~ My very first post on ALP’s blog! Woot! Oh this is Su, Asther’s PA by the way and I have been handling email enquiries sent by you lovely clients. Can’t say I wasn’t nervous in the beginning – She does receive a lot of emails! Lol.. I was so worried I’d get clients mixed up or give them the wrong information but as days and weeks went by; I got the hang of it and what can I say? Gotta love having an awesome and understanding (not to mention very patient) boss.

I’m a mummy of 3 – two boys and a lil girl. I’m lucky to know Asther and trust her enough to let her shoot my baby girl at 6 days old. I know how important it is to capture our kids’ moments as they do grow up very fast.

Ok enough about me.. Let’s move on to our new post and I sure hope you readers enjoy reading it (and all our future posts ) Cheers to all! ~

Mummy A contacted Asther months ahead for her “Bump to Pop!” sessions. Both N and A are very soft spoken & good natured people and the maternity session was done with them totally relaxed & calm throughout.

Mummy A giggled a lot whenever Asther cracked up a joke resulting in this nice shot

Exuding warmth and love to their unborn child

Pretty mummy with her petite belly ^_^

Kisses for his lovely wife. Such a sweet couple

Their baby girl finally came into the world about a month later.

She carries the same calm serenity of her parents'

After a bath (she hates bathing for some reason) and a full feed, she went into a deep slumber and the entire newborn session was done with her sleeping soundly. Asther usually conducts her newborn sessions with the baby sleeping throughout the most part of the photo session. This is because posing a sleeping baby is much easier & more possible as compared to an awake baby. An awake newborn baby is usually very wriggly & tend to fuss for milk or to be held. Often than not, the newborns in Asther’s session will wake up some time so she’ll try to capture some “awake” shots as well. But this is usually without much/any posing done on the newborn.

In baby dreamland!

Don't ya wana "bite" her?

Sweet baby!

Comfortably hanging in there

Sweet Baby S with her warm and loving parents

Wishing Mummy A and Daddy N all the best with their little princess. Hope Baby S continues to carry that serenity and calmness in her. Perhaps we could see more of her in the future?

Oh and have you noticed the head bands worn on Baby S? (I know I have! Lol) These beautiful hand-made headbands used in this photo shoot was bought from Sew Whimsey by Asther. Go check it out!

Before signing off, we would like to send out a special thank you to Irene Lim who became our props assistant for the day Until our next post, remember to hug your loved ones today, tomorrow and every other day! Toodles!

xoxo, Su.

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I’ve been ill just a few days back. So ill that the doctor decided to admit me into the hospital ward for treatment & observation. While I was in pain & misery early that morning, only 2 major thoughts came to mind. Haley & my clients. Boy oh Boy, was I in a mess! Who’s going to take care of them if I’m like this?

Honestly, I was partially afraid for my life that day. My heart was beating so hard so fast, that doctors were worried about my thyroid situation. I was praying so hard that I do not get a heart attack that day. It was so scary… an event which has left me lots to ponder about… again.

This year has me struggling in keeping a balance between my personal life & my business. I was at the verge of burning out. I was working so hard to achieve so many goals, that I forgot to take a step back & give enough time to myself. Every time I wanted to do that, I started feeling guilty about it. I started telling myself the “Me Time” can wait. Lots more important stuffs need to be done first. And thus, I got caught into a whirlpool of family responsibilities, making sure every one is happy, making sure our monthly income is flowing in steadily, chasing after deadlines & deadlines of editing, and endless other things. I forgot about ME. And that affected my creative self, my self esteem, my happy self. I let a certain people bully me & take advantage of me. And that almost killed my passion & my business.

Lucky thing is that I realized about it before it’s too late. I decided to take a real break. I took the courage to have my first solo trip away from home. The wonderful times with my dear friends Laura & Pau Ling are still fresh in my mind. I got to have some time alone & explore Melbourne all by myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in a company of people. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a social butterfly. But there’s this special good feeling once a while being alone, especially when traveling in a foreign place. I guess I get the chance to think and not think at the same time. It’s just ME time. And it did wonders. I came back refreshed & strong again.

Laura took time off from work & flew down to Brisbane from Sydney to be with me. She took me around town & even brought me back to her beautiful parent's home. This is her goofing around in the house.

