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She has inherited my love of flowers, which delights me to no end... Can I see a mother-daughter florist team in the future? I hope so!!

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

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There isn't much that a bubble bath full of Tupperware can't remedy these days; a dose of the crankies after a sleepless night, a moment of calm play amidst an otherwise frenzied mission to tare the house apart.. or today, like so many others of late, a happy distraction from yet another rained-in afternoon.  Not forgetting the added bonus of being able to just sit quietly myself and observe at a safe distance, cup of tea in hand.

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

Bibby - Bunny

As I write these words, Bibby is tucked under Tilly's arm, both snuggled on the couch immersed in Play School...and this is where her beloved bunny spends most his time.  He is her sleeping companion, her chaperon on every outing, her ultimate comfort no matter the situation.  He is squeezed and cuddled within an inch of his life each and every day, dragged about by the ears as she navigates her way. 

Bunny was a gift at birth from her adoring Grandad, so has been with her since day dot - it was love and first sight.  As Tilly began to crawl and eventually walk, it was inevitable that a back-up would need to be purchased - allowing us to wash and switch her companion unnoticed.  She was fooled from the get go, despite the distinct difference in the pair's posture - original Bibby (B1) could no longer hold his head up, his neck emptied of all stuffing from being carted around by the throat constantly.

Rather devastatingly, B1 recently went missing. We have turned the house upside down on the hunt, sadly to no avail.  We suspect it happened on one of the rare occasions we accidentally had both bunnies in the same place - one of us most likely has tossed 'the imposter' out of sight in a mad panic, stashed him somewhere at random in a frantic move to save Matilda's confusion.  We truly hope to find him one day, if not only for our own keepsake.

In the meantime, we have now invested in a B3 - attempting to wash and dry B2 in Winter without Tilly missing him proved near impossible.  Photographing them side by side today really emphasised how dearly loved this little rabbit truly is - his rumpled, greying coat, the tired slouch in his over-cuddled body.

Thank you Bibby for bringing our dear girl so much comfort and joy - you are never far from her sight or reach, and she loves you beyond measure.  You are her security when she is unsure, her faithful companion on every adventure and her protector during the night as she sleeps.  We know one day she will decide to leave you behind, that need for your reassuring presence no longer felt - but for now we are grateful for you, and all that you do to help out little one explore her world with confidence and excitement.

Looking back over the pages of this space, I notice that Bibby can be seen in most, if not all the photographs I have of Matilda - a scene I am sure will continue for many more chapters to come.

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Tilly is all about dress-ups of late - the more bling the better, and only pink will do.  She trots about the house looking very pleased with herself, all the while nattering away on her play phone, leaving a trail of glitter and feathers behind her.  Note the other new obsession - socks on her hands?! Not sure what this is about, but may need to invest in some mittens, as keeping her feet warm doesn't seem to be her priority!

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

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Sleep, or rather a lack thereof, is definitely the theme of the week (month!) around here...This was a brief and rare win for me - after a decent round of pleading and hopeless bribery, she was finally coerced in to 'quiet time' in the cot, eventually passing out from sheer exhaustion...It truly is amazing how hard they fight sleep, no matter how desperately tired they are?

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