one claire day

20/52

2013-05-19T11:26:00.001+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: Seaside gelato provokes deep, serious toddler thoughts.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project. Read all about it here.

new york city : isa

2013-05-16T15:45:00.004+10:00

Whilst researching places to eat in Williamsburg, I discovered images of Isa Restaurant and it's knockout interior on pinterest. One click on their website and I was sold... and I tell ya what, it didn't disappoint. While the service was a little too relaxed and the only coffee on offer was Americana style drip coffee (the real low point), all was forgiven by the time the food came out. My salmon and shaved eggs with horseradish was absolutely delicious and Paddy's breakfast pizza was singing to me from across the table. My sister, the svelte one with enviable willpower, ordered a salad of course. It looked pretty darn good too.

The thing that makes Isa stand out from our trip as the cafe in Williamsburg to visit with kids, was the unexpected music and craft class that we happened to stumble on by complete accident. I had no idea when I made the booking, but upstairs was a hype of activity with kids learning to make drums out of household recyclables which they then used to play and sing along to the most gorgeous Spanish children's songs. It was nice to let Lalie have a bit of fun between being dragged around markets, shops and restaurants all day.

At the time of our visit, these kiddo classes were free to diners and were happening every week on a Saturday, but things may well have changed by now. Still, it's worth checking out... if you find yourself in Williamsburg with children in tow, I highly recommend Isa as a rest stop that will satisfy young and old alike.

gratitude on mother's day

2013-05-12T18:17:00.001+10:00

I will forever be indebted to this beautiful soul for all that she does for me. For all the invaluable lessons she teaches me. For the way she strips everything bare and forces me to reevaluate parts of my life, constantly reminding me what really matters. She exposes me and terrifies me. She brings out the best and the worst in me, loving me constantly and unconditionally, even at my worst moments. Eulalie gave me the gift of motherhood, and even though I know that nothing I do on this earth will ever make up for it, God knows I will spend my whole life trying.

This Mother's Day I have so much to be thankful for - a little girl who is blossoming so beautifully every day, a blooming belly that makes me pinch myself at the thought of having someone equally precious join us so soon... and a gentle and kind husband (and father) who adores us and who brings so much good into our family.

And of course, my own beautiful mother who has so selflessly guided me to this point in my life... who taught me the skills and instilled in me the values that I trust will make me a wonderful mother too.

Happy Mother's Day.

*Mother's day peonies and a curious, bed-headed Lalie in the early morning light. (The peony is a little worse for wear this afternoon, but it was absolutely worth it).

19/52

2013-05-12T11:05:00.000+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: She went from lively little lady to this poorly little baby in a matter of hours.

On Sunday evening Lalie came down with virus. Luckily, she's remained in pretty good spirits but we have had to spend the week in isolation due to it being highly contagious to other children. Needless to say, she's pretty keen to hang out with some other kidlets again... and I could really do with a break from playing teachers/doctors/mummys and daddys/peppa pig/hairdressers/picnics/shopping... etc etc etc.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project. Read all about it here.

puppy love

2013-05-08T12:21:00.000+10:00

Millie Dog... forever pushing the friendship.

18/52

2013-05-05T14:26:00.000+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: Little lady in red... collecting treasures, as always.

Four weeks into this project and I'm starting to realise that my blog is, and always has been, heavily laden with Lalie portraits. I need to remember to hold images back from my other posts so that come Sunday, I've got one up my sleeve!

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project. Read all about it here.

subtle seasons

2013-05-03T10:33:00.000+10:00

It completely bewilders me to look at these beachy photographs and realise that the images in my last post were taken in exactly the same season, on opposite sides of the world.

In America, we experienced true autumn and all the richness and comfort traditionally associated with the season. Six months on and here we are, back in Far North Queensland, at the same time of year (seasonally speaking) playing in the sand and eating fish and chips on the shore.

This is our Autumn. Lalie slept with the airconditioning on last night and as I sit here typing, I'm wearing light cotton pyjamas (yes, it's nearly 11am), and the fan above me spins on the highest setting. I know that in many ways, we are blessed to have such consistent (hot!) weather, and I'm sure that those of you coming out of a particularly long winter will have little sympathy... but sometimes I find myself in mourning of the seasons. I miss the restoration that a distinct quarterly change brings.

I've been on high alert to the smallest of signs telling me a change is approaching. Just this morning, I noticed a slight temperature drop and the light was distinctly different as it filtered through the kitchen windows. It'll be a while before I dress Lalie in tights and cardigans... but oh how I'm looking forward to that subtle shift. It's been a really long Summer (I'm tired of fish and chips - bring on the soup!).

