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What You Don't See Here
'It's the closest I have to a photo of my four kids': Paula shares the emotional story behind this snap
‘We went through the devastation of losing a baby at 38 weeks.’
EACH WEEK, A different Irish parent chats us through a family photo from Instagram and explains what was really going on outside the frame – from tantrums to toilet disasters.
Fancy taking part? Email amy@thejournal.ie with a few lines about yourself and your kids for a chance to feature.
This week, Paula Doyle (@dodima99) chatted us through a special family photo.
Tell us a bit about this photo. What inspired you to take it?
After Ciara was born, I wanted to get a photo of us all to capture the moment. Ciara was a true miracle baby after being told we would probably never have children again. After the devastation of losing a baby, Tadhg, at 38 weeks gestation, I knew I needed to have another baby. I could not end my pregnancy journey on such a bad experience.
This is the closest I’ll ever get to a family photo with all four of my children. The bear is a Molly Bear, which is the same weight Tadhg was when he was born. It represents him in our life.
What’s one thing that’s going on in this photo that you wouldn’t know from looking at it?
The day in question was emotional, but also so funny. I had bought matching outfits but my eldest wanted to dress herself. Normally I’d have no problem with self expression, but for family photos I really wanted us all looking nice. A huge tantrum and tears was eventually eased with a compromise and her pink party dress.
Did it take many attempts to get the right shot?
During the shoot itself the photographer, Joe, had his work cut out. Roisin is very enthusiastic with her smiles – think a cross between happy and psychotic killer (Jack Nicholson’s ‘here’s Johnny’ comes to mind). Joe took it in his stride, but he had mammy and daddy in stitches trying to get Roisin to tone down her smiles.
Overall, the day was very special and I’m delighted to be able to have a picture with all of my kids represented.
Do you have a family photo from Instagram with a great behind-the-scenes story? The day at the beach when the little one ingested a mouthful of sand – or the smiley photo taken just minutes after a tantrum? If so, we want to hear from you! Email amy@thejournal.ie with a few lines about yourself and your kids for a chance to feature in What You Don’t See Here.
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