Personal Archives - Gauteng Birth Doula & Photographer

Jan 08

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 2 comments tags: creationography, Creationography moves to Gauteng, Creationography moves to Johannesburg, Johannesburg Photographer, Moving from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Moving towns

Cape Town to Johannesburg | Moving

It was maybe four months ago when my husband messaged me asking me if I would go back to Joburg, if the opportunity arised.

May 07

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 0 comments

For Eva | 1st Birthday

9 April 2013 14:35, tomorrow, marks the twelfth month since we held you in our arms for the very first time. We named you Eva Elizabeth – mostly because both your Father and I like the name but for me it meant a little more. ‘Eva’ holds the meaning ‘Giver of Life’. In the past year, you have given me life. You have taught me what it means to be alive. Life is no longer about how good I am or how good I could be. It is about you and our lives with you. I want nothing more for you, than for you to be happy! That’s it. I will climb the highest mountain, catch a falling star or merely sing and dance just to see you smile! There is one thing in your life right now that makes you the happiest. That is your Daddy. You wait up for him at night, even if it is as late as 10pm! You and him – you have something so very special. I am convinced you bonded on your Birth Day. He held you so very tight. He has never let you go. I hope your love for one another […]

Mar 01

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 3 comments

It’s time

1 March 2013 My darling Eva, I tried to remember, today, when you first smiled. Sadly, I have forgotten already. It’s time. It’s time for me to document, you! It is almost time to celebrate your first birthday – wow, I cannot believe it! We are 10 and a half months in already! And it has been simply AMAZING! As you know, it took me a while to connect with you in the beginning. But, fear not little one, the hook has since sunk in deep! I may not remember when you first smiled, but I do remember that when you did, I would curse “don’t smile at me, dammit, I’m cross!”. I would then utterly melt when your tiny head flopped onto my hand, in a deep sleep, whist winding you. You will see one day, what it does to your heart when you watch your precious newborn calmly fall into dreams. You first sat up, albeit wobbly, at five months of age. I was so incredibly proud of you. I felt the weight lift off of me (no pun intended). It sounds funny, but I could finally go shopping and put you in the trolley seat instead of […]

Sep 09

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Family, Personal 0 comments tags: Cape Town Family Photographer, Christmas, Family Photographer, Family photographs, Family Photoshoot

Christmas in September! | Families | Cape Town Photographer

Yes, I am a little slow… I was clicking through my pics the other day and saw these, and thought to myself, gee, we had a really great Christmas and it deserved some attention! It was our first, after having moved to the Cape, and I was determined not to spend it alone! So in Joburg, we were. It was baby’s first christmas too… in mommy’s tummy! 😉 Lovely little family… These two are quite something together… as you can just imagine! Hmm…. ????!!! An Oh so lovely Xmas lunch by Sam, my sister-in-law… YUM it was! and I did find the home-made mince pies!! Hmm what did father christmas bring me this time?! 😉 Mmm… Scrumptious!!

Sep 05

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 2 comments

Dear Eva

Dear Eva My heart has never felt bigger. Whilst I was pregnant with you I never really connected. I was so afraid. I feared your impending birth to the depths of me. I feared life with a new baby and I was uncertain as to how I would react to you. Babies were a very unnerving and unknown territory, for me. Sure enough, the scans showed us, and we got more and more excited as the months went on. But a small part of me does feel that I denied you. The day you were born, I admit, I was totally numbed. I don’t think you cried; I don’t remember. I was relieved. My fear totally dissipated and that was all that mattered at the time. As I lay alone in the bath afterwards, your Daddy took you. You connected. In a way that is totally different, but totally wonderful. He has not been the same since. You changed him. He will climb Everest for you Although our initial meeting is, at this point, very vague; it is, now, five months later that really matters. How we have grown. Together. I cannot, and never want to, imagine my life without you. […]

Aug 31

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 0 comments tags: Baby, baby love, Baby photography, Cape Town Photographer, eyelashes, Pitta patta, raindrops

Pitta Patta | Baby Love | Baby Photographer

Oh boy… yet another one! I am totally addicted im afraid! There’s no helping me. It was raining out today and so the raindrops entertained us! Oh those lashes… Oh how i absolutely adore this pic… the wonderment! 🙂 So innocent and beautiful.

Aug 30

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 0 comments tags: Babies, Baby, Baby photography, Bath time, Cape Town Photographer, Children Photography, Natalie Ann Gornall, Somerset West Photographer

After bath fun | Baby Love | Baby Photographer

So when its warm out, my tummy is full, and my bum is in the air… im happy. Just plain happy! 😉 The life of a baba! Mwah Man those toes are edible… And those thighs!! hehe Mom, enough now… ENOUGH!! ;p love it Bum bum bum and a cutie baba smile to end off!

Aug 25

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 1 comments

A Precious Poppet | Baby Love | Baby Photographer

Here is some CUTE-NESS for you all today!! Missy dearest modelling a little hat and headband that mommy made! 😉 A very precious poppet! Man i could just eat this up… ;p MWAH!

