letter to my daughters

To my darling girls

It never ceases to amaze me that you are both my daughters, born under the same star sign no less, yet as different as the day and night. Lila with your eyes the colour of melted dark chocolate and Rose with yours the shade of the clearest, bluest ocean.

Lila, my big girl, my fire cracker. At three years old you are so sure of yourself it's hard to believe you are still so very young. Your innate confidence means you make friends wherever you go. You love the company of others, be they children or adults. Already a social butterfly, you shine like the brightest light in the room and thrive on raising a smile. A shy, awkward child you are certainly not. We always joke, though would never push you in that direction, that you will gravitate towards a career on the stage, maybe the screen or performing in some way. Though you're so full of surprises that we've probably got it completely wrong! Your imagination is incredible. You can lose yourself in a game for hours, playing out another world with your little figurines or even the perfume bottles and nail varnishes from my dressing table. You know and can do so much already and I am so proud of you. Strong willed doesn't even begin to describe you. Woe betide anyone who tries to make you eat a sandwich though if they were to take the time to read you a story they would have a friend for life.

Rose, my sweet baby. How can it be that you are eight months old already? I can't bear the thought of you growing big enough that I can't hold you close anymore and have you fall asleep against my shoulder or be able take you everywhere with me. You are a beautiful, gentle soul. Everyone who meets you remarks on what a content, relaxed child you are and you have a smile that could melt the frostiest heart. You love to be out and about and happily watch the world go by, taking it all in whilst playing with your toes. As easy-going as you are, it would be a mistake to think you don't know your own mind. When something displeases you, you let us know about it. It's just not very often. Every day you show us a little more of your personality and we are in awe watching you learn and grow. Always touching the faces of those you know and love, you are very affectionate and hold on so tightly for hugs sometimes it makes my heart ache. You are a little water baby and bath time is the highlight of your day. Maybe you'll be a surfer like your Dad.

Though you are so much your own little individuals, watching you grow up together, and seeing the love you already have for each other is amazing. Rose, the way your face lights up whenever Lila walks into the room, how she can make you laugh in a way no one else can, despite our best efforts. Lila, the way you fiercely protect your little sister and introduce her to everyone as "My baby". I can't wait to have a glass of wine with you both in 20 years and look through your childhood photos together. To tell you about the time when Lila only ever wanted to marry her Daddy and for us all to smile over the cuteness of Rose's chubby baby thighs. There's so much to look forward to and most of all I just feel incredibly blessed to have you both in my life.

All the love in the world

Your Mama xxx

snippets of summertime

Thought I'd share these evocative images taken by photographer Olivia Larrain Heiremans, in celebration of high Summer here in Australia. I love the way they perfectly capture the essence of Summertime. My parents are still here in Melbourne for a couple more days, so we're making the most of our time left with them before they head back home to the UK. After two weeks back in Auckland tying up all our loose ends over there and finishing his notice period at work, Curt flies in from Auckland tonight :)

We've found a cute little Victorian cottage to rent only minutes walk from my sisters place and a couple of streets away from the beach and the shops. I am so excited to be living in an actual house rather than an apartment for the first time since I left home a decade ago (wow...nothing like typing that sentence to make you feel old). It's on the tiny side and needs a bit of love and care and a damn good clean but we have our own little back garden! It will be wonderful for the girls to have some outdoor space to run around in, a place for their teepee and paddling pool and we can have BBQ's and eat dinner outside, perfect for hazy summer days. Pictures to follow when we get vaguely organized and if I ever manage to locate the lead for our camera.

Oh and posting may be a little few and far between until we get an internet connection sorted. Hopefully it won't take too long.

All images by Olivia Larrain Heiremans, discovered via Miss Moss.

happy holidays

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. I'm excited about the arrival of 2012 and embarking on a year of adventures and putting down some roots in our new city. We're on holiday with my parents, my sister and her husband and therefore still in full relaxation mode, so I've been quietly mulling over goals, plans and dreams for the next 12 months but haven't done anything so hardcore as to set actual resolutions or stop consuming vast quantities of chocolates.

We've had the most amazing weather and haven't really made it much further than the pool of our holiday house and the beach, just been soaking up the sunshine, reading, playing with the girlies and enjoying having the whole family together again. I've concluded that the best type of holidays when you have children are definitely those that involve the extended family as you are surrounded by willing babysitters and actually get some semblance of downtime. Bliss indeed. Especially with the knowledge that the next few weeks will be super hectic and filled with all of the admin involved with settling into a new home.

Here's a few snaps from the past week...