Results tagged “baby photographer dunedin” from Sinead Jenkins Photoblog
Completely in love with those chubby little hands at the moment.
Here's what I forsee in their future: Elmer, the sensitive dreamer, but also the quiet joker... the entertainer, delighted when he makes people laugh.... Milo? His audience.
Like two edible peas in a pod! So similar and so cute :-)
Love Elmer's annoyed camera face! And Milo's happy camera face :)
(05.14.13 @ 09:19 AM)
And a few cute ones of our boys together...
Cute aren't they?
Next up... Milo and Elmer x
Lush! And I love Elmer's kiss face.
(05.03.13 @ 09:10 PM)The kids were lovely and we had fun gathering flowers and throwing fruit around. This was my first 'proper' job after maternity leave and it felt great to be back in the swing of things!
Hope everyone in Dunedin is enjoying the heat, and all my friends back home are enjoying the snow!
Oops Sinead. A Bach is the North Island name for a holiday home. Here in the south we call them a 'Crib'. Great photos so we'll let you off :)
(01.22.13 @ 08:33 PM)
Lush. I'm off to bed!
Wonderful photos Sinead, particulalry the mother and baby shots. X
(09.04.12 @ 10:21 AM)Here he is yesterday busy at one of his favourite recent pastimes... driving cars through yoghurt (with berry smoothie):
Only a big spoon will do these days, and a big plate... and a big chair. Anything as long as he is just like Daddy. That's great because I was thinking he wasn't enough like Steven already.
hi Elmer,
I follow ur blogs and your photography. Just love the way u capture weddings. I m an Indian and i have just developed my interest in photography. It would be a real good help if u can share some basic tips on it.
thanks.
More blogs coming up. I'm on a roll!
Such a cool little dude in his cool dog t shirt!!
(07.24.12 @ 02:39 AM)Oh yes, model's clothing kindly provided by Auntie Katie!
(07.24.12 @ 09:59 AM)We got back from the UK last Thursday night, and headed straight into some bitingly cold weather. Since winter here is a quieter time for weddings, I hope to be able to devote more time to blogging and other neglected activities. Not least because I have a terrible memory and love being able to look back at my blog over the last years to see what I've been up to.
It's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster travelling from my current home in NZ, back to the UK to see family and friends, and then leaving them all again to come back and see Steven, who missed his wife and son loads (I'm told). I hate saying goodbye, and tend to keep it very short and casual. Anything else and I'd be a sobbing wreck. Once again, Elmer was amazing - maybe it's his age, but he finds travelling so exciting, and was dying to see his daddy again. Unfortunately he was fast asleep for the big reunion, but when he woke up (in the car on the way home) a big smile grew slowly on his face when he realised he was back, and he reached out for my hand and whispered "Daddy".
Here are some highlights of Elmer's stay in the UK this year:
Elmer's fallen in love with a few new friends this year, and has discovered a hidden passion for worms (of the common garden variety). He's such a beautiful, gentle boy, I'm lucky I can haul him around the world and get away with it.
More blogging to come, including the current state of the house build, and a wedding I shot last Friday in Dunedin (stunning)...
Yaye!!! Elmer is looking so much older?? Traveling matured him? Looking forward to hearing/seeing the HOUSE! x
(07.03.12 @ 10:32 PM)So Leo is officially the cutest baby boy in the world but I must say Elmer comes a very close second. Must be something do with October 2nd.... :)
Elmer said goodbye to his Grandma and Grandad two weeks ago, as they left New Zealand headed for the UK. Considering he absolutely adores them, I was dreading the goodbye. But when the time came, he was fine. He said 'bye bye!' and I explained Grandma and Grandad were going home on a big plane. He asked for Grandma that night and I told him the same thing. Then nothing for three days. Until we were in the museum last week and Elmer was looking at an exhibit, when suddenly he turned around and shouted "Da Da!!" (Grandad) in a big loud voice. "Where is he?" he said, looking around. I had to explain again that Grandma and Grandad went home on a big plane. It was like he suddenly realised they'd gone.
I don't know how a two year old brain works, but I'm glad he's more robust than I am!
Phew, a blog post done! I will endeavour to get on here more often. An Ohau wedding coming up too!
Was it the mummy reminded Elmer of Grandad?? We're not made of such strong stuff and miss him every day. Lovely beach photos. Glad you made it Sinead.
M x
Was it the mummy that reminded Elmer of Grandad?? We're not made of such strong stuff and miss him every day. Love the beach photos. Glad you made it Sinead.
M x
Cute, don't you think? I'm so excited about Christmas for him, he still has no idea what it's all about really. If you explain things to Elmer he looks vaguely interested and then goes back to racing his cars around. Unless you say "Do you want to talk to Grandma and Grandad on the computer?" In which case he perks up immediately and says "Deh! Deh! Deh!". Aww.
The boy's got his priorities right. Well done Elmer! M x
(12.11.11 @ 12:47 PM)Doesn't sound like a bad idea actually.
Hehe so precious.
Just divine!
(11.18.11 @ 10:24 AM)Have just spent the last hour looking at your wonderful wedding photos and reading your blog. But of course the most enjoyable part was seeing the photos of the gprgeous Elmer!
(01.05.12 @ 05:48 AM)
I took about 100 photographs of his feet - I love a nice pair of chubby ankles on a baby. Cankles is the technical term of course, totally acceptable on babies.
I'm off to watch the rugby world cup final!! Go New Zealand!
Here he is in Kuala Lumpur airport watching TV whilst we wait for the laptop to charge (other entertainment came in the form of a massive sheet lightening storm outside). Elmer was very popular with the female Malaysian travellers, a few of whom got a photograph with him, celeb style.
We're both a bit jetlagged, but taking it easy. I have my first portrait shoot back in NZ tomorrow, but won't be full-on busy for another few weeks which feels like a blessing at the moment. I feel really inspired to get into some projects here - my garden, my veg garden, a few barn makeover bits and pieces.
Steven's been busy on the house, although progress has been slow due to winter weather. He's completed the mammoth job of sanding each and every wooden beam in the house, before the walls go up. The job at the moment is wrapping the outside in building paper, which will eventually be plastered. I am so desperate to move in, and think if I keep busy with everything else the time will fly. The good thing is, we have a plasterer doing the plastering for us, and a carpenter coming to do the floorboards, so very soon there will be TWO people working on the house at once!
I'm feeling pretty positive about the whole thing, so long may that last.
