Nine months in the making - part 4

A month goes by really quickly. Little Haya is transitioning from a newborn, to an infant; growing and becoming more aware of her environment.
She looks at her parents and cradles herself in them, nowhere else is safer :).

The learning curve

It's been a busy and magical week; the start of our first school year!
There's lots to do, for our child as well as us (mostly paperwork!).
We are glad we took the week off to be on 'standby'; doing our best to make sure the transition goes smoothly; but the emotions are overwhelming and there's been a couple of hard mornings.

I can appreciate how she feels: small, overloaded with information and noise, and sometimes lost. But she takes deep breaths and holds on; that makes us proud as we know she will embrace the learning. The experience of failing and learning never stops, overcoming your fears takes practice and we see the rewards all around.

Recently I've been calling her 'baby girl' more often, perhaps the nostalgia of not having a little baby around the house anymore. The feelings every parent goes through I'm sure. But it is amazing to watch and experience this little person gain her independence and the knowledge she needs to survive. I too am learning from her everyday.

Nine months in the making - Part 3

Welcome Haya!

Shahy and Haythem are now the proud parents of baby Haya.
She is a beautiful and strong little girl.
Below are some of the photographs I've captured so far.
Their story also inspired me to write a small poem, which is embedded below.

© Maria Mastrogiuseppe - 2014

Something small, everyday

Accomplish any goal by doing something small, every day, and your work will add up: http://t.co/GlFloepT56
— Lifehacker (@lifehacker) December 30, 2013

Every night is holy night

Gratitude

What a busy year it's been!

Perhaps the biggest achievement this year, was our daughter completing her Kindergarten. She has now completed her 'School Transition' visits and we feel she's now ready for school next year.

Of course, we also completed the building of our new house and perhaps other things that I fail to remember :). But seeing your child succeed and jump over life's hurdles, is an incredible feeling.
Walking through the school for the first time, several weeks ago, was amazing. I have memories of my first year at school, and I felt I was reliving some of the feelings and emotions from back then. I felt eager for her to start her formal learning path, and happy that she's embracing it.

Yesterday was her last transition visit to her new school and I could see in her face that she was a bit unsure and  anxious; understandably so, because the poor kids don't know what to expect and their routines have changed! But it was all good in the end and she was happy when we picked her up.

Working full time adds complexity to our family lives, and we couldn't do a lot of things without the support from our families. My sister and brother in law have become second parents to our little girl, and without their help and commitment everything would be much more difficult, if not impossible.
We are so grateful to have them in our lives, and I hope they continue to be part of our daughter's life in the many phases yet to come.

Nine months in the making - Part 2

Maria Jose and Carlos

The miracle of life; it is fragile yet vibrant and robust.
Stefania decided to come early, at 7 months. I had planned to do a 'christmas theme' pregnancy shoot with the family, as part of my 'Nine months in the making' project but it was not to be :). Planning is only good if you prepare for the unplanned!

The lighting inside the hospital challenged my ISO, but I think the grain adds a nice texture to the photograph and the story. The name 'Stefania' originates from the old Greek, meaning 'crowned' or 'winning'; a beautiful and fitting name indeed :). She is growing strong everyday, and hopefully will be home with her family soon. Congratulations and thanks to the proud parents!