Routine

Each morning, at around 7am, I throw on some form of tracky dacks and my running shoes, and head out for a walk with the pram. Samuel coos and giggles to me for a little bit until his eyes get heavy and he drifts off, and I call my mum for a chat. We talk about life, our gardens, what Sam has been up to and we reminisce about when we lived at the beach and used to have mother daughter time just the two of us.
I usually wander around the pond, past the ducks and local people out exercising until tiny feet start to wiggle and my little possum stretches himself awake. After the longest of nights, a peaceful walk in the morning helps me to clear my mind and keep me centred.   It started off as a way to get Sam to have a sleep in the morning, but now I look forward to the fresh air and stretching my legs, easing myself into a new day.

47/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Samuel - looking less than impressed that I have my camera out again!

 
My little sweetie not only sat up unassisted this week, he also rolled onto his tummy all by himself, twice! This mumma is as proud as punch.


Linking up with Jodi's 52 project.

Stills: A Weekly Collection

1. Finally, a beautiful rainy day. My garden loved the downpour, and I loved the excuse to snuggle in with tea and biscuits.
2. A sneak peek at our Christmas photos (which probably wont end up on cards due to my excellent procrastinating skills)
3. Yet another blissful rainy day at home.
4. Samuel inspecting the new growth of our Gardenias. He was impressed.
5. A very rare family photo, gosh I love these two!
6. And just like that, it was spring again.
7. Happily watching his dadda prune (while mumma popped an extra pillow next to him so she doesn't stress about how hard those tiles are!)

This week had us pretty housebound due to all the rain, which I really didn't mind as I am definitely a homebody, but it means that my photos are all garden or Sam shots. 
We've decided to have Christmas at our place this year, so I've started my decorating and I'm getting excited for Samuel's first Christmas. I think he's starting to get into the spirit of it too, as I have found him on several occasions with either a bauble or bell that he's snuck off the tree!

46/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Samuel - not so sure about this "eating" business.

It has been a busy weekend filled with parties and people. We were in and out quite a lot, so I'm very much looking forward to a day at home tomorrow to catch up on housework and cuddles with my little guy. I did manage a trip to Ikea to get Sam a highchair this week, and this weekend we started on solids. Sitting next to his Dadda, Samuel got to try a mix of sweet potato with breastmilk, which he was quite undecided about. But he very much enjoyed sitting up in his own chair. His new favourite game involves dropping toys, cups and bowls off the edge of the high chair and watching his Mumma scramble to collect them all so he can start the game again. He's such a joy to be around, I love him so.

Linking up with Jodi's 52 project.

45/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Samuel - I can't stop kissing those delightful cheeks!

Yesterday he turned five months old. Five beautiful, exhausting, wonderful months. I can't believe how much my life has changed since I've become a mum, how much more of myself I have to give, and how much bigger my heart is. 

Linking up with Jodi's 52 project.

 

Mountain Escape

My family moved to the mountains a few weeks after Samuel was born. They bought a beautiful 100 year old cottage with three fireplaces and a big backyard. Mum and Dad eagerly started work on beautiful gardens, including roses and a vegetable garden that has inspired me to attempt to grow my own. We even had the privilege of enjoying some of the fresh crops for our lunch the last time we visited. Although I will always miss living on the coast, it's so nice having an oasis in the mountains to escape to from time to time.

44/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Samuel - sunscreen in his hair, propped up on daddy's lap. 

He's changing so much each week, every day showing me a little more of his sweet personality. When I look back over photos from when he was first born, I can't believe how far we've already come. I'm really loving this mum gig.

Linking up with Jodi's 52 project.

Stills: A Weekly Collection

1. I made my first batch of gingerbread cookies as a practice run for Christmas.
2. My boy in his bath, it's the sweetest thing watching him with his ducky.
3. Flowers from my darling, he always asks the florist for daisies because he knows they're my favourite.
4. On the grass, deep in thought.
5. Menial tasks made pretty with this peg basket.
6. Spending time with this girl.

I was really unwell this week, which could have potentially made me quite miserable, but there was so much to be thankful for. Andrew had a bunch of flowers delivered with a beautiful handwritten note, so I now get to enjoy gorgeous blooms throughout my home. My amazing sister Hayley came to stay and really saved the day; we made cookies, went for walks each morning and watered the garden. And my gorgeous Lizabeth visited today. She is my dearest friend and every time I see her it feels like home. So all in all, this week was pretty great.