43/52

"A portrait of Josephine, once a week every week in 2013".

I asked her to pull a face scary enough to rival our pumpkin's... 

Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.

42/52: two very special portraits

"A portrait of my children, once a week every week in 2013".

Josephine: She will make the best big sister in the world, we have no doubt. Her heart is as full as ours with happiness, and she's so excited about having a baby to play games with. 

Baby: Sweet little one, your first portrait. We are bursting with love for you already and cannot wait to welcome you into our arms, and into our family. 

Due in late April 2014, we are so overjoyed to announce our special news. Feeling so blessed right now.

Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.

WHAT PHINEY WORE: bosca beauty

WHAT PHINEY WORE: Bosca Dress c/o la coqueta // Vintage Cardigan / Ribbed Tights la coqueta // Desert Boots clarks (similar - the leather version appear to have sold out)

For many months now, I've received a lot of lovely emails and comments from you guys about the clothes Josephine wears. I'm not going to lie, dressing this girl is so much fun and searching for beautiful vintage, secondhand and unusual pieces for her is one of my absolute favourite pastimes.

It isn't always easy though. I find the majority of the shops on the high street stock small versions of (unappealing) adult styles, made poorly for a price that, in all honesty, I can't justify spending. And little girls (especially) dressed as adults is something that just doesn't sit well with me. I want traditional and classic pieces, in beautiful fabrics, prints and colours that I know I'm not going to see every other little girl wearing in the playground. 

So, with so many of you asking where I find these great pieces I thought I'd start a new regular series called What Phiney Wore, in which I'll reveal some of my favourite stores (which I may later regret!) as well as some of the tricks of shopping for kiddos that I've learnt along the way.

Today, Josephine is wearing one of the most beautiful dresses in her wardrobe; The Bosca Dress from La Coqueta. If you haven't heard of this store yet, I urge you to go check out their online shop, or if you're in Hampstead in London, to drop in the store. Launched by inspirational Mama of five Celia in 2012, the brand stocks the most beautiful clothes for babies, girls and boys all proudly made in Spain. All you need to know is I could happily dress Josephine in every piece the store has on offer, and I've bought her the most fantastic winter coat too, which I have no doubt will be popping up in a What Phiney Wore post soon. 

The Bosca Dress is beautifully made from a Liberty floral fabric, and I adore the little detailing of the lace trim on the lining inside and and the corduroy buttons on the front. 

While Josephine's boots are Clarks Originals, if her wide little feet could squeeze into them, I'd surely be buying a pair (or two) of the desert boots from La Coqueta. And maybe a pair of Mary Janes too. 

But it's not just the dresses and coats, shirts and shorts that La Coqueta have on offer. Celia has sourced the best collection of ribbed tights and long and short socks I've found, and Phiney has several pairs in her drawer. In beautiful colours, and of the highest quality, they are perfect for boys and girls alike. 

Of course, I can't finish an outfit without a piece of vintage, and this chunky knit I found in a charity shop just after Josephine was born is the perfect piece to keep her warm on a crisp autumnal day. 

13

13 years. Baby, that's a long time. But with all the fun we've been having, it's gone so fast. 

All the laughter and adventures, all the tough times. It all got us to where we are, right now. Happier than ever; more in love, more infatuated. 

Know that I will always be standing with you, holding your hand, squeezing it when you need me to. I am yours, forever. For eternity. 

And I love you. 

*our anniversary is actually tomorrow, but with fun plans and exciting times, who knows if I'd get the chance to blog. And I couldn't miss the opportunity to tell the world, once more, how awesome my boy is, and how much I love him. 

Two of my favourite photos of Ben and Phiney, on holiday in the summer. Love. 

41/52

"A portrait of Josephine, once a week every week in 2013".

Always dancing. When she's sitting, when she's eating, when she's in the bath. Life is a disco for Josephine. 

Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.

40/52: the outtakes

Because I spent about 45 minutes staring at the computer screen yesterday trying to decide which portrait to post for 40/52. Ben and I finally settled on her happy, smiling face, but these two show other sides of Josephine that I want to remember just as much, forever.

She is a beauty, inside and out, this girl of ours. Our hearts burst every second of every day with love for her. 

40/52

"A portrait of Josephine, once a week every week in 2013".

She has the kindest soul. I've mentioned it here before, i'm sure. She'll squeeze your legs and offer 'cuddle?' if you let slip the slightest sigh or moan. I believe kindness to be one of the most sacred things in the world, and it makes us burst with pride to watch it become one of Josephine's strongest traits. 

Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.

39/52

"A portrait of Josephine, once a week every week in 2013".

Conversations and a picnic with Jenny in the tent. As the autumnal rain pours down, is there anywhere more cosy?

The second portrait in the tent. Look at our tiny bird back in February. The summer sun helped her grow into a toddler, for sure.  

Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.