Jul 11

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 0 comments

A Mom’s Craziness | Precious Ones

I admit. I am besotted. I am infatuated. I am just plain crazy about her! As each day passes, mothering gets easier. It is True, she grows cuter and cuter! The bond is amazing. It may not happen immediately but it sure does happen and it get stronger and stronger. They say the cord is never really cut – every minute I am away from her, I can feel the tugging. I just do NOT get tired of taking photographs of her! There is the craziness. She is changing so fast its unbelievable and before I blink she will be walking and talking!! Talking for real that is. I shall enjoy this time; I can place her as I wish and take as many photos as I like, because soon she will have me running after her in the garden, attempting to take some photos! No doubt she is going to cringe at the mere sight of these baby pics! She is simply gorgeous!! To me. And so the glaring, at the sight of a camera, begins… 😉

Jul 05

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 0 comments

Eva | Precious Ones

My very precious Eva Thank you for choosing me as your Mommy!

Jul 03

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Baby, Personal 2 comments

What I love and have learnt | Birth and Baby

It’s been 12 weeks. 12 weeks since I gave birth to my daughter, Eva Elizabeth. It feels like yesterday. As you lie asleep in your cot, I stare in amazement. I am so incredibly proud of you. Words just cannot even begin to describe. I read my Birth Story over and over – If I had to have only written it now, it would be a totally different story. Less pain and an unbelievably overwhelming TRIUMPH!! I created and gave Birth to YOU!! I get a lump in my throat. It is just beyond me what I have conquered and overcome personally… what is there to fear now?! What a gift I was given being able to give Birth to you naturally. I needed too; for you and me. You are growing beautifully. You are wonderful. You are ever so precious. You are hard work. But you are worth it. What I love about you… The way you nuzzle your face into my neck when you are tired Your, head backward-bum out-legs curled, stretch you do when I pick you up from your nap The way you talk to me – it melts my heart Your delightful smile when you […]

Apr 24

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Birth, Personal 7 comments tags: Gauteng Birth Photographer, Johannesburg Birth Photographer

The Birth of Eva | Personal

The Birth of Baby Eva Elizabeth 10 April 2012 The 2nd of April came and went – our due date. As each day passed (although I knew it to be fairly common to go overdue) the anxiety and suspense escalated still. Now there was a definite unknown… when? Our Doctor, Dr D. Schneider had spoken to us about his plans to go away for two weeks (of which was right over my due date) and the possibility of an induction on the 10th when he returned. That would be eight days overdue. I was never concerned; I never believed I would go overdue, not for a second. Time when by. The start of my birth plan already changed… The realisation of an induction loomed. I was scared out of my mind – I knew, with an induction, that labour could be a lot more intense and there was a real possibility of failure and a resulting caesarean section. Dr had assured me that they would not induce if things were not favourable – yet I still feared it! Deep down, I feared labour actually, to the absolute deepest part of me. I felt that if it happened on its own […]

Mar 12

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Maternity, Personal 0 comments tags: 'the apple of my eye', 37 weeks pregnant, apple orchards, Baby Bump, Cape Town Photographer, creationography, maternity shoot, Pregnancy

The apple of our eye | Pregnancy | home stretch

the apple of our eye 37 weeks; 10 March 2012 Iv’e always wanted to do a maternity shoot, for myself… so between Hubby and me we decided to do a D.I.Y maternity shoot! It’s really not the easiest thing out there, considering I am over obsessive over my photo’s and well, hubby is just not… Off we went on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on a drive out past Grabouw in search of some wheat fields, as this is where I wanted the photos taken. Yet only to find very brown, very short, measly fields of wheat… wrong time of year clearly. Just off the N2, we found a very scenic little road heading towards ‘the valley’. Here, we found some gorgeous lush apple orchards… and with luck on our side, a gap in the fence! How beautiful, lush and green… the perfect setting. And how very appropriate! Now I must say, I am not crazy about being in front of the Camera… but to hell with it, I figured, I want some memories of this precious time in our lives. Hubby did a STERLING job me thinks!! Although, very hesitant to begin with, with some slight guidance (he don’t really […]

Feb 29

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 0 comments tags: birth, doula, Pregnancy, support

Pregnancy | 35 weeks | the race

the race 35 weeks; 29 February 2012 Its the Maritzburg to Durban race. We’re training for. Hell, if only I knew. 89 Kilometres! Four weeks or so to go. My body is ready and I TRUST it. My mind, in its final stages of training. Our loved ones cheering us on… what more could we need. So, the bags are being packed; enerjellies, salticrax, fluids, fluids, fluids. LOVE, Chocolate and S.U.P.P.O.R.T! I got my training partner at my side, 24/7. My true pillar of strength. I am empowered. It’s a long hard race. It’s our first time. It’s unknown territory. Our Doula, Robyn, she has got our back. She knows the route. She knows the ups and downs. She also knows the prize. So as a team, we begin. And will finish, together!

