Isaac Sebastian, lets journey through your first year!
Let’s see if you’re with us by the end of the blog hehe… I may do a lot of waffling and babbling and there are DEFINITELY A LOT OF PHOTOS!!! *Ahem* 200 plus…. So if you continue, I wish you enjoyment in my ‘real talk’ and reflection and the absolute CUTENESS that this blog holds! <3
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I believe in divine timing. I also believe in putting a lot of effort and work into the desired outcome. But I BELIEVE… in Divine timing 100%.
I’m not the same person I was 2 years ago. My end of 2014 blog popped up in my Facebook time feed today and I enjoyed marveling at our sensational 2014, which ended in the announcement of our first wee cherub, April. Although 2014 had it’s ups and downs, it was amazingly carefree. And then 2015 happened and that was a mix bag, but one I would never in my life regret living. In fact it could very well be one of the best years of my life by my own definition of ‘best’. That’s the year I gave birth to two babies. One in February, one in December. The two most special cherubs of my life. But you see, one lives with us in the world we know, and the other lives ‘around’ us in her Heaven.
Yes, I am in full belief that our angel girl April, is present always. Sometimes I can feel her warmth on my skin, where I know she’s just hanging off me as I read a story to Isaac. It’s the most surreal experience. My body tingles madly and warms up like the feeling of falling in love for the first time. Because as much as my heart wells at the grief of her loss. I wonder to myself, did we really lose her in the end? My ‘choice’ at this intersection, is ‘No’ we did not lose her. We didn’t have the opportunity to raise her and to truly know her. But we didn’t lose her essence and her spirit. She is watching her little brother grow and if it were not for her, we would not have the Isaac we know today. Our Christmas Day bub born 2 weeks early, but right on time. Divine Timing at it’s grandest.
2 years ago I didn’t know what joy looked like in the face of grief. April drew strength from me that I didn’t know I had. I realised, I can do anything, I can survive anything and not only that I can excel at ANYTHING I put my mind and heart to. Life is a precious gift, not to be wasted.
And although still an on going lesson, one for the rest of my life I’m sure… I’ve learned that all the little things that can stress, frustrate and upset us… is just a little sand in the scheme of life and the rocks are what’s important. (See this story: Jar of Life)
It’s a blessing to be born and an honour to live each year! And no one year, no one person, no one life is ever the same way twice. I love evolving through every moment, every opportunity and every choice made – good and bad. Life is an on going Master Piece and our Isaac is showing us how wonderful life is, when you get back to basics.
So here we enter our Master Piece that is 2016…
The 1st Year of our precious Isaac Sebastian.
January 1st 2016, 1am, we closed our eyes cradling our perfect wee cherub just 1 week old. So little and delicate as he lay sleeping on my chest as I feel the gentle repetition of inhale, exhale.
He’s come to show us the true importance of life, and every minute of this year I’ve tried to be as present as possible. I’ve been watching his development, his growth, how he learns and I continue to marvel at how glorious “life” is. He’s brave, he speaks his mind in the moment when things aren’t quite right. He senses and shows love when it’s needed. He falls down *brushes himself down* so to speak and keeps on going. He’s taking life in his stride!
I watch him growing and I’m taking tips, because although he’s only been on this planet for 1 year, he knows things that I feel I forgot long ago when I entered the adult world and all it’s brain washing, ego spilling, “too busy”, fear wrangling ways. Isaac is reminding me that love has no end, and that “time” is a man made thing and that if you slow down for long enough to take a deep breath… one second, can feel like an eternity. So imagine how many eternity’s you can have in a 24 hour period. :) It’s all about how life is perceived and which platform and angle you wish to view and experience the ride from!
I like to wear my miss positive pants as much as I can, I like to take the real mundane things in life, or the perceived “boring or horrible” and try put a good spin on it. But doooon’t get me wrong…. when my little boy is screaming through the night for hours on end because his poor gums inflamed and he’s clearly in agony, I’m not looking to slow those seconds down. My breaths are not for soaking in the magic, but for soaking in endless love and patience through the sleep deprivation and the ringing in my ear. Through it all, the breaths for patience and the deep magical breaths soaking in every moment of gold…. I feel blessed that I get to be Isaac’s Mama.