What are the seasons like where you live?

new york city : the high line

2013-04-30T12:18:00.001+10:00

If you're ever lucky enough to find yourself in New York, a walk along the High Line (preferably during the first or last light of the day) is an absolute must.

The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. We found ourselves here on a particularly gorgeous November afternoon, just as the sun was lowering onto the city skyline and casting a golden glow across the park; really bringing the autumnal colours to life.

I highly recommend stopping for a meal at Chelsea Market while you're in the area (the fish tacos at Friedman's were amazing). If the weather is pleasant, avoid sitting amongst the crowds and order your food to go; no doubt it will taste all the more delicious as you sit in the park overlooking the bustling city.

Oh... and don't forget to top it off by losing yourself in Anthropologie (inside the market building) for a good couple of hours afterwards. (Apparently, I have a "very patient family" - just ask the sales woman. Ouch!)

17/52

2013-04-28T10:01:00.000+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: Light and shade; perhaps the perfect way to describe your little self at the moment. Your two-year-old emotions are intensely passionate and often volatile. There's little grey area, it's all or nothing. In a way, it's really quite profoundly beautiful and raw.

We spent Friday afternoon cleaning up under the house and sorting through the dusty collection of antique furnishings patiently waiting to be restored. The oak wardrobe was a gift from my mum, and once it's given a light sand, will begin it's next life in Lalie's room, where it will become home to pretty little girl clothes, shoes and trinkets.

My favourites from last week are the sweet portraits over at Mother Down Under and Oscar Lucinda.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project. Read all about it here.

little girls

2013-04-24T09:45:00.001+10:00

The weekend before last, we met up with family for a picnic in the park. I drive past these particular gardens all the time, and I do remember going in there as a child, but I'd completely forgotten how gorgeous it is... the perfect place for little ones to frolic. Although not a nature reserve, the lush gardens obviously appeal to surrounding native wildlife. On this occasion we were lucky enough to spot a cruising goanna and a jolly old kookaburra.

Lalie and her cousins completely adore eachother. It's such a very sweet thing to witness little girls at play. Actually, I've become so used to seeing these girls together that I'm finding it difficult to imagine a boy in the mix. Of course, we'd be equally delighted with a son or a daughter - our only preference being a healthy baby.

At the moment, my instinct says girl... but perhaps that's just because the idea feels more familiar; it's what I know. Funny thing is, I was absolutely convinced that Lalie was a boy - I just couldn't picture a girl at all. Now I simply can't imagine it being any other way.

The guessing game is fun. I must admit, I'm much more intrigued this time around... but, for us, this is a sacred surprise that we like to keep until babe is in arms.

To the Mums and Mums-to-be: will / did you find out? What about your instinct - were you spot on or completely off the mark?

P.S - Thank you so much for the fantastic book recommendations. I'm going to try and gently ease myself back into the reading this weekend.
P.P.S - Would you check me out with my regular posting - I don't even know myself!

books, books, books

2013-04-23T06:00:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I took Lalie to the Library for the first time. Although she has a pretty impressive collection of books for a two-year-old, the current trend of four to five bedtime stories per night (in addition to daytime reading sessions) means the rotation is reaching mind-numbing heights. I simply cannot bring myself to read 'Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly tooth' (a random op-shop purchase that has her completely besotted) one more time.

After a play with the toys and a flick through endless tubs of picture books, we came away with a whopping thirteen children's titles.

And yet, not a single book for me.

I dawdled around the adult fiction isles with absolutely no clue what I was looking for. It's been so long since I've read a proper book. Even longer since I've been a member of a local library (shamefully long, in fact). When did I let pretty blogs and design magazines supersede the irreplaceable experience of truly getting lost in a proper story?

I really believe that reading to your kids is so, so important. But lately I've been thinking that creating a family culture of reading - ultimately, leading by example - should also be right up there on the priority list.

So, I'm kindly asking for your help. Point me in the right direction, folks... tell me about some recent standouts and/or your all-time favourite reads. Where should I start? (feel free to include some toddler suggestions, too. It was six books tonight - A Maisy marathon!)

P.S - The shoes finally fit!

16/52

2013-04-21T10:09:00.002+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: Just moments earlier she picked a tiny leaf from a hedge (see it there in her hand?). She's started 'collecting' little treasures from our outings; sticks, seeds, flowers, stones... she likes to bring nature home, just like Mum.

