Nine months in the making - part 10

Conducted my final photo shoot for Stefania at her birthday party!
A long, yet short journey comes to an end in what has been an amazing project.
It has been incredible to see her grow, from stage to stage.

You experience a feeling of accomplishment, when your children get over the hurdles life throws at them. And slowly you do less and less for them, which brings about a kind of baby nostalgia; missing the time when they were little needy bundles. But, it is life, which grows, adapts and changes. Changes all the time.

I've learned lots from this experience and would like to thank Maria Jose and Carlos for allowing me to photograph their story.

Nine months in the making - part 9

Over seven months have past and Haya will soon be a little toddler. Her eyes are captivating and her parents are still the only world she knows. She makes noises and grabs things; I'm sure her parents melt every time she smiles at them :).

Nine months in the making - part 8

It is the middle of winter and it has been quite a busy time all round. The frequency of the photo shoots is turning out to be every few months, rather than every month as I originally planned.
This could be tweaked in the future but I think it's turning out to be more convenient for everyone :).

Estefania and her family popped into my home studio for their next shoot. Officially she's now over eight months, however being premature means she will be a baby for a bit longer while she catches up in her development; her parents are not complaining :).

Photography-wise the session was only about 15 mins and it is always a bit nerve wracking. But the natural light was gorgeous, and I was very happy with the results. It was a great feeling once completed and I couldn't wait start editing!

Nine months in the making - part 7

Time is flying past. It's been 6 months and Estefania is growing up fast. The weather has been crazily gorgeous for Autumn and I caught up with the family last weekend for a shoot in one of my favourite parks.

I'm half way through this project that has taken me to places I never thought. As I watch my own child grow up, it is an amazing experience to see these young babies change from newborn to babies and soon toddlers. Along side their siblings and parents they grow, with much love and nurture they grow.

Nine months in the making - part 6

Nearly four months have past and life has become a 'before' and 'after' her arrival. This is how I felt and it's probably how Haythem and Shahy now feel.

We met up for picnic on Anzac Day and it was lovely to see little Haya. My family came along as well and my daughter introduced Haya to the playground :D.
Children definitely change our lives in more ways than one; rest is minimal, worries are many, but the happiness they bring overshadows all of the above.

Nine months in the making - part 5

It's been a weather roller coaster in our part of the world. Days of 40 degrees celsius plus, then strong wind causing wide-spread damage, then back to 40 degrees plus heatwave, then rain!

Luckily our little ones have handled it really well. Stefania is no exception. She is now home and is enjoying lots of cuddles from her proud parents, sisters and extended family.