Oh and finally, I lost my mobile phone on the way to the UK (epic journey/sleep deprivation), and then I bought myself a fancy new phone and lost that (on a train), and now I've bought myself another phone and am heading into town to try and get my old phone number back. My landline is on the website though if you need me. Cheerio!
Terrible cute. See how he went down a big hit with the ladies. No tears without Norman in Pontypandy!
Glad you made it back ok, can only imagine how difficult a trip like that solo would be. Hi to Steven
Ooops. Meant Terribly Cute!
(10.03.11 @ 11:02 AM)He's so cute!
(10.03.11 @ 07:59 PM)Thanks :) Fiona, I have a feeling you've been forced to watch multiple episodes of Fireman Sam too. Unless that's your kind of thing.....
(10.03.11 @ 10:28 PM)Brothers Harry and Archie and two of the smiliest boys I've encountered. They are totally and utterly adorable.
I see that look quite a bit on dog's faces. He's loving it really.
Such a cool wee album, gorgeous kids.
(09.20.11 @ 02:36 PM)
That's Elmer the bee watching Thomas the Tank Engine, hence the smile. I still want to dress him up as a dinosaur, but I think that should wait till he's a little older. Maybe he can be a sheep next, wouldn't that be cute??!
AHHHHH!! He is LUSH!!!!!! The suit is super cute, and I am glad we can share the buzzy bee love around!! x
(07.14.11 @ 03:37 PM)lucky I just bought a dragon dress up for Matthew then..it can pass as a dinosaur!! what happened to superman?? though he makes a very cute bee
(07.14.11 @ 06:17 PM)He'll be thanking you for these when he grows up ;-p
(07.14.11 @ 09:57 PM)Aw, what a gorgeous busy bee. Can't wait to see him buzzing in our garden! M x
(07.15.11 @ 09:11 AM)
Lush. You may have noticed a few changes around here - chief among them my new website, which isn't a drastic change from the old, but a bit swankier and smoother. I'm also not logo-ing my images anymore. That's just a personal decision, I hate smacking some writing on a photograph, and the reasons I was doing it before don't really apply anymore. I reserve the right to change my mind though! We'll see how I go.
Guess what? The roofers are arriving tomorrow!!! We will have a roof on the house this time next week (quick, touch wood!) if all goes to plan. I'm totally ready for it to take 15 times as long as expected (as per usual with this house), but ahhhh, it'll look great.
Does anyone remember a house on Grand Designs that was in the Isle of Wight and was a 1950s bungalow conversion? They did an exterior cladding on there by blow-torching larch weatherboard. Burning it black. That's what I want on the side of the house :) A bit of a feature. I'll be gutted if Steven gets to do that whilst I'm away though. I want in on the fun.
Elmer is now a big boy. He bum-shuffs, he says things, he climbs the stairs, he gets illegal chocolate out of the fridge. He cuddles only those that meet his high expectations. Luckily Mum and Dad made friends with him in the car on the way back from the airport and now Elmer has them in his exclusive cuddle-circle.
It's so amazing having them here. Tomorrow we are up early to head to Queenstown, but I've had a few people on my back about the lack of Elmer photographs on the blog recently so I thought I'd better blog these tonight.
I'm sure part of him remembers them. In Cardiff last year he used to have this habit of pulling silly faces at the dinner table. Mainly to my Mum. And all of a sudden he's doing that again after a break of about half a year. The same silly faces!
See that top picture? I was hoping that with all the walking practice Elmer will get over the next 4 weeks he might take his first few steps whilst my parents are here. We'll see!
Aww lovely photos Shun! Enjoy your time together x
Mum was convinced that Elmer had learned to walk and talk in the time it took them to cross Siberia and that you were hiding it from them until their arrival!
On the plus side, he does look a lot like me...
(03.27.11 @ 12:56 PM)He is the spitting image of Ciaran haha! I love these photos! Such proud grandparents! I remember that playground as well. xxx
(03.29.11 @ 04:22 PM)
Isn't she lush?! Not a bit frightened to get airbourne, or ride on dad's shoulders.
Elmer's still our little daredevil. His latest thing is that he likes to be hurled off the sofa to crash down onto some cushions. That's a lot safer than I made it sound!
Some amazing photos Shin! Love the one where she being thrown in the air! Gorgous pictures!
(03.23.11 @ 04:18 PM)Hi
I just came across your blog - just wanted to say Hi. You have some wonderful work, love the images above. It's very inspiring to see you have made such a go of your business in NZ in such a short time. I run a wedding photography business in the Uk - my partner is Australian and wants to move there so it would mean starting from scratch like yourself. You have done so well to get so many weddings so soon. Sally
Thanks guys! Yes it's hard work starting from scratch again Sally but not as bad as I thought it would be. I suppose because you've already done it once! Making contact with people in the area in advance is such a good idea, and sometimes being a foreigner is a good thing too. Love your blog.
(04.17.11 @ 02:55 PM)
He entertains himself by climbing up and down the front step whilst I work. Life is very very busy at the moment and I'm up till midnight working on images and emailing. At times like this I long for winter. It's knackering trying to look after a baby/toddler and work at the same time. Hopefully this time next year life will be a lot easier! Its all worth it though. Man alive, he is SO cute at the moment.
You'd normally see most kids his age cry going down a slide lol
(02.16.11 @ 05:10 PM)Thanks Jasmine. I'm very proud as you can probably tell!
(02.16.11 @ 05:21 PM)1) It is a way for clients and prospective clients to get a glimpse of the type of person I am (as well as for past clients to keep in touch).
2) It's the main way in which I showcase my recent photographic work
3) It serves as a way for me to show family and friends back home what I'm up to in New Zealand.
4) It's become a bit of a diary for me - I quite like the fact that I can look back at my old work, and life!
To that extent, it's taken me a while to become comfortable with what I will share on the blog, and how honest I can be with my voice and opinions. When I started off I felt like I ought to sound like an "Fun, fresh professional photographer", whatever one of those is. It didn't sound like me. Some of the best blog advice I've received is to be YOURSELF. I love blogs where people share the nitty gritty of their existence.
Over the years I've slowly become more honest, but it's still a struggle to post certain things. When Elmer was born I worried that people might not want to book me if they thought I was too caught up in my new baby (silly hormones!). As he grew, I worried that if I blogged about Elmer hardly EVER sleeping well, they might think I was too tired to do my job properly.