My favourites from last week would have to be from Nell and Little Sleep. I love the anticipation of adventure... what cute little explorers.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project. Read all about it here.

refresh

2013-04-19T06:30:00.000+10:00

Things are looking a bit tired around here. I feel like we're stuck in some sort of home-decor-limbo. Everywhere I look there's a half-finished project. On the dining table, supermarket flowers decay in their vase.

The first half of this pregnancy has been downright exhausting. Although I've felt nothing but incredibly blessed and happy, I must admit that the accompanying fatigue has been an enormous challenge. With Paddy away for so much of it, I was left physically and emotionally drained. Only now - at 22 weeks - am I starting to feel my energy return. Finally, I'm starting to believe that things around here might actually get finished.

Lalie's room is slowly undergoing a transformation as she moves beyond infancy and well into toddlerhood. It seems a natural progression to move her from the cot that was mine as a baby and into the bed I slept in as a little girl... such a beautiful sentiment that means so much to me. I'm so thankful that my Mum held onto it all these years and I know for certain I will store it for many more to come. It's not finished yet; a lick of paint (Dulux Sea Sprite) has reinvented it, but Paddy has yet to repair the posts that complete the more elaborate four-post design (consider this a very premature sneak peak of the next stage of her room).

My office space is also looking to get a bit of an overhaul, as we prepare to make room for baby. I'm in no rush to relocate my creative space just yet though as babe will be in our room for at least the first six months. Looking around me right now though, I can't help but wonder where all the stuff in this room is actually going to go. It's either time for built in's... or even better - a few garage sales.

I've always considered myself a collector, but these days I'm finding the need to strip back. I used to see 'pretty clutter' in my collections, but now all I see is a big old mess. I think for us, family life definitely requires a more minimal and practical approach to decorating. Don't you agree?

I hope you have a great weekend... I'm off to buy some (longer lasting) replacements for those poor old roses and chrysanthemums!

new york city : iris cafe

2013-04-15T15:54:00.000+10:00

My mind keeps wandering back to New York today. What I'd give to be snuggled up on a window-seat booth, brunching and buzzing with that big city energy.

Instead, my un-showered self sits behind a cluttered desk avoiding three overflowing laundry baskets and a sink full of last night's dishes. Sigh.

A favourite from our trip, Iris Cafe, is located in Willowtown; just a short stroll from our Brooklyn Heights air bnb rented apartment. The restaurant offers an all-day menu consisting of simple, wholesome, unpretentious food (not to mention really good coffee). A few doors down you'll find their take-away store and deli; a great back-up plan if the dine-in queue is spilling out onto the pavement (expect to wait for tables everywhere in NYC!).

On this particular morning, a roomy bay-window booth was certainly worth the wait. With a wriggling toddler effectively trapped and occupied with a humble egg and soldiers - we were free to eat and drink at leisure, people-watch and plan the rest of our day.

From a city that offers so many exciting tourist attractions and must-do's, my fondest memories are the moments of quiet and calm found in cozy cafes where we would rest our legs, catch our breath and reflect on our experiences as the city outside hurried relentlessly past us.

15/52

2013-04-14T08:26:00.002+10:00

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Eulalie: The quintessential two-year-old.

Folks, we have officially entered pigtail territory! (I thought we'd never get there.)

Joining Jodi's 52 party unfashionably late. Read about it here.

naturally dyed eggs

2013-04-04T16:06:00.000+10:00

Thank you so much for your congratulatory messages on our pregnancy news. We are absolutely thrilled!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. With Paddy away this year, I tried to avoid moping and decided to try my hand at some naturally dyed eggs. We used recipes from here found on pinterest. I used brown eggs and soaked them in vinegar beforehand to remove some of the brown pigment and soften the shells before soaking the eggs in the dye for about 5-6 hours in the fridge.

Lalie enjoyed mashing up all the ingredients and making a total mess in the kitchen. By the end of our eggsperiment (sorry, couldn't resist), my kitchen and toddler both resembled my favourite hypercolour tee-shirt circa 1992.

Although the dye solutions were really vibrant, the colour didn't transfer quite as well as I had hoped for (and certainly didn't look anything like these), but I'm partial to a bit of mottled muted imperfection so I wasn't too disappointed.

Hot tip: If you try this next year, go all out and blow the eggs. I was lazy and just boiled them... by the end of the long weekend they stank to high heaven and had to be thrown out.

