The simple things

It actually takes surprisingly little to make me happy.

Cuddles with my babies

The gorgeous T

Bubbles - of one kind...

... and another

Babies baking

PJs - with built in leg-warmers (I know!!)

Watching my boys learn, grow and interact with each other

A clean house. Gleaming floors!! (my trick is BOILING water, a dash of eucalyptus oil and teeny tiny squirt of dish liquid, and one of those microfibre-type-flat-velcro mops squeezed almost dry)

Candle light

Thrifted beauty

A kitchen with everything in its place.

And a pretty table set for delicious food, family and good friends

12/52

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Hame, waiting ever so patiently for his friend Luca's birthday cake to be cut (and eaten).

Roc, in the playground, looking forlorn because "I don't want any more photos mama!" 

And an extra one. Because the conversation they were having was so delightful. They were helping each other with finger-maths. It was gorgeous.

I can't believe it's week 12 of 2013 already, can you?

As ever, playing along with Jodi from che and fidel and her amazing 52 project.

Three and a half

My darling Hamish,

You have grown up so much, it seems, lately. You are walking differently. And talking like a grown up (still with the most adorable of lisps).

You have started standing your ground and challenging boundaries. You're still a soft and gentle soul, but you've found your voice. I'm happy that you're learning to stand up for yourself. It's so important. We just need to work on the delivery a little.

You have a beautiful capacity for creativity, and I love listening to your darling voice sing-songing stories that you have plucked from the depths of your imagination.

You can draw! You draw the most remarkable, quirky little people. I want to hang them up all over the house.

You have been poked, and prodded, pulled and paraded around doctors, physios and specialists this year, and your smile has never once wavered. You always see the good in people, and they in you.

You have a special sparkle in your eye that everyone you meet can see. You have a beautiful spirit and it shines straight out of your beautiful face and lights up everyone around you.

You still won't eat much meat.

We love you, darling baby boy of my heart.

All the love in the universe,

Your Mama

Ah, my Roc

You race towards me, full steam ahead, and throw your arms around my legs: "I just love you mum".

Laughter erupts from your elfin face as frequently as tears and tantrums.

You are ferociously independent, and remarkably capable. You are able to competely dress yourself, make your bed, set the table, and today you served up your own weet-bix.

But despite all this indepedence, you're still not entirely comfortable being alone, or playing independently. You NEED your peeps around you.

You are thriving at kindy, and I think you're just a little bit bossy. Apparently you are a stickler for the rules, try your very very hardest to do everything just.so and glow and grow with every little piece of praise that comes your way. In that way you are just like me. I was exactly like that as a child, and actually, I still am I think.

You talk. My goodness you TALK. You never stop, except when you're asleep, of course. Daddy would say you get that from me, too.

Physically, you're a little version of your daddy. Long and lean. Platinum blonde.

You've shot up recently. I can't believe how tall you are! Up, but not out. Your tiny little body is lithe, lean and looks like it's carved of marble.

And we love you. So so much. Did you know you sing like an angel?

All the love in the universe,

Your mama

11/52

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2013"

The boys were enamoured by their new playhouse - eyes shining with excitement from the moment they saw it.

Roc, exploring all the hidey-holes and windows in his new playhouse.

Peek-a-boo Hamish

10/52

A portrait of my babies once a week, every week, in 2013.

Roc. The aftermath of his first ever chocolate dipped strawberry. 

Hame. He adored the feeling of the dried cornflour slime on his hands. Lovely and soft, apparently.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 project.

Days like these

It has been raining for weeks. Months even. The amount of water is absurd. Keeping two three year olds happy and content one rainy day after another can be challenging.

We've filled our days with some messy fun.

Goop. Gak. Slime. Whatever you want to call it! They LOVE it.

Baking. I love getting the boys into the kitchen. For lots of reasons. I want them to understand about where their food comes from. I want to teach them to feed themselves. I want them to learn that the love poured into food is one of the most precious parts of life. And, it keeps them busy.

We've been hanging out at our local library, which has a fab kids' section. 

We've been hanging out in the playroom too, now that we have carpet again. It's like a whole new adventure for them; Hame particularly. He's always in there, making up stories, singing, and making a pretty huge mess. 

And colouring. There's been lots and lots of masterpieces produced.

9/52

I was very spoiled this weekend and was given a new camera for my birthday. I'm looking forward to getting to grips with it.
My boys are so divine at the moment. 3.5 is a beautiful age. They are filled with wonder, delight, love and enthusiasm.

Roc. Still obsessed with his Iron Man costume. He wears it every single day, from the minute he wakes up until it's PJ time. No matter the activity.

Golden-haired boy.

Playing along with Jodi's 52 week project.