I like this shot. I like the processing too, expect that I think that highlights have gone a bit too far on the right.
By right I actually meant left! :) There is something about the shot that I like very much. I don't agree that every single shot of a mother with child should be soft or display excellence in sharpness. After all it's not about proving how good a camera or lens is.
Just not sharp enough to score. Also, I think the strong contrast works against this type of 'soft' subject. Moms and babies are often shot using very soft focus and sometimes soft filters.