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A win for Mama today...
After much persuasion, pleading and eventual ninja-like manouvres, I finally managed to whip that permanent birds-nest-of-a-hairdo in to a ponytail! 
Not a milestone granted, but given her utter disgust for having her hair brushed and total fear of hairbands, this was a major accomplishment for me.
You can still see a single tear resting on her cheek from the ordeal, even though she sat admiring herself in the mirror a solid 10 minutes afterward.

She has already asked me for another ponytail tomorrow.

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

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All of a sudden she has developed a fear of slippery slides - only baby sized ones will do for now. 
She has no problem climbing up ladders or furniture or just about anything she knows she shouldn't - think it must be that she is in control when climbing at her own pace, the free-fall of the slide just doesn't sit right with her.
Must be the Virgo in her?

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

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In a week when I didn't pull the camera out often, this was a moment I just had to capture.  Although poor image quality, it still makes me smile - spying on her while she performs with gusto for her reflection in the mirror.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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There is a riding school not too far from where we live, and her Daddy has been taking her there to visit the 'horsies' these past couple of weeks - needless to say, the girl is obsessed.

Whats more, they offer classes for 2 years olds - lordy, lordy what have we done?!  Although this new hobby may well send us bankrupt, it seems a crime to deny her something that literally makes her giddy with joy.

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

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A new trick this week - finally mastering the both-feet-off-the-ground-simultaneously-jump...needless to say, puddle jumping has taken on a whole new dimension.

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

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She does things in her own time this one, just like her Daddy - always a few steps behind, never in a rush.  So it's not uncommon, even mid-play at a brand new playground, that she will stop and pause, indulge in a daydream or two.

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

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Her Daddy had the week off on leave, and she loved every minute of it.  My two loves, my whole World. x

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Surrounded by a sea of wrapping papers and a pile of new toys, Madam sure was spoilt rotten by all - the paper crown a special surprise from her bestie.

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

Two

This picture makes me so happy - 2 years old today, surrounded by all those who love you most...a very lucky little lady indeed.

We kept it small and simple today - blueberry pancakes for breakfast, then a couple of laps around the block on your new Trike (a total hit) in your pyjamas...Grandparents joined us for a cuppa and cake mid morning, and a few more parcels were torn open excitedly.  Next a picnic by the Lake with some of our favourite people, where you ran yourself to exhaustion with one of your favourite little people.

I still can't quite believe you have been here with us for 2 whole years already - as the cliche goes, these first precious years have flown by in the blink of an eye...In the spirit of this post, I want to again get a few details down on paper of you at this moment in time - hilarious, complex, strong-willed little you, before you go ahead and change again on me!!

Things you like to do
You are in to music in a big way...you sing songs (some learnt, others made up) all day long - the car, the shower and the dinner table are your favourite venues to perform, your renditions often breaking out at the most unexpected and therefore hilarious of times (today you sang Happy Birthday to Me all the way to the picnic, while your Daddy and I tried to hold it together in the front seat).
As much as you love singing however, dancing most definitely tops the list - especially if Grandad and Irish music is involved. Joining your beloved Grandad in a good old jig has been something you have shared with gusto since you could walk - in fact, more often than not, the first thing you do whenever we visit their house is take Grandad by the hand, and lead him away to the lounge room, promptly requesting he put music on so the fun can begin (which we all know he secretly loves too).
Bubble baths, taking Mia for walks, having stories read to you, 'helping' me with daily tasks (hanging out the washing, cooking the dinner) and pretending to drive our car are among your other most enjoyed activities at present - the later made even more exciting if Daddy is washing the car at the same time.
On a side note, having your hair brushed, getting dressed and sleeping top the list of things you most like not to do these days.

Things you like to talk about
Everything and anything!! You are indeed a chatterbox, and your speech in the past few months has well and truly blown us away.  You speak in sentences freely, are able to recall details of your day with relative ease, and continue to surprise us with sweet greetings or responses at the most appropriate times - "good morning mummy" when you see me first thing, "its a lovely day" when we step outside to begin our day.  Your softly spoken manners are just about the sweetest sound I've ever heard, and make me so proud when we are out and about.
In very recent days however, we have realised even more so the influence our own conversations and reactions are having on you - the mimicking is both hilarious and at times a little confronting, as you demonstrate so innocently our own habits and flaws.  Just this week you were in the car with Daddy, stopped at a roundabout, waiting for the heavy traffic to allow you to continue on, and you suddenly chimed out from the back seat, "come on!!"..I get the blame for that one apparently, Daddy hearing only my voice shining through yours.

New tricks and triumphs
Just a few skills practised and perfected over the past couple of months...climbing out of your cot (which is now as a result, is a junior bed); eating more confidently with a fork or spoon, your fine motor skills improving every day; building impressive towers with your blocks, able to delicately balance them atop one another, your precision and slight of touch becoming more refined; and generally climbing up/over/along any dangerous surface available to you (we have had some scary discoveries lately - one morning we entered your room to find you sitting on your change table, another day you opened drawers to create a step ladder to reach the top of our sideboard!!!)

My darling girl, you are indeed a complex and fascinating little creature, who continues to steal are hearts away with each passing day.  We can't wait for more of your unique and quirky traits to be revealed over the coming months and years, as you move farther away from your Toddler self toward little-girldom...You are sweet and strong, stubborn and tender, and bring all of us around you more joy than we ever felt possible. 

Happy Birthday Matilda Rose, I hope you have enjoyed the spoilings as much as we have enjoyed spoiling you! x

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Two years old today, and more delicious than ever.  Happy Birthday darling daughter, you make each and every day sunny.

