45/52

Over the past 8 months or so, she has become quite the climber.

Thankfully for us, there have only been a couple of heart-stopping moments thus far - like the time we found her sitting happily atop her change table at just 18 months old (at this time she also mastered climbing out of her cot!).

She's fast and she's stealthy - and oh so smug when she manages to conquer something like this before I catch her in the act.

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

44/52

She has hit that stage where she always wants to 'help' us with any task we are undertaking...hanging out the washing, cooking the dinner, cleaning the bathroom - whatever it is, she is up for it.  And although it normally means more mess for us to deal with, or extra time when time is precious, we enjoy it all the same - her eagerness and deep concentration is the sweetest thing to watch, not to mention the beaming smile of pride she reveals when told it was a job well done.
Today's task was digging manure through the garden beds - she loved every stinking minute.

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

blink

October has been and gone, and not a whisper of what we have been up to. 

The month kicked off with a bang, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the marriage of my beautiful sister to her beloved - a charming and rustic affair, full of all those personal details that make the day that extra bit special.

The photo above is my bouquet from the day - vibrant and textural wildflowers, sculptural succulents from Mum's garden, and a touch of femininity in the soft and delicate ranunculas.  Indeed quite fitting for my sister.

It was so lovely to see her positively beaming with happiness all day - I am so happy that she has found such a loving and loyal partner in my new brother-in-law, Andrew, and will always be grateful to him for being the devoted partner she has always deserved.

With the wedding also came a visit from Poppy - always welcomed with much delight by Tilly especially.  Although a busy and hectic lead up to the Big Day, it was still lovely to have him here - such a doting grandparent, easily impressed by all Tilly's new tricks and talents (and she brought them all out!). 

Even though he lives literally on the other side of the country, Poppy has managed to visit every six months since Tilly was born.  I'm so glad they have formed such a sweet bond, and that my Dad really knows the ins and outs of Matilda's personality, despite the distance. 

Much else of October has been consumed by work - we are in the thick of Wedding Season now, so to say that things have ramped up is an understatement.  I love each and every day regardless, and the fantastic network I have around me to care for Tilly has made it relatively easy to manage - if only we could get some decent sleep, I think things would just about be perfect!

Last, but very not least, our month came to an end with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl - a sister to one of Tilly's best buds, a new daughter to our very dear friends.

Welcome to the World little Lucy - you are absolutely scrumptious, and have us all well and truly under your spell already. 

T

43/52

A rare and peaceful afternoon nap...this one took me completely by surprise - she took herself to the couch, pulled the blanket up around her shoulders and snuggled in without a word. 

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

42/52

Celebrating the Birthday of her most treasured friend.. With only 5 weeks between them, these two have bonded from playmat to park - the sweetest kinship, no doubt buds for life....and aren't they delicious in their pretty party frocks?!

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