Is it really February already?

I decided to give myself a well deserved time out over the silly season, and when I finally came up for air and opened up my Christmas post that has been sitting in my draft box since the 25th of December, it was February. Oh well, and to fully embrace my only New Years resolution about not  being so hard on myself all I can say is Que Sera, Sera

Deciding what to do with this last Christmas was an easy choice for my family. As an Australian my Christmas’s where usually spent enduring blistering heat eating cold seafood, and a lot of drinking, usually while listing to Christmas albums with songs that taunted us with what Christmas experience should be. There were never any sleigh bells ringing and there were definitely never any chestnuts roasting on an open fire Songs like Let It Snow, Baby Its Cold Outside, but none the less it didn’t feel like Christmas without those songs like Let It Snow and Baby Its Cold Outside playing in the background while we sweat over our Christmas feast. These Australians were determined to experience a white Christmas and with that in mind, we packed our bags filled with presents and thermals and headed to Quebec City for Christmas.

Waking up this morning was magical, there was a thick layer of snow covering our windows this morning as I looked out into the courtyard of the hotel in the heart of the old city. Something about the snow makes everything seem quiet. It was honestly the coldest I think I have ever been in my life and the wind-chill brought a tear to my eye, not only because your eye water in the cold weather but also because after 100m in -35 temperatures I realised that there was such a thing as being too cold, and no matter how much I wanted to explore this glorious city I had had enough and wanted to go back inside. But I persevered as wandering around the old town of Quebec City is a magical experience, I felt as if I had been transported to one of the many beautiful villages scattered throughout the Loire Valley in France.  

I must admit that I never really thought about going away at Christmas time before, but, I don’t know why I didn't do it sooner. We don’t have any family in Toronto, so there weren’t any social commitments so it was either celebrate Christmas buy ourselves in our condo in Toronto or go away. Although yes being on a holiday or planning one can be stressful especially if you are like me and feel responsible for everyone's enjoyment of the day. This was great, no grocery shopping, no cooking, no trying to find things at the last minute dash to the Eaton Centre. All I had to do was make some reservations for our holiday feasting, pack my bags and relax.

The only stressful part of our trip was a very willful three-year old that has fully embraced the word NO and refused to comply basic with air travel safety rules, like wearing a seatbelt and not screaming.  Yes, I felt many uneasy eyes on me I don’t blame these people as I am sure that I was once one of them. I guess know it was my turn.

My move to Canada has been such a wonderful experience and part of that is due to the wonderful people that I have been fortunate enough to meet. So with that in mind I would like to dedicate and occasional blog post to one of my many talented friends with amazing skills. 

 PART ONE

CHIEKO

My dear friend Chieko and her family have called Toronto, Canada home for the last three years. They have seen almost everything in Canada and embraced enjoyed a Canadian existence while they where here. A lot of wonderful things have happened in her life since arriving in Toronto, it is here that she and her husband welcomed the gorgeous baby girl Nagisa. Chieko and her family are soon leaving Canada to return to Japan. Although she has thoroughly enjoyed her Canadian life and is sad to leave her Canadian life and friends behind, she is looking forward to have family close by, especially with a toddler. 

Chieko has spent a lot of time in North America, Studying English in Hawaii. While in Hawaii she also studied the art creating Lei's. A Lei is a traditional floral wreath used in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture as a symbol of friendship and celebration. 

Chieko has talked about her process with me during our many walks along the Toronto Waterfront. She is always aware of what flowers are in season and often searches the flower markets looking for the right kind of flower. Timing is important as the flowers often will wilt when handled too much and she also takes great care in selecting the color pallet always keeping in mind who she is making the crown for and what colors would suit them.

I'm sure that anyone can tell from looking at my website http://www.motherandcub.co that I am a little obsessed with the floral crowns, so of course I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to collaborate together and document the artist herself with her beautiful crowns and the gorgeous daughter Nagisa who likes to blow me a kiss every time I see her. Farewell my beautiful friends, I will miss my kisses xo.

If you would like to see anymore of Chieko work you can see it on instagram @leimaking_toronto  

MORE INFO

This post is dedicated to all those first-time parents to be and parents preparing to welcome another child. Last year my dear friend from my Mother's group was expecting her second child. She was the first of our little group of first-time mothers to venture into new territory of parenthood and become a mother of two. I thought that she was so brave, if it were me, I would have been in a panic and a constant state of anxiety anticipating the struggles that were ahead of me, like thinking about all the sleep I would have to go without.

For me the baby fog only really lifted when my son had reached the age of one, that's when I finally felt like I had some idea of what I was doing as a parent and I began to relax into the role. While watching my friend it occurred to me that I never took the time to embrace my own pregnancy, it was just something I got through. It is only now upon reflection, that I wish that I had made the effort to enjoy this temporary phase of my life and embrace all the good with the bad. Now that I realize now how lucky I was to have this experience and if there is a next time I will make the effort to appreciate it.

I noticed that my friend from Mother's group seemed to take everything in her stride and she even made it so look easy. She even had that elusive pregnancy glow that I heard so much about, but never had myself, she was glowing and positive and although I know she was tired she was always positive. Since I have moved to Canada there have been a few more additions to our Mother's group. I do miss these ladies and their beautiful bubs, if I could have I would have loved to have documented all their journey's. However, I was lucky enough that my beautiful glowing friend allowed me capture this special time in her life before I left Australia.

Congratulations to all of you and your new additions.

Miss you

Kate xo

MORE INFO

The Mother & Cub blog is a weekly photography blog featuring some of my work and experiences of my life here in Canada.  I thought that Mothers Day would be a great opportunity to start this next exciting chapter of my life here in Canada. The series of photographs that I have chosen  to post today is showcase my own Mother’s Day festivities. I know it is corny but these are the first handmade presents that my little man has made me, I am so happy to have them it actually brought a tear to my eye.

Mother & Cub is a portrait, lifestyle and editorial photography company founded by me, Kate Kirby.  I’m a freelance photographer and I have recently relocated with my family from Australia to Toronto, Canada.  I have over 10 years of experience in photography, lately I have been spending my time photographing newborns, children, families, engagements, elopements and weddings, and having a blast while doing it.

Happy Mother’s Day

Kate xo

MORE INFO