I worry that my life isn't glamourous enough, that our living conditions are very basic, that photographs of me taken before midday are way too scary to post (that's probably never going to happen)..... Basically that I wouldn't match the idea people have in their heads of the type of photographer they'd like to book.
Recently I've received a few lovely emails from people about my blog, my work and my working mother status (!) Kind words and comments that have really put my mind at ease and make me feel good about sharing my work and life in all it's glory on the blog.
Here is Elmer, today... shortly after he had a major crisis moment over a box of cotton buds that wouldn't shut properly..
Butter wouldn't melt. Oh, and my sister has arrived in Dunedin for a two week holiday. Horah!!!!
I love reading your blog because it's a glimpse into your life thousands of miles away! Plus it is amazing to see you building a business, a family and a home. xx
(01.24.11 @ 05:41 AM)Thanks :)
(01.24.11 @ 09:08 AM)Shuffling past the cupboards and the table, often with a toy car for company:
Attempting to open the freezer, but failing because I've sellotaped it shut:
Staring at the chickens whilst I hang the washing out:
Rearranging the cups on the bottom shelf:
And staring outside, waiting for the dogs to come and entertain him:
That's an image from the start of the month - I have taken my Christmas tree down!
I love these photos of your son, so memberable, and such a wee cutie
(02.16.11 @ 05:17 PM)1) The house build.... I know I don't blog about it very much. That's because it's such a slow moving monster! The wooden framed house design requires a lot of intricate work, and Steven has taken it all on himself. We can't afford to pay a builder or a carpenter, but this is also a labour of love and the intention was always for Steven to do this himself. We are ALMOST at the roof stage, and that is a big step.
In 2011 the house will be FINISHED! I can't imagine it, honestly. I am so so so excited, but keeping that well under wraps because who knows how long this thing will take......
2) My photography - I have a LOT of weddings booked this year. Which is fabulous. Infact I won't have time to worry about the house because I am going to be very busy editing, travelling, meeting and shooting. I also have a new website and branding in the works.
3) Visitors. My sister is arriving in 3 weeks time, and in March my parents will be here. Again, I'm keeping my excitement under wraps here because these two events are a big deal for me. And Elmer.
4) Elmer will be 2 years old. This year!! That's just crazy!
5) I suppose the biggest thing for me in 2011 is that by the end of the year, when the house is finished, I hope to get back to some semblance of a normal life. When you're building a house, all the spare time you would normally spend on leisure, gets eaten up with the build (plus I do a lot of things that Steven would normally do if he wasn't building). I hope that by 2012 I will spend more time reading books, watching films and lying around doing nothing. Will Elmer be old enough to make me cocktails by then? Let's hope so.
That's either Vegemite or chocolate. I'm not sure. Elmer's new years resolution is to be a better sleeper!
His other resolution could be to learn to clean his face, seems neither of us thinks it's a high priority. Bad baby, messy baby!
(01.05.11 @ 12:42 PM)He's more charming with food on his face!
(01.05.11 @ 01:24 PM)Happy new year u lovely family --- we love yr blog --when we get the time to time to browse the web !!!!! we always check yr blog out ( gail that is !!!!)--
keep up the good work --- and if and when u come back to Cardiff --- come and check us out !!!!!
Your little Elmer is a stunner --- our kids were that little once !!!! now they r 14 n 16 ---- make the most of it hon cos it goes by so fast ---- thank GOD for photos !!!! XXXXXXX G n J PHOTO EVOLUTION
Thanks Gail - how kind! I cannot imagine having a teenager, although the thought of all that sleeping sounds appealing... XXX
(01.12.11 @ 04:21 PM)His recent speciality is escaping. From the aforementioned post office (whilst I am innocently licking a stamp), from a shop, whilst I pay at the counter, from people's houses when they open the front door for a SECOND. I think because he's so low down, and so quiet, he's not as noticeable as a child who can actually walk.
Luckily we have a long expanse of grass from the barn to the house build. It takes him a while to shuffle down, then I pick him up and he starts again. That gives us about 15 minutes breathing time. How on earth people cope when their babies start walking... or running (!!) is beyond me.
With all this sunny weather we've had it doesn't feel in the slightest bit Christmassy. Come January I'll be very happy that it's summer, but December ought to be cold and grey, so that we can enjoy open fires, mulled wine, hats, scarves, (maybe a bit of snow?) twinkly lights, big hearty meals, and all the magic of the Christmas season. I'm going to have to move to Lapland.
Bum-Shuff is ADORABLE!
(12.10.10 @ 09:09 PM)No need to go to Lapland We have all that in Cardiff!
Aw, gorogeous photos, divine baby.
I trust there's a safety net under Steven??
M x
hehehe that is too cute - it looks like he's worn a little path in the grass... : )
(12.12.10 @ 08:46 PM)I guess I'm lucky that Elmer will happily play on his own for long periods of time. He loves his books. He's started bum-shuffling too, so shuffles over to his book collection and 'reads' each one, front to back, before setting up a little pile of books he's read on the floor next to him.
His favourite book is Mr Pusskins 'Colours'. He adores it. When he gets to the centre-page, and the image of Mr Pusskins making muddy pawprints on the white floor, he points a tiny, chubby finger to each muddy print and says 'duga duga duga' quietly under his breath. I just melt when I see him being so absorbed and fascinated and adorable, and it makes the sleepless nights that bit easier to bear.
I had 3 weekends off weddings, but now I'm back into the swing of things starting last Saturday with Jennifer and David's beautiful vintage style wedding in Dunedin, and this Saturday with Richelle and Ian's country wedding in Northburn. Then my next free weekend is the end of APRIL. It's going to fly by, and the best thing about that is that before April my parents will be here, and I can't wait for Elmer to be reunited with his grandparents.
Ohhhhhhh!!! Mr Pusskins!!!!
(11.26.10 @ 10:24 PM)What? Did you say Pushkin? My grandson's reading Russian authors? I told you he was clever.
(11.27.10 @ 04:01 AM)Not so it seems Mike. I saw him flicking through a Jeffery Archer the other day. We may have passed his brief but promising peak, and all before 14 months!
(11.27.10 @ 10:13 AM)Today was a less successful day. Elmer is teething (at least that's the excuse I afford him), and hasn't been his usual cheerful self. After a few days of rain, I've been desperate to get outside again. The weather is beautiful!
