My crazy bunch

“Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and the one most important of all the things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children.”
~Rosaleen Dickson

Finally - 13 months later and I've managed to get a family photo. Ok, so there have been a few before - but Ben was basically thrown in as an afterthought - still in jammies or half asleep. Now that he has developed into himself, has his own little personality and is making himself heard amongst the Heatherington trio - I figured it was time to get in front of the camera with my gang. This is us...never a dull moment, always chasing our tails, peace and quiet a thing of the past and I wouldn't have it any other way! I look at my 3 and think "wow, I MADE you - now I have to raise you into clever, kind and happy children - who also like to have a laugh, be silly and most importantly love each other. I am so proud of each of them - Emma for her strong willed spirit and determination. Riding her bike with no stabilizers, getting her 10 metre swim badge and finishing P1 - she is growing up...and Jack, the sweetest, funniest little rascal who loves to dance, smile, cuddle and wreck things. And finally my baby boy Ben - who is showing his stubborn streak already but it mischievious (climbing into the dishwasher, throwing things into the toilet and jumping into the paddling pool after drying off from it and getting dressed...) He makes me smile to no end. This is my family.


...ooh, and of course we can't forget Jesse - sure, she wouldn't let us anyway!

And another set of three gorgeous sisters

“It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into.”
--Terri Guillemets

Yes, another set of three sisters - the youngest only being a few months old and so tiny and amazing. As much as I believe my newborn days are over for good - seeing one does give me that instant reminder of how lovely it is having a newborn (then I remember the sleepless nights, the woes of pregnancy and the long-haul healing of a c-section...). SO, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy other people's newborns! Like the gorgeous Ellen - who took a bit to start gaining weight, but is now thriving!



She certainly looks peaceful now, but we also saw a lot of this...

And her two beautiful and doting big sisters enjoying a sisterly cuddle

I LOVE BABY AND TODDLER TOES!!! Must do this with my three, it's fab!

Three lovely girls...finding their wings

It's only for a moment that you are mine to hold
The plan that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
I'm here for you, whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And let you find your wings
~ (shortened) Mark Harris

One sister as beautiful - and spunky - as the next. That's the McAree girls. I know I have said this before - but I just love the sister relationship and being apart of it must be a truly wonderful thing. Not just the shaing of clothes, toys, friends - and later the make up, boyfriends and secrets - but sharing the closeness from within that only happens between girls and I can imagine to a much higher degree between sisters. Here is a set of three gorgeous sisters that will have this amazing bond for life. How luck are they? How lucky are Emer and John!


Amy is one stunning girl - and on her way to Primary 1 this fall! Oh, the growing up she will do!

Then there is the adorable Zoe (cool name too!) who has the cheekiest, cutest little grin ever!

And finally baby Zara - whoa, this year has flown - weren't you just born? What a sweetie!

The McAree clan in full glory - life must be busy for you - but wonderful too.

It's double the giggles and double the grins, and double the trouble if you're blessed with twins. ~Author Unknown
A beautiful, summery day (very rare in this part of the word), a very good friend of mine and her two adorable twins...ahh the fun! Dara and Grace are best buds of my children , they will soon be starting nursery with Jack and I'm sure they think of me as a part of the furniture now! What a pleasure to spend the morning with them at the park, playing and clicking away. I look at the pair of them and think how wonderful it must be for twins to have that special bond. I always thought I'd love to have twins and although I can see how challenging it is (two newborns, two teething, two potty training, and the list goes on...) I still think raising twins and experiencing that unique relationship must be so amazing.
Here they are - Dara and Grace - friends for life

Dara - with the most amazing curly hair, gorgeous blue eyes and the absolute IMAGE of his daddy - mannerisms too!

Peek-a-boo Grace - with her bright blue eyes, beautiful blonde hair and of course, her beloved monkey!

I may be a twin but I'm one of a kind. ~Author Unknown

And here she is - Mother of twins, children's story-teller extraodinaire and a truly fab friend and neighbour. Thanks Elaine!

me and my boys...

My baby, my son, my precious prince
Sent straight from Heaven and loved ever since
A gift from God to handle with care
A heart of gold for you to share
A smile so big with such happiness and joy
The pride I have, to have such a good little boy.
~Sarah Flores

And how lucky am I to have two wonderful, gorgeous, entertaining, sweet, affectionate, happy little boys? I always knew I wanted a girl - don't most mothers - and having my daughter Emma first was so wonderful. She is my best friend for life. Then came Jack and he is the most amazing little person and - so full of life, so easy going and so halarious! So, when I was pregnant the third time, I knew I was on a win-win. And along came Ben. Big boy Ben - a happy little guy who is pretty content most of the time but can certainly do his share of shouting when needed!

This is Ben sick with a perforated ear drum, mild form of measles, swollen eyes and congested lungs - (post MMR fun). Can you tell he's suffering? (thank God for Calpol!)

I love my Friday morning with my boys -usually spent in the park!

My crazy cuddler.

My squeezable babe

Thanks Elaine for your master photography- paparazzi style!

Christenings, communions and family reunions!

God grant your little one
All the blessing of His gentle love

In one weekend I was busy with 4 photoshoots - two First Holy Communions, one baby Christening and a family reunion. It was hectic, but so wonderful to meet so many interesting families...I love just stepping behind the camera to see how everyone interacts and celebrates "famiy" in their own unique way. This family was one I had photographed before, so it was such a pleasure to be able to come back a year later to see the gang again - the growing gang! Annabel was only just on her feet when I had first met her, and now here she is cuddling with her gorgeous little brother, Robert.

I just love how Annabel is helping Robert fix his socks.

And Robert - the boy of the day - enjoying his last few minutes in his gown!

Adorable cousin Emily Jane with her amazing blue eyes twinkling away!

baby baby you're toooo cute!

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love
~Stevie Wonder

Ahhh, the lovely Isabelle. Isn't she just the sweetest... Isabelle came into the studio about the same age is my Ben and I just love this age. Just over a year and they are sprouting their own little personalities - as quick as their hair! The baby-ness is leaving (boo hoo) to be replaced by a special little person. Beginning to find their feet - the world is theirs to explore. Isabelle was just fabulous and with those big brown eyes, the camera loved her.






Thank you Mark and Francine - it was a pleasure to meet you and your full gallery will follow shortly.