Two-year-old boy (Vancouver children’s photographer)

 

Meet Mr Z.  I photographed him with his adoring mama back when he was no bigger than a whisper, and baby, look at him now. We met at a park in North Vancouver on a terribly rainy day, but the rain–pretty well a deluge of rain as I was driving over–just stopped dead for us as soon as I pulled in.  I was really really looking forward to seeing what kind of boy Z had turned into.  Oh, his curls!  His curiosity!  His delight at getting wet!     

Here are some words from his ever-lovin’ mama:

You have a beautiful son, Z.  Is he your only child?  

Zachary is my only child and I waited many years for his arrival!!

 

How old is Mr Z now? 

He will be two on February 4th!  Can you believe it? 

 

I was so impressed that you just let him play in puddles and get really, really wet.  Did you think about holding him back?  

No, not for a second.  I had bought him those boots only a couple weeks before, and he had just discovered jumping in puddles.  I really wanted you to capture Z and who he is; a very curious and focussed boy.  And you definately did that.  Every time I look at the group of photos of him in the puddles it brings me right back to that day and his discovery. 

When you think about your days together, what comes to mind as your favourite moment?  

Zachary is a real singer already.  Every day I hear a variety of songs, some in their entirety such as Jingle Bell (yes, we are still celebrating Christmas in this house), Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,  and The More We Get Together.  He also knows parts of Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Skinnamarink, Old MacDonald, The Wheels on the Bus, and small parts of Beyonce’s Single Ladies!  He is already able to sing in tune and loves dancing to music as well.  

Will you have more children? 

At this point in my life, I’m sorry to say that that is not likely to happen.  It will most likely just be Z and me.

Does Z have a favourite colour?   A favourite activity?  A favourite toy? 

I think he is drawn to red, but doesn’t know his colours yet.  His favourite activity right now is doing his two piece puzzles, which he just loves.  He is so proud of being able to do them on his own!  His favourite  toy at the moment is his new Curious George stuffed monkey.  He never had a stuffed toy that he was attached to, so it is quite cute when he wants to take it to the store, to swimming and to bed.  When I go in his room to look in on him, he has him tightly tucked under his arm!!

What moment between you do you think is Mr Z’s all time favourite?

I think Z just loves when we snuggle together and read books.  He has a gigantic collection and knows his favourites, which we read over and over again.  He likes to tell me what is coming next and point to things he knows.  I am amazed by his incredible memory and love of books.  Reading is definitely a passion of mine, so I am glad we can share this together.

What is your single fondest wish for Z’s future?

I hope that Z will become a confident, compassionate human who will follow his dreams and passions, no matter what they may be.  I also hope he will know how much I wanted him to come into my life.