I carry a big sun umbrella, a basket of toys, a rug, some teething rusks, a drink, suncream, my phone, a couple of snacks, some baby books, a shirt (incase it gets too sunny), my hat, Elmer's hat, a jacket (for him), and all my gardening tools to my vegetable garden and get set up. I come back for Elmer, slather him in suncream (he isn't too happy about this), carry him out to the elaborate outdoors set up and start digging the garden. 15 minutes later Elmer's not happy. None of the teething/toy/snack/drink offerings console him. We come back inside. Since Elmer's sticky suncream skin is now covered in rusk, grass and bits of rug-fluff I give him a bath...
One of the current offenders, poor baby:
He is now happily eating an apple and watching the dogs through the glass door. Long may it last!
Haha, loved this post!
(11.20.10 @ 10:51 PM)Poor Elmer! Tell him his Grandma and Grandad will be there soon to take his mind off those wretched teeth. You can get on with your gardening, Sinead and everyone's happy. Can't wait!!
M x
Me neither mum!!!
(11.22.10 @ 09:49 AM)We had another beautiful day when I photographed her in her back garden with her family. The sun here is so bright, but in the shade, with a bit of backlighting it can be restrained a little! Lucy behaved admirably for the camera, and I'm quickly learning that babies just love their parents pretending to be either a) a monkey, or b) a yappy dog. Great!
Kissy kissy!!
Lush. I really must take more photographs of Elmer. I might even do a planned little photoshoot of him outside in the grass!
I think it's astonishing that these animals are born, and within a matter of minutes, walking around... sniffing things... exploring their world...
Here is Original calf. He is about 6 months old (total guess, Steven isn't in the room to ask!), but still very cute.
And my baby, today:
Tonight I was studying him and thinking how much he looks like me at the moment, in these photographs he is all Steven though!
He looks like Steven in the middle photo and you in the other two. It think it depends on whether his mouth is open or not!
(10.18.10 @ 11:57 PM)I totally agree - the first one he is all you and the second one he is all Steven!
(10.19.10 @ 02:35 PM)Divine...whoever he looks like. I have these photos minimised at work so at the click of a button, when no-one's looking, I have Elmer fill my screen.
M x
He's a big softy. He's also gentle, funny, smiley, observant, inquisitive, and happy... and we absolutely adore him.
Some rudimentary bunting:
I made him a car cake to honour his love of wheels. The 1 candle is a gift from his Great Aunt Maureen in Ireland:
Happy Birthday Elmer!
You forgot to mention sociable, intelligent, amazing sense of humour, best baby in the world......Grandma xx
(10.07.10 @ 10:48 PM)Oh yes.... those too :)
(10.09.10 @ 12:20 PM)Awww congrats!! Sinead he is GORGEOUS! (So is your cake might I add) and so big!!!
(10.09.10 @ 07:14 PM)This is his grand aunt Betty in Dublin feeling bad because I did not send him a card for his first birthday. He looks absolutely adorable, u could just eat him. Will def send him a present for Xmas. Photos of the calves are lovely too ! !
(10.29.10 @ 09:14 AM)With his mum...
That's my last UK shoot.... coming up I'm going to blog Elmer's first birthday...
Oh, and today definitely feels like the first day of a warm spring here in Dunedin. My cherry blossom tree has blossomed, the dogs have been stretched out in the sun all day, and I had to put a sunhat on Elmer. I'm so excited about summer!!!
The best part is, he has NO idea how funny he looks. He just likes the feeling of face-squashed-on-glass. And who doesn't?
That is brilliant!! bahahahaha funny Elmer!! that's very "special" maybe I should get him a helmet and some red crayons hee hee
(09.30.10 @ 11:08 PM)Imagine how cute he'd look in a little helmet! Awww ;)
(10.01.10 @ 11:05 AM)Photo 1 = Shrek!
(10.01.10 @ 12:36 PM)Oh yeah!
(10.01.10 @ 08:43 PM)In the meantime, I must blog one of the portrait sessions I shot whilst I was over in the UK. Lerryn (5) and Jamie (2) are a very entertaining, funny and cute sister and brother. We had an amusing couple of hours at their home where they kept me busy chasing them around, playing on the trampoline, blowing bubbles, and getting dressed up. In true older sister fashion, Lerryn decided to dress Jamie as a girl. Great to have photographic evidence of these important moments in a boy's life!
I have another UK baby portrait session to blog before I move on to some more New Zealand work. And of course there is Elmer's first birthday this Saturday!!
Lisa does a fabulous monkey impression which was a big hit with Anna...
Lush. A couple more baby shoots to come, plus a few other random bits and pieces. Me and Elmer are flying back to New Zealand on Thursday, I'm hoping for a quiet plane, a happy baby and lots of sleep..............
Oh wow, Anna is such a model!! Just gorgeous : ) Seems like you've been gone for ages Sinead - looking forward to catching up sometime soon. Safe travels p.s. hope your bro's wedding was fab!
(09.15.10 @ 10:31 AM)Hey Sinead! just soo cool! the cutest wee photos! we are having a little one in January - so you may see us again. : )
(09.15.10 @ 06:34 PM)Thanks Rebecca! And Stacey - Congratulations!!! Fantastic news! Can't wait to see a mini Butson - keep me updated :) xx
(09.15.10 @ 11:31 PM)
(Actually I may be 12 months or older in the above image..)
Elmer has inherited my big mouth. And my teeth. And maybe a bit around the eye area. Otherwise he is a complete miniature Steven.
Considering Elmer is mostly mouth, teeth and eyes i suppose that means he has my ears!? You forgot he also has your cheeks, which make up the rest of his face. Ears are fine, useful too.
(08.18.10 @ 01:26 PM)Actually he has my mum's dad's ears. But the rest of him is all you!!
(08.18.10 @ 10:15 PM)We inherited that flooring by the way. Nothing wrong with your Grandad's ears Sinead...apart from the size! Wish we'd had you around to take better photos!
M x
I'm off to pack - tomorrow we leave for Christchurch and then to the UK. We have 5 hours in transit at Singapore airport, where I am looking forward to the possibility of relaxing on a sun lounger next to the rooftop swimming pool!!!! I am thinking solely of this, and of meeting Elmer's grandparents in London, and NOT the 36 hour plane trip with a 10 month old... who has a cold.... and is teething....
I remember when Elmer was 3 months old my sister said "Nine months is my favourite baby age". I thought, how can he get any cuter than he is now? I stand corrected. At 9 months, Elmer has perfected his hearty, side-splitting giggle. He finds everything funny; Steven choking on a fish bone; the dog wagging his tail; me sighing over a boring spreadsheet. It's nice to be reminded of how ridiculous we all are.
