21/52

A good dose of winter snuffles and a pinch of cabin fever - not an ideal combo for an overtired and frustrated toddler, our reality for most of last week...this kept her amused for all of five minutes, although she was quite perplexed as to why she could no longer stand under the table?

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013.

transition

Life has well and truly ramped up these past few weeks - between wrapping up past jobs, settling in to a new role and navigating the nervous transition in to childcare, there hasn't been much time (or energy!) left over for getting it all down in writing.

Despite all the mayhem though, I am pleased to say it's all worked out great!  I am absolutely loving each and every day at the new shop - working with an incredibly clever, talented and kind duo, who have made me feel so welcome and appreciated.  It's fantastic to feel inspired again in the workplace, and also be challenged to push the boundaries and continue to grow creatively.

Tilly has been fantastic too, adapting so seamlessly to both the busier routine and having less one-on-one time with Mama.  My wonderful mother-in-law has been pulling some serious overtime on the babysitting front, so Tilly has been more than happy come drop off time, knowing she has a day of fun and unwavering attention ahead.

We have been visiting the new daycare house for playdates here and there too, introducing the new environment gradually and gently.  Although Matilda will only be spending one day a week in daycare (both Grandma's will each help out one day a week too), it was important for me to ensure she could adapt as easily as possible - cue that dreaded mother guilt!!

I am hoping once the dust settles in a couple more weeks, both Tilly and I will thrive in our new routines.  I have been very fortunate to have had such a long break from full time work since having Matilda - the luxury of only working one day a week, sharing so much quality time with her has been a real blessing.  Although only returning part-time, I am amazed at how quickly the week zooms by - precious family time on days off and weekends becoming all the more sacred. 

Now if I can only manage to keep that dreaded washing pile under control?!  Hats off to all those amazing full time working mothers out there, I don't know how you do it?!

20/52

And all of a sudden, the premise of this portrait series is apparent - a little girl now appears where a baby sat only weeks before... So grateful to have a beautiful record of her growth over the year so far, and now even more excited to see that final comparison from week 1 to 52!

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013.

19/52

A moment of bravery - Matilda is actually scared to death of snails (??!!)...Past encounters have resulted in arm-flapping, tear inducing horror, so to see her suddenly so brazen was a surprise.. Lucky for her, this shell was empty!

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013.  This photo posted WAY late!

18/52

Morning, mad-scientist hair... crumpled, cuddly perfection on a lazy Sunday morning.

Taking part in Jodi's portrait series for 2013.