Part 3: Bump is now a baby!

 

Apologies for the long wait for Part 3 - I had a wee small matter to attend to - the arrival of our baby boy, Daniel Jnr, who in what seems like the blink of an eye, is already nearing 12 weeks old!!

Prenatally, I knew I'd need a decent sabbatical (I had 3 months in mind) to even just begin to get myself acquainted with this whole motherhood thing. The blog, my creative activities, and pretty much everything else would just have to wait a bit, because wow, family life with a newborn really is a whole new world unto itself! As my good friend Emma keenly observed, having a baby often entails drawing a cocoon around yourselves for the first little while, and domestically bunkering down to learn the business (busy-ness) of mothering.

And it's true. One minute I was happily going about my usual daily activities, all-be-it carrying around a rather large bump in front, and the next I find myself in this new 'bubble' of existence as mother & child. It's pretty darn special, although also shockingly time-intensive. I'm still yet to find those mythical pockets of time when baby's asleep and I can work on my usual Shelbyville projects, even in a piecemeal fashion, but I live in hope.

I must admit, this has probably been the most difficult Shelbyville post I've yet written, and not only because I have my hands permanently full with baby (literally), but because it's of such an intensely personal nature. How would I write it? What would I say? What not to say? In the end, I thought I'd just keep it short and sweet and not belabour the happy news. And now that you all know I've just become a mummy, let me assure you that it's the same ol' me - Shelbyville will not be on the bandwagon following the trend towards "mummy blogging"...!!  

And, as immensely proud of my little boy as I am, I'm conscious of the fact that photos of babies hold limited appeal beyond the immediate circle of family and close friends, so please allow me to introduce our Little D with just a handful of our favourite pics:

 
Just a few hours old, and tiny in daddy's hands

 
All dressed up in his robot outfit, and ready to go home from the hospital

 
Homecoming; our little burrito

 
Awwwwwww, too cute

 
Endlessly entertaining...

 
Little D's favourite position: Tree Leopard on daddy's arm

 
Practicing his 'Blue Steel' look (mummy's favourite photo)

 
Happy, smiley, can't-stay-still boy

 
Meeting some of the cousins

 
Daddy's favourite photo

 
Hanging out with Nanny

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I often wonder how becoming a mum will affect Shelbyville, and subsequently, my creativity in general. Obviously, lack of time is the most impactful factor at the moment, closely followed by lack of sleep/energy/momentum. My hours in the studio are drastically reduced at present! But I ask myself, will motherhood eventually (or ever) be able to co-exist with my creative life, or are they mutually exclusive? I've asked a lot of artistic mums the same question, and I've read some very good books on the subject, including Rachel Power's 'The Divided Heart: art & motherhood', and to a lesser extent, 'Finding Your Inner Mama: women reflect on the challenges and rewards of motherhood' (edited by Eden Steinberg).

 

The overwhelming verdict is that being a mum and a creative is possible, it's just incredibly difficult, and yes, they do tend to be mutually exclusive, even for a work-from-home mum like I always intended to be. So it's probably going to be a rough journey, and surely a steep learning curve, but I'm up for the challenge. Shelbyville continues!

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I've even started considering the idea of initiating a MeetUp group for Brisbane Creative Mums (if you haven't heard of the MeetUp website/app, I highly recommend a visit. It's a terrific concept and a great way to meet like-minded people in 'real life', in your local area, and based on every possible niche of interest). I was thinking a monthly meetup at members' houses, where we each take turns teaching the group a new creative activity - a bit of a social get-together, some tea and nibblies, and a chance to learn or practice an arty skill together. If this sounds like something you'd be into, drop me an email at:

 

Even if you're not a mum. Or creative. Or in Brisbane. I'm flexible ;)

 

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So, to conclude this post, allow me to share with you some exceptionally special photos taken by my exceptionally talented friend, Ashley, from One Blue Wren. I am constantly in awe of the beauty this lady captures through the lenses of her vast collection of vintage (and not-so-vintage) cameras. Thanks Ash for these amazing photos, taken one warm summer afternoon when I was 38 weeks pregnant. Special memories indeed!

 

 

 

 

 
Vintage Hasselblad magic!

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Ok, must go and get some sort of sleep tonight...
'Til next time,

Michelle
xx 

Comments

[jo jo]

yay for baby photos :)

[Alisa]

Yay for Part Three! I guess that means that at least some of you has emerged from the cocoon. : )
Wow Michelle!! Such gorgeous images perfectly capturing such a special time. And what a little cutie… awww pint-size Dan. : )
Huge hugs xx Alisa

[katiecrackernuts]

They're lovely pics and your blogging meet-up sounds like just the thing to get you back in the game.

[Pauline]

It was great to see you again at the BrisStyle market! Wow! I just popped across to check out your blog, and have to say what a very special post I found! : ) Your baby photos look amazing!
It's good to hear you are up for the challenge of continuing with your crafty endeavours! It would be so sad to give that up plus your son will remember all the amazing things you create - I have such special childhood memories of things my mum made while I was tiny and made WITH me as I grew up... I think the craftiness seeps through the conciousness that way!
All the best with your little bundle of joy - I love that you called him a Burrito! He will be spicing up your life for sure - : )

[Susan Bonaci]

What a gorgeous post Michelle with so many special pics you've shared. Creativity and motherhood is a challenge. I think most things and motherhood are a challenge! But if it's something that's in your heart, you'll discover those pockets of time. They may be when you're a little more tired than usual; at odd hours when the rest of the world sleeps...but it'll be worth it. And if Little D's coming home from hospital outfit and gallery visits are any indication, your creativity will permeate his life. Enjoy the roller coaster :)

[Kylie Jensen]

Beautiful post thanks for sharing. Just wondering if you got a group happening for the creative mammas?