Feb 10

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 4 comments tags: 32 weeks pregnant, Cape Town Photographer, Children Photography, creationography, Natalie Ann Gornall, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Photography, Somerset West Photographer

Pregnancy | 32 weeks | the birth

the birth 23 weeks; 6 December 2011 Every mom-to-be sets out on a mission to have a natural birth, as if there are other options!! 😉 I have to tell you, things happen for a reason. At my temp job I was privileged to meet a wonderful Women by the name of Avis; a Sister, a Midwife, a Doula. Those who know me well know that when the day came I was sure as hell NOT pushing it out! It scares the living daylights out of me! Honest to God. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think about it and fear it! Avis, passionate beyond words about women, birthing and babies! If it were not for meeting her, I would still be hell-bent! For sure! She has the most incredible passion and love for her work. And it can only be this passion that swayed my thinking. Me, yes, me. Terribly stubborn, me. I am so sad she will not be here for the birth of our little one, yet, she has made her mark; she made me realise what is best for Mom and Baby and that natural birth is just that, natural. Yes, […]

Jan 01

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Family, Personal 0 comments

Fun in the park | Christmas 2011 Johannesburg | Cape Town Photographer

A very memorable Christmas Day spent with the Joburg Family! ;D

Dec 16

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 0 comments

Pregnancy | Week 23

on being a mom 23 weeks; 6 December 2011 … one of the scariest things in the world to me. Honestly, I have never pictured myself being a Mom. Most girls grow up having dreamt about their wedding day, walking down the isle, their dress, their future husband, their family, their first pregnancy, the arrival of their first born. I never dreamt this… Never thought I would be married, let alone be pregnant. Seems so strange! I am now pregnant, not because I ached for it but because I knew that I could not live my life not knowing my own children… I was never crazy about the idea, very selfish of me I admit; all I knew was that kids cost money and were loads of effort. I don’t know the joys… I have not been there. Yet, I knew deep in my heart I couldn’t live without trying to have children, or raising them. It just feels right, right now. I WANT to experience YOU and be joyous with you! You are here now. What a blessing. I always marvelled at the art of creation. Pregnant women always amazed me. How is it possible for two people to create […]

Dec 09

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 4 comments

the pregnancy | 24 weeks

what you are like 24 weeks; 9 December 2011 I await your movements every day, it’s my surety. I poke you and nudge you but you will only move when you want to; I think you are stubborn like me. Now I start wondering, as the day draws near and the realisation that you are in fact REAL, what you look like. Do you have my thin, soft, strawberry hair. Is it my slightly piggy nose you have. Will you be pale and fair and be blessed by the kisses of angles. Or praise the heavens in the warm sunshine. Is it daddy’s lips you have. Mommy’s finger and toes. Are your eyes dark and dreamy like mine or light and bright like daddy’s. Are you neither. We can see you, for sure; we can see every bone in your body. Though, we cannot see your colour, your shape, your nature. We see your heart beating, strong. We see your limbs moving, your mouth moving, your eyes. Yet we cannot see who you really are. What will upset you and make you cry, what will make you laugh out loud ‘til we’re wondering why. Will you rejoice at daybreak, play, […]

Dec 08

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 0 comments

the pregnancy | 23 weeks

23 weeks; 6 December 2011 23 weeks and going strong… the baby of course! Growing, growing, growing! My tummy has now done the ‘pop’ to my utter disgust. Yes, I know there is a gorgeous sweet baby growing in there but common now, I just look F.A.T not pregnant! Urg. They say in your second trimester you are to feel fabulous, like normal, just with a growing tummy! Really?! Pfft… I have NEVER in my life felt so many pains! Totally, being kept awake at night by an aching back, headaches, sharp shooting pains, spasms… and it’s not my beds fault!! Hmm… say goodbye to a good night’s sleep for GOOD! Let’s not fail to mention the gas pains here, again!! On a brighter side, at around 19 weeks I started to feel some tiny movements…yes YOUR little movements, on my bladder of course!! Kind of like an urgent need to wee and then it would disappear – a pretty cool trampoline don’t you think! Mommy was always deprived as a child! There was no doubt in my mind that it was you, little Munchkin, playing around! Then, at around 20 weeks I told daddy to put his hand and […]

Dec 07

by Natalie Ann Gornall in Personal 0 comments

the pregnancy | 17 weeks

the pregnancy 17 weeks; 24 October 2011 So after moving to Cape Town from Johannesburg in April 2011 I started on a Photography journey, my new passion, as well as taking on a temporary work position AND then, as some of you know I have fallen pregnant for the first time! Shoh! What an exciting and terrifying time! Bring on the pregnancy blogging… ;p This is my first time, and I want to document it. The ups and downs, the tears and joys! Soo… In the beginning, I had a feeling – I kind of knew it happened. Although, I didn’t have too many preggy symptoms, a gal just knows! 17 weeks now and going strong, kinda… thank god no crazy nauseous-ness and stuffs, otherwise, I might have just stabbed myself! I am no woesy ok, but shizer’s, things just change (your body) so fast. Your tummy cramps, you have gas and gas pains (urg) like there is not tomorrow, you are nauseated (sometimes A LOT), morning sickness is NOT ‘morning’ sickness!, foods you loved look and taste like blobs of green gunge, your body aches, you develop pains in your ass, back, hips, torso and arm-pits! Oh wait, and […]

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