Melbourne Photographer specialising in portraits of newborns, babies, engagements and weddings
This is my boy.
Full of joyful, infectious glee.
Eyes that narrow far enough, when he laughs, to take on the same shape as his daddy’s.
A heart as big as his grin, and as full of honesty and innocence.
A face I want to press tightly between the palms of my hands and smother with kisses.
A love that makes me forget myself long enough to remember who I am.
I accidentally jammed Jaedon’s finger in the door this morning, in the process of putting him in his room for being naughty. So not only was he upset because he was in trouble but also because he now had a throbbing, slightly squashed finger. What’s a mum to do in that situation. There’s not much thought to it really - this is where the nuturing side kicks in and over-rides any pre-existing condition. Of course I forget about whatever he’s done and take him into my arms, trying to make the world a better place one hug at a time.
Gradually the tears subsided, and the sobs grew quieter. Calm enough to listen I asked him if he wanted a sticker (code-name for ‘band-aid’ or ‘plaster’) to make his finger feel better? He managed to squeeze out a feeble Yes, please, then proceeded to direct me as to where to place it. There, that was better. The world was suddenly a better place.
It’s remarkable how much better his finger was feeling, especially given he asked me to put the sticker on his forehead.
{ Children’s Photography Melbourne }
I still remember how tiny he was. And how dainty. I used to sit and stare at his sweet little face for what seemed like hours on end. It could have been hours. Time had no meaning or relevance in the early days of motherhood. Even though he was sleeping overnight by 8 weeks of age, he never did settle well in the middle of the day. Often naps ended up with him curled in a ball on my chest, while I lay on the couch supposedly watching TV (catching up on Friends re-runs) or napping myself. In reality I used to just look at him. Watch him breathe, letting those heart-tugging baby sighs escape from his perfect little lips.
I still love to sit and stare at his sweet little face. He’s not so much a dainty little boy any more, but his features are still quite delicate. Childish. Pure. His cute little button nose (from his daddy) his blonde, curled-at-the-end eyelashes (from me), his kissable lips, pinchable cheeks, and mischevious twinkle in his eyes.
There are days like today when I almost make it through, not having taken a single photo, and not wanting to ‘force a moment’ simply for the sake of getting it done. But then I catch a glimpse of my beautiful, soulful, happy little boy, fresh out of the bath, snuggled up in a towel watching his favourite tv show. I stop doing my supposed chores for the evening and I simply watch. Stare. Marvel. And let one of those full-hearted mummy sighs escape my lips.
Sometimes I look at her and I forget to exhale. I hold my breath for a few brief moments and absorb everything that is her, too scared to breathe out again.
First things first – apologies to all who’ve sent messages checking to make sure I’m ok. I guess it did kind of look like I dropped off the face of the earth.
But I’m ok, I promise. Actually, I’m more than ok. I’ve just come back from a computer-free weekend away, hence my sudden disappearance from here, Facebook, Flickr, and anywhere else I tend to hang out.
Hard as it may be to believe, I love being away from my computer, where I don’t have the option of pushing that dreaded ‘on’ button. Self-discipline isn’t one of my strongest points, and as much as I tell myself every day when I jump out of bed that I’m going to leave it switched off for the day, it actually rarely happens. So I’m quite happy to have that choice taken from me, and to soak up some gorgeous scenery while enjoying the company of old and dear friends at the same time is a bonus.
We’d organised the weekend in Beechworth a couple of months ago, and I’d really been looking forward to it – as much for the change of scenery as anything else. With eight children under four it wasn’t necessarily the most relaxing couple of days, but that didn’t stop us enjoying ourselves. Or planning the next get-together.
I’m still reluctant to spend too much time here staring at my screen, so I’ve only processed enough images to share here for my POTD. Maybe I have got a tiny bit of self-discipline after all. 
This was the view that greeted us when we arrived. If I’d had my way though we would have arrived long after the sun went down, as I stopped every five minutes to capture paddock after paddock of haybales, bathed in sunshine, and cows seeking refuge from the sun. A more typical Australian scene couldn’t be imagined. BUT we kept our heads down and feet on the pedals, to arrive in time enough to actually see where we were staying. And I’m glad, as the sunsets over the following nights weren’t nearly as glorious.
And a couple of ‘bonus’ shots of our two playing by the lakeside.
DAY 14
Behind the unit we were staying in was a gorgeous little creek (which of course was like a magnet to the kids), surrounded by the most beautiful foliage and lighting. A photographer’s dream, really. Throw in an equally gorgeous little girl and you have a match made in heaven.
DAY 15
The kids just loved being on holidays. It was such a joy to watch them make the most of each day, inspiring us to do the same. I need to take a leaf out of their books more often.
And it was a special treat for me to watch Matt soaking up the days filled with hugs and laughter. It was certainly a much needed breath of fresh air for him too.
We’ve now vowed to schedule weekends away into our diaries next year, no matter how busy our lives may be. Or more so because our lives are busy. But never too busy for fresh air, laughter, hugs, and weekends away from the things that distract us.
© 2009 Narrelle Joy, Melbourne Newborn, Baby, Children's and Family Photographer - NJOY THE MOMENT. Ph 0434 588369 ProPhoto3 Blog by NetRivet
