The First Day of Motherhood

In celebration of Mother's Day, this is the first day we met our

daughter, then barely three months old. In so many ways, she has her

mother's eyes and outlook.

Beautiful.

Such a special moment, full of emotions and love. And such beauties both:)

The baby is amazed of the new world he's looking at!

Excellent and very splendid portrait! 7/6 Compliments, Maury

The bond between a mother and her child is a powerful component in a child?s life. Without that bond a child may experience feelings of isolation just like the background. Wonderful Picture!!

A really beautiful shot, Jeff!

Splendid capture that is both powerful and beautiful. Jeff, may I ask for your interpretation of the background? I find it intriguing that you chose such a desolate scene. Is it because this represents the past that is behind?

The shot is a composite that originated from a photo of Gabi and Deb staring out the hotel window at the Marriot in Guatemala City during a visit where we had to leave her behind because our paperwork wasn't done. The path to parenthood for us entailed failed medical treatments and a global sense of failure before we decided to adopt. In Guatemala, until your adoption is final, visiting is difficult and requires you to stay with your child trapped in the hotel for the duration and then sadly giving them back. The background is lifted from my Alcatraz shots. Gabi's adoption was horrible process in which we felt trapped by bureaucracy, greed, and incredible sadness. We'd do it again in a heartbeat because she is a miracle, as is her brother. Our first Mother's Day was actually spent in Napa, California just a few short weeks after we returned home for good with her. I tend to go on and on about parenthood and my children, but as a guy who was single and who loved his freedom and toys to transform into a contented daddy of two is like being set free.

Thanks for sharing that, Jeff. Kudos to you and your wife for persevering under such oppressing circumstances. It's sad to think that children are unwanted by many people and are treated as burden. I was born in Nicaragua and witnessed some very disheartening things while growing up. Seeing children beg for food and loose their innocence is criminal.

Very good capture and excellent manipulation full of meaning. Bravo.

Very effect work here and very amazing composition, great and so pleasant image to view

 

Wishing you all of the best my friend

Perfect mood, very good composition, best regards.

Jeff, your story is so touching. This is sort of that "fairytale ending" we all grew up hearing about.

Fantastic composition, the blue sky and light seem to be so symbolic of the wonderful bright futre your beautiful daughter has. Absolutely outstanding 7/7

A beautiful photo!

Well said donna.

Well done, great colors :)

Michaelangelo. The Pitti Madonna.

Jeff, beautiful picture. My first day of motherhood was June 18th this year in Quinta Real. Check out my Juanito folder... :)

 

Jamila

Don't know how I missed this one. The life super imposed over the lifeless building is well done.

 

Kirk

Gabi came home at six months weighing only nine pounds. She is now a tall, leggy, hyper-loquacious 4 year-old with long dark hair. This scene was contrived. While completing the adoption, we were not allowed to leave our hotel room for fear of being accused of kidnapping. We spent days on end in our room and in the hotel lobby, almost imprisoned. The background here is Alcatraz.

Contrive to your heart's content. You are an exceptional contriver!

 

Kirk

Beautiful scene, Jeff. Both expressions are unique. Excellent details and colors. Good work! Best regards!

May God continue to bless you with joy and happiness, Merry Christmas