My Mikaela Roo

How did a year already go by so quickly?

How did you transform from a tiny floppy newborn to a happy, feisty, ultra-inquisitive, walking little girl in just 12 short months?

In your first few months of life,  I was so scared to sleep in case you didn't wake up - I was convinced that sleep would steal you away, like it did with your big brother.  Oh it was so hard to open up my heart again and let go of that crippling fear of loss.

And yet somehow as the days and weeks have passed by, that fear has subsided and made room for so much more love, laughter, silliness and belief in the goodness of life.  Your cry every morning is the most beautiful sound to my ears, even at 5am. I love creeping into your room at night and just listening to you breathe. Watching you grow and change every single day is a privilege that I will never take for granted.

Happy first birthday my nunu, may we have so many more to celebrate with you.

(This was taken today - I do believe that looks to be a hand on her hip?)

I have loved watching this family grow from just Gerard and Sandra, to the 4 of them. Jenna Rae was just 7 days old when we did this shoot. There is nothing quite so precious and mind-boggling as a new life. Thank you guys for letting me into your home to witness these amazing moments.

Around this time last year I photographed Dian in Roxy's tummy. Now he is a scrumptious 10 month old baba, with big blue eyes and a ready smile. You guys are beautiful together as a family.