Before I leave for the UK next week I have another very cute baby to share on the blog...
So the countdown begins.... 25 days until we all reunite and most importantly get to meet Elmer!! And I agree... nine months is the cutest age!
(07.19.10 @ 06:01 AM)I see he's got some grass in his mouth, Dog piddle free i hope. Chewing on grass, this boy is going to be a real farmer. Now all we have to do is teach him to say 'aw schucks"
(07.19.10 @ 02:46 PM)
I have to say, I'm such a huge baby fan now that I've had Elmer. He's turned me into a big, gushing softy. Hopefully Steven won't read this and say "What's changed?"
27th July: Fly out of Christchurch with Elmer, my friend Julie, and Elmer's baby friend Erin.
28th July: Arrive at London Heathrow and meet Elmer's Gran and Grandad!
12th August: Leah and Chris's wedding in Cardiff
21st August: Aislinn and Tom's wedding in Winchester
11th September: Aidan (my brother!) and Katie's wedding in Yorkshire
16th September: Fly out of London Heathrow headed back to New Zealand
25th September: NZ wedding season begins in earnest with a wedding up in sunny New Plymouth!
I also have a few portrait sessions to schedule in the UK so should be sorting those out before I leave, plus a couple of portrait sessions here in Dunedin before I go.
Elmer's passport is being approved as I write, despite the absolute mission of getting his passport photograph taken...
This isn't his passport photograph (but it is very cute) because: 1) His mouth is slightly open; 2) The background is white; and 3) His face takes up less than 70% of the image and is not aligned. If he was wearing sunglasses and a fake beard he would be breaking ALL the rules...
Oh I LOVE that pic! He is turning into a real little human! Enjoy the UK Sinead :)
(07.07.10 @ 04:00 PM)ooh Elmer look at you aren't you just beautiful!! and your cheeks have chubbed up!! I may have to tweak them
(07.09.10 @ 12:28 AM)Edward is so full of character and smiles, and didn't get grumpy the whole time I was there, very impressive - Elmer, take note.
Lush! Blog posts coming up: Cute Elmer; Cave Wedding; House Build....
Ah!! I LOVE them! Sooo cute. What an expressive wee baby!! I love the 3rd one down where he looks like he is about to pounce, and the "Where The Wild Things Are" one!! Amazing work and gorgeous baby :)
(06.19.10 @ 01:38 PM)Thanks Kimberley! I want one of those catsuits for Elmer!
(06.20.10 @ 01:24 PM)
Sinead... he is JUST adorable! I love the picture of him smiling.
(06.08.10 @ 04:03 AM)Oh, that smile, it's just so divine! Actually he looks very like Steven in the smiley photo. CAN'T WAIT
M x
Oh, that smile, it's just so divine! Actually he looks very like Steven in the smiley photo. CAN'T WAIT
M x
Shun! I've finally worked it out! So glancing quickly at the various shots you've previously posted with Elmer eating... I assumed everything you gave him was swimming in gravy. But thanks to these pictures I can now see it's actually the brown background on his little tray!!
Gravy and flowers ;)
I thought that was the accepted method of fattening up a baby. Just exchange the milk for gravy! No, it is the tray. I'm all style me - with my 70s patterned baby tray.
(05.01.10 @ 12:31 AM)Wonderful! Max is going to love having Elmer's droppings to mop up...
(05.01.10 @ 06:11 AM)Me, Elmer and the dogs (I know grammatically that should be "Elmer, the dogs and I" but I don't like that rule) took a couple of walks around the land and I took my camera. It was a cold when I took these, and I thought it might be the end of summer.. but today, a week later it is beautiful and I'm sat here in my shorts!
How can I not take photographs of someone THIS cute??
Those are man-tights by the way.
The ducks...
I think Regal is the word you're looking for:
For all the people who ask, "Sinead, why are there no photographs of the house being built on your blog?"
Believe me, when something of interest happens (i.e., something other than the foundations), it will be photographed.... and blogged... The exciting thing is I think the house will definitely be built before Elmer goes to school :)
I'm off to dig up potatoes. The Desirees have come up lovely.
Yes they are man tights!! and he wears them so well!! they are soo cute and these manly men just need to get over them, there not girly!! I think I have the cutest Nephew in the world!
(04.08.10 @ 06:35 PM)I LOVE the man tights almost as much as the McGivern pout :)
(04.09.10 @ 04:13 AM)Sinead Elmer is soo cute and especially all wrapped up in his winter clothes! its scary to think that already the summer has left us!
(04.10.10 @ 11:49 AM)I hope we have a dull day in the UK summer so I can show off those man-tights. But it's that slightly worried face that I adore! Is he concerned about the colour of the ducks' water??
(04.12.10 @ 01:12 AM)Thanks all! Mum the duck water is fine (!) just a bit cloudy from the clay soil. They love it!
(04.12.10 @ 12:48 PM)To go along with the images, here is a list of things he's into at the moment, now that he's reached the 6 month mark:
He can stand up using one hand to support himself.
He has two front teeth!!! He loves to chew on human fingers.
He can say words. They aren't English, but I can't rule out their existence in another language. The words are; "alwala"; "braaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrwwwwwwwww"; and his favourite; "INGAAAA".
He loves smiling. And giggling (peek-a-boo)
He likes Beef Rogan Josh. (I fed him some the other night and he ate a tiny little bit. So that counts and now it looks good on my list!)
He's a sensitive little soul and cries when other babies make loud noises. Apart from that, he's a chipper little dude.
Lush ey?
Update on the ducks: I had a little stroll with the dogs to the new pond. All six ducks (Mother Duck's babies) are thoroughly enjoying themselves in the new deeper water. There is also a nice spot on the bank which is very sheltered for standing and preening. Steven's been outside all day, and reported that they ventured out into the field at one point to explore their new world. It all looked a bit frightening though so after a while they about-turned and hurried back to the pond. Awwww.
Totally lush! And yes, Baby Hag is rather a loud baby, sorry about that Elmer!
Thanks for the DVD Sinead. I really felt like I had received a wee gift! You present your work so well, and I just loved the little tin too.
(03.29.10 @ 09:48 PM)Why thank you Belinda! Elmer's not going to impress any ladies if he cries every time they try and have a chat is he?
(03.30.10 @ 07:05 PM)longtime lurker....you did forget one on your list....he's blinken adorable!!
