Year of the Lucky-Fish

2016 has been a challenge. Globally, things have not been great and personally it has been challenging, all be it transformative. But, I am thankful for what this year has given me. With recent events in Syria and other violent acts during this year; oppression and xenophobia rampant everywhere, I can only be deeply thankful for the free and beautiful life we live and take for granted each day. I have spent beautiful moments with my family, and I have not had time to share any of them. Today, after taking my kids to the Doctor's office for their check-up, I decided that I would do a quick blog post in honour of another year of being a lucky-fish. Our kids have had birthdays, we have visited some lovely spots, including Old mac Daddy and River's Edge. We have travelled, played outside, cooked, read and laughed together, a liberty many do not have.

Cheers 2016.

you, me and the sea | maternity

I asked Ilze if I could do some portraits for her during her pregnancy...I wanted to do my own thing with a maternity shoot...something different, and free, with no pressure. Her beautiful boy David is already here, but here's a look back at a time when they were still one. Just them, and the sea...

You can see Ilze's beautiful family photography on her website, Ilze Louw, and you see her beautiful birth photography images by the talented Blomerusphotography on their site.

Make-up by WM Bridal Makeup Artist & Hair by Amrie Hair. 

Aidan | Our second

Our second born has finally arrived and has made our world more beautiful, chaotic, and full of love. We are adoring his calm frowning face and his sister thinks he is just the funniest ever. Here is his first time in front of mommies lens.

Zoey turns One

How time has past... has it been a full year...

I count it in laughter. In tears. In moments gone in an instant, but treasured forever. 

I try to remember everything.

To live in every moment and never let it go.

Everyone warns you.."Your life will be over", You'll never be the same". 

This used to offend me, but now I understand. 

I don't want my my old life. I don't want to be the same. I just want now. With you.

With you life is more beautiful, more alive, vibrant, tangible, terrifying, real.

I didn't know I could love my husband more...
Being her father, seeing how she adores him and how he light up everytime he sees her,
has made me love him in a way I did not think possible.
Thank you to my husband for taking the photos of me & her.

Flower Crown by Green Goddess Flower Studio.
Cake by Pinch of Love.
Wardrobe, all gifts, babies own.
(Thank you to my mother in law for hand knitting jerseys)
(Thank you to Yvette for the tutu, Adri for the baby-grow and Nicky for the stockings)

Bam Family | Touwsrivier

The road to Touwsrivier is beautiful.

I arrived on the Bam's Family farm early afternoon. 

It's warm and dry and there is so much space.

Ah, farm life. Stray cats, chickens, peacocks, cows, vineyards. So beautiful.

I'm greeted warmly, and then we set of on the families vast space and play.

The kids are super excited and chatter away endlessly as they don't get that many visitors.

So cute. The twins and their brother play and run and tell stories.

It's wonderland. Farm life.

Enjoy.