Aside from some mama-daughter crafting, our Easter was quiet and spent with family. To those who celebrate, what did you do this year?

The happiest kind of news.

2013-03-31T19:30:00.000+10:00

Hello... I hope you're having a beautiful Easter break.

In the spirit of celebrating new life, I'd like to share some very special news with you. On Thursday I'll be 20 weeks and half-way through my pregnancy. We are overjoyed and feel so very blessed.

On Friday we'll collect Daddy from the airport for the last time. We can't wait to return to normal family life together as we prepare our nest for our littlest member.

(A very big thanks to my brother Chris for photographing this very impromptu pregnancy shoot this afternoon.)

House of Fifty : Rebekka Seale

2013-03-22T15:18:00.000+10:00

When House of Fifty asked me to photograph artist Rebekka Seale in her Nashville studio, I almost had to pinch myself (Umm, yes!). I am a huge fan of Rebekka's beautiful blog and stunning artwork, so being invited into her charming home to photograph her at work was a total treat.

House of Fifty is an online publication and lifestyle app featuring beautiful interiors, fashion trends, food, entertaining and favorite artists. I am very late in posting this, but if you hurry you can still sneak a free preview and buy the downloadable winter issue right here, where you can read the full feature.

I spoke more about the gorgeous Rebekka and posted some photos of our brunch date back here.

just. so. happy.

2013-03-20T10:58:00.000+10:00

Daddy's home!

I know she's really, really, really happy when she puts on her squishy-whole-face-smile.

I apologise for the photo overload... but Mum's got a new toy! My sweet husband gave me a Canon 5d Mark iii for my 30th birthday - and I am in love! These are the first personal photos I took with it, just an hour after we picked him up from the airport.

changes

2013-03-12T11:41:00.002+10:00

I feel like I've been absent from this space for so long. I know I've popped in occasionally, but I haven't shared much about what's going on with us. There's a lot going on. There's been so many changes that this life of mine seems suddenly unfamiliar.

My ability to write coherently has escaped me these last few months, so I'm just going to rattle off some randomness in point form and hope that you can follow along.

:: I weaned Lalie early in the new year. She was down to only one morning feed so the process was rather painless. After feeding her for the last time, I told her that I would not be making any more 'bop-bop'. She replied with "Bop-bop finish? We put it in da bin?". Looking down at my worse-for-wear breasts, I couldn't help but think that after two years of feeding, I may as bloody well.

:: Lalie started kindy two days a week. It was also painless. Before we got out of the car on her second day, she looked at me very seriously and requested that "Mummy stay in car and me go in tindy by myself." (I'm anticipating by late primary school this will morph into "Muuuum, drop me off around the corner and I'll walk. And whatever you do, don't kiss me!"). Needless to say, I had to bribe her with ice cream for the first two weeks to come home with me. I also felt the need to reassure the carers that, despite appearances, she has a very good home life. Meanwile, my sister in law assures me that I should be proud that she feels confident and secure, and not take the slightest bit of offense. Hmmm...

:: It seemed only natural that Lalie progress from sleeping in my cot to sleeping in my childhood bed. We pulled it out of storage and dusted it off. A good sand and a lick of paint later it was in her room ready for the first big-girl sleep. She loves it. The transition has been seamless, and I wish I had done it months ago. I really enjoy cuddling up together at story time, and that bed-time resistance is all but a fading memory. She will happily lay in bed for 45 minutes reading to herself before I finally insist on lights out.

:: As you are already aware to some degree, Paddy spends a lot of time away at work. His strict roster means that he is away for a two week stint, and then home for 6 days. This brutal cycle repeats itself - for how long we're not really sure. At this rate, we spend less than one third of the year together. There are other families out there who spend a lot less time together and I have utmost respect for them. In the last few weeks I have gone from barely coping to simply not coping. We definitely need a new plan of attack.

:: I recently flew to Sydney to photograph my first wedding (actually, it was a beautiful vow renewal and reception for a lovely couple who had previously eloped). Paddy was away at the time and after weeks of agonising over what to do with Lalie, I finally decided to leave her here in Townsville with my Mum. It was the first time that I'd spent a night away from her, and three nights felt like a really big deal. Lalie was a trooper, as everyone knew she would be. I held it together until I got on the plane, when it suddenly became very clear that the blonde woman sitting in aisle 16C had some serious emotional issues. Once I got to Sydney, I was fine... actually, it was great. I think it was something I really needed to do.

