bit of a life update

a blog? in 2025?

It’s that time in my life again when the urge to write creeps back, seemingly out of nowhere. Maybe it’s because Ellie’s been sleeping a bit more lately (she’s seven months old now, how did that happen?), or because I’ve got another five glorious weeks off work (Depop, you legend). Or maybe Mercury's just stirring things up again. Who knows?

Whatever the reason, I figured I’d spend this extra time a little more intentionally – putting some energy into writing again, and maybe turning it into a small web journal of sorts (ahem, a blog). I also wanted it to double as a space to be more deliberate with my photography practice.

So why a blog, and not just, I don’t know, Instagram or something?

Fair point. I could just post some photos on Instagram or Facebook, add a terribly lengthy caption, and call it a day. But the truth is, social media kind of sucks these days. I get way too distracted, the algorithm’s too powerful; I often end up scrolling endlessly. It can be inspiring at times, sure, but more often than not, I just walk away feeling… droopy.

So instead, this. A quiet, standalone blog, free from the noise and the likes and the scrolling. Just me, my thoughts, and maybe a few photos that make me happy.

so, I'm a dad now

“What?” I hear you say. Or perhaps, “Come on, you’ve always been a dad.”

Fair. My humour and fashion sense have definitely given off dad vibes since 1992. But still, let me have my moment.

Our daughter, Eleanora (Ellie), was born on the 28th of February, 2025, at Kingston Hospital – happy, healthy, and small enough to fit neatly in the crook of my arm, just under 3kg. It was a fascinating experience – though it probably didn’t feel that way at the time. Still, everything went smoothly. We had a playlist of our favourite songs playing, and we were home the next day, completely changed forever.

Chai was mad at us, of course, for leaving him at home for two whole days. Unacceptable.

The weeks and months that followed were... well, a lot. Equal parts joy, exhaustion, and paracetamol. I’ll write about it another day, but let’s just say there were plenty of 3 AM moments, bathed in red light, half-asleep, wondering if we’ll ever know rest again.

But now, seven months in, things are starting to feel genuinely good. Parenthood’s actually become... kind of fun? Who woulda thunk.

I’ll admit – while I’ve always felt responsible for Ellie (and very fond of her, of course), it’s only recently that I can honestly say I love her. It’s been a slow burn. Maybe it’s because we’re finally sleeping better, or that she’s getting more interactive, or maybe it’s just me easing into this new version of myself. Even then, it’s not quite that all-consuming, movie-style love people often describe.

Kel and I sometimes wonder if it’s because we’ve already felt those feelings before – with each other, with Chai, in those quiet moments surrounded by natural beauty. Whatever it is, I’m glad to be in this headspace now, and excited to see what comes next (more sleep, ideally).

Honestly guys, sleep is so underrated and I will never again judge anyone for wanting to stay in and sleep their whole Sunday away.

Anyway, that’s probably enough sharing for my first post back. If nothing else, this little corner of the internet will be my space to slow down – to write when the mood strikes, to share photos that make me smile, and to remind myself that not everything needs to live in the chaos of the Algorithm.

I don’t know how often I’ll post, or what shape this blog will take. Probably a mix of dad musings, photography, food, and whatever else feels right at the time.

For now, I’m just glad to be writing again. And sleeping (mostly). And figuring out this new rhythm of life; one nap, one photo, one thought at a time.

Until next time – hopefully after a full night’s sleep.