S U M M A R Y
Things I’ve learned this year…
• Ask for help, the worst answer you could get is ‘No’.
• C O M M U N I C A T I O N I S K E Y … Through the likes of text messaging, facebook, being a deep thinker, or fear…. Communication can get a little lost or be stunted. Things can go internal. But fear not my friends, DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMMUNICATE! Don’t FORGET to Communicate. COMMUNICATION is Freedom! Go forth and see how it works for you.
• Love has no label. Love is love and love is all there is. (Even fear is a form of distorted love. ~ Give that a wee think hehe)
• Just Do It. Nike was onto something… I totally over think things at times…. And talk myself around in circles… but JUST DO IT. Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen?? …. You could succeed!
• BE PRESENT. All life is, is each ‘Moment’ and the choices we make. (Plan for the future, and remember the past). The future however is not real and the past can not be changed. So, BE PRESENT and make good choices that are right for you, here in the NOW! Every new moment is a new opportunity to be the BEST You possible! Don’t fear your mistakes, find a new opportunity to be exactly who you mean to be all along! The right people will stick with you and love you more for YOU.
• Gratitude is attitude. You can have it all! And it starts with being grateful for what you have NOW!
Thank you for choosing us to be your parents, Isaac. You make us so undeniably happy and bring so my love and joy to our lives… Let’s look at your 1st year on Planet Earth and how much you’ve changed in this one year. We love you!! xoxoxoxo
******** Special Thank You’s to our wonderful friends and amazing photographers ~ Kim of The Portrait Studio, Kimberley Cheyne Photography, Angela of Ladybug Photography and Kelly Shakespeare Photography, for their sensational shots to add to our boy’s timeline! We love them all!!! ********
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Peace. Love. Harmony.
Where I feel I can fumble with these attributes in life sometimes… this is a time I felt true success, more than I could ever imagine! With Isaac’s beautiful water birth!
The room was peaceful, there was SO much Love present. And Harmony was a vibration that resonated deep.
I really do feel true love for the birthing experience. It’s a true gift, this experience was a true gift. But I motioned some things in order to get it. <3
And incredible support and words of encouragement always help with that!
The moment he came onto my chest. Which is actually a moment I can relive over and over and over again, thanks to a beautiful video capture by one of Isaac’s Godmother’s and our birth partner! Sheer relief, LOVE, peace and contentment filled these seconds in and around this amazing moment.
At 9.55pm on December 25th, we welcomed
Isaac Sebastian Richardson.
Born in divine right timing. <3
{If you missed it early last year, here’s Isaac’s Birth Story…}
Our amazing midwife looked after us and our little bundle so well and commented on his ‘wise wee face’ as he stared up at her and into her heart.
The very first time he latched.
I do feel extremely privileged and blessed to be able to captured these types of moments, that may be forgotten down the road. I remember the feeling so vividly looking at this photograph. The tickle tingly sensation, before it actually got a little sore!
3 Days of relaxing in hospital getting to know his every feature! He was so little, but appeared so knowing.
I love all of his faces! He still looks like this, just a little bigger and deliciously chubbier! <3
He was just so wee…
Safe in the arms of Dad.
A week old and in the studio with Kim creating photos that feel like the closet thing to purity. The feeling of peace is so evident in these beautiful captures! … <3
At 2 weeks old and in the comforts of our home, we thank our good pal Kelly for capturing us in our most real state. She is sooo amazing at capturing the truth, love and rawness of life. #suchafan #lifeasnewparents
Spoiled by talent. When he was just 3 weeks old in the cool summer air, we had a visit from bestie, Godmother and incredible photographer, Kim. Our Dunedin friend brings so much love, connection and a timeless feel to all her photos. These photos are so incredibly precious to us! :)
We’re okay being real with you little guy, because it’s always going to be okay! How can it not be?!! ~ You’ve got the world on a string, sittin’ on a rainbow… This song makes me think of you baby boy! <3
The scent of new baby is a precious smell that I always hope to remember. And that twirly crown … Bliss! <3
In the low light of the early night. Just a month or two old, he was sleeping beside us in his wee basket and this was about the last time he had a pacifier in his mouth. He just didn’t seem to need it! :) If you look closely, you can see his bright eyes, wide open looking at the light on the ceiling.
