Last week, an old friend left a comment on my Facebook saying how cute my “little boy” is. I looked at my profile picture–which is one of me and Aeyen. She was wearing a spotty bright pink jumper and she has a clip on her hair. How he missed it, I will never know. I laughed and shook my head. I actually get it all the time. Perhaps because I don’t exactly put her in very girly clothes or because I take a lot of photos of her naked–making her look more androgynous.

I am not a very girly-girl myself. I enjoy dressing up more now, but when I was younger, I looked more like a tomboy. I’m not very big on flowers, on jewellery, or on make-up. I used to be crazy about bags and shoes but not so much now. My husband teases me and says I am very difficult to buy presents for. I’d be happier getting useful stuff than pretty ones.

I think I am rubbing off my ungirliness on my little girl. She very rarely wears pink. Her dresses are more funky than pretty. She prefers playing with her toy rabbit and toy mouse than dollies. She prefers picking stones instead of flowers. The only princess she knows of is Fiona from Shrek. I don’t even think I’ve used the word “princess” at home or on her. She loves Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, but hasn’t heard about the tales of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella or Snow White. We read a lot of Dr. Seuss and not a lot of Happily Ever Afters. I have nothing against fairy tales and princesses, I’m probably just a bit uninterested. Or too cynical, perhaps?

Nevertheless, she makes me very proud. I will sound very biased, obviously, but I think I am raising a very clever little girl. She’s starting to develop her independence and is becoming such an outspoken little madam. She’s now learned how to say, “Aeyen no like it.” and “Aeyen do it.” She is becoming more aware of people around her and enjoys seeing boys! We live near a school and in the morning, when children pass by our front window, she points to them and says, “Ooooh, look! Boys! More boys!” and it makes me laugh.

She is a girl, after all. In her very own adorable way.

{Taken at the bluebell woods last month. One of those rare times when she let me put a skirt on her!}

I first met little CJ and his mum at a playgroup when he was only a few weeks old. After not seeing them for a while, I was pleased when Julie contacted me a couple of months ago to schedule a session to celebrate her husband’s 40th birthday. And my, I was really surprised to see how much CJ has grown! This family is oh so very lucky to have such a happy little boy!

{Paul and Julie, I hope you like the sneak peek! It was really fun–and easy!–photographing you and I have lots more to show. Speak to you soon!}

I was invited by Georgina, a mum I met at a playgroup, to take photos of her new project–her very own baby and toddler multi-sensory class called Busy Babes. Aeyen and I joined a few mums during the sample class, and we both had a fantastic time! Georgina, who led the class, was very engaging and the toys were amazing! I had to practically drag my little girl out of the hall when it had finished!

Here are some photos from the fun morning–

Check out the Busy Babes Website for more details about the classes and to see the rest of the pictures!

{Georgina, congratulations on the success of Busy Babes! Wishing you all the best for the future, and looking forward to seeing you soon…. Thank you for my gorgeous ‘mystery’ flowers too!}

This family welcomed their little newcomer nine days ago and I had the pleasure of photographing them this morning. One of their friends, whose family I photographed during my spring mini-sessions, bought them a photo session from me as a present (brilliant idea, I should say!).

(I absolutely loved this little girl’s room!)

{Scott and Lucy, I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek! Thank you again for welcoming me into your home this morning. It was fantastic to meet you and will be in touch again soon!}

I mean 22 months.

In less than two weeks, she turns 22 months. Still hard to believe it has been that long ago when she came. I know I always say she is growing up too fast but it really is becoming more and more evident by the day. She copies me all the time. When I put make-up on, she stands in front of the mirror and pretends to apply make-up with her fingers. She sticks out her hand when she sees me putting lotion on. When I put on jewellery, she tells me, “Aeyen wear too!”.

I have started looking at pre-schools for her too. I still don’t know whether to feel proud or to feel sad that when we go and visit schools, she jumps off my arms the instant we get there and plays with the other children. And when it’s time to leave, I have to bribe her with snacks so she will go home with me!