skip to main |
skip to sidebar
As January comes to a close (that month zipped by!) it's inevitable that we reflect on the resolutions or intentions we made in the New Year, and see how we're doing. One of the focuses I was most excited about was Motherhood Captured; a photography project my dear friend Polly and I developed after realising how few pictures we were included in, and how that was something we wanted to change.
I am so amazed by how successful this project has already been in getting me in front of the camera. I've blogged four separate posts with pictures of me and the girls in already this month, and I love those pictures so much. And I love the fact that when they're older, and we look back at pictures of walks and birthdays past, I'll be there too. In front of the camera, as well as behind.
This week we headed out for a walk with my sister and she had my camera nearly the whole time, which meant she captured some lovely, natural moments between me and my girls. I'm so happy to have these beautiful photographs to post for January's Motherhood Captured.
If you've got involved in Motherhood Captured this month, feel free to post a link in the comments. I'd love to see your portraits too x
As 2016 began the realisation that my baby goes to school THIS YEAR hit me (excuse me while I pause to weep a while). With Phiney at nursery three afternoons a week, plus Thursday at my Nan's house, we only have Friday quiet time - two hours when Coralie's sleeping, after lunch - where it's just Josephine and I. I made the decision to spend the first half an hour at least of this time creating, baking, reading, puzzling or playing something specific to ensure some real quality mama/daughter time. It can be hard with two children (especially when Coralie's still very much into destroying puzzles and eating colouring pencils and sequins!), meeting friends, nursery and park trips to find the time, but it's vital for both of us.
Josephine loves her quiet time. It's her opportunity to play, read or watch her favourite film without the attention of her (adored, of course!) baby sister, so I didn't want to take all her time. So