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

Atticus: learning how to catch.

I can't believe the year is almost over and there is only one week to go. I'd like to wish all of you who visit this little space a happy and safe festive season, and lots of light and love in the New Year! Thanks you so much for stopping by and leaving your lovely messages. x

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

An afternoon painting session outside, a paintbrush in both hands, a helicopter flies overhead and steals the show. No airplane or helicopter ever goes unnoticed by this young man. 

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

It didn't matter that it was a 35 degree heat that day or that there was a celebrity wedding going on in the background, these two little cousins were quite happy to stand in the midst of it, holding hands, and smiling cheekily at each other.

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

Atticus: first haircut. He sat still in that padded chair, watching the young lady intently as she snipped away at his locks for almost an hour! He even let her use the clippers on his little sideburns!

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

It's almost the end of spring, yet it mostly feels like we're still in the thick of winter. Last tuesday, the sun came out in all its glory; all the littles flocked to the beach with their buckets and spades in hand. They splashed in the cold waves and poured sand onto their dump trucks and excavators. The next day, the rain poured again and we went back to wearing jumpers and socks. It feels like summer has forgotten about us this year...

p.s. this portrait of Eulalie is probably one of my most favourites of the year. magic! 

As always linking in with Jodi. It's been so much fun!

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

Atticus: never without a car. I am still amazed every day at how innate a boy's love of all things car | truck | train related really is.

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

Friday afternoons are silly time at our place. I pick Atti up from his grandma's after his nap and we usually spend the rest of the afternoon doing something fun, like going out for ice cream or turning the radio on loud and dancing like crazies in the spare room. At which point I remember that I still haven't taken my portrait for the week, and try to set something up. The shot I try to set up almost always doesn't work but  something spontaneous and magical usually happens afterwards and I find my portrait in the most unexpected of places.

This week, I was lured into joining my bouncy, tumbling toddler in his jumping-on-the-bed ritual as all my attempts to sort laundry flew out the window. I snapped away at our reflection in the grubby mirror and subsequently found it very tough to pick only one photo.

Puffing Billy continued...

Here's some more of my favourites from the weekend's trip...it's been a wile since the camera has had a good workout and it sure did feel good!

Here's some more of my favourites from the weekend's trip...it's been a wile since the camera has had a good workout and it sure did feel good!

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

We lapped up the glorious sunshine this Saturday and took a ride through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges on Puffing Billy. Atticus sat back on our laps most of the time, with a very serious expression painted on his face as he took in the surroundings. Towards the end of our ride he worked up the courage to hold onto the rails and stick his head out the side and feel the fresh air caressing his curious face. After which, he promplty requested "mama cuddles" and fell asleep in my arms.

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

This is our first "stand over there and say "cheese"" shot... That sweet smile of yours has been rubbing off on all those around you lately Mr Atticus.

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

bath baby

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

Up and down the stairs we go...all day long....

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

Old nail polish and 2 minute noodles. My last resort to fill your tummy, kiddo. I am not proud but sometimes the battle is just not worth it.

I loved this sunset series from last week and how fantastic is little fox?

Joining in with Jodi, as always. x

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

Dear Atticus, you spent today with your grandparents while I studied pranayama with a very inspiring yoga teacher in Fitzroy. During my lunch break, I spent an hour walking from toy store to toy store, trying to find you an awesome fireman's hat. Not wanting to settle for a crappy plastic $2 shop one, I came home empty handed. But never fear, turns out you don't need a fancy fireman's hat to be putting out shashlik fires with Alec. 

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

I'm getting slack... especially considering last week this kiddo turned 2 and there was plenty of opportunities for pictures but life at the moment seems to be sucking all my time away from me. I am learning to focus my energies on the things that matter and learn to say "no". Easier said than done!

So... back to my birthday boy! On the morning of his birthday, he woke up in a room filled with balloons, and on the weekend, we gathered our closest friends and family for a little party in the park. The sun came out on that day, despite it having rained all week. The kiddies ran wild blowing bubbles and stuffing their faces with chocolate cake. That's what parties are for, right? 

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

Our first bloody knee scrape pretty much reflects the tough week we've had in this household. 

I unintentionally overloaded myself with yoga workshops, personal work commitments and helping out at a family friend's business. I would leave the house at 5.15am for (the most wonderful week of) yoga workshop, work in the city from 10-5, drive back home to pick up Atticus, dinner, bedtime and then settle in for personal work till about midnight. And then do it all again the next day. On those busy days, I only spent about 1 and a half hours with my exhausted little man and that hurt. Dada and Grandma did an amazing job supporting us and we couldn't have done it without them. It's been an interesting experience on so many levels, with some sweet surprises along the way. In the end, I am feeling so grateful that I am able to make a small income from freelance work, and being able to work on my own terms, around Atticus rather than having to go back to my old life of the 9-5 daily slog.

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

He's had this "duck on a stick" toy since he was 4 months old and it never really got much attention. All of a sudden he's pulled it out like he's never seen it before. Now it goes with us almost everywhere we go, usually just being dragged behind, it's little red nose grinding slowly on the footpath.

Last week, I loved these beautiful baby legs and these smiley brothers.

bali | part 3

For the last leg of our trip we decided to return to Seminyak and boy did we get lucky when we got upgraded to a 2 bedroom pool villa at the lovely Mutiara Resort. The sun was out every day and every day was spent watching naked toddler shenanigans as he ran around all day long, swimming, splashing and getting into all sorts of mischief. What a perfect end to end our holiday! 

The hardest part was putting clothes on that cute little butt when we got home. I think its safe to say we are officially Bali converts now! Until next time! x