Farewell, 2021. Thanks for everything. // Ventura County Family Photographer

Well, well, well. 2021 is over and it felt like the quickest year, EVER. Really though, what was that???

When December arrived, I found myself resentful that COVID had taken over yet another year of our lives and I was completely anxious to get to 2022 to start “anew.” But did COVID really take everything away, we did things, right? So I went through my 2021 film scans and looked through my little record of our year and what I finally remember, beyond the worries that dominated my head, was a year where we were healthy and happy. A year when our children returned to school with loving teachers after virtual learning for so long, where we had lots of adventures - good and bad..and lots of daily life moments that drove us crazy, brought joy, and hopefully taught us more about ourselves and how to love each other better. And a highlight of 2021, a moment I had been waiting for…our family were lucky enough to end the year with all of us fully vaccinated..a luxury that not every family has access to. Thank you, science!!! And because of that we got to see a little more of our friends and family than we did in 2020 and I’m so so grateful for that time together.

This global pandemic also made me extra extra thankful for the little moments from ordinary life that made me feel that spark of being alive - the light that shines through beautiful leaves on a sunny day, the smell of the ocean, little flowers that M likes to gather for me from his walks with his dad and sister, the cotton candy winter sunsets, all the conversations with my awesome friends that calms and inspires me, and all the new experiences that give me a tiny glimmer of hope (possibly false) that our world is becoming a better place.

So thanks again, 2021. And let’s do this, 2022.

###

Let’s document your life - its chaos, mess, laughter, and the details that make our lives ours. I offer lifestyle and documentary style family portraits, newborn portraits in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and Los Angeles County.

I’d love to chat with you if you are interested in a session, contact me HERE!

Letters to our Children | June

Dear Children, you guys are hilarious and sometimes a bit insane...

Evie, you crack me up every day. That other day, when your Baba asked you why you didn't nap at school, you replied, "My eyes are dead, they were resting." I must admit that I said WTF out loud, laughed, and then made a mental note that we need to somehow incorporate those words in a song for your future rock n roll band.  You also called your father garbage recently and when we discussed this topic further, you looked me firmly in the eyes are said, "But some people ARE garbage, right Mama?" I'm like, "hmm. absolutely, but not your dad."  Then you went and asked the babysitter if she has boobies...and then whether or not there is milk inside...then you told her her stomach was big.  Oh gosh. 

I am not going to lie, Evie, the 3's have been difficult. There's been more "Stop what you are doing! Don't make me count to 3! It is dangerous! YOU NEED TO LISTEN" more than your dad and I had imagined. It seems to be this continuous test on boundaries throughout the whole day. We are learning to work with you as we go but take it easy on us every once in a while, alright?

Max, you are becoming a riot. It was somewhat shocking that my sweet sweet baby boy transformed into an opinionated and sometimes demanding little toddler.  You are coming into your own and the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. You are stubborn and determined like your dad and I but in different ways than Evie.  You now protest if you don't get what you want or isn't given what you "asked" for.  You still enjoy reading and playing by yourself but you are becoming so much more interactive.  You loved the kitty cat dance party with your dad and your sister that other day. Watching you have a blast with your sister just makes my mama heart burst.

Life is so lively with the two of you. And I love it.

-Mama

Po Chi Fung is a Ventura County Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer, also serving Ojai, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, and other surrounding areas. She captures real-life moments with a documentary approach on film to tell your family's story.