Dear Maeve,

To celebrate 9 glorious months with you, here are 9 of my favourite photos from this past month. 

You are such a sweet, sweet natured little petal. Nothing much bothers you, making me think that although you may resemble me in appearance, you certainly adopted your papas easy going, calm nature.
Your new favourite thing is smiling whilst tilting your head to the side, making us completely melt, and giggle and cover you in kisses. 
You can be so active & busy, chattering away as you play, exploring with your new found crawling skills. But on the other hand you can be so quiet and observant. Long walks see you sit completely still as you gaze out at the world. 

Oh Maevie, you are just lovely, and we adore you, we adore you!

Your mama

Dear Lola & Maeve,

It's that time of year again.
The blanket basket is overflowing with deliciously warm throws, with a few flung over each lounge, ready to wrap & warm chilly bodies.
Sandals have been replaced with gumboots and soft leather shoes. Sun hats with knitted beanies.
Lola, your flannelette sheets are out, and Maeve you are sleeping on the same sheep skin I slept on as a baby.
Empty tea cups can be found in every room, and hearty meals are favoured.
When I remember to, I burn candles throughout the day, and a roaring fire keeps us toasty every evening.

Once again, it has become our duty to head to the bush every other day to collect kindling.
This time last year, Maeve was busy growing in my ever expanding belly, and I had to catch my breath to keep up with Lola.
This year, with Maeve propped on one hip, arms flapping with excitement, and Lola racing ahead to find and snap the biggest twigs, certain she will make her papa proud, I am constantly reminded of just how special this season really is. 

Your mama

Dear Lola & Maeve, 

It started with two little voices that kept calling out during the night. Dragging our heavy bodies out of a warm bed, we handed out cuddles, kisses and warm milk. We rummaged blind to find dummies tossed out of bed, and shushed weeping babes back to sleep. 

A restless night saw early rising. 
And in the dim morning light we discovered the culprit. Two blocked up noses & a couple of teeth ready to explode from Maeve's swollen gums.  

Today saw extra tears, meltdowns, mess, cartoons and snuggles. 
The mountain of washing could have very well toppled over and buried Maeve. 
Every toy we own was sprawled out on the lounge room floor. 
As Maeve chewed a piece of chalk, Lola hung on to my leg, begging for more food. You have eaten ALL day long. 

When most of our days flow seemingly smooth and happy from one to the next, days like this can come as a bit of a test. 

But amongst the chaos, it just made me realise how thankful I am. 

I'm thankful that I was able to drop Maeve at mums place for her morning nap, so I could go and spend an hour pretending to be space captains with Lola, and squealing as we zoomed down a enormous slippery dip over & over again.
I'm thankful for my sister who picked up some medicine for Maeve, because she is so completely selfless, cares so very much, and doesn't hesitate to make an extra stop off during her already busy morning out.
I'm thankful for my husband and his timely messages and phone calls, filled with encouragement, wise words, love and so much sense. 

I'm thankful for my two girls, our afternoon stroll to the playground once the rain had passed, and for the constant reminders they give me to slow down. 

Here's to a restful and slow moving weekend. 

Your mama