Such fun refreshing time in Melbourne with little Meagan. Mummy Pau Ling is one of my besties. I miss our times chit chatting in bed at night about everything under the stars.

During my exploration of Melbourne city, I visited the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral where I offered a prayer for my late father. I did some private reflection here to find some peace in my heart & soul. And found them I did.

I made new resolutions that includes more of ME this time. My health is one major issue I need to keep in check. My family is another, especially my relationship with dear hubby who’s been much ‘neglected’ since we both became parents. And I was so caught up in building up this photography business while juggling with motherhood & keeping the household in order that I just didn’t have much time for anything else. But I want to change all that. And change has been happening. Slowly but surely. And so far, I think I’m doing quite okay.

Our own version of Winter Sonata at Nami Island, Korea. Hehehe...

My beautiful Haley... my everything.

All these changes will not have been easy if not for the amazing amount of support I have been getting from my dearest friends & clients. For trying to understand that I need this time to re-prioritize. For understanding that I am a mother, a wife and a daughter as well. Most importantly, I’m a person with feelings & needs too. And for that, I want to thank my current & past clients who have been so supportive to me. Your little words of encouragements, your short sms-es & messages to see how I was doing, your small little gifts of food & little pretty things. All these I treasure close to my heart.

My business have finally grown enough this year to let me afford help & I’m really happy to welcome my dear friend Su as well as a new found friend, Kevin, into ALP’s little family. We aim & hope to make more happy hearts amongst our clients so praying that our team still stay strong & bonded in order to do just that. To make more happy memories & more happy hearts.

This little slideshow is dedicated to our 2011 clients. Thank you for your unconditional supports! Thank you for taking my hands & walk through this beautiful journey of photography with me. Love you!

A remembrance of 2011.

Here’s to a better 2012 for everyone the world around.

xoxo,
Asther

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A match made in heaven.

Beautiful pregnancy curves!

Pure happiness!

Daddy C sure knows how to goof around which is just perfect for my camera.

And their pretty little princess Baby G finally came into their loving arms.

So much LOVE!

Sweet baby details

*sigh*

I think Baby G's most favorite part of her newborn shoot was being carried in this swing.

At times like this, I’m just very thankful for being able to do what I do. And that God keeps sending me beautiful beautiful clients such as Baby G & her lovely parents. Don’t you agree?

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Tiny fingers, tiny toes

Little itty bitty clothes.

Teddy bears and smiles of joy

Oh! my gosh its a little boy!

Mummy N welcome me with warm smiles when I visited them for Little Z’s newborn session. Such a trooper even only after giving birth just 13 days earlier. Well, why wouldn’t she when she just delivered such a precious little thing! This little guy will melt anyone’s heart, I tell ya!

Love his little feet!

And that lips! *muacks*

*sigh*

Totally love the bedsheet from their guestroom bed. I love intimate personalized props!

Too cute!

Another personal fav! Love that piece of furniture in the master bedroom!

Little Z decided he’s had enough of his sleeping shots taken and since we still have time, we continued with some intimate moments with mummy & daddy.

Daddy J is such a baby whisperer himself!

Little Z starting getting cranky so we quickly had a few more shots before he continued his long milky snack. Love how Daddy J & Mummy N just enjoyed their moments together even tho Lil' Z was screaming away. They just love his little feisty spirit!

Thank you once again Mummy N. For trusting me with your little handsome & for giving me a precious friendship with you. Thank you so so much for the constant sms-es to keep in touch & for all the cheering & supports for me when I’m down. I’m so so sorry I’ve yet made time for a meet-up and yes it’s been months. Will call you soon to set one up!

Love & hugs,

Asther

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A baby portrait is never complete without some delicious drool!

Precious!

So much LOVE!

Oblivious to what daddy & mommy were doing. Hahaha...

So much JOY!

What did I say about that hair?

We then headed back to his house for some indoor shots.

Yum Yum Yum!

"Okay, I'm beat!"

Thank you once again, Mommy J, for your warm hospitality & friendship. Have a blast with Baby Ian and hopefully one day we get to do this again.

As of this week, our booking calendar is FULL up to November, therefore we are no longer accepting new bookings for shoots in KL/Selangor. However, we’re now opening our 2012 calendar for bookings! So if you have a plan to have a beautiful session with me, be it for your pregnancy or your baby’s little moments, or just simple day-to-day family moments, do write in now to secure a date with us.