(03.30.10 @ 09:18 PM)Sinead, Love the photos of Elmer! He is too cute! Amanda & Dion x
(03.31.10 @ 12:58 AM)Thank you ladies!! x
(04.07.10 @ 06:08 PM)This is what Elmer does:
He lies like a cute little slug looking out of the window and contemplating life. But hey, who needs a big thick neck full of muscles when you ALREADY have a girlfriend?? Here is Elmer in bed with his girlfriend Erin, and you'll notice they are holding hands!!
I'm not sure what he said to impress her enough for this to occur, but it may have been the fact that he now sleeps in a cot!! Like a big 'ole baby. Well, I say 'sleeps'... haha, maybe 'naps' would be more appropriate...
Look at his little shocked face! I probably shouldn't have told him we're sending him out to work quite so soon....
Elmer is 5 months old now. Since he just LOVES to stand up (with a little assistance), we decided he might enjoy his jolly jumper. He doesn't really jump in it yet, but seems pretty happy with it...
This is definitely the McGivern (my family) pout. Teachers used to tell me to "stop catching flies" when I was little. Someone said that to Elmer for the first time the other day, but man alive, he is SO cute he can get away with it.
Blue Steel anyone?
oooh Elmer!!! Aunty gushing Aunty gushing!!! yum yum
(02.28.10 @ 01:50 PM)Gran gushing too! What do you mean Sinead, he doesn't suit red?? He's divine in everything!
M x
Could he BE any cuter?? And look how big he is!!!! Standing?? I'm so proud!
(03.02.10 @ 12:52 PM)Awww, he's such a babe! Can't wait to meet him. xo
(03.04.10 @ 05:30 AM)This photoshoot was a surprise present from Belinda to Shaun on Valentines Day - isn't that such a great idea?! Belinda noticed my blog after seeing Rebecca and Sam's wedding almost a year ago, and was after shots of Claudia, and also some romanticy shots of her and Shaun before their wedding. Ahhh, I just love romance! Me and Steven are definitely going to remember Valentines Day next year....
Claudia and Willow meet. Willow is thinking "Please don't try and suck my nose again".
Meanwhile Willow meets an old enemy...
Thank you Belinda and Shaun for a lovely romantic Valentines Day! Stay in touch - and you should post a link to your blog below!!
Wowsaroony! I landed here by following Bee's link to you on her blog. I am very, VERY envious of these beautiful shots - our little girl's a couple of months older than Baby Hag and we still don't have a family portrait. /sigh These are stunning! What a happiness glow and talented capturER...er. Hahaha. Awesome!
(02.24.10 @ 06:09 PM)Aww, thanks Angela!!
(02.25.10 @ 10:21 PM)Double awww, Ange you are so cute!
I'm at belindajulie.blogspot.com if anyone is interested.
(02.26.10 @ 07:02 PM)Double awww, Ange you are so cute!
I'm at belindajulie.blogspot.com if anyone is interested.
(02.26.10 @ 07:03 PM)Awesum shots guys! What a georgous family ox
(03.01.10 @ 06:28 PM)a) Move to the other side of the world
b) Start up a business
c) Have a baby
d) Take photographs (see above, with particular reference to b) and c))
e) Blog about a), b), c) and d)
f) Eat and sleep
g) Try and remain glamourous at all times
Last week I realised my photographic coverage of Elmer was decreasing week by week! I sit and edit wedding images whilst he lies on my lap, or on the floor.. we'll have a bit of a chat.. and then just as I'm thinking "ooh, I'll take a photograph of you" I hear the old familiar sound of him filling his nappy. The glamour!
Anyway, here he is with his Dad reading a book called... Elmer's Friends (thanks mum and dad!)
Obviously the book discusses things of great concern and worryment for babies...
Elmer in a happier mode with our neighbour Donna. Nobody could look cooler in their pyjamas and sunglasses:
And here is the house as it stands (or doesn't stand!!)
My mission for this week is to capture Elmer's amazingly huge smile. He is very camera conscious, and the smile is replaced by a look of wonder as soon as he is infront of the lens.
Regarding points a,b,c,d,e,f and of course g - that's why we think you're amazing!! xx
(02.24.10 @ 02:56 AM)You didn't even mention g) oh and build a house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(02.24.10 @ 03:32 PM)I know, I realised that after I posted it! Haha. Yes, that little old job that we need to get done.....
(02.24.10 @ 07:04 PM)Elmer obviously doesn't understand the concept of friends yet! Love the Kojak look.
M x
Its all going pretty well. Not exactly to plan, but then my ideal plan would have been a 3 day one;
Day 1 - Build the house;
Day 2 - Landscaping and fencing etc;
Day 3 - Tidy up and arrange the scatter cushions.
So going by that plan, we haven't got TOO far ahead of ourselves, but hey, we've started! The house is going pretty slowly, due to a number of reasons, chief among them having a baby. The weather has also been horrendous since September and the bank hasn't been as friendly as we hoped they'd be (cos you know, they're normally SUPER friendly...) Things are progressing, just a bit slower than expected. The foundations are almost finished (I think?) and the wood for the structure is arriving next month. We need to clear a space in the barn for all our straw bales too.
Today I walked around and took a few shots of us all. Did I say we got some ducks for Christmas from our lovely neighbours? Ducklings are SO cute!
We also had a new batch of chicken chicks, although yesterday we heard the international chicken distress call, went out to see what the problem was and saw a giant hawk flying out of their enclosure!! A big nasty hawk! After a chick count we noticed we were one chick down, always a shame, but numbers are still quite good so we're happy.
Ducks and chickens aren't the best of friends by the way. The introduction of the ducks has given Hussein something to look disdainful about, but looking disdainful is his favourite hobby so I think he's secretly content. He's not in the photograph below, since he's probably off sulking or wooing Mavis.
Pond below, that Steven created for the ducks. It needs regular cleaning since the ducks get in there to clean themselves, and to poo.
Tree planting, hay ready for cutting and our new vegetable boxed-plots...
I tried to get a photo of me with the dogs. Those guys are very difficult to pat simultaneously... after a bit of ruff and tumble, Nana wandered off to hunt small rodents and I got a shot with my lovely boy Nails:
Hmmm, and I think there's room for just one little tiny photo of Elmer, don't you think??!
