New Do

Why do kids hate going to the hairdressers? Correction, why do boys hate going to the hairdressers? My daughter loves the whole pampering aspect of it as much as she loves looking at herself in mirror after its all over. This may be a pretty bad sign- a high maintenance teenage phase is on the cards I think. The boys on the other hand are not so easily handled in the coiffure stakes. I have resorted to booking separate appointments for them so I can go with them one-on-one and coax and cajole them into sitting in one place for 15 minutes. This is the result of this morning's trip to see Chris, our very patient stylist...

Spoilt for Choice in the Big Smoke

I'm still catching my breath after a long weekend in London this past weekend. We had four full days to pack in as much as we could and my feet are glad to be back in Belfast for a rest!

Twice as Nice

I have to admit that the year between one and two is the most difficult to shoot. They're up on their feet by this stage but won't take direction so it was with some trepidation that I arrived at a shoot for twin boys. I needn't have worried as right from the offset they were so much fun. Two toddlers so alike and yet so different but both made me laugh the whole afternoon. {R} is quite the dancer already and {C} looks like he has a bright future as a stand-up comedian ahead of him.
Kudos to Mum and Dad though as having that much energy around all the time must be exhausting!

Sneaky Peek for {M} Family

Post and run tonight as I'm up to my eyes in work.
Speaking of eyes, what about this for a knowing look? Baby {A} was such a little darling through a long session. She smiled and played and didn't show any signs of flagging at all. A star is born!

On the Conker Trail

Did I mention I liked autumn? It has always been my favourite season and even as a child going back to school after the long summer holidays couldn't dampen my enthusiasm. It is also a great time of year for an outdoor photo session. We all went out today to look for conkers and I couldn't resist snapping the children in full flight. It all became very competitive at one point- the tally for each was of great interest and when Jamie resorted to throwing large sticks up into the tree to dislodge any loose fruit still attached I knew it was all getting a bit too serious. Another few weeks and the reds and golds will be at their best. Gorgeous!

Cosy Time

Autumn is my favourite season. I love the smell of it- the Hallowe'en smokey aura in the late evening. I love the autumn colours and even the cold that begins to descend now. Most of all I love the cosiness of it all. Coming home at night and drawing the blinds, putting on the lights and cranking up the central heating.

Autumn is a season you can depend on. The leaves always redden and fall, the nights always lengthen and the temperatures always fall. There is no ambiguity, no impatience waiting for it. Who could say the same for summer? I for one am glad to pack away the summer shoes and clothes that didn't get much of an airing and happily rummage for warmer knits. Bring it on!

Can You Tell What It Is Yet?

Saturday marked the beginning of Jamie's Birthday Week. My first-born will be ten this week and I am experiencing the confusion that sets in every year at this time. How on earth did that happen? How did that little bundle morph into a fully functioning, intelligent, gorgeous, perfectly-formed boy? It was only just a little while ago we were feeding and changing and bathing him.

Yesterday my parents came over for dinner. It was actually a thank you for them for helping out (as always) but it turned into a mini birthday dinner as they came armed with presents and chocolate birthday cake.

The diet starts again today...