Category Archives: At home

I hear footsteps, and she’s there.
The light hits my eyes at the same time as her arms embrace me.
Hair in tangles.  Climbing in beside me.  Cozy cuddles, keeping warm.
Watching the clouds outside.
And wishing we could stay, just one more minute.

Or forever.

M x

The day came.  Our holidays ended, much earlier than I was ready for, and we woke up on the first day of preschool for 2013.  Totally accustomed to lazy mornings since last December, I had to drag myself out of bed with a mental pep talk to get everything packed and ready to go.  Sophia, on the other hand, bounced out of her bed full of beans and eager to see all the friends she has missed.  She even asked me to bring my camera to take photos of her!  I am very fortunate to have a daughter so in love with preschool.  She’s never cried for us leaving her there – quite the opposite – she has cried about having to leave at the end of the day!  It’s beautiful to watch the friendships she has made, her attachment to her teachers, and her knowledge of the world, grow.  She never stops talking, question after question, desperate to understand everything she can.  And her memory never fails to impress me!  I couldn’t be more proud and yet I find myself wishing she would slow down and let me hold onto each minute a little tighter.  I will miss having her by my side each day, but excited about the year ahead for her and what it may bring.

We took the familiar roads, walked the path to the gate, and up the steps to her classroom.  And quick as lightning, she was gone – racing into her class without a second to spare to say goodbye.

My heart went in with her.

M x

At the start of school holidays last year, I was so worried how we’d fill all those days and weeks.  And now that the school year is almost ready to begin, I don’t want the holidays to end.  I have had the most wonderful time!  Instead of racing out early each morning, I wait for Miss S to wake and jump into bed with me for cuddles.  We get up late, and eat breakfast late.  We’ve spent time with friends we haven’t seen for months.  Made new friends too.  We’ve had days at the pool, and days at the park.  We’ve taken long walks and found new favourite spots.  I have loved simply taking our time.  And that’s something we usually don’t get a chance to do.  I’m grateful for every minute we have and I love that we can make it whatever we wish.

M x 

I’ve loved spending the holidays with my daughter – concentrating my everything on her.  No work running around my head, no preschool to be at, just her.  And I.  And sometimes I just sit and watch her, the way she stares into her favourite movie (The Wizard of Oz, of course) with wide eyes.  Her sleepy face, her smile.  The best part of every day is falling in love with her a little more.  M x

I love what happens lately when I ask Sophia for a photo!  With each click of the shutter, I’m presented with a fabulous new pose.   Inventive, and funny, and gorgeous, all at the same time.  I hope these shots make you smile as much as they do me!  M x

There’s so much to love about right now.

The way she runs to hide whenever she hears someone coming, so she can jump out and say “Boo!” when they appear!

Her desire for independence, because she’s a “big girl” and can do it by herself.

Her love of all things sparkly, pink, fairy and princess.  And her headband with the bow on it.

Ballet.  Ballet.  Ballet.  And a little more ballet.

The spontaneous “I love you” that never fails to melt me and can turn the worst day upside down.

Red shoes.  Or more, ‘Dorothy shoes’.  Any pair of shiny red shoes fits the bill and gets her full attention.

Tea parties and picnics.  There’s always one to be found somewhere in the house.

Her beautiful seriousness and her sunshine smile.

And waking up in the morning to see her exclaim, “It’s morning!” as if it is the most wonderful day and she can’t wait for it to start.  I can’t wait to spend it with her.

M x

This week I thought of Ava.  You can read more about her here.  A beautiful 3 year old Superprincess, taken to heaven too soon, her family mark her birthday on 22 August by holding a tea party.  The concept of Ava’s Tea Party began in 2009 and has spread around the world.  A time to remember, to cherish, celebrate, and love.

Sophia wore her favourite dress and invited her dolly along, and I captured these moments.  Just playing.  Laughing.  Being silly.

Being together.

M x

Are you a princess?  I said & she said I’m much more than a princess, but you don’t have a name for it yet here on earth.  ~ Brian Andreas

M x