Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tathra

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The coast just makes me want to grow nasturtiums. My Mum says she thinks there is something olde worlde about them. I saw them growing wild by the road, collected for salads on a grower's table at the markets, and picked for small vases and garnishing the chocolate croissants at the Tathra Wharf Locavore.
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After the big celebration, a beach holiday seemed like a big sigh of relief. The Little One and I travelled with JanMa and Grandfather to a part of the South Coast that was new to me. The towns seemed a little sleepier, the roads between longer, a greater feeling of permanence - and beyond the coastline, lush, rolling hills of farming country.

We visited growers' markets, watched the lorrikeets feed, ate fish and chips by the sea, read by the fire at nights, devoured creamy homemade gelato (finally! from here - pistachio, always pistachio, and coconut) - and of course, built sandcastles on the beach.

Visiting the Tathra Wharf I was reminded of this heartbreaking story; a small brass plaque on a weathered beam remains in memory. My heart goes out to that mother and wife, who no doubt thinks about her boys every day.

Monday, October 29, 2012

3/52

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A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old.

A mini holiday on the South Coast with Mama and the Grandparents, and Dada can't believe the change. Confidence and a searching look in those beautiful, beautiful eyes.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The First Birthday Party

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I have some beautiful memories of the Little One's first birthday party, held last weekend in the Village community centre. Walking through the gate to the courtyard, holding her on my hip, her tutu sticking out from under the baby belly, a crocheted crown on her head, and feeling a little teary as her little cousins called her name in excitement. My doting, big-hearted parents and my mother-in-law hard at work, preparing food and greeting guests. Watching friends and family (re)connect. K's heartfelt speech. Her little cheer as everyone hip hip hoorayed for her. Our little cuddle in the midst of the party, in acknowledgement of such a special occasion. Sass and her little boyfriend Archie, chalking graffiti on the courtyard walls.

It was a big party, an enormous amount of work, but oh so worth it. She is so very loved, our Little One.

We made the classic mistake of not taking many photos on the day (I am thankful for friends and family who picked up our camera or emailed through their own captures). Above are the party left overs that are still scattered about our home. I just can't bring myself to put them away, just yet...
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Dipped glass vases inspiration (vases are recycled)
Tassel garland tutorial here and tissue paper from this Etsy store
Photo timeline monthly dividers sewn with Spotlight fabric and typewriter font stamp set from this lovely shop (I'll reuse these in Saskia's baby book)
Giant balloons from here
Recycled Papel Picado banners from our engagement party bought from this Etsy store
Fabric and ribbon party hats - template here
Fabric favour bags inspiration
The Saskia skirt (how could I not?) and gold mouse Mary Janes (again, how could I not?)

Monday, October 22, 2012

2/52

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A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old. 

She gets her funny little pixie ear from her Dada: pointy in the same place, same ear. After a weekend of excitement, we all needed a quiet day at home and a dose of Play School.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

1/52

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A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old.

She hurtles down the hill on the path outside our door at breakneck speed. I can see daring and real spirit in her eyes.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series with a little different count. I'm yet to write a 12 month/One year post as things seem busy here with party preparations and a Little One with pink cheeks and sore gums...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

One

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Your first birthday, Little One....and wasn't it magical?

The day started with cuddles in bed, as all birthdays should. Mama and Dada read aloud their birthday messages and opened parcels sent from special people across the seas. Your dearest little friend came over for a pikelet picnic on the living room floor. You greeted each other with the widest smiles, and she gave you beautiful gifts, carefully considered (she knows you so well). The rain drizzled outside and the kettle boiled. Mama iced a cake while you napped and thought about the birth day, this time a year ago.

JanMa and Grandfather took us out to the gallery after lunch. You seemed most taken with Leger, Olsen and the brass fittings on the floor. You walked, and walked, and walked. We ordered you a babycino and you lapped it up with a look that said, I could get used to this. You left the cafe hand-in-hand with your Dada. At night, before bed, we sung Happy Birthday and you were mesmerised by the candle's flame. You went to sleep stowing away beautiful memories of a special day.

Saskia Rose, our lives are so much sweeter and richer with you in them. We love you with all our might. Happy first birthday Little One x

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The wind in her hair

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...oh she loves it, my Little One.

This is one of those things I don't want to forget. The first time it happened I almost ran the car off the road.

On warm days we drive with the windows down. She giggles with delight as the wind blows her hair upright, and she gasps with every blast and gust. Her legs kicking and arms thrown up in excitement. Pure ecstasy.

Could there be anything more wonderful than the feeling of wind in your hair?
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Speaking of beautiful memories, I am feeling so inspired by the memorykeeping of this Mama. I've finally ordered a special handcrafted journal for the Little One's baby book, which I can't wait to arrive on our doorstep...and I'm so very taken with Project Life (especially Ronnie's clean and focused approach) that I'll be starting up on January 1, 2012. Yikes, there it is in writing...

*I just can't decide where to put my dream catcher - a treasure from this short and sweet holiday. At the moment it is strung up on our balcony where I can see it from my favourite armchair. It's been my most favourite purchase in a long time.