:: My brother and sister-in-law have moved to Townsville with their two-month-old baby boy. It's surreal having them here, as my brother moved interstate when I was only five and hasn't been back since, apart from occasional Christmases and other short visits. I thought they were the eternal big-city types... but having babies does funny things to us, doesn't it? It's very sweet to see Lalie interact with her baby cousin... it's just a real treat having them here, and the new dose of family has been distracting me from the little void that my sister left when she moved to London.

:: The developmental changes in Lalie have been enormous these last couple of months.

- Her language has exploded and she natters away in rather sophisticated sentences all day long. People comment often on her language and the clarity of her speech.

-She's suddenly become much more determined in asserting her own will; tantrums and meltdowns are ferocious and frequent. For both of us.

- Her desire to be completely independent is admirable yet often frustrating. She won't let me do anything; she attempts to dress herself, puts her shoes on and off, pours her own drinks, puts on her own sunscreen, goes to the toilet (I'm not allowed in there with her), climbs into her car seat... simple daily tasks now take quadruple time, but who am I to take that desire for independence away from her?

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Recently I've been wondering whether or not to continue our story here on this blog. Is it just something else to add to the list? Do I need the added pressure? Is it in Lalie's best interest? Or mine or Paddy's for that matter?

Last night I spent half an hour flicking through my own archives. Sad, I know... but it made me smile. I was reminded of the simple and beautiful everyday moments that, unless documented and celebrated, can so easily get caught up and lost in the messiness of life.

I'm not ready to let go of that reminder just yet.

central park at dusk

2013-03-07T14:15:00.000+10:00

It was never my intention to hold back this long on sharing our NYC photos. Truth be told, I spent a lot of my time in America being impossibly, painfully obsessed with documenting our trip in photographs. It's fair to say I drove everyone (myself included) a little mad. For the most part, I was genuinely making an enormous effort to record our first big family holiday - as beautifully as I could - for our own personal keepsake. But the foolish blogger in me was eager to boast about all the amazing experiences we were having. Sadly, I think 'blogger' me got in the way of us just enjoying the moment... on more than one occasion.

But... despite my frantic obsession with the lens, I am grateful for the memories that I did capture. Sure, some were more contrived than others, perhaps less spontaneous than I'd like to admit. But then there were other moments that crept up quietly and out of nowhere... and I was overwhelmed by the beauty in this world.

When Eulalie walked to the edge of a lake, lay herself down on the cold earth and watched ducks dart through the rippling reflections of central park at dusk - I was so grateful to have my camera in hand. These images transport me; the frozen visual further enriching my already poignant memory of the last light slipping away... on our last night in New York.

off she goes

2013-02-25T15:34:00.002+10:00

My beautiful sister has left on an exciting adventure... she arrived safely in London-Town last week.

I don't know when she'll be back. All I know is that she will be missed. Every day.

We love you Aunty Stephie and our hearts are so happy for you xx

P.S - Thank you for showering me with support and kind words on my last post. We are doing much better (Paddy's home!)... I hope to start blogging more regularly again soon. Life is busy. I fly to Sydney on Thursday to shoot my first wedding. Exciting times! I hope you are all doing well :)

struggletown

2013-02-17T21:58:00.000+10:00

Six weeks have passed since we welcomed 2013.

Paddy has been working away for over four of them. He's still currently away, as I enter my fifth week of solo parenting.

It's tough. On all of us.

His absence from both Lalie's 2nd birthday and my own 30th birthday was simply salt to the wound.

I realise that there are countless families in similar (and much more difficult) situations to ours, but I can't even muster the energy to put down in words how difficult this year has been for us so far. Of course, the financial rewards are bountiful... but the emotional cost is high. I can't help but feel as though, at the end of those long and grueling weeks of separation, we're coming away short-changed.

But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and despite the enormous struggle... something truly wonderful is happening.

Sweet, precious rewards of the utmost kind are upon us.

new york city: brooklyn bridge

2013-01-24T15:03:00.000+10:00

The Brooklyn Bridge. A walk I won't soon forget.

focus

2013-01-23T10:47:00.001+10:00

My lens stopped focusing just after Christmas. It had been temperamental for a while, and I had been struggling along with it until it finally packed it in - just a few days shy of the warranty expiration (phew!).

I'm glad that it happened though - it was an unexpected but very welcome reminder that life can be just as beautiful - perhaps even more so - when your focus goes by the wayside.

Somehow, in losing all the sharp details... I found a little clarity.

P.S - Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes for our girl x