We are also opening our 2012 calendar for intimate couple portraits such as for engagement or simply just to celebrate your relationship together.

We are revising our package rates and will be releasing them in September 2011. However, if you want to grab our current rate, it is still possible by confirming your booking by end August 2011. So hurry now!

I’m in the midst of caring for my sick little girl so business management will be a little bit slow for the next few days until I’m sure my baby’s back to her normal self. We’re all very sleep deprived in the household so we’re kinda taking things a little bit slower for now. Appreciate your understanding & prayers.

Till then, hope everything is on a brighter side on your end.

xoxo

Asther

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I love her smile!

This is the ONLY "naked" shot we managed to capture that day.

Here we used Mommy V's wedding saree as the backdrop.

And then we head outside at their beautiful garden for some outdoor background.

I think she loves sleeping there.

Here's a little moment with daddy dear.

And here's with her beautiful mommy.

And here's with handsome big brother! We had a photo session with him a few months back too.

Thank you again, Mommy V, for being so patience with me during the session. And for trusting me once again to capture your precious moments. I’m even more thankful for the friendship we’ve built and pray that we get to see each others’ kids grow up happy & successful.

I hope to be sharing more of the newborn sessions I’ve done from the past few months. *fingers crossed* In the meantime, my 2011 calendar is almost filled up, so here’s an update of my booking schedule:

• August: FULL
• September: FULL
• October: 2 more weekdays & 1 more weekend available
• November: FULL
• December: Open only for sessions in Kuching (Sarawak). Limited slots available

I am in the midst of revising my packages & rates as well as other products to compliment your sessions and will be launching them in September onwards. Any bookings done in August will still be of the current old rates. So if you plan to have a photo session with me in 2012, you might want to consider booking it now to get the current rates.

Wokay… hope to share another post here soon. Take care & see you soon.

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I’ve been struggling with time management, especially for my work these past few weeks. The amount of backlog is piling up beyond controllable state, and I’m drowning. Clients are waiting for their images to be edited & delivered, whilst I had to peel myself away from my working hours to deal with the said unexpected situations. I had to pull extra hours after midnight so I can get some work done which pretty much made me a zombie after a few days.

Well… things are starting to settle again, although not everything yet. As I’m typing this, my girl’s in the bedroom sleeping with a mild fever AGAIN. Just few days after she recovered from her cough & flu. I’m dumbfounded. What have I done wrong? She’s been sick 1 week, well 1 week, then sick another week, well just few days, then sick again???

Then I realized this IS the life of a mother who loves her child so much so that she’d do anything for her child. As I also realized I’ve not updated this blog for such a long time, I thought to myself, it’s time to just post something which is close to heart. Motherhood.

In the midst of all that had happened, I’ve forgotten my plan to post a Mother’s Day post! Then I told myself, Motherhood should be celebrated on a daily basis. Cos a mother’s job does not have a schedule. So here’s wishing all mothers (and mothers-to-be) a Blessed Mother’s Day 2011. Everyday…

We as mothers will continue to be strong, tirelessly juggling between everything that is important in our lives, in our child’s life, in our family’s life. I’m lucky I have a strong network of mommy friends who are always there to support me, mostly emotionally. Even a short message of “Be Strong” or “You can do it!” or “Hugs” does an amazing effect of bringing back all the determination, strength & strong will to continue our battle in mommy-land. So I thank you, my friends. You know who you are… without you, I would probably have gone insane.

Here are two photos I’ve taken during our recent Mother’s Day Mini Session. Both families belong to two of my dear supportive friends. The designs of these Mother’s Day e-card were complimentary from The Coffee Shop Blog.

I’ll be on a solo trip to Australia next week, attending a baby posing workshop, as well as take some time off for my personal time. This will be my first, being away from my girl for more than a day. Not too sure how I’d fare, but I pray God will guide the way. Please please keep my baby safe, from any illness, any danger, both physical & mental. Oh I know I’m going to miss her like crazy. But I guess this is what I need to do for myself.

I may not be able to check my emails or do much work while I’m away, but am hoping to finish up a huge amount of work before I leave. Please pray that my Haley’s fever will be gone by morning, so I can continue my concentration on carrying on this work task.

