4/52

First introduction to Barbie, and she wasn't about to give her up any time soon.

friendship

I count myself very lucky for the amazing women in my life I have the honor of calling my friends.  They are the kind of friends I can always count on - who know me through and through.  The kind of friends that don't hold a grudge if it's been weeks since we last spoke, that I am always excited to see no matter how recent or long since the last meeting.

We've shared years of friendship this sacred circle - travelled together, lived together, counselled each other through all life's sticky situations, and now even raising children, growing families along side one another.

It's a true blessing to have that kind of connection with one person (let alone the 4 I have!)... a true gift I will never take for granted.

And so watching Matilda start to form undeniable friendships of late with a few special little people of her own, fills me with so much joy and comfort.

Witnessing connections grow and blossom, the excited recognition when these tiny friends see each other approach.

Nothing sweeter than the spontaneous displays of affection they share - a bashful kiss on the cheek, or a clumsy cuddle mid-play.

In just a couple of weeks we are skipping over toTassie with some dear friends for a week, two families with little ones similar age to Tilly - pals since birth, friends for life no doubt.

It will be our first real trip with Madam, and I can't wait to witness her excitement as she tackles the adventure with her friends - so much fun will be had, all the more sweeter when shared.

3/52

Her first crack at painting - she got right in to it... literally!

2/52

One, lonely little curl...I'm secretly hoping it will have some friends soon.

 

day trippin'

It's amazing what just a few hours away from home, a refreshing change of scenery, can do for the soul.

On Monday we bundled up our beach kits and piled in to the car for a cheeky day trip to The Bay - Tilly's Grandparents joining us to witness her first glimpse of the sea and salty air.

It was wonderful.

Just like her Mama, it seems Matilda is a land dweller - absolutely enraptured by the warm, shifting sand, not such a fan of the chilly shallows lapping at her feet.

The gentle, rolling waves had her mystified from the get go, however she much preferred watching them from a safe, dry distance.

Seagulls were chased, sand castles were demolished and tiny sea treasures were collected - a complete wonderland for a curious toddler. 

She completely wore herself out after only a short couple of hours, so while she slept, we adults enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking a pretty cove - enjoying the balmy weather and delicious ocean breeze.

It was the perfect day shared as a family, each of us taking home happy memories of another first, a healthy lick of sun, and some sand...a lot of sand.

resolutions

This is the first year I have pondered and penned resolutions for the New Year. I guess because I am more aware now of those daily rituals or neccessities you tend to neglect once becoming a parent?

I am determined to honor these intentions, so am starting out small - no point setting myself up for failure by being overly ambitious...

Personal Resolutions:

• To drink 2 litres (8 glasses) of water a day.  Unlike most, my body is made up of 90% tea.  I have met my daily quota this past 3 days (barely), and aside from the fact my bladder hasn't yet adjusted, I can honestly say I do feel better already...

• Start reading again - actual books that is!  When I welcomed Matilda in to my life, it seems I simultaneously bid farewell to my short term memory - no sooner had I read a page did the words evaporate in to thin air, and I'd have to start all over again.  I figure my mind just needs to be retrained - so will aim for 1 book per month this year, a total of 12 completed novels is the goal.

Family Resolution:

• Only purchase and consume Free Range Meat at home - after watching this series late last year, the Boy and I made the decision to commit to Free Range from here on in.  To make this affordable, we will incorporate 2-3 vegetarian meals per week - better for the animals, better for our health.

So there they are, in black and white.  Let's hope this time next year I can look back with pride - fully hydrated, focus restored, with a clearer conscience.

1/52

Concentration face...Perched in Daddy's chair, her favourite spot for watching Play School, beloved Bunny by her side.

Taking part in Jodi's "52 Project" series this year - such a beautiful way to witness and record Matilda's growth over the coming year!