Heaven

Sofia

Even though it's all about pink, I love your bedroom. But it's impossible to really capture the way it looks and feels. I sneak into your room each night to check you are sleeping soundly, cover you up if the temperature has dropped, Bluey tucked up beside you.

The mobile above your head is a collection of origami Daddy made following our trip to Japan. In fact I'm sure he was obsessed with origami at the same time that you came into being. I spent hours one day winding white wool around the perfect branch and then delicately stringing each piece so it balanced.

You sleep on a breastfeeding cushion I asked Nana to make. She also made the two square pillows beside you. The blue star pillow was a gift from your great Aunt Marina on our last trip to Italy.

The cube of treasures hangs on the wall. It's full of special things collected since your birth, many of them from Italy and international friends. You regularly climb up and retrieve your favourites. I put them back, torn between the desire to pack them away in tissue paper and wanting you to enjoy them.

Your room is a special place, a haven, a little piece of heaven.

City Girl

Sofia

 

Last month we spent a day in the city. At the library, at the museum looking at the dinosaurs and then across the pedestrian bridge for lunch. As we waited for my friend you entertained yourself completely oblivious to the pastel architectural features above and the slate flooring beneath your feet. It was all about the climbing, balancing, jumping and repeat.

 

Frog Friends

Sofia

 

One February afternoon we walk up to Aldi through the misty rain. We found this little fellow on the path and he made himself at home of your jacket. Two little green frogs friends. 

Bathing Beauty



Sofia

 

Bath time is always sweet. You play, we talk. Your lashes and cheeks still carry a touch of babyhood.

 

I miss that chubby little baby. I'm fascinated by the little girl you've become.

 

Explore

Sofia

 

We explored a local park. I capture you balancing, swinging, climbing, jumping. As you run towards me you call out, 'No more photos now Mummy'. I put the camera down and come to balance, swing, climb and jump with you. In the moment.



Thumb

Sofia

 

I worry about this. But I relied on the same comfort myself as a child and I know when you're ready you and your thumb will part ways.

Festival Eyes

Sofia 

Festival of Sails, Redcliffe, Good Friday. No explanation needed. 



Selfie

Sofia

 

Transferring photos from your camera is always fun. Today I found myself smiling back.

 

Home Sweet....

Sofia

Daddy and continue to search for a new house. The criteria has broadened a bit and this week we thought we'd found a gorgeous house. It's an emotional process, and after making an offer and waiting I was prepared for a yes or no. I wasn't prepared for an 'It's been taken off the market'.

I know each attempt is moving us towards the house we are supposed to buy. But my heart sank when I realised we won't be able to share that particular lovely space and garden with you, so close to what I hope will be your new school. There was already a cubby house, pink and purple, waiting for you. Sure it needed a bit of tender loving care but it was sweet and charming.

I guess I'll just have to ask our builder friend Derek to come and help me build something even better when we finally find our new home sweet home.

Massage time

Sofia

Dad gave me a massage last night for a sore shoulder. Then it was your turn. Your first go on the big table and you loved it. Lying perfectly still and quiet I marvelled at your composure as his strong hands worked to release your 4yo tensions.

You are always asking Dad about his massage work. You tell me later that he's helping people. He doesn't just massage, but he certainly does help a lot of people. You and me included.

 

Bat and Ball

Sofia

I've been out with friends for a girls' lunch at celebrate my 44th birthday next week. A perfect relaxed Sunday gathering of some of the women in my life.

I come home and Dad heads out to work. I suggest a walk and you appear with your cricket bat and one of the soccer balls we stuffed in the suitcase and carried home from Naples.

We head to the nearby footie field and have some fun. The rain and rolling thunder send us home with wet feet and damp shoulders. You are smiling and relaxed. It's the simple things that bring the joy.

Happy Easter

Sofia

It was a quiet family Easter Sunday. The Easter bunny left a few surprises for you but after a mild chocolate distraction at breakfast we spent the day in the vegie patch, listening to you sing like a performer in a Chinese opera while bouncing on the trampoline and watching 'Frozen' again while mummy snored. In the late afternoon you and I painted while daddy got creative in the kitchen baking chocolate and cranberry biscuits.

It's late by the time I get you in to bed. I read your new Dr Seuss book, pull up the covers and kiss you goodnight. As I leave the room I chant 'Good night, sleep tight, see you in the morning'. We exchange this every night at bed time. Tonight you added 'Happy Easter' as I left the room, my heart happy that we'd struck a nice balance during the day.

A Visitor

Sofia

The Easter bunny visited last night. He brought chocolate eggs, a Mr Bump mug and a new Dr Seuss book. He also left a trail of footprints behind.

As you wandered down the hallway bleary eyed this morning you spotted the trail of rabbit prints and asked, "What's that?"

"The Easter bunny's footprints".

"Oh, we'll have to clean the floor now".

Her mother's daughter.

After we explored the Easter basket and goodies you helped me mop up his bunny prints, stopping briefly to count and declare, "Oh, he's got three toes".

Joy.

Behind the Lens

Sofia

As usual you confidently took my camera and captured some images over the weekend as we celebrated our 20 year anniversary at Mooloolaba. This is my favourite shot. Thank you for sometimes getting behind the lens.

 

 

Beach

Sofia

Watching you at the beach on the weekend was a joy. Your confidence in the surf, exploring the rock pools, making 'coffee' from sand and water, racing back and forth to fill your little purple watering can. The only downside - your refusal to leave the beach.

 

If nothing else the fun, engagement and relaxation we all enjoyed has reminded me that we need to take the time to get away more often. A week long holiday at the beach is coming up.

 

Together

Sofia

We spent a long weekend at Mooloolaba celebrating a milestone. Daddy and I met 20 years ago in London on 5 April, 1994. It's a funny story about a hostel run by two crazy Yugoslavians and a chance midnight conversation that led to a breakfast date the next morning. Neither of us can really grasp the length of time, but we had a lovely weekend at the beach, in the pool, strolling the esplanade and hanging out together. Celebrating together.

 

Back home I'm looking through the photos and my favourite is one that daddy took on the morning that we packed up to come home. We stopped for a quick coffee, lounging on the leather sofas of an Italian restaurant as the rain poured and he captured this photo of you and I - together.

 

I know these moments won't last as you get older and bigger but for now I'm happy to have you climb up onto my lap, settle in to your comfy spot, my arms wrap around you. Together.