Will try to update this blog again as soon I can. Maybe with some travel pics. I’ve got so many baby & pregnancy & family sessions to share here but I doubt I’d be able to do all, so if you’d like to see my latest work, check out my galleries or head on over to my Facebook Page for more frequent updates.

Till then, take good care & have a blessed May month!

xoxo

Asther

They’re also one giggly couple, and that makes my job so much easier in capturing their happy moments together.

:D

Super sweet!

*sigh*

Pretty Mama!

Mommy K was such a sport to get down & wet in their tropical swimpool.

And alas! They celebrated the birth of their little princess, Shevaune a few weeks after the maternity session was done. Baby S was too excited for her photo session that she stayed awake most of the time. She was slightly more than 2 weeks old when these were captured.

With daddy & mommy who adore her to bits!

Those eyes... WIDE AWAKE!

Trying to suck her own thumb.

Alas! She fell asleep but refused to be out of mommy's arms.

I love old houses. This was taken in her grandparents home.

Awww...

And FINALLY we managed to get some (very quick) sleeping shots of her alone!

Zzzzz...

That is all for today. Just a little note to let everyone know that our March weekends are fully booked, leaving a few more weekdays dates open. If you’d like to have your moments captured by ALP, be it pregnancy or your newborn baby or just casual moments, do let me know ASAP to avoid disappointment.

March is also when my LTinker Bell and I will be celebrating our birthdays, so stay tuned and we might have something exciting for those who visits us often here at ALP’s blog/Facebook Page.

April weekends are almost filled up so hurry!

It’s going to be a busy busy weeks ahead with 3-months long of editing backlogs to clear as well as some exciting new shoots coming soon. So please bear with us and we promise to try our very best.

Till then, have a great week ahead!

xoxo,

Asther

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• CHOCOLATE! Be it in bars, in a recipe, in a drink. Anything that screams CHOCOLATE!
• Ice Cream! (yup… you guessed it… chocolate flavor tops it all!)
• For fruits, I’m juggling between peaches and mangoes
• For vegetables, hmmm… Grilled Asparagus with butter!
• Mum’s lamb racks
• Mum’s glutinous rice aka “loh ma kai”
• Riblee’s Classic American Babyback Ribs
• Banana Leaf Rice from Kana’s Curry House
• Cakes! Be it cheese, CHOCOLATE, or anything that’s yummy fruity with buttercream.
• Beef Brisket Noodles (specifically from Hong Kong! Hahaha…)

Can’t go without any photos so here are a few from our recent trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. If I find time (a BIG IF), I might share more pics from the trip here on the blog.

My "Little Mouse" (but she's outgrown that nickname so I call her Tinker Bell now).

Enjoying her very first marshmallow stick! A HUGE HEART SHAPED marshy stick!

Hubby enjoying his delicious Coney Dog! So cool that they provide gloves for messy eating such as this one!

My beloved mother doing a typical touristy pose.

And finally a photo of ME! I know I seldom post up images of myself so here’s one I feel has passed the “blog-worthy” grades.

Three generations.

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Anyway, after several more emails later, we finally met up with her family at the Lake Gardens. It was a beautiful cool morning, a little cloudy but the sun came out & play a little during the session, so yeah(!) we managed to get some pretty pretty sunlight shots that day. One of Baby M’s cousin sister actually flew all the way from England to visit and they’re really happy to be able to spend some happy times together during the family session. Here are a few of my favs.

Baby M with daddy & mommy

Baby E with daddy & mommy

Little Ryan with daddy & mommy

The bubbly Miss L

Lovely Grandma S & Grandma K

The ladies in this family really know how to have fun and go all out. The men are outnumbered but they’re a fun bunch too!

Lots of giggles & laughter from the ladies.

Hooyah!

So much chaos in the big group shots, but that's where we get the most expressions for the shots!

The daddies with their young-lings.

There are so many photos to share and I find it hard to choose! Here’s a final family group moment from that day. What did I say about “chaos”?

Look at the camera! Hehehe...

And so before I end this post with a little photo of my “Tinker Bell” in her new  Chinese New Year clothes, here’s wishing those who are celebrating Chinese New Year celebration a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Chinese New Year!

Look at my round tummy!

Oooh! Oranges!

She's my pride and joy!

Gong Herk Xin Xi, Nien Nien Yu Ee!

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