Charlene and Jason invited me into their home to share a special time in their lives. Charlene and Jason were starting a family.

I walked along a busy street in the Hills District, Sydney. Found myself walking through a cute villa complex where Charlene introduced herself and proudly walked me through her humble abode. An interior architect, Charlene’s home displayed simple and elegant minimalist aesthetics. Cleanly arranged wall art, and a simple colour pallet. A vogue magazine proudly displayed, featuring some of her latest work.

Jason was scrolling through Spotify - turned on some smooth jazz tunes that seemed to set the right tone for the day. Empty beds lay in the corner suggesting the missing absence of their beloved fur babies.

Charlene and her gloriously round and plump belly potted around the home. Applied make up at the mirror. Tended to some snacks in the kitchen. Her diet consisted of clean produce - she explained her healthy routine to me with the emphasis of no sugar, just as her figure suggests.

She stops when she gets a chance and soothes her back and womb. Carrying a breech baby takes its toll. Jason tends to her, adjusting her belly, trying hard to manipulate the tiny human inside her. His son is stubborn and refuses to shift. He continues to comfort her, laying her on the bed to relax while he massages her with oil.

They casually chat about preparations for his arrival, what he may be like and who he will become. Reading comedic children’s books about farts leaving a light lingering mood in the room. Alluring to the idea that these two humans enjoy being carefree and a laugh.

Jason lets the dogs inside and I am introduced to their fur babies - Leti and Harvey. Both rescue dogs. Charlene chats to me about Harvey’s behaviour problems stemming from anxiety and the training they are committed to in hopes of overcoming the problem. The walk through some of Sydney’s most beautiful bushland is peaceful. The sun begins to defend while the chatter in the trees tighten from numerous fruit bat families. At the end of the walk Jason entertains the pups with some water play while Charlene unwinds. Seeing her float in the water eludes a magical and natural scene - Mother and water a pair that is an ancestral drive instilled in our instincts.

On the 8th of April I am notified of Anson’s arrival. Anticipated to see the bundle of joy myself. I meet the newly parents at the SAN hospital. Charlene confidently navigates handling her newborn while breastfeeding surrounded by helpful aids such as a pillow and nipple shields. Adjusting from breech baby and pelvic pain to engorged milk filled breasts and cracked nipples, Jason a committed team player, helps massage the inflamed breast tissue and supports his wife.

We head home together, excited to see the dogs reactions to new baby Anson. Leti and Harvey sheepishly approach with caution. Asking permission to sniff their new arrival.

Witnessing Anson’s first bath, Jason navigates as quickly through as possible while Anson’s cries elevate and Charlene is overwhelmed with inflammation and pain from her cesarean incision. Jason’s mother has arrived and is urged to quickly get her pain relief which they forgot to purchase on the way home.

Many months later I am called back for a visit…

Little Baby Anson is approaching 12 months old. He is crawling and cruising around furniture. He loves to point everywhere.

Charlene loves exploring and spotting unique architecture or historical buildings. We walk around an old armoury. A favourite spot.

Charlene and Jason change Anson’s nappy in the most unusual spots. Reliving tales of their recent trip to Europe and how having a 3 month old made interesting pit stops.

We enjoy the afternoon sun and spot a hill with a tree. We sit, amused with Anson’s inquisitive nature.

Back home, Jason prepares to wind down Anson from his day out exploring. He is stripped down and given a bath. To which he loves so much he cries hysterically when its time to get out.

Late in the evening, just as I say my goodbyes Anson decides to take his first steps! We all cheer him on as the delight of his achievements electrifies right through him.