy on carrots end of the week...)

So, if you wanna buy something there for over 150, make sure you'll go eat for 30 bucks BEFORE THE PURCHASE - go all out, since it'll be free in the end!

Confessions of a working mother

2009-04-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

My daily routine:
Alarm goes off. SNOOZE. Alarm goes off again. SNOOZE. Again. Turn off.
Feed Baby (if he did not wake up earlier). Change Baby. Dress Baby.
Dress myself. (Make up if time allows)
Get Baby car ready. Give Baby medicine.
Get any food to eat on road.
Bring Baby to daycare. Take 5 min to say goodbye and kiss and kiss and kiss the baby.
Drive to work.
"Work". Work. Eat. Work. "Work".
Drive to daycare. Get Baby car ready. Drive Home.
Play with Baby. Feed Baby. Eat / play with Baby.
Shower.
Baby Routine again. (Give bath if time allows)
Sleep.

My confessions:
I have not been able to get out of bed on time for about 3 weeks.
The kitchen is clean only because we really did not cook in a while.
I have to start another load of laundry without the last one even put away properly.
Anything one could eat in the car is an acceptable breakfast.
Grocery shopping equals going out.
I cut my own hair. (I know, it's a no-no)
The babies fingernails grow too fast, for sure!

I do not the least bit regret having that little precious adorable guy in my life. My two guys are great!

Respiratory distress

2009-04-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Max started to smile again and was all talkative. We where happy to see how well he was doing. All the sudden he started this nasty cough (while still happy though). So today FINALLY I rushed to the doctor after talking with Karen (Daycare) who said, it's getting even worse today. The Doctor realized fast, that his ear infection never went away but got worse. :(
They try the soft antibiotics first on the kids, but this one was just not strong enough. Max had to inhale that weird stuff and screamed like crazy the whole time. (It was like 10 min of inhaling some stuff). The Doctor said, it's not bad if he's crying during inhaling, it will make him inhale more.
Anyway, I went home with him, due to Dr. request. I felt so bad for him and his nasty cough. Let's hope this antibiotics is going to do it's job!
He's so wheezy and still runny nose, cough, ... BUT he's smiley and talkative and happy. (Weird!)

My Guys

2009-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Look at how cute they are together... :) Playing together, laughing together, chilling together.

I love my family! :)

Sick Max

2009-04-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

It all started Friday night... Max started to have a stuffy nose and was kind of fuzzy. I thought it would all go away, no problem. Well, it did not.
Monday, he refused to drink (which by all means I can not understand. How anyone could ever not want to eat?)
I called the nurse line because he had some weird crying attach which lasted for about 1 1/2 hours. She told me to make him eat (as if i did not try)...
Tuesday it got worse. He slept fine but whenever he was awake, he'd cry "bloody murder".
Wednesday I went to work because I finally felt better. Max was at daycare and Karen (she's the one taking care of him) told me his cough sounds really bad.
I called the doctor and we went today.
Poor little guy has an Ear infection... :(
Now he's on antibiotics and got different formula for the time being sick. Anti gas stuff... (desperately needed due to all the crying!)
I'm glad I feel good again, it's so much easier to take care of a sick baby when you are feeling good.

We hope he'll feel better by tomorrow. I gotta go back to work too... the bills, the bills!!

Easter

2009-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

We left church early because I was still sick. After a good long nap, we went to my in-law's house. Everyone gathered for Easter and my Sis in Law made a cake for my birthday. HOT cake. Good stuff!!

Max's first Easter. He was sick - the cold. He did manage well though for a couple of hours. After that, he was just really fussy and tired... well, the bad mood and tiredness hit me about 2 hours after it hit him. Why is it that it gets worst in the evening and morning? I never got that!
Max got his Easter basket from his cousins (well, really from Sis in law...)
His outfit is from his Oma. :) He looks so cute in "grown up outfits"!

I love this pic. Look at Big Sis' face. How funny, she's usually such a happy person! We must have caught her in the right second!

Anyway, i brought the hula hoop i just got from my friend, and who would have thought it could turn the Easter day into a hula hoop party?
So, this is what it is supposed to look like when someone hula hoops...:

This is what the rest of us looked like:

Actually, Markus does not even look that bad!

When we got home that night, we saw a car on FIRE. Police and Firemen where already there. We had to wait until they put the fire out. I was too slow in getting my camera out though... so I only have a pic of the smoke... it was crazy, the fire was like 20 feet tall or so.

before sunday

2009-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Good friday - off work.
Photo-shoot in Laguna Hills.
Forgot Camera in Car.
Drove away to Wetsuit Store Aleeda for their sale.
Bought myself a birthday gift because Markus was not there to buy it for me.
Forgot lights on at car.
Had to be jumpstarted.
Tried to drive away with handbreak on.
Stopped at red light.
Tried to drive away in neutral.
Got Sick. Max too.
Slept at my in-law's house.
Nightmares.
Breakfast with Monika (Mother in Law). YUMMY!
Read emails.
Mrk will come visit me. (He's one of my good swiss friends.)
Markus came home from his sailing trip.
Mrk came with his friend Ashlee.
Brought me a radical birthday gift a HULA HOOP!!
Fun. Fun. Fun. And some tortellinis.

Come back soon. Visit me, stay for however long you want! :)

I'm late... APRIL 3rd

2009-04-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Max had his first dinner at exactly 4 months old.
He kind of hated to have to use a spoon, but it was fun anyway!

Brenda, Martin and Baby-Belly

2009-04-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Our friends are expecting a baby! We are so excited for them... not much longer and the little girl should be here.

Melissa

2009-04-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

First she was a bit shy - all the sudden she was just "rockin' it"!
So soft but so strong!

Max Laughing

2009-04-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

I love it when he laughs!

Heidi's Portrait

2009-04-02T20:38:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure to take Heidi's pic a few months ago. And so I did last weekend. I could barley believe my eyes, when I saw how good she looks after loosing forty pounds (you read right)... she was so much fun to take pics of last time and this time it was not any different. I do think though, I saw a new self esteem in her eyes.

My personal favorite above, she looks like a model!!

Thanks Heidi, you are just so much fun to work with!! PS: you look AMAZING!

Max in the Jacuzzi

2009-03-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

First time in the Jacuzzi... and I think he liked it. (Even though there is one pic that looks like he did not, but it's just a deceiving picture!)

Here with Opa (Grandpa)

And with his nice Mami

This one is the deceiving picture...

And with his Papi