21/52

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

Saxon: I am loving his sweet profile. He is still very much a baby.

Caelan: Real tears. Sometimes life can be tough.

Sleep deprivation is taking it's toll on me once again, so this week i was limited with creativity. Deadlines are looming and the house is a big mess, my baby has instantaneously popped out more teeth which means even less sleep for the both of us. Poor little man. Hopefully next week i can find more motivation.

Following along with the lovely Jodi.

20/52

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

Saxon: That bottom lip that he gets from his great-grandfather. 

Caelan: The man asked where his mummy was, he pointed and said "dere is!"

It has been a lovely week here on the South Coast. The sun has been beaming and only a hint of a cool breeze. We found out this week that Matthew's enlistment date into the airforce is early September - so we'll be packing and leaving this humble little town in the New Year. My emotions are mixed, ranging from absolutely delighted after waiting far too long and being disappointed time after time with all the specialist appointments, to being excited for this new change. To top off this wonderful week, Matthew and I became God-parents to our beautiful little princess Ivy-Rose.

Following along with the lovely Jodi.

18/52

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

Saxon: We cuddled all day on the lounge, both in our dressing gowns.

Caelan: Autumn leaves and gorgeous evening light - we love our trips to this park.

Following along with the lovely Jodi.

17/52

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

Saxon: Wearing an Oli & Belle jumper and looking ever so adorable.

Caelan: Our favourite place to stop and rest during our evening walks. 

Following along with the lovely Jodi.

The mother juggle

They sit quietly, one reads to the other. There is peace in this moment - peace in their hearts.

The chaos of school holidays is upon us, so lately i can't find any time to get things done. Multiple deadlines are looming and my workload is overwhelming. Emails, appointments, catch ups, birthday parties. Ahh, the mother juggle - we all know it all too well.

Finding a balance is hard, and it's something i have been struggling with since having Saxon. I questioned my career choice and soon realised that it was making me unhappy. Running a small business with two small children is demanding, and taking quality time away from their most precious years. I shot my last wedding two weeks ago, leaving behind 3 years of practice and hard work. Following these last weddings was an abundance of editing & i cannot say that my workflow has been consistent. I'm lucky if i find 20mins to sit alone and cull photos.

I've tried many ways to find some balance in this struggle and stressing has been my least favourite. I've come to terms with letting go of all that brings stress. Stress does horrible things to our bodies and our mind, so i have learnt to let go, to be breathe and to be present. Being happy is important for our well-being and if it means that my house is messy and my to-do list does not get done then so be it. Letting go of these stresses gives me freedom. My career can wait. My house can wait. But my children are only young for a short time, and they need their Mother.

Be present - be mindful - be here, now.

16/52

“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

Saxon: On Saturday we celebrated his first birthday. Handsome, cheeky and now one years old.

Caelan: Slow mornings in bed.

I'm posting this late because the weekend was busy, busy, busy! I threw two parties, one for Saxon & the other for my husband - both of which were awesome - and then Easter followed so we celebrated with our guests who stayed. I'm not sure how i'm still functioning, with the lack of sleep & exhaustion from the clean-up, but this weekend was great fun & i'm relieved that it turned out wonderful. Also relieved that i don't have to plan another party for 2 years!

This month is another special month for me - i've finished off my last wedding & i've sold most of my gear. There are new adventures waiting for me and i'm excited for this next chapter - the one where i'm not running my own small business & juggling two small children :)

Happy Easter everyone. I hope it was just as wonderful for you, as it was for us.

Following along with the lovely Jodi.

Life with Saxon - month twelve

And just like that, my baby turns one.

Saxon,

As i sit down to write about your first year, i feel butterflies in my tummy and tears fill my eyes - you turned one today. A whole year of loving you and watching you grow into a beautiful, gentle soul. The past year has flown by, yet it feels like i have known you a lifetime. That is just the start of our mother-son bond, we know each other so well.

Your laugh, your chubby cheeks, the way you toddle around and cling to me like a koala, are all things i love about you. The way you adore your big brother, snuggle with our cat and constantly spit your solid food out. I also love they way you are so cheeky, and how i already know that you don't have a single mean bone in your body. You're a beautiful boy, Saxon.

Your first year has been a delight! You make us all so happy, our little family is complete with you here.

Happy birthday Saxy.

xxxxx