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It's been a rough week for little one - a persistent fever, chronic lethargy and unable to keep any sort of food down...nights have been restless and long.  Although she seems to be over the worst of it now, we are fighting a constant battle to get her to eat anything - not even her favourite treats enticing enough.  A few bites of apple here and a rice cracker or two there is just about all she's managed for days..needless to say we are all exhausted.  Any yet on she smiles, on she dances, on she plays... Such baffling creatures these tiny people are?

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

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We were caught out this week when it came to party attire - a sudden growth spurt (I swear she grew overnight?!) called for trainers, tights and her stretchy party dress...personally, I think she totally rocked it.

And that purple tinge to her chubby cheek? Her first real war wound - relatively lucky considering the speed at which she attacked the lounge room wall!

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

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She is not a huge fan of having her picture taken - I always have better luck catching her unawares... I am glad to capture this expression though, a common look of late - normally saved for when she's been caught doing something she know she shouldn't be...the cardigan was also knitted by my lovely Aunt, perfect for extra warmth on chilly mornings.

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

Trouble

If I could choose one word to describe Matilda in all her 22-month-old glory, it would most definitely be trouble.

She has taken that ferocious toddler curiosity to the next level - not just opening cupboard drawers to shuffle through the contents, but using the open drawer as a step ladder to reach those precious breakables stashed safely 'out of reach' atop said cupboard.

But her greatest achievement, in her eyes at least, this past week - learning how to get out of her cot.  In one slick motion she hitches a leg over the railing, her body effortlessly sailing after, before lowering her feet to the ground with controlled and slow precision - quite Commando like.
Thankfully she hasn't the confidence to do this during the dark of night as yet, however needless to say those recent rare day sleeps will no doubt be a thing of the past from here on in.  Sigh.

It's not all bad though...In fact, much of her shenanigans are met with laughter and an affectionate squeeze, as she continues to entertain us all with her bravery and new found confidence. 
Just yesterday, as we celebrated my Birthday with dear friends, Matilda and her bestie embodied the notion of double trouble.  Aside from tearing the house apart like only toddlers can, these two took every opportunity they could to be sneaky while their mamas were distracted with tea and cake.  The pictures above were taken after a suspicious moment of silence revealed them hauled up in the bathtub, ready to attack our host's stash of delicate and enticing perfume bottles.  Their delight at being discovered only moments from certain disaster was hilarious - it's funny the way they take pleasure in being busted, the act of naughtiness totally worth the risk.

So on we go, keeping our eyes and ears open, at the ready for all those extra crashes and tumbles that seem the norm these days.  It's busy and at times exhausting, but even more so hilarious - that determination and cheek shining through the older she gets.

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We celebrated my 33rd Birthday this past week - pretty sure Tilly thought all the fuss was for her.

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