Off Duty!

Written by Belle....
There are times in everyones lives where a break is well and truly overdue.  For parents, there is no exception despite the 24 hour nature of our job.  Men tend to find it a bit easier to escape, a quick stop in at the pub, a round of golf once a month with the boys, Friday night footy with some mates....but as women, when we become mothers especially, we tend to do it a little less, and I don't know why!? 


So now, once a year, I plan a girls weekend (for the partners of Michael's mates).  The prerequisites are: we must go for two nights, accommodation in a house so we are all together, no more than a two hour drive, drinkies and girly chats are a must, and there must must be a day spa within a quick drive!


This year we are heading off to Rosebud, but I think we are most looking forward to our whole day visit to the Peninsula Springs!  I myself, have been feeling quite claustrophobic lately, so I am looking forward to a bit of R'n'R.  The house we are staying in looks beautiful, I can't wait until we arrive.


So before I head off and enjoy some 'me' time without hearing the screams of MUM, I have been spending lots of quality time with Phoebe.  Today involved a quick pampering for my little princess.  She thinks I am going to Queensland (because that's where her Dad went earlier this year on his boys weekend).  Although I will miss her terribly (and Michael of course), I know she is in good hands.


So folks, I'm off duty this weekend!!  I hope you all enjoy yours as much as I am going to mine!

Belle x

Up, Up and Away!

Written by Sarah....
We had the pleasure of photographing this little guy when he was just a few weeks old (see post here)  and my how he's grown!

I got to try out a fun new prop with Braith and he loved every second of it...



Helping to get the big smiles on Braith's face from the sidelines was his older brother Kayne

It's clear that Braith thinks his older brother is the best thing since sliced bread and I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual...


Jo, thanks again for bringing the boys back to our studio- you are a very lucky Mum!

Mothers

post by Bel.....

Most my friends are now all Mum's, and others are either currently expecting just like Sarah or planning away!  Mothers Day is this weekend, I wonder what you will be doing?  I got to thinking about being a Mum the other day, my friends tell me I am very honest about Motherhood to them.  I love being a Mum, I cannot imagine my life without my little Phoebe now, nor can imagine how I spent my time before her.


That being said though, motherhood is hard work!  Apart from looking after that little one who is almost 100% dependent on you, most of us these days also have to juggle work, then not to mention the unpaid type of work we do which has to be done of course....the washing, the ironing (except if your me and don't even own one!), the dishes, the dusting, the mopping, the vacumming, making beds and cooking (also not me, my better half cooks every night, lucky me!).  I could go on and on about everything we do, and so could you of course!!


But it struck me the other day, sometimes we get focused on all the things we HAVE to do and forget about the things we SHOULD be doing.....like being happy and spending some wonderful quality time with our loved ones and our babies.  So yesterday, I turned off the computer, left the washing in the machine and let the dust settle and had a great old time with Phoebe.


It got messy sure, but boy did we have fun!  As a teacher, I know lots of great things to do with kids and littlies, but sometimes, it gets put on the backburner...well not anymore.  Bring on the mess, the fun, the laughter..............the rest can wait, it'll still be there at the end of the day!


So enjoy your Mothers Day whatever you choose to do, you deserve to be pampered a little.  But also remember to leave the housework to be done later on other days too, not just Mothers Day!  You'll have a ball and so will the kids!


P.S...A little too deep?  Sorry, it was just what was on my mind after this little messy project with Phoebe x

Jasmine

Written by Sarah...

Before Jasmine's photo shoot this week her mum Elisha warned me that it might be a bit tricky to get Jasmine to crack a big smile in front of the camera. I told her that was fine, I was up for the challenge! So we pulled out all the tricks..bubbles, toys, you name it. Jasmine's parents danced around the studio pulling silly faces and singing her favourite songs But Jasmine was on to us and I'm pretty sure that if she could talk she would have said something like "You fools!"


But Jasmine is the kind of baby that doesn't need a smile to look beautiful, she just is. I mean check out those gorgeous chubby cheeks, smooth baby skin and long eye lashes....


And we did get some smiles...when Jasmine found herself in the arms of two people who obviously make her feel very happy....

Her Mum

and her Dad


Thanks Elisha and Jared for introducing me to your beautiful little girl. She obviously adores you both just as much as you adore her.