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

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She likes to sing this one - while she plays, in the shower, and most definitely as she walks.  This must have been the peak of her performance, as a brief pause on her journey was required.

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



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I love that this picture is focused on her hands - the way she is holding her teacup so delicately, that little pinky on the rise... She has well and truly refined her babycino experience now, looking such the lady.

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

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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.

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She has inherited my love of flowers, which delights me to no end... Can I see a mother-daughter florist team in the future? I hope so!!

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

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There isn't much that a bubble bath full of Tupperware can't remedy these days; a dose of the crankies after a sleepless night, a moment of calm play amidst an otherwise frenzied mission to tare the house apart.. or today, like so many others of late, a happy distraction from yet another rained-in afternoon.  Not forgetting the added bonus of being able to just sit quietly myself and observe at a safe distance, cup of tea in hand.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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A good dose of winter snuffles and a pinch of cabin fever - not an ideal combo for an overtired and frustrated toddler, our reality for most of last week...this kept her amused for all of five minutes, although she was quite perplexed as to why she could no longer stand under the table?

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

transition

Life has well and truly ramped up these past few weeks - between wrapping up past jobs, settling in to a new role and navigating the nervous transition in to childcare, there hasn't been much time (or energy!) left over for getting it all down in writing.

Despite all the mayhem though, I am pleased to say it's all worked out great!  I am absolutely loving each and every day at the new shop - working with an incredibly clever, talented and kind duo, who have made me feel so welcome and appreciated.  It's fantastic to feel inspired again in the workplace, and also be challenged to push the boundaries and continue to grow creatively.

Tilly has been fantastic too, adapting so seamlessly to both the busier routine and having less one-on-one time with Mama.  My wonderful mother-in-law has been pulling some serious overtime on the babysitting front, so Tilly has been more than happy come drop off time, knowing she has a day of fun and unwavering attention ahead.

We have been visiting the new daycare house for playdates here and there too, introducing the new environment gradually and gently.  Although Matilda will only be spending one day a week in daycare (both Grandma's will each help out one day a week too), it was important for me to ensure she could adapt as easily as possible - cue that dreaded mother guilt!!

I am hoping once the dust settles in a couple more weeks, both Tilly and I will thrive in our new routines.  I have been very fortunate to have had such a long break from full time work since having Matilda - the luxury of only working one day a week, sharing so much quality time with her has been a real blessing.  Although only returning part-time, I am amazed at how quickly the week zooms by - precious family time on days off and weekends becoming all the more sacred. 

Now if I can only manage to keep that dreaded washing pile under control?!  Hats off to all those amazing full time working mothers out there, I don't know how you do it?!

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And all of a sudden, the premise of this portrait series is apparent - a little girl now appears where a baby sat only weeks before... So grateful to have a beautiful record of her growth over the year so far, and now even more excited to see that final comparison from week 1 to 52!

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

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A moment of bravery - Matilda is actually scared to death of snails (??!!)...Past encounters have resulted in arm-flapping, tear inducing horror, so to see her suddenly so brazen was a surprise.. Lucky for her, this shell was empty!

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013.  This photo posted WAY late!

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Morning, mad-scientist hair... crumpled, cuddly perfection on a lazy Sunday morning.

Taking part in Jodi's portrait series for 2013.

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The warm, sunny spot on the stairs is a favourite haunt on chilly mornings.

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

decisions, decisions

Life took me seriously by surprise this week, my head is still spinning in fact...

For months now our family has been cruising along peacefully...We'd managed at last to coordinate and polish our weekly routine - navigating almost seamlessly the balance of my time at home with Matilda with a couple of days work (split between a weekly day in the office doing admin, and weekend work at the Flower Shop).
I have been happy, Tilly has been happy, and all those adoring-and-ever-keen-to-babysit Grandparents have been happy.  In a nutshell, this little old life of ours has felt pretty easy of late...

But then something happens, something out of the blue, something both exciting, challenging and terrifying all at the same time... An unexpected opportunity presents itself, and you have to decide (rather quickly) if you should give up all that new found effortless routine, and dive in to a messy, chaotic kind of life for a little while..

That happened to me on Thursday.

I have built this up a tad, but in all honesty, I have really struggled - hours and hours of sleep have been lost these past few days, lying awake at night trying to coordinate childcare, office handovers, travel logistics, resignation spiels and the like... to say I am spent is an understatement.

But the decision has been made, and those resignation speeches recited... As of Friday, I will be putting my Florist hat back on more permanently - joining the most delicious, sassy, creative pair of florists in town, in my opinion!.  I am not going to name names yet (don't want to jinx it), but needless to say I've admired them for quite some time now, and am over-the-moon-flattered they have asked me aboard!

So we'll battle through as a family these next few weeks - Tilly will be making the transition in to Day Care one day a week, the Boy and I will be doing a fare bit of tag-teaming between shifts, and the Grandparents will be putting in some serious overtime. 
Three weeks of tying up loose ends in current roles, easing Matilda in to a new environment as gently as possible despite the limited time, and the certain mayhem of Mothers Day next week in a brand new flower shop - wowsers.

But I'm going to buck up and look forward, as I'm sure it'll all be worth it.  I'm an everything happens for a reason kinda girl, so will go with my gut, all the while keeping my fingers firmly crossed. Wish me luck!

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Soggy bottom, strawberry stains, sunshine and sultanas - one from last week's Epic-Arboretum-Parent-Fail-Adventure...She doesn't seem bothered one little bit does she?

Taking part in Jodi's portrait series for 2013.