WHAT PHINEY WORE

WEARING: dress by Next // Nanny-made waistcoat // La Coqueta Tights // Clarks boots

...but more than the clothes, it's all about the curls :)

WORK

 

As the new year started, I made the decision to work really hard at taking my photography business to the next level, and try to make some other career dreams come true. It's always been my plan to slowly build the photography stuff over these years while our babies are small and at home all day, and hopefully by the time they're off at school, I'm able to make it my full-time career.

Do what I love doing, be my own boss, earn some money, and be there to pick the girls up from school.

Trying to fit all that prep work into three two hour slots a week (while Coralie naps on the days Josephine is at nursery) is hard. And come the evenings and I'm mostly just too knackered to sit at the table for hours on end. It can be frustrating, but slowly slowly things are coming together and building. It's exciting, and I know it's worth it.

Occasionally, I try and fit in a bit of time at the computer while the girls are playing nicely. But I've learnt that it normally ends badly. They can sense my concentration is on something else, even if they haven't noticed what I'm doing, and bickering often ensues.

So it's best to get out, get some fresh air and not miss a second of what's happening today, whilst trying to build my business for the future.

The balancing act continues... (and these little Mama's make it all look so easy!)

MOTHER'S DAY

I had a lovely day yesterday, getting spoilt by my little family, and then heading out to dinner with my Mum, Nan and the rest of the famalam.

My day started with a lie-in, then pancakes with Nutella and strawberries, before we headed out for a walk in the beautiful March sunshine. Josephine and I were jumping about and being silly when Ben snapped most of these photos. I love them. What the Motherhood Captured project is all about.

I've wanted to be a Mama ever since I was a little girl, and looking at my babies now, I can't believe how lucky I am. They are the sweetest, fiercest, funniest, most beautiful and brilliant girls a Mama could ask for, and I am so proud to be their Mama. It's a crazy journey, motherhood. And even when you've only had two hours sleep, your clothes (and face!) are covered in mud and mushed banana, the house is a mess and your children are shouting at each other or you, or nothing in particular, I wouldn't change a single thing. It is the hardest, but best job in the world. And the smiles, laughter, cuddles, kisses and 'I love yous' make it all worth it.

Josephine and Coralie, my darling girls. I love you more than you can ever imagine. You make me the happiest Mama in town.

And Ben, you make me the happiest wife. Thank you for being the best Daddy and my partner in crime. And for my basket and YesMum cards!  

I love the photo Josephine took of Ben and I too. So awesome that she's big enough to hand the camera to and snap away now :)

10/52

Josephine: Just. So. Cool.

Coralie: She set up her Playmobil people in a row and asked me 'picture, Mama?' I picked up my phone and went to take a picture, when she held out her hand. I set it to camera mode, gave it to her and she sat for ages, taking pictures. Mostly of her finger. Like Mama, like daughter. I love her little tongue sticking out as she concentrates.

GIRLS

Josephine just loves hanging out with her buddy Edie. Most of her friends are boys, so to get some girly time is really fun for her. And Coralie adores her too, although she's still a little small and slow and spent most of the afternoon a few steps behind the big girls. Or chatting to baby Agnes. Coralie is all about the babies!

We had our first picnic of the year with them last week (despite the fact that the sun went in and it was actually freezing!) and the girls loved exploring the amazing old Tithe Barn, while I loved chatting to Amy.

I can't wait for more sunny trips to our favourite spot this spring and summer (before our big girls head off to school - waaaaa!) with some of our favourite girls.

MONTHLY PORTRAIT: sisters

We say that Coralie is like Josephine's little shadow. Always doing and saying the same. They ask where the other is when they're apart for more than two minutes. They giggle and laugh and sing songs together and for each other when they wake up in the morning. Josephine tells Coralie that she's proud of her, and Coralie gently pats Phiney on the head like a little dog to check she's ok if she's unhappy. They squeeze each other in Phiney's bed before we say goodnight, noses touching. They're becoming such good friends. I love that this portrait captures all that.