Little iddy biddy tiny toesies!
When he could still fit his entire body on the thigh of my legs. 7 weeks old.
I was continuously asking Doug to take photos of Isaac and I. Photos that show what we look like at this time of life. Photos that convey how I feel with baby boy in hands, all to forever have in recreation, this era of our lives together.
Every kind of photo that paints and storytells how life looked, felt and just generally was! He was teeny tiny for ages… I soaked in all of his first year growth as much as I could and the photos will do the rest for years to come! #myphilosphyinanutshell
Capturing his epic expressive brows was no real issue, but the smiles were too quick for my click. This was the first, even if it was a cheeky little dream smile.
We did a lot of this. What’s the easiest way to feel close to your little human?!! …
Snuggle up tight!!!! <3
Today we celebrated 1 year since the birth of our family angel, April.
His eyes from Day uno, have been deep, soulful, thoughtful, patient, curious, delighted and totally cheeky too. His eyes have many facades. Depending on how he is feeling and what’s going on… depends on which little Isaac you have the honour of meeting! <3
He’s got some beautiful young ladies in his life. This one loves to steal a kiss or two! hehe
The snapchat life…
I remember this night well. Friday nights had never felt so good! #peaceandcalm
Little bum so squishy and cute!
At Easter we celebrated with every facial in the book of Isaac!
Forever catching rainbows!
He squints in the bright light of the early morning sun. Bathed and smelling fresh for another beautiful day.
About the time he found his hands. 4 months gorgeous!
And then he found his tongue.
And then it was all aboooout his tongue.
Funnily enough I haven’t seen much of his tongue since… he’s been far too busy learning other parts of his body and his abilities! :)
Somewhere among the streets of Merivale, we saw perfect light, a gorgeous autumn wall and celebrated Isaac being alive for approximetly 4 months, 3 weeks, 5 days and several hours, minutes and seconds old! :)
One of his bestest little buddies, Eli, is a few months older and showing him the ropes! <3 #CUTEFriendships
Isaac the elephant blowing bubbles at 5 months old.
Beautiful books that are good for sucking on and that help express how this Mummy heart feels about her wee man cub! <3
Real tears. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to feel?!! He’s okay though, nothing a Mummy hug couldn’t cure!
#observetheobsessionwithbathtimephotos
These moments exist.
They’re spontaneous and tender and ever so heartwarming and real.
The flail of thy little hand, touching on the nose of thy mother as he studies every crevice of her face.
At 5 and half months old, we embarked our first plane for our beloved Tauranga! We had some little friends to meet for the first time!! <3
Balmerville welcomed Isaac as the newest member of the family without even a hesitation!! #sospecial
Homeward bound and the memory of life on a plane with a young child! <3 #breastfeedingontakeoff
First ever solids. And that solid, was Kumara. <3 A vegetable that he seems to have a love hate relationship with! Currently, we’re in the love stage! hehe
6 months old, and holding his twinkly toes!
They’re the perfect shape for Mum to rest her chin on!
Cousin’s who both enjoy music! On both their Mum’s very old wee piano!
Sunsets at the local park be like….
We bought Bamboo in China for our wee cherub who I was just 12 weeks pregnant with. He’s already a dear friend to our wee dude. #Thoseautumnmapleleaves
Bathtime is undeniably a favourite part of our day!
A rich winters evening with a sun so yellow, Kelly Shakespeare captured life with Isaac at 6 months old! <3
A day in the life of our winter 2016.
Different bath tub, different city, same cuteness. #Southislandroundtrip
We always wondered how our love for travel would be affected by having kids… Turns out we do it anyway and we handle it along the way! Isaac’s first decent trip was 3 South Island locations, 6 days, 6 different rooves to sleep under. #travelhasneverbeenbetter
I feel a return to this place will occur, down the line when my family is complete. All members involved in a shot just like this. … I have photos like this in my head all the time to take… It’s just nice to have the idea. And if the opportunity arises, I either take it.. or create it. #excitingthoughts
Perfect page to land on, because these two are the BEST of buds! Watching their relationship blossom from day 1 has been a dream. And continues to be!
