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I'm so grateful to have this blog as a way of documenting our year. From the little ordinary moments, to those of a larger scale. From charting our progress selling our house and then renovating, to watching Cohen and the bump grow, or sharing the excitement of my sisters wedding. All that I have made, moments I have captured, thoughts that I have shared. I have these 284 posts to look back over at the way we lived our days in 2011. And so many reasons to be grateful.

So here's to a wonderful 2012. 

Wishing you all a happy and safe new year.

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Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple dress giveaway.

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I seem to be wandering in and out of the nursery more and more often now. Moving slowly from one task to another. Sometimes just looking. Day dreaming about life with two little ones. Remembering those hazy first days with Cohen. Sorting little clothes, adding to the hospital bag, folding sheets and taking a little longer each time I try to get up from the floor.

My tummy is certainly getting fuller. My face is rounder too. And I'm enjoying this time of pottering and planning.

Shabby Apple Giveaway - closed

The lovely ladies at Shabby Apple are offering one of my Australian readers the opportunity to win this fabulous frock. 

The glamorous, vintage inspired, Mulholland Dress. 

I'm more than a little taken with this dress. Cap sleeves, lace and ribbon. Yes please! Can see yourself swanning about in special occasions in such a darling dress? If so, here's how to enter -

Simply 'like' Shabby Apple on facebook and leave a comment on this post.

Leave a second comment if you are a follower, so that you get an extra entry.

Ta-dah!

The winner will be drawn randomly on the 5th of January, 2012. Good luck!

Shabby Apple is currently having a sale. But if, like me, you always choose those things that aren't on sale, I can also offer you a 10% discount when you enter the code 'littlebird10off' at the checkout.

(The giveaway is open to Australian readers only. Sorry, the dress can not be exchanged. Please make sure I can contact you - leave your email address if your profile is private.)


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Congratulations Zaranne Handmade! Hope you enjoy wearing your lovely dress.

Summer Views

Sand. Sea. Sky.

The beach seemed such a long way away yesterday, after the previous days activity. I'd been happy just to relax, balance 'Jane Eyre' on my tummy and spend the day at home. But I'm so glad Dave suggested it. It was wonderful to walk in the cool sand and watch Cohen explore the beach, paths and swings. Watch the beach cricket, kite flying and families exploring. Watch the sun setting pink and orange as we drove home.

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Merry Christmas my beautiful boy,

At three you seem to be the perfect age for Christmas. Or "gris-gris" as you so happily pronounce it. You understand so much more this year and have been relishing all the signs of the season. Particularly the Christmas lights, chanting "more, more lights" as we walk through streets lit up, or drive past houses unexpectedly decked out in their lights. You're fascinated with, though still weary of, Santa. Leaving out biscuits and milk for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer was one of Christmas Eve's highlights for you, the other being the Muppet's Christmas Carol. Come Christmas morning the first thing you did was check the glass and plate and declare excitedly "Santa biscuits gone!", ignoring your gifts to marvel at this eventuality instead.

We were all spoilt Christmas day with family, food and gifts. You were delightful to watch. Your excitement was contagious. There is nothing quite as sweet and amusing as watching a three year old tackle the task of unwrapping his presents, and a few of mine. Giving out kisses and thank yous in return, proudly displaying your new toys. You are now well stocked in Lego and books, a balance bike and art supplies, remote controlled car and a dinosaur egg (which is submerged in water as I write, a dinosaur slowly cracking it's way through the shell under your watchful and curious eye.)

My dear boy, what a wonderful Christmas it was. Traditions were honored and new traditions created. Next year we will be celebrating as a family of four and I can't think of anything better.

All my love,

Mama

10 good things

A simple Christmas 

A pantry full of good food

The chance to just potter around the house and garden

New plants

Ticking the last things off the to-do list

A whole day to spend baking tomorrow if I so please

The Cooper St top I op-shopped yesterday, that fits my bump and shall be worn Christmas day

Rainy weather

All our photos up to date (finally) - printed, sorted, dated and in the albums

A little boy who can count to ten with me

Summer Days

Learning to scoot with Dada. 

The perfect birthday gift for three year old boys I think.

Thank you Grandpa Lowry.

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The wonder of Christmas lights. Cohen is awestruck by them. While they remind me of my Grandfather. It's strange how people and things can be linked in ones mind this way. But Christmas lights remind me of my Grandfather. Which reminds me of his sayings, his handwriting, his jars of sweets. The way he wrote his initials in the front of library books so he'd know he'd read them, his leather shoes and long socks. His Maple leaf lapel pin from Canada, his handsome wedding photo, the wonderful way he would read us stories. My Grandfather was always a big part of our Christmas when I was growing up.

And while I celebrate with my family this year, we shall drink a toast to those no longer with us and the wonderful memories that remain.

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Another benefit of starting a veggie patch, the scenic drive to buy hay.

Happy Sunday

Hello quiet Sunday morning. 

You couldn't come too soon after days and nights of birthday parties, dinners and Christmas break ups. 

Hello pancakes. A nap. A cute little reindeer. 

What are your plans for the day?

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It's a Christmas tradition. The Santa photo.

And much like last year and the year before, Cohen was not impressed to say the least.

Well, not until they gave him some Reindeer antlers and a red nose that lights up. After he was off Santa's lap. And unlike the mother in front of me who spent ten minutes trying to make her little one smile, I love the honesty of this photo. This is what I want to remember. There is always next year (perhaps) for a smiling photo. But for now, this is my perfect Christmas photo. It will be included in our Christmas cards to our nearest and dearest. Cohen can look back and laugh at it when he is older. 

My gorgeous boy.

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New parks to explore. Pine cones to collect. Frankie in the mail. Playing in the garden. Feeling more positive.