another goodbye

photos by Luisa Brimble

My mom left yesterday, and, as always, I'm left in a funk after yet another airport goodbye. I know I harp on about it a bit, but I really do wish we lived closer to my family, especially now that we have our own family. Having my mom here was just so nice. My husband works crazy (and unpredictable) hours, and so most of the time it's just Clementine and I. With my mom around, the everyday tasks of parenting a baby were made so much easier. Everything from mealtimes to car trips went smoother with an extra set of hands. And I feel like I finally got caught up on some sleep because my mom let me sleep in until 8/8:30am in the morning (after a quick breastfeed around 5am).

Even when we were just sitting at home, reading or resting while the baby napped, it was great to have my mom around. There's so much comfort to be found in the company of family.

Now that she's gone, I'm doing my best to take it easy and go gently. I've been eating the leftovers from meals she made, using a few more disposable diapers than I normally do and not scheduling too much. Sometime soon we'll be booking our flights to Vancouver for the summer, and then the countdown will be on. I can't wait.

maternity photography: Ellen

This is only my second maternity shoot being on the other side of the camera, and I loved it. Ellen was right at the end of her pregnancy and it was a delight to shoot her and her belly. She was in such a good place, calm and happy and, of course, looking forward to meeting her baby boy. Exactly 2 days after these photos were taken, Ellen and Regan welcomed their second son into the world… Finn Manaia Arthur. Belinda was there to capture the birth, so hopefully she'll share some of those shots on her blog soon.

Congratulations again Ellen, Regan and Noah!

indian summer

We're in the middle of an Indian summer, here in Sydney. During the day, the heat and humidity are constant and at night we're still sleeping with fans close by and nothing to cover us but a light sheet. While I'm getting quite sick of the never-ending heat, the one silver lining is that it's still beach weather. I've taken my mom to several beaches during her trip, but this postcard perfect one is my favourite. Hands down.

Last week, on yet another hot day, we drove south to the Royal National Park. It's a bit of a trek from Sydney, but oh so worth it. We had Wattamolla beach almost all to ourselves; no need to fight for a patch of sand and a piece of water like at most Sydney beaches. The water was crystal clear and we wasted no time diving in and taking Clementine for a swim. She cried when it was time to get out.

I've heard before that autumn is the best time for ocean swims, and I'm starting to believe it.

10 month old clementine

all photos by Gui Jorge

Ten month old Clementine is a whirling tornado of destruction. Her favourite thing to do (and she spends hours doing it) is to pull things off shelves and out of drawers. Clothes, books, diapers, pots… you name it! She's also pretty handy at removing any attempt at baby proofing. We've tried two different kinds of corner protectors and she swiftly figured out how to pull them off. Thankfully now we have a playpen filled with toys (we call it baby jail), and she'll happily play in there while I make lunch or put a load of laundry on.

This month Clementine has started to stand on her own pretty confidently. This is almost always followed by a chuckle as she throws her arms up and launches towards me. I think she's pretty happy with her new trick. And just this evening she attempted her first steps; it didn't go well but I'm sure she'll keep trying.

She continues to be a total water baby, loving the bath and more recently, swimming in the ocean. She splashes and laughs, tries to drink the water and kicks her legs like she's swimming. And then she cries when we try to take her out.

The other funny thing we've noticed lately is that she's not as pale as we thought. My husband and I were convinced that we'd have the whitest baby on the planet, but it looks as though some latina genes came through because she's kind of olive skinned. I only figured this out when I saw her next to some other babies, and noticed that she looked tanned in comparison. Her hair, however, is definitely lightening. I think she'll be a blond toddler.

What else? She likes to have her photo taken. She waves as soon as you say 'goodbye.' She rubs her eyes frantically when she's sleepy. She loves watermelon. She gives the best high five's. She's a bit better in the car these days and naps quite well in her carseat. She's starting to pull her own diapers off (fun). She laughs hysterically when you tickle her. She spends all day saying "da da da, dada, dad…" And most importantly, she makes us endlessly, ridiculously happy.

grandmothering

My mom arrived in Sydney last Monday. In the first 24 hours that she was here she bleached our shower curtain, mopped, washed dishes, did laundry, vacuumed and let me sleep in! She also took care of Clementine, and we wondered how much she might remember given that the last time they saw each other (in person) was 5 months ago.

The relationship between grandparent and grandchild is such a wonderful thing. I only wish that we could get all of the grandparents to live in the same city! But for now, we'll be here, enjoying the time we do have with her abuela.

sakura bloom sling diaries: education

Since she was born, Clementine and I go pretty much everywhere together. To the grocery store, the library, the bank, the beach, the doctor, the park (not to mention those two other continents she visited)… Seriously, everywhere. She's never met a stranger she didn't like, and her curiosity knows no bounds. She is infinitely interested in the world around her, and it's a joy to watch her explore.

People often comment on how independent she is, for a baby. It's true, but it's also true that she loves to be cuddled and held close. It's one of my favourite things about babywearing: the chance for her to feel safe and cozy as she has a look around. The chance for her to learn from ordinary, everyday activities. Like a trip to buy flowers, followed by a stroll through the park. I treasure these moments when we're wandering together. And as much as she is learning every single day, she's also teaching me so much. From big lessons (like patience!) to smaller lessons, like how to find wonder in the simple things… a bunch of sunflowers, the feeling of silk, the storm clouds rolling in. It's a cliché but it's true: children are our greatest teachers.

I'm thrilled to be included in a group of 17 other mums and dads, documenting the art of babywearing for the Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries, vol iv. 

I wear Clementine in the essential silk sling in bittersweet/raspberry.

Gui and Michaela Jorge came over and spent an ordinary evening with us, and as always, they captured the magic (up until the very moment the storm began!). Thank you guys so much.