I have tried to go for a soft look - do you think it works? Suggestions welcome.

[Johndav]

I mostly prefer the first shot showing the connection of mother and son; there is also nice light showing in their eyes too. I would have preferred both subjects to be fully in focus but I can tell from the info that you were short of the light needed for smaller aperture. Where I have subjects in and out of focus I have generally gone with the subject nearer the camera being the one in focus