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.

Easter Break

Written by Belle.....

So it has come around quickly, but Easter is almost upon us.  Easter means different things to different people, for some it is the religious aspect, for others it is the religion of chocolate.  For us though, it is about family and friends, time to get away, have some fun and relax.

After a busy couple of months, the Studio will be closed for a few days while we do just that, spend time with family and friends.  We will re-open late next week, so if you are trying to contact us, we will get back to you as soon as we return!

We are looking forward to hitting the road on our seperate little trips.  I am looking forward to camping and hearing the delight of Phoebe and her friends when they discover that Easter Bunny has been.  I have powdered footprints organised as well as a bit of bunny fluff to leave behind.  I am also looking forward to Phoebe's reaction when the dressed up Easter Bunny pays us a visit, if it is anything like last year or our visit to Santa, there is bound to be many tears and screams!

So, whatever you are doing this Easter, whether you are staying home or hitting the road like us, have a great time.  Drive carefully and stay safe!  Photos of our trips when we return!

Sarah and Belle xx



Baby Bump Update

(Written by Sarah)
As a photographer you are always spending your time behind, not in front of, the camera. Belle and I are always so busy taking photos of others that we never even get around to taking photos of eachother! But after many requests from friends, family and followers for some more recent pics of my Baby Bump, I roped the hubby into taking a few quick snaps to satisfy you all. So after a quick lesson on how to hold the camera and not to chop off my head this is what we came up with (thanks Cain!)

I'm currently 24 weeks, have been keeping well and absolutely love being pregnant! I'm one of those annoying women that other mums seem to hate because I never got morning sickness and have never felt better in my life (pregnancy seems to really agree with me). I love watching my bump grow more and more everyday and can't wait until little Baby Bowen arrives! So I hope these pics keep you all satisfied and we will continue to keep you updated! xx

Harrison...

So many children visiting us lately, we love it!  This little one however, is our first official newborn in the studio.  On a bitterly cold day (yes Melbourne you seem to be back to normal after a run of beautiful days) the studio was more like a sauna without the steam, all ready for our tiny visitor.

In the short time Harrison was in the studio, we had a great mix of being awake and asleep, so we had a variety of shots and the ability to change things up a little which is always nice.

You may remember a recent Maternity shoot with Nicole, Steve and their beautiful daughter Ava, you can see it here, well baby Harrison is their newest edition!

He is so loved by all around him, especially big sister Ava who I am told has been a great help.  Nicole is also lucky to have her Mum down at the moment to help out, as well as her sister for a little while.  Hope you all enjoy your time together, as well as snuggles with Harrison!

Thanks for bringing Harrison to us Nicole and for all of your recent support, it doesn't go unnoticed!

Also, an extra big thanks to an old friend, Meagan, who has been making our lovely beanies and such.  A great job!  We can't wait to continue using them and building up a nice stash!

Sarah and Belle x