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.

27/52

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.

26/52

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.

25/52

To be honest, this portrait scares me a little this week... There has been a definite shift in Matilda's personality and mannerisms - a glimpse perhaps in to the fast-approaching 'terrible 2s'?
Admittedly, she does have a cold, has been surviving on very little sleep, and has been cooped up inside most the week due to foul weather - but just look at that expression?  Yep, I'm eating a lolly for breakfast, on the kitchen bench, and there is nothing you can do about it Mum!

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013

Lately

1. Her first haircut - that lonesome little curl is now safely tucked into the Baby Book... Almost certain that it won't grow back (sniff, sniff), her straight and feathery light hair, just like her Daddy's.

2. Finally making progress around the house - newly found treasures are creeping on to walls, layers of blankets and new cushions cosying up the couch... The wishlist is still enormous, but we are ticking things off slowly.

3. We have all been plagued with runny noses and aching joints this past week... Sleepless nights and the fact that Little Miss has suddenly (and rather devastatingly!) decided to drop her day sleep (!!!), has meant that energy levels all round have been low, and levels of tolerance even lower... This photo was a brief moment of quiet; despite her best fight, she couldn't keep those heavy eyes open any more.

4. My shadow... Wet weather and exhausted parents aren't a schnoodles best friend - and yet, she happily trails behind me all day long, content in my company and the occasional pat.  She is spoilt it's true, but the love she gives to us unconditionally is priceless.

5.  The Op-Shop Gods have been good to us lately - this delicious stash all for the bargain price of $3!!  This, teamed with the wooden kitchen from Aldi this week, have rocked Tilly's world. 

I've been neglecting this space terribly of late, and been beating myself up about it constantly.  By nature I am terrible at keeping in touch - I am never the one taking pictures at the party, or collecting mementos for travel albums and family scrapbooks. 

I started this blog as a means of recording my journey as a Mama, and most importantly the growth and milestones of Matilda - somewhere both myself, my family and friends could tap in to every now and then, and be reminded of the sparkly bits of our everyday life.

But lately life has been getting in the way, and I really have been lacking motivation and energy to visit - 'free time' has been scarce, and when I have had a quiet moment to myself, the couch has been begging.  I will be making more effort though, creating pockets of time to stay on top of this project - as I know in years to come, I will treasure these pages beyond measure. 

24/52

It's been cold outside we've all been under the weather - quiet time indoors has been the theme of late, so thankfully her stash of books and quiet nooks have kept her entertained much of the time. Note the Aldi oven glove - this has pretty much not left her hand since we bought it home.

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

22/52 and 23/52

The husband bought these when Tilly was still in my belly - I've been dreaming of a little girl in pink cons forever.. at last they fit, chubby legs made all the more delicious.

One of those moments where it is suddenly just too quiet...thankfully she wasn't up to 'no good' for a change :)

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