Around 7.5 months old, we learned how to high five!
And washing baskets became the BEST. TOY. IN. THE. WORLD!
Interrupting the best meal in the wooorld, to have a family photo! #GreattimingMumandDaaaad
He’s such a light sleeper, rarely have I been successful at capturing him sleep. He always wakes at the sound of the auto focus. Maybe I need to manually focus, maybe I need a quieter shutter! :) #Illkeeptrying
Wintertime movies in front of the fire. It was amazing!
Sand and Isaac, it’s a love affair!
#grittynappies
#hashtaggingmywaythroughthisblogasifitsinstagram
I told him he’s taking a big trip across the globe, to Canada!
Naturally, it’s been a favourite book in this household. #Howtomakearainbow #fortheloveofrainbows . Going on 8 months! <3
By 8 months, he was well and truly pulling himself up and walking around the furniture like a little speedster!
And the love of bath time continues…
At 8.5 Months, books were his life. We read alllll the time and he sat and listened and enjoyed. He’d go to the books, open them up and feel all the fun textures of so many amazing books I’ve bought and we’ve so kindly received! I am so of the opinion you can have enough toys, but never enough books! <3
I’ve been calling him a coffee shop kid for ages, only fitting he has his own little coffee cup! hehe #thanksAuntyBecca
And then our talented friend Ange, captured a side of my boy that I adore so deeply. His sweet, charming and ecstatic smile that beams so bright with his first wee teeth!!!
Discovering the beauty of daffodils with friends.
Come Father’s Day, Isaac whispered to me “Let’s make Dad a special book all about me and him”. So we did.
Grandpa is adored, so warm and cuddly, he’s the perfect substitute for a bed! <3
My little old soul! <3
Watching him engage in relationships with those around him is a joy like no other!! <3
Did we mention we love bathtime?
Creating artwork on our driveway…
25 weeks pregnant. 4 months old. 9 months old.
There’s that cute bum again. This is around the time (9 months old) where his Mama adopted Nike’s philosphy ‘Just Do It’.
Good Morning little tyke! <3
9 month old visit to Plunket and doing awesome!
With the encouragement of a loving Dad and husband, these two below joined travel forces and flew solo to Canada. I learned how seriously social my little guy is, how patient, un-wavered and trusting he is. We saw a beautiful side of humanity with all whom offered us help at every corner of our trip. And we had a peaceful, content and AMAZING trip together. #onlyonemummymeltdown #andallbecauseIcouldntfindmyhotelkey #timeofourlives
8 days experiencing Autumn time in Canada!
He saw many mountains and made heaps of new little friends!
Not long after we got home from our trip, Dad went on his own trip. As much as we wanted to go to both friends weddings on two different continents together as a family… We are truly grateful we went at all.
Dad leaves for South Africa. And Isaac and I continue our month of togetherness! <3
I was consistently photographing and sending his Daddy new photos as often as possible. He was at a stage were everything was kicking up a notch. He was crawling in full force and his strength and agility was peaking more and more every day! And strong came to his lips while Doug was away (although said long before this) was “Dad Dad Dad Dad”. We spoke about Dad alllll the time.
So much so that I walked in after nap time and witnessed him adoring his Dad’s face with one finger. The photos I put beside his bed were obviously keeping their relationship strong. But as sooooon as I left the room to get my camera… one moment passed… and another one arrived lol. #suchdramatictears
Other relationships continue to form. Life is but the relationships we are privileged to invest in and enjoy!
Poppa has always been the swimmer in the family, every Grandchild has had a rich history of frequent swimming dates with him! I remember them warmly as a child myself!!
He explores. He falls, he learns from the past… it’s uncomfortable for a bit, and then he moves on… This little pickle (hehe) came out of realizing he could lean on the side on washing basket while watching Zootopia (the love of his life). Whooopsie! With camera always at my finger tips… golden moments are remembered and the pickle was quickly diffused.
