My very favourite part each year is to take a look at all the moments, all together. It doesn’t matter what order, I just like seeing the beauty (and heartache) that was January 2012, in one complete ‘frame’.

Mine. Four compelling, riveting and equally beautiful souls.

They make me laugh, and cry. Sometimes at the same time. On occasions they drive me up the wall. Probably more often than not. But without them who would I be? Sometimes I can hardly believe I’m so lucky. Sometimes I can hardly believe they’re all mine.

Thank you for sharing in my journey. Especially for your lovely, uplifting words regarding my ‘Day 18′. I truly felt every bit of love. And for that, I am beyond grateful. Until next year my friends…

Nic xxx

Just five minutes earlier you lost your very first tooth. You have waited more than a month for this day.  And it is here. But it was more dramatic than you probably thought it would be. Your bleeding mouth scared you and you cried. And cried.

But you stopped when I lifted the camera and told you it would be ok – that tonight, the tooth fairy would come. You moved the bloody tissue, then you smiled the very best smile  you could, with tears still drying on your cheek. There, I could see it…your beautiful gap and guess what?! There is another tooth already peeking through.

Baby girl, you are growing so big.

Waiting for the movie to begin and I have no idea what Byron is doing, but I can see Lily is stuffing her face full of popcorn. A typical movie experience I would say.

Despite your attempts at lipstick and nail polish.
Or at wishing you were three years older.
You are five. And a half. I must not forget the half.
So soft and delicate. All things innocent.
Away in dream land.
No doubt singing under rainbows and dancing with the butterflies.
Never stop dreaming.
Sweet child of mine.

What is it with boys and their fascination with all things exploration and dirt?

We have a creek at the end of our street, and with all the recent rain it’s been quite high. Byron insits on checking it out at least once a day. Today I went along for the ride in the hope of spotting one of the three turtles he had the pleasure of seeing these past few days.

No such luck unfortunately. The turtles had fled. No fauna to see on this occassion. The only fun to have was chucking rocks in and seeing how big they splash!

Shhhhh!! Don’t tell anyone.

I let her jump on the lounge. Just this once (although I know she secretly does it all the time).

She was in heaven.

Daughter number one.

Is so obviously a poser.
Wonders off with the pixies. Often.
Beautiful.
Has hair I could only dream of.
Loves to give big, long kisses. On the lips.
Forgets her brother is three years older.
Screams, cries and whines like there’s no tomorrow. Still.
Wants to play the iPad constantly.
Will try and put makeup on and hope you don’t notice .
Doesn’t really like dolls or any toys. Sadly.
Shines like a warmer summer’s day.
Is 5.35 years.

You can see last year’s pic HERE.

And one more for good measure because I couldn’t not:

The little Miss is finally figuring out how to make her way out of nappies and into big girl undies. She’s getting there slowly, one wee at a time and she couldn’t be more excited. Nor could I.

C’mon darling…just a little bit faster. Mummy’s been waiting. Patiently.

There is not a mother in the world, me included, that does not love that cliche, first day back to school portrait.

Byron is heading into year three. My mind boggles at the thought of this being his fourth year of school. Little Lily is braving her very first day of big school. She is beyond excited. And Willow. My beautiful poppet still has three years to go before she dons her uniform for the very first time. And for that I am thankful.