Resemblance

Can you see it?

These are photographs taken when we lived in Ottawa, Canada, for a year when I was one. After posting this portrait I dug out the ring bound family albums with yellowing pages and my mum's neatly printed captions, searching for the photographs that flash in front of my eyes sometimes as I watch Saskia. That peculiar feeling when you look at your child and she seems so profoundly, intensely, strangely familiar. An odd thing to say, perhaps, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

(Oh and then there is always this).

I'm such a sucker for baby photos from the 70s and 80s. I'd love to see yours...

ps. Look at my Dad doing his best pensive Lennon look!

*I'm so touched by all the comments generated by the 52 Project, and am looking forward to discovering some new blogs. Just making myself a cup of tea...

13/52

A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old.

This little one walks and walks and walks...but after a morning of trotting about the village paths those busy little legs needed a rest. 

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series

Wishes for the New Year

K and I saw in the new year on our balcony under the twinkle of stars and fairylights. We talked about friendships, astronomy (ok, K talked and I listened) and new books.... I hadn't though about resolutions before new year's eve but I've been pondering some for a few days now. This year my resolutions aren't particularly brave or too different to what I've been doing, they seem to be a slight shift, a small change in direction. Sometimes, some years, that's all it is.

Wishing you all light and love in 2013 x

...write letters, make cards, send handwritten wishes, post clippings...do you know I'm still in the process of sending thank you cards for Saskia's 1st birthday? I'm probably about 3/4 way through a rather long list, and while it is taking me many more weeks than I had imagined, I've grown quite fond of taking my time to write out a heartfelt message (usually one or two every few days), imagining the smile a washi taped envelope might bring to someone's day. 

...finish Saskia's quilt and baby book...K will take holidays in February and I'm going to use a little bit of that time to make a good start on Saskia's baby book. The beautiful white leather bound album I bought from here sits on my desk and beckons to be filled. The quilt project I think I'll save until the cool Autumn nights.

...give handmade where possible...I made quite a few gifts for friends and family last year and I'd love to try to continue doing this this year. The response to a handmade present is always more heartening than you can imagine.

...make do...we start the year without my maternity leave & parental payments, and although we are still incredibly fortunate to have the security of K's salary, the change will mean that we have to be extra careful with (and more aware of spending) our  money. I can use what I already have in my wardrobe and craft stash with a few small thrifty purchases where necessary, and would love to learn to be a little more resourceful in the kitchen and garden. With this resolution particularly, I know I'll find inspiration in many of your blogs.

12/52

A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old.

Each colour carefully considered. Her first (official) work of art.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series

Christmas Day

Our Christmas this year was simple and so delightful. The day was overcast and unusually cold which meant we spent most of our time inside, stretched out on the living room rugs and cuddled into sofas, reading the back covers of new books. I hardly took any photos and instead just watched as Saskia played with her small cousins and charmed the adults.

*The view at Christmas lunch out towards the Brindabellas. We spent Christmas day out on my aunt and uncle's property just outside Canberra. I never grow tired of this outlook.
**Saskia was lucky to receive a little table and chair set, and some other small gifts from us including these beautifully designed flash cards (she has a credit card obsession and these are a great substitute!), some special crayons and a few farm animals to begin a collection (most definitely the biggest hit). We also donated money in Saskia's name to this amazing organisation (after reading about it on Kylie's blog). The small amount of money we gave will help a family in rural Fiji purchase chickens so they can sell chicks and improve their nutrition with daily eggs.

I was too late to wish you all a merry Christmas, but I do hope there were moments of true happiness. Thank you for all your kind words over the past year. I get a little kick out of each and every comment you leave x

Last year's Christmas

11/52

A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, as a one year old.

All her Mama here. This could have come straight from my baby book.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series

14 months

14 months and the Little One...

...entertains us with her animal sounds - oink (with a crazy tongue roll) and roar (always whispered) are some of the favourites
...astounds us with her words (hat, apple, shoe, por favor, teddy, agua) and song lines (e-i-e-i-o, row row, roll over)

...has a fire in her (Brazilian) belly, and has thrown some thoroughly dramatic tantrums (just like her mama, I'm told)
...loves to play lady (wear a necklace, carry a bag or poach mama's hat)

...understands more than we realise
...sometimes wakes us up with noisy kisses
...will happily eat weetbix, lentil burgers and pikelets

...went on her first $2 ride (and I guess there's no turning back...)
...makes her mama and dada feel oh so lucky, oh so grateful

*Can you tell I've given up trying to get a shot where she's looking into the camera? These photos taken in JanMa's front yard, where again, there are many little friends to say hello to, hiding about the place. The wombat family near the front steps are clear favourites and they each get a kiss.