16/52 - swims, strengths + snuggles

Lily

Freestylin'

My little fish just completed a full week of swim school, and even *insert proud mama moment* passed from her current level up to the next one. This is the girl who pretty much cried every lesson for a full term when she started classes. I can hardly believe the progress! She has been so determined to face her fears, and face them she has indeed. It's amazing to see her swimming independently in the 'big pool' she was once so terrified of. Now she is so strong, so confident, so excited to utilise her skills. 

You can do hard things. Well done, sweet girl xx

Eli

A blue-eyed boy in a moment of calm - rugged up in winter woolies for the first time this season. 

My wild-hearted son has been challenging me this week - challenging me to parent him better, to know him better and reach his heart more effectively. And because I love him truly, madly, deeply, I will press on in my endeavours to do so. I am grateful God has called me to this parenting task because by learning to love and teach him well, it pushes me to grow too. Sometimes, is is hard work for everyone involved. But it is worthwhile, for sure! 

I love you, my little Tiger xx

Miles 

Three months old now and getting so big and strong. 

He is no longer a newborn (*sniff*) but watching his personality emerge and seeing him get more involved in our family dynamic is worth the passing of that delicious phase!

I.just.adore.this.kid.

Project 52: A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Other highlights from the week that was....

Two little brothers were just lying a blanket, laughing, giggling and hanging out. Eli was singing and Miles fervently cooed to join in. I snapped a few pics and ended up with a series that completely sums up their growing interaction and bond. It's just so them... I love it!

My contented little boy happily kicking around in the
late afternoon sunshine. 

A late evening 'dream feed' and cuddle with my chubby-cheeked little Bear. 

Her proudest smiles are saved for when she holds her baby brother!
(He is looking so much like her when she was a baby, it's amazing!)

He reads to his baby brother. It is so freakin' cute!

*Btw - there are so many varied sibling dynamics and combinations to capture now there are three kids!*

Reading bed time stories with Miles. She loves to hold him during this time.This night was so funny - Miles seemed intent on being part of the storytelling. Every time (and I mean *every*time) I started reading, he would start loudly cooing 'Ahhhhhhh'. I would stop and so would he. I would start again and so would he. It was almost impossible to read and Lily and I were totally cracking up! He just had so much to say :)

Happy Fish

An icecream to celebrate the end of an intensive week of swimming, and a little girl who worked so hard and learnt
so much! 

Checking out a reptile exhibition

Transfixed by a turtle!

Yup, it's already that time of year. Flannelette PJs, cosy fleece dressing gowns and constant
reminders to keep socks/slippers on their feet!