CHIHUAHUA-CUTENESS PHOTO SESSION

A year ago, a client of mine booked for a newborn session.  From there, this client became a regular.  But not so much for her baby - Debbie is a Chihuahua breeder and frequently pops over with her new pups!  You can imagine how exciting it is every time Debbie books because not only do we get to drink tea and catch up, I also get to cuddle the tiniest bundles of fluff!

Today this little fella came by for a solo shoot.  Usually there's many more.

Try not to say 'Awww...'!

MY PERFECT 6 YEAR OLD

I say perfect... He's perfect to me anyway.  And he's Sebastian, and he's six.

Six years ago, I'd just given birth to a healthy baby boy at home.  His legs were long and his hands & feet were huge.  But he was still a tiny bundle of loveliness that had me besotted from day one.

Over the years, Seb has been your typical little monster *cough!* boy.  He's had me rocking on the stairs pleading on the phone for my husband to return home before I go completely bonkers.  He's also been my little ray of sunshine.  Yes, even on the bad days.

He's sharp and witty and to the point with an uncanny sense of humour.  He has all of our friends and family in hysterics with the bizarre things he says and for a recent talent show activity at his school, it was really no surprise his choice of entertainment was to be a comedian.

I've worried at times that my dear son could be regressing.  We seemed to hit the 'terrible twos' during the 'frantic fives' and when concern got the better of me, I made a trip to our local GP.  Seb is now undergoing tests for suspected Obstructed Sleep Apnea.

But what truly defines Sebastian is his loving, generous nature.  He's there with open arms for cuddles when he senses something is wrong and he has a special way with words that makes everything ok again.   

I wanted this year to be special.  Last year we had a quiet birthday.  So Sunday he will be celebrating with all of his friends at the local indoor play & bowling centre.  But yesterday we had our own private little party.

When he walked in from school, he was greeted by Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' song blasting out of the speakers and was given a birthday hat and a child-friendly sparkling drinks reception.  Our daughter, Madi, promptly spat hers back in the cup.  Apparently she's not a fan of apple & cranberry.  

After the children got changed out of their school uniform, we tucked into the cards and gifts.  Such a grateful little boy - he was thrilled with everything he received.  

And finally, after a buffet of burgers and salad, everybody enjoyed cake and got stuck into playing with Seb's new Lego.

In all, it was a lovely celebration & I couldn't be prouder of my six year old son.

WEDDING WEEKEND FUN

Last Saturday, I had my first wedding of 2013 to photograph.  

The lovely Louise & Andrew tied the knot in the wooded area of Chaucer Barn, a beautiful venue & home in the countryside of Holt, UK.

The day started with a morning alarm set at 6am and lots of sunshine.  But worrisome clouds were looming overhead as the day progressed and that could not happen on this spectacular day.  Luck was on our side, and the gorgeous bride and groom narrowly escaped the rain that eventually poured down only seconds after the the outdoors ceremony ended.  Good old England!

But the day was not in the slightest ruined because of it.  By the time the ceremony was replicated indoors to legally bound the happy newly weds, the sunshine was back and we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the beautiful gardens.

Not only were the bride & groom show-stoppingly-stunning, their guests were also looking radiant and all of them were full of smiles.

Never have I worked with such a relaxed, anxiety-free couple on the biggest day of their lives.  It was truly an honour to be a part of such an intimate affair.

I arrived home late that evening, eager to see the results of my photography & I was super happy with every photograph!

Of course, suffering with chronic illness, my 16 hour Saturday would not go unpunished.  Sunday was spent in a dream-like state whilst I painfully tried to rest.  I am almost fully recovered.  It has been so worth it though.  I wish this illness wasn't so crippling.  I had decided at the start of the year that my photography business would soon come to an end, but it saddens me deeply.  I'm not ready to say goodbye to a job I love so much, but my body rebels and I am not sure how many more weddings I'll have the pleasure to photograph.

For now, here are just a very small collection of Louise & Andrew's amazing day.

MERGING BLOGS

I mentioned in my intro post for my new blog 'Oh My Daze' that I had many blogs here, there and everywhere for all my different interests.  I've found it difficult to keep on top of all of them so today I imported some of the posts from my book reviewing blog, 'Paper Dreams'.

It seems a shame to be moving it all over to my new blog because I really loved the way I designed my Paper Dreams blog template! It was sickeningly cute and proved quite popular with my readers.  Let's hope they follow me over here too!

So, now you can find all of my book related posts on this blog by scrolling through my posts or by clicking the Reading & Writing link in the navigation menu.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

So this is it...  I have designed and began the start of my personal blogging experience.  I've dabbled with the idea for a few years, but with many other failed blogs in other areas of my life, I have felt a little daunted by starting yet another.

I need a space on the web that isn't business related though.  I need somewhere for me to settle in, reach out to others and connect with all of you.  I need somewhere for me to simply be me.

Suffering with chronic illness is lonesome and frustrating.  I hope that my health doesn't define who I am through-out this blog, but I do hope to share my experiences with those of you who understand.  So firstly, I am a wife & mother.  I'm a photographer & designer and own a small online boutique selling personalised and premade printables, stationery and blogger templates as well as a local photography business.  And I also love to read & write.  

Wish me luck...