He cracks me up…
He cracks himself up lol
We should all be so lucky to be in love with our own reflection! :) hehe
Little charmer and the peonie season…
And with dad being away, Mum got better as selfies! #gentlemomentsbetweenmumandson #hairgoalscomingtrue
I was wondering how he was sleeping and not disturbing at all through my extreme lengths to get a decent photo… *photo taken wall side*
Turns out the deep un-disturbing sleep was resulting in a high tempreture of 39.9, which is a flipping high for a wee one. This Mama’s heart and thoughts of what to do to cool down that burning forehead, were running fast and steady! … 10 months old marked the first time he got sick and I feel blessed by that fortune!
Just over 10 months old, he’s a little chatter box with plenty to say! … He’s just told me that Dad comes home today! Wohooooo!
If I’ve ever seen a bigger more adoring hug in my life from two people, it hasn’t meant nearly as much as this one did! … The force is strong with these two!! <3 #bestbuds
Friendly little helper…
Big little friends!
For the love of music!
Precious breastfeeding moments on my 30th birthday.
He inspires me to continue to find a new way and angle to photograph… He makes me comfortably uncomfortable in my shooting… I can always do better! I can always be better! Like he explores, he inspires me to explore! …
Some days are just so unfair… like being safely strapped to a car seat!
Feel free to caption this yourself! ;-) hehe
So, that’s what the hose does….
He loves his ducks, it was only appropriate the duckies did a wee feather dance for him!
11 months and 1 week old, we had pre birthday celebrations for this beautiful little guy! Christmas themed, how could we not?!! <3
Cake time baby! <3
Summer was here with temps of 30 degrees at 9am, but the sprinkler is still no bath water! hehe #alittlecoldlittlemonkey?
This photograph will forever remind me of the ongoing time of Isaac’s razor sharp teeth deeply nibbled on my slim boney shoulder. So blessed by my husbands talent!
His little face never ceases to amaze and charm me! <3
Curls started to appear… and stronger they continue to get! Oh they are so beautiful!!
Sneezing is hilarious and fun in this household! It always follows with a cheeky smile and a giggle!
Our happy little elf was well into the spirit of Christmas! I know he’ll love his birthday as he grows, such a day of love and joy, peace and giving. We try to educate the positives to those Nancy downers who think having a birthday on Christmas is the worst thing in the world! And we are soooo thrilled when we meet people who see just how amazing it is!! <3 Yay Christmas!!!
He had the job of manning the Christmas lights!
And then he peed on the deck. But he didn’t end there…. noooo, he didn’t lol.
You melt me baby, not so baby boy. You have a fire that shines bright!
Two moments so close together that describe his overall so perfectly.
Experiencing the magic of the Christmas Grotto with his conjoined number 1 fan!
The night before Christmas and all through the land… no a creature was stirring… except Isaac and Daddy! <3
His very first snow globe! <3
Happy Birthday our expressive little dude. Christmas was the exact opposite of the day you were born. Full of madness, family from around the globe and more chaos and love than you’ve ever experienced in your life. With cake on your lips and people lining up to cuddle you… Your first/second Christmas was the best birthday yet!
Dude, you missed a spot!!
A Merry Christmas from our family to yours! (Never too late to wish a Merry Christmas!! <3 )
WHAT. A. YEAR! We all grew in epic proportions this year! And it’s been AMAZING! The journey is really only just getting started! But it’s the best start to the best book I’ve ever read!!!
There ain’t no mountain you can’t climb… We look forward to every moment we so preciously have with you Isaac, baring witness to your wonder and growth. 2017 has a lot in store, let’s open the next chapter and take our time!…
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all, and especially to all those who made it to the end of this mammoth blog. You deserve a 5th cup of coffee!! ;-)
We wish you love, contentment and bravery in your 2017 choices. If there is something you want to do, GO FOR IT, only you can put your goals into motion. In the words of Nike “Just Do It”.
We wish you a year full of blessings and joy for the ride and may each challenge result in a better evolving you! We’ve all got the power and God is shining his light all the way through. Always has, always will.
Love from all of us,
Doug, Heather & Master Isaac! xoxoxoxoxoxox
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