There's always room for Elmer photos. And look! There's the rattle i gave him :) xx
(02.03.10 @ 03:49 PM)Before I had one of my own this kind of babble would have me both slightly bemused and slightly bored. Luckily I have some Elmer fans to share it with. Apologies if you aren't a baby fan, in which case here is a photograph from today to change your mind:
Well done Roisin! Great to get Elmer loving books. Your example is obviously paying off. Love the slippers too.
M x
I love the 'you've interrupted my reading' look!
(01.15.10 @ 05:40 AM)Yes Two he gets that one from his Dad. Boy do i dislike being asked to do something when I'm reading and hope that people realise this. I try to read a lot.I think this post will say Sinead. It's not.
(01.27.10 @ 03:46 PM)
Some sunny days amidst the rain!
The dogs before he was old enough to play with them...
Our house being built (blocklaying for the foundations):
Wearing stripey Christmas socks...
And getting to meet his Gran, Grandad and auntie Roisin...
Hope everyone had a lovely holiday x
Some things I will always remember about Elmer's first Christmas: meeting him for the first time; getting to know and love his personality; spending the holiday with Roisin, Sinead and Steven; seeing the Jenkins's land and what they've achieved.
(01.02.10 @ 05:03 PM)Thanks mum :) xx
(01.02.10 @ 05:20 PM)WE LOVE YOU MONICAAAAAAAAAA!!
(01.08.10 @ 10:07 PM)When I go out and photograph people, there is a little part of my stomach that feels a bit sick leaving my baby behind. As soon as I get to work though I'm in my photography world and I love it. Being able to have a baby as well as continue my career is a dream -a tiring one sometimes- but a dream all the same.
It also means I get a break (thanks to my husband), and when I come home to see my lovely warm sleeping baby all cwtched up in bed I just want to eat him up he's so beautiful.
To use your word Sinead this photograph of Elmer is just 'LUSH' 'he really is beautiful, it's no wonder you are so proud of him. Your mum; dad and Roisin must be so excited about meeting him soon and spoiling him I've no doubt. Have a lovely Chtistmas together.
Awwww... I'm going to say what I always say but it's true....he's so adorable!
(12.05.09 @ 08:04 AM)
He's either frowning or laughing...
He's getting some nice baby chubb now. All he needs next is some hair! My parents are arriving in two weeks(!!!) so I'll have to teach him some tricks...
Hi Sinead, Don't worry about the hair you were pretty bald until you were two. And as for tricks, we don't expect any - just get him to say grandma, and your mother will be happy.
(11.24.09 @ 12:03 AM)Sinead! The pictures are wonderful and making me want one too! Have a wonderful time with your family.... and make sure you take a few photos ;-)
(11.24.09 @ 03:42 AM)He is so cute! I love the hat. Can't wait to meet him in 3 weeks! Yaaaaaaaaaay! xxxx
(11.24.09 @ 02:21 PM)Look at your baby.... so lovely and cute.....we must get you to take photos to our own baby when we have one some day....
(11.26.09 @ 07:01 PM)Ann, if you guys have a baby I will definitely want to photograph him/her!
(11.27.09 @ 12:16 PM)Congratulations Sinead, he is absolutely gorgeous! He has your sparkle by the bucketload for sure! Can't wait until we have a little one so we can get you to take some more lush pics!
(11.27.09 @ 07:14 PM)Aw, thanks Sheryl. He does have lots of sparkle, I'm just trying to train him to be more sparkly in the day, and less sparkly at night! x
(11.30.09 @ 10:35 PM)Rhys's brother Charlie is 18 months old and such a smiler, making my job super easy. We had such a good time playing he cried when I left! I've been telling everyone that ever since :)
Some of my favourites:
Awwwww...... love him!
(11.07.09 @ 04:29 AM)I'd just like to say that those hands of mine have never had a manicure. Might be about time if they're going to feature in anymore close-ups. What a state. Oh it's cos i've been building, that and they were run over by a tractor
(11.29.09 @ 11:04 PM)Two and a half weeks seems to have flown by, Elmer is getting fatter by the day. Last week I thought "Ahh, I must photograph Elmer in that cute stripey outfit of his".. only to discover he has already grown out of it! I have an uneasy feeling I'm going to wake up from a nap and be the mother of an angry 16 year old. Better make the most of these cute baby days!
A selection from the last week or so then... Here is my son, 6 days old:
10 days old....
12 days old...
Baby in a basket - I couldn't resist!!!
And finally today, 18 days old... (these last few were taken with my gorgeous 50mm lens which I just got back from canon servicing after 6 weeks. Its my new favourite lens again)
I won't go on about how gorgeous he is because you can see for yourselves. And whilst he is still asleep on the sofa.. I should go and do something outrageous like eat an entire meal in one go.. woohoo!
Oh my God he gets nicer every time I see photos of him. Wish I could cuddle him
(12.13.09 @ 04:45 AM)
I imagine... ahem.... I may be taking a few more photographs of Elmer in the coming days and weeks, but promise to try not to clog the blog with them. Normal service should resume in the coming weeks. Suffice to say, we are completely and utterly in love with our new baby and can't believe how lucky we are :)
More photos of Elmer are welcome over here in the UK, his uncle is completley besotted and we can not wait to meet the little fella next year xxx
(10.10.09 @ 09:55 AM)OHH Sinead he is adorable!!! A massive Congratulations to you and Steven!!!!!
(10.11.09 @ 10:17 AM)Thanks guys :)))
(10.12.09 @ 02:02 PM)Oh wow I see what you mean Sinead!!! He is absolutely gorgeous - well done you two : ) Can't wait to meet him.
(10.12.09 @ 05:51 PM)Sinead he is gorgeous and I have to say it is not down to your amazing photography skills - almost makes me broody (but not quite!). Big congratulations to both of you - all three of you actually. Elmer is the image of his Dad!
(10.12.09 @ 09:33 PM)Congratulations Steve & Sinead on the birth of Elmer, he's beautiful. Take care love Steve & familly.
(10.13.09 @ 09:38 AM)Hey you,
What beautiful photos, baby Elmer is a gorgeous bundle! So glad you are are well and happy :o)
xxx
Gorgeous! I can't imagine anyone minding if your blog was full of Elmer photos! Not only is he a beutiful baby, but your photos are amazing and really put the photos we have of our children to shame. Your blog is doing a good job of convincing me I should get you to try and take some photos of our kids when we are next in Dunedin?
(10.14.09 @ 12:10 PM)
Oh, that teddy card is a Happy Pregnancy card from my mum!
Poor Steven has done a lot of the installing and updating for me on this new machine, and since its the first time he's ever used a mac it was a frustrating process! Ugh, rather him than me, I prefer the fun part of playing with software once it's all set up for me.
In the meantime I've been trying to insert (very expensive) eye-cream into Nails the dog's eyes (he has conjunctivitis). I have never come across a dog more determined to avoid this fate... two grown people, four hands between us and still the eye-cream is mostly on the carpet.
What's this? Product placement on your blog? Are you being paid by Apple for this endorsement? I suggest you email Apple at once and insist they replenish Baby Bruce's college fund. It's the least they can do. Given your prominence in the Blogisphere, your recommendation of this pc will result in increased sales from Dublin to Bangkok. You must demand your commission.
(09.29.09 @ 12:31 AM)Thanks Dad, good idea! I should set up some kind of pay-per-click system with apple, and all 6 of my blog readers can help me earn some money. Or rather than go to all that hassle, you could all just... send me some money in the post...?
(09.29.09 @ 07:49 PM)
Meanwhile, inside the barn, we are all ready for the arrival of baby Jenkins. There's not much space upstairs but just enough for his baby bed and his tiny little clothes...
And since its now officially spring here in Dunedin, a between-the-showers rainbow, ahhhh:
Hey Sinead, it's great to see you guys have finally made a start, so exciting. Look forward to seeing the progress.
(09.17.09 @ 11:23 AM)I know, so exciting! You'll be able to come and see the house and know that it was brought to life with your help - how cool!
(09.17.09 @ 12:02 PM)Did you notice that you captured a faint secondary rainbow too? Did you know that the colours of a secondary rainbow are inverted compared the primary rainbow, blue will be on the outside and red will be on the inside. You can just about make this out in the photo.
(09.22.09 @ 05:42 AM)Trust Aidan to make a weather comment. I was more smitten by the cute baby clothes and the tiny little bed!
(09.24.09 @ 09:14 AM)I know Katie! Some baby clothes are so tiny - little socks and gloves! Mind you, I never knew that about the secondary rainbow... quite interesting actually...
(09.26.09 @ 02:04 AM)Congratulations Sinead!!! such a beautiful baby!!!
(10.28.09 @ 06:35 PM)
Of course the cutest of all baby clothes is the baby sock... my mum sent me over a whole package of these socks in all different patterns and colours. Aren't they just gorgeous??!
They're divine and even more so with a pair of chubby feet in there...I'm glad you chose the Irish colour for the photo!
M x
Aw! So cute! And I agree with your mum... so much cuter with a pair of baby feet inside.... x
(08.31.09 @ 01:33 AM)Hi there
I came across your photo while researching baby socks. Any idea where your mum purchased these from or did she make them?
I actually bought the socks in a warehouse in Barcelona! It had a shop frontage and the socks caught my eye in the window. There were about 16 pairs, all mounted separately. If you're still interested, we could probably find the place on Google Maps, if we can remember the name of our hotel......but after three years??
x
It must be the hormones, but I felt compelled to take some shots of next door's little baby cows (I know they're calves, but baby cows sounds nicer)...
I thought all baby farm animals were born in the spring, but this is the middle of winter and these guys seem to be doing really well. Mind you, it did hit 23 degrees celcius during a brilliantly sunny day yesterday. Do I need reminding why I'm in New Zealand???
This blog post has been SO long coming. I have been meaning to post a photograph of me pregnant for ages, but have somehow been really busy. This week about 8 people said to me "where's the pregnancy photo??" so I thought I'd make the effort. Half the problem is that being the sole photographer in the house, Steven rarely bothers to get his camera out nowadays - he presumes everything's already been recorded. So its back to the self timer...
I thought I'd get some of me and the dogs too, since me standing still for more than 2 seconds without dogs trying to cuddle me is very rare.
This is me with my first baby.. (Nails the dog).
You'll notice the HARSH Dunedin winter in the image above that everyone here has kept warning me about. I had to wear... duh duh DUUUUH.... A cardigan.....
Steven made a proper dog kennel for winter that sits inside the barn with all the old cushions and blankets.
And one more of my handsome boy since next month I'm sure the dogs'll have a bit of competition infront of the camera!
So we get one shot of you looking pregnant and several of the dogs... Nice chair by the way is that an antique?
(08.04.09 @ 07:04 PM)Yeah... good point!! haha. If I'm this bad with the dogs imagine what I'll be like with a camera and a BABY! Just a warning.. Yes the chair is actually a rare antique, we had it valued recently and will use it to finance the house build :)
(08.04.09 @ 08:23 PM)About time! You look gorgeous Shun x
(08.04.09 @ 11:09 PM)Ah you never cease to amaze me 'nead', only you could take a decent shot of yourself..I only seem to get a good shot up my nostrils..though the timer would help but I have usually got bored waiting and turned my head (limited concentration span). It's nice to see the dogs as once the baby is here we will probably not see another for at least say 5 years...I took one of the cat the other day, was such a novelty...oh well fatty best I enjoy the last month of being able to call you fatty..fatty fatty fatty!!!
(08.06.09 @ 12:34 AM)can I have my antique chair back?
(08.06.09 @ 12:35 AM)Mmmm, looking forward to all the baby photos. This new boy will think he's a model. You look great by the way! M x
(08.06.09 @ 10:02 PM)Thanks everyone!
Liana, on our next job you'll be on half pay for insubordination. And I'm keeping the chair!!!
Hiya Sinead,
You are looking really great.
Only you could take photos of food ha! ha!
Wow Sinead you look fantastic!!! Such exciting times ahead!!Cant wait to see pics of your bouncing bundle of joy !!!!Love all your photos throughout your blog !!AMAZING!!!!!!
(08.27.09 @ 08:20 AM)Hey Sinead! The cutest dogs I've ever seen - so scruffy and sweet. Great photos on your blog too - love the food, flowers and weddings. Looking forward to seeing some pics on the new Jenkins arrival :)
Take care out there! x
I did a little mini - photo session with Taylor and Kate at their home last weekend. Taylor is 2 and a half, and Kate is 6 months. Kate is at that sitting up stage where she is liable to topple over if there's a slight breeze, or if she moves an arm... so I have her all lined up in the view-finder and she just disappears from sight! Taylor is easier to capture as long as you have a shutter speed of about 5000ths of a second :)
This is Kate. Look at those cheeks!!
And her gorgeous big sister:
Lush!
There's a couple of exciting things coming up round 'ere, so I shall keep you all informed x