So – how to vote? Have a look through the galleries below, tick the box with the corresponding number (or if you know the surname, that will help too) on the poll, and then click on VOTE! It’s that simple.

However, you can only vote once. To be fair the system is designed to allow 1 vote only per IP address. Be sure to spread the word far and wide to ensure the contestant you chose has the best chance of winning! Some ideas to help spread the word include post the link to my blog into your Facebook Page directing people to vote, emailing the link to your friends and family or just give them a simple call to tell them all about it. If you want to keep a closer watch on the progress of the competition please head over to my Facebook Page and *like* me to keep informed of regular updates and also future specials (just for Facebook fans).

I would like to thank all of the families who have entered into my competition. I wish each of you all the best with rallying the troops to vote for your image to win!! Good luck!!

Remember voting closes: 11:59pm on 24th of May, 2012

So here we go in an attempt to catch up…

You might recognize the beautiful girls below. I have been photographing them for the past four years. Every year around November (and yes this is November), I have the wonderful pleasure of capturing their lovely faces. They have grown into the most amazing young ladies who are poised, beautiful and well mannered (on account of their equally wonderful parents). It’s amazing to look back each year and see how much they’ve grown.

Little Jacob, created his on story the day we went along to the beach. You see, he had never been to the beach before. He loved the sand, but when he spotted the water he was off and no matter how many times we turned him away from the water, he walked right back. According to him, that’s where he wanted to spend the afternoon. And that’s where we spent a good portion of it. I feel so privileged to have been along for the ride, capturing his first real experience at the beach, in the waves. How cool to have that documented for prosperity.

Mine. Four compelling, riveting and equally beautiful souls.

They make me laugh, and cry. Sometimes at the same time. On occasions they drive me up the wall. Probably more often than not. But without them who would I be? Sometimes I can hardly believe I’m so lucky. Sometimes I can hardly believe they’re all mine.

Thank you for sharing in my journey. Especially for your lovely, uplifting words regarding my ‘Day 18′. I truly felt every bit of love. And for that, I am beyond grateful. Until next year my friends…

Nic xxx

Just five minutes earlier you lost your very first tooth. You have waited more than a month for this day.  And it is here. But it was more dramatic than you probably thought it would be. Your bleeding mouth scared you and you cried. And cried.

But you stopped when I lifted the camera and told you it would be ok – that tonight, the tooth fairy would come. You moved the bloody tissue, then you smiled the very best smile  you could, with tears still drying on your cheek. There, I could see it…your beautiful gap and guess what?! There is another tooth already peeking through.

Baby girl, you are growing so big.

Despite your attempts at lipstick and nail polish.
Or at wishing you were three years older.
You are five. And a half. I must not forget the half.
So soft and delicate. All things innocent.
Away in dream land.
No doubt singing under rainbows and dancing with the butterflies.
Never stop dreaming.
Sweet child of mine.

Daughter number one.

Is so obviously a poser.
Wonders off with the pixies. Often.
Beautiful.
Has hair I could only dream of.
Loves to give big, long kisses. On the lips.
Forgets her brother is three years older.
Screams, cries and whines like there’s no tomorrow. Still.
Wants to play the iPad constantly.
Will try and put makeup on and hope you don’t notice .
Doesn’t really like dolls or any toys. Sadly.
Shines like a warmer summer’s day.
Is 5.35 years.

You can see last year’s pic HERE.

And one more for good measure because I couldn’t not:

If I had a choice to have breakfast at my mum’s house every Sunday, there would be no stopping me. With bacon and the most amazing poached eggs, followed by pancakes with any topping you desire, I’m sure you would too. It’s not hard to guess what the kids prefer Nanna serve their way (and unfortunately it’s not eggs on toast).

Lily is my huggle bunny. There’s no denying it. She loves to randomly cuddle for no other reason than she feels like it. Like today, when she had a cuddle with ‘daddy’ while he was fixing her bike. I guess in this instance, she thought maybe it would give him powers to get the job done quicker?