ten on ten / january

Toward the end of last year I fell off the Ten on Ten wagon. Entirely unintentionally. I just kept forgetting. I'm awesome at forgetting stuff. One would think I would set myself a reminder. But that would make too much sense!

This year I wanted to be sure I wouldn't forget. I wanted a full collection this time round--a complete series--twelve sets. So around rolled 10 January.

And I forgot.

In my own defence--TO myself, given I am fully aware nobody ACTUALLY cares whether I do Ten on Ten each month or not--it's been a big week. I spent the best part of two days awake and by my sister's side as she delivered her son into the world. When your body is craving sleep, it's easy to forget the simplest of things. Throw in the fact I am in total holiday mode and don't care what day OR date it is, then it's clear to see how cloudy my brain is at the moment.

We spent the tenth of the month with dear friends. And while the photos are not spread evenly throughout the day as they should be, they are a lovely collection of summer, childhood, friendship and holiday delight.

*One of Ruby's bottom teeth has been hanging on by a thread for weeks - of course it fell out in the pool! She had to write a note to the tooth fairy to explain why there was no tooth to offer.

Joining Rebekah for Ten on Ten each month

hey baby

Most of you will know Lou. She's wonderfully talented with camera in hand, a beautiful and honest writer and all round ace person. And today? She's a mum of THREE. Baby boy made his way into the world yesterday and he's completely perfect and delicious, just like his big sisters.

Lou asked me to be part of her Hey Baby! series which documents the awkward/awesome/anticipating aspects associated with mama's growing belly and emotions, and baby boy's journey into the Buma clan. Week 36 and Lou was in fast forward as the family prepared for the early arrival of No. 3.

It was a bit of a mad rush to the end, between hospital visits and monitoring for Lou and far less impressive, yet equally necessary commitments at my end (relatively speaking of course, ahem).. but we made it to the Collingwood Children's Farm for some lunch and a wander with the smalls so that another week's growth and count down to baby's birth could be remembered in frames. A freezing, windy morning turned into a beautiful, bright afternoon with the sun ducking in and out of the clouds.

This was the first proper time I had met Lou - in the flesh (the first real time was when we randomly ran into each other in the city last month). Like many a blogger, I felt I already knew her so well because of her open and honest personality. I've watched her for a long while professionally, and she has sat high on my list of favourite photographers since I found her. Now she was asking me to photograph her. I was a little overwhelmed with it all if I'm being honest. Photographing someone who - and whose work - I admire and respect so much. On the back of a hectic and exhausting month, my head was a bit all over the place. Thankfully my desire to please was lurking somewhere at the back of my messy head.. and was relieved to hear Lou critique her Week 36 frames as BEAUTIFUL (yes, she used CAPS - yes, I may have high fived myself). Thankyou Lou - thankyou for asking me to be a part of such a special project.

What a sweet trio these girls make. Jake must be over the moon he's got a little bit more testosterone in the house now.. albeit in it's teeny tiny form.

Welcome Baby Cedar! X