Families First of Loudoun

Spring is Here! Custom photography cards and prints

After many months of winter I finally realize spring is upon us when I see the daffodils and cherry blossoms blooming.  Being a native Washingtonian I try to get to DC each spring to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms and (hopefully!) take a few pictures.   In addition to being a portrait photographer, I also sell custom cards and prints.  Custom cards make great Mother’s Day and teacher’s gifts.  Each card is matted on cardstock, packaged in a clear cellophane sleeve, and wrapped with a decorative bow.  I also sell custom canvas and large size prints.  I have many images available — please contact me at www.photographybybethlightbody@verizon.net for details.

Car Seat Safety

I recently got into a conversation with another mom about safety seats and thought this would be a good topic to talk about. This is a hot topic for me as so many children who get into car accidents can be saved if only they were restrained in a car seat and with that, properly restrained in a car seat. I have seen firsthand many children not even in car seats,  not buckled in properly, and sitting in the front seat of a car (unsafe for children under the age of 13 and even then, some say unsafe until they are of driving age). Parents and care givers need to know that they are placing their children’s lives at risk by doing these things as motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for children living in the U.S.

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A Trip to Remember

For the past 10 years, my husband and I have found our family vacations with small children to be “character building experiences” more than any form of relaxation.  Whether it’s making sure they get to bed on time in Texas, or watching what they eat in Hawaii, or keeping track of their every move in New York City, it’s virtually impossible as a parent of little people to step out of our role for just a bit to enjoy the world around us.  But may I suggest it is worth trying.

This is the first time with small children that I truly felt I was on vacation.  We went to the great city of Chicago.  While in and of itself it is a fabulous place, it was tremendous seen through the eyes of my 8 and 10 year old sons.  There was, of course, Macy’s.  Not for the shopping, but instead for the ride on the escalators 9 stories up and down and up and down.  And Subway sandwiches never tasted so good as we sat on a park bench and took in every sound and sight we could find.

Many people told us to take the Architectural Water Cruise, but instead we cruised up and down the edge of Lake Michigan on a quadra cycle taking in the views.  And to see the expressions on my sons’ faces as we drove under the Target to park.  Not to mention the fun in watching the carts go on their own escalator to send them to another floor.  Who knew shopping at Target could be so much fun.

But the ultimate was when my little country boy hailed his first cab.  You see, we had told him to only put his arm out for the ones with their lights on as the ones with the light out were not free.  When he was successful and we climbed in, he said, “Mommy, what if we want to pay the free ones.”  This interpretation had not occurred to me; I was tickled.

So, whether you’re taking a trip to a big city or a walk down a country lane, try to step out of the parenting role just a bit and into the heart and mind of a child and enjoy an amazing journey.

Welcome

Families First of Loudoun would like to keep you informed. We’re a group of professionals serving individuals and families in the Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling areas of Northern Virginia. You’ll find the latest information on today’s topics of interest including birth, children, families, couples, seniors, and health and wellness.

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