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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!

Christmas

Roast Lamb, Pork and a Turkey - oh my!! 

A day full of decadence, wonder and lots of laughter - Matilda surrounded by so much love, adoring Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles on both sides spoiling her completely rotten!

Tilly quickly became an expert and ripping off the wrappings, taking a quick peek at the surprise inside, before quickly turning her attention to the next mysterious parcel waiting in the pile...The thrill of taring up those papers and ribbons was definitely her favourite part, and so funny to watch!

With so much activity and 'newness' to absorb, she completely wore herself out by 10am - she slept right through Christmas lunch, and well in to the afternoon...
Truthfully it felt amazing to be able to indulge in a leisurely and decadent feast bub-free - meals were eaten while still hot, nothing ended up down my front, and an extra bottle of wine was consumed and savoured...
Tils did gobble down her share of roast vege upon waking, quickly revived for Round 2 at the in law's.

We are so lucky to have both our families here with us in Canberra, making it possible to share Christmas Day with all our loved ones.  Last year's routine of Breaky at home (just Tils, the Boy and I), then Lunch at my Mum's, followed by Dinner at the In Law's worked a treat this time round, and I think will continue as the itinerary from here on in... Tilly certainly found it all very exciting, as all her favourite people kept appearing throughout the day, each baring more treats and affection.

As was the tradition in my family growing up, we also lit candles, sipped on champas and watched Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve - I loved this as a child, clutching my candle votive and singing along, feeling the excitement build for what would follow in the morning.. I hope Tilly too will be hooked.

What a magical Christmas it was...hope yours was too x

Stills: a weekly collection

1. Summer frolic @ NGA Sculpture Gardens
2. These two...wearing each other out @ NGA
3. Balmy afternoon, dear friends, summer feast and French champagne to celebrate a special Birthday Girl
4. Summer fruits rule... Cake Topper a wonderful advent gift from my very thoughtful partner x
5. Finally getting to those bare walls - our To Do List for the Xmas break is underway!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas - full of fun, family, friends and frivolity!

tenderness

Lately I've spoken a lot about the many remarkable and rapid leaps in Tilly's development, mainly in relation to movement & motor skills, as well as the recent life-changing ability to self-sooth and settle herself to sleep. 
These are all milestones as a parent I have been anticipating - little graduations all the books prepare you for and encourage...signals that your little one is becoming less little by the day.

So lots of boxes have been ticked these past couple of months, and of course I could not be more proud... I am ever awestruck at how truly amazing these wee creatures are - the most curious of sponges; observing, absorbing, contemplating and learning from absolutely everything around them, and all that we as their companions do.

This is why the latest revelation has really taken me by surprise, in the most lovely way - a change in Tilly's behaviour I wasn't expecting, a gift that has nourished me as a mama more than she will ever know...

Affection. 

Over the past couple of weeks, this little lady has become quite the little nurturer.  She lunges at me unexpectedly for big, bear-hug cuddles, strokes my back tenderly when I carry her on my hip, leans in of her own accord to plant delicate mmmmming-kisses on my cheek.  
Just today, I hurt my back and had lie down on the floor to rest a while - without a word, she curled up beside me, rested her head on my tummy and patted my hand - almost in sympathy. 

The funny thing is, after sharing my experiences with friends, it seems as though their little people too began showering them with affection around this age... What a monumental leap the books have neglected here!

As a mamas we are forever giving and showing love to our children, partners, families...we are nurturers instinctively.

I didn't realise how much I was in need of affection until Matilda began to show me.  Sweet tokens of appreciation expressed in her own way - simple but beautiful gestures that revive and fulfil me beyond measure.

So thank you darling girl, for loving me as I love you.

*photo taken when Tilly was 3 weeks old - newborn skin so delicate, touch her strongest sense

Stills: a weekly collection

1. unconditional love, reciprocated
2. anticipation
3. prankster
4. mould can be pretty
5. approval of our arvo activity - the kiddie pool

Stills: a weekly collection

I've decided to join this lovely lady on the Stills: a weekly collection series - I've been lazy taking photos of late, so hope this will give me the nudge I need!

1. alfresco lunch with friends on Saturday

2. please some cold weather so she can actually wear this while it still fits!

3. reaping the rewards from the previous owner's gardening prowess

4. delicious afternoon sun

5. tucking in to my Advent Swap from this lovely lady

breakthrough

I am over the moon to be writing this post... It's something I've been waiting for, wishing for, all year... sleep - glorious, uninterrupted, deep-enough-to-actually-dream kinda sleep... for more than a couple of hours at a time.

At the risk of jinxing it, I've held off sharing my excitement until now - but after 10 days straight, I think it's safe (fingers crossed) to say my little darling has finally mastered it.. oh joy!!

Such a big change - one day I have to feed and rock her to sleep, until she is totally out cold before lifting her in to the cot as gently as possible, often taking a few attempts - the next, I am miraculously able to sit her in her cot, wide awake, and walk out of her room without protest (sometimes even with a smile and little wave)...A few loving strokes to her cheek, a kiss good night and a reassuring whisper "sleepy time" is all that is needed, before she curls up contentedly, settling herself to sleep within only a couple of minutes.

Gob. Smacked.

I can only assume she has taken an almighty developmental leap - she suddenly understands that I am not abandoning her, and in place of that awful separation anxiety she now feels safe and secure, able to drift off peacefully on her own.  Something has clicked in that sprouting mind of hers, and we both are benefiting immensely.

As thrilled as I am though, there is a small part of me that is sad to see the end of this chapter - I have really treasured the quiet, closeness of nursing and comforting Matilda during the night, just she and I cosied up in the darkness of her room.   As much as I have hoped, wished for this miracle of sleep to arrive, it's also hard to accept in some ways that my baby doesn't need me that way she once did.
They grow too fast!!

Matilda is happier, more confident and curious as ever, so the quality sleep is obviously doing her the world of good.  Next mission is to tackle that fussy aversion to breakfast in the morning, and she will officially be perfect!

*photo taken this morning at breaky...lately eggs are normally thrown on the floor in an instant - however I've discovered that if I leave the egg whole, and give her a container to place it in between bites, she'll happily devour the entire thing!! everything has to be a game I guess??