Project 52 - November

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 44 - My Happy Place
Week 45 - Not a scrap of editing on these vibrant 'pig face' flowers
Week 46 - Couldn't start the day without my Vegemite!
Week 47 - Never a 'dull' moment in my girls' laundry basket
Week 48 - One of my cherished childhood toys

Preschool orientation day. *sniff*

Happy Birthday Baby

Lulu Bean turned one a few weeks ago and I am staggered at how quickly this year has passed. It is with some sadness that I ponder the fact that I will never again have a baby in my belly or my newborn in my arms.

Memorably, she took her first steps on her birthday. Watching a baby learn to walk is the cutest thing I have EVER seen, and I wish this stage would last more than just a few weeks. She said her first word (which like her sister was 'cat') recently, and it looks like she is on track to wean herself around the same time her sister did.

She is definitely not a baby anymore, which I may or may not have shed a few tears about... She has been surprising us over the last month or so by demonstrating she understands and comprehends so much more than we give her credit for. She is largely silent, but is obviously quietly sitting back and taking it all in. She has a strong personality, with a stubborn streak to rival her sister's, and she is starting to display a great sense of humour. What a beautiful age this is. I'm desperately going to miss it.

Project 52 - October

My Four Hens Project 52

 

Week 40 - almost forgot!

Week 41 - I had about two minutes to snap this as the sun peeked through the trees on its way down...

Week 42 - I had been waiting all year for a topic that would suit this idea! Made an appearance in week 42's eye candy

Week 43 - The story is about a little girl who is late for school because she stopped to rescue a little bird

My new path

A few weeks ago I was readying myself to return to my job of seven years after my second stint of maternity leave. Now I find myself ‘unemployed’, having made the decision to listen to what the universe was trying to tell me - that it's time to focus on building a career as a photographer (or at the very least making a small living while I continue to learn my craft).

I’m finding it difficult to explain to people how it feels. It’s terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. I'm excited at the prospect of building the perfect work/life balance, being able to contribute to the household finances while being able to do the 'mundane' things I yearn for, like walking the girls to and from school. Taking them to and from activities. Cuddling them before an afternoon nap. Like having breakfast with my husband - maybe sometimes just the two of us - gotta love shift work! Just being there. It's like a dream come true.

I feel a sense of guilt at having this opportunity, because my husband works so hard to look after us. I feel like I am letting our team down and being selfish in following this path. When I dared to dream about identifying myself as a photographer, I used to get a little flutter of excitement in my belly. That flutter is now nervousness and a growing sense of responsibility.

I also feel a huge sense of relief that my future is no longer in someone else's hands. And I am savouring every precious moment with my amazing girls while they are so very young.

I can do this. I will do this. 

Project 52 - September

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 36 - an interesting local piece of public artwork, supposed to depict Bogong moths in flight...
Week 37 - I set myself a challenge to use harsh midday light for this one. Made an appearance in the selection of eye candy for this week
Week 38 - some vase detail, not so clear up close after all
Week 39 - my beautiful, heavily laden camellia bush, also made an appearance in eye candy

Growing up

My maternity leave is drawing to a close and the time has come to once again entrust our precious baby to the hands of a virtual stranger. The carer we found for Lulu Bean couldn’t be more ideal – a gentle, patient lady who loves babies, so much so that Lulu is one of four babies in her care (Four! At once!). Lulu hasn’t often had the pleasure of company her own age. A group of baby friends and some independence from mum, dad and big sister will soon see her realising her potential and blossoming into her own little personality.

In her short life, Lulu Bean has quietly observed everything around her with a huge smile on her face, seemingly content with everything, everywhere, all of the time. She is radiant.

Last week she enjoyed her first couple of days away from us. She was overjoyed to see us when we collected her and in her silent fashion, expressed her joy with huge smiles, and energetic slaps around our head and shoulders.

Today when I left her she pressed her face against the window and cried a desperately sad howl. She was fine a few minutes later, but my heart still broke a little, knowing that she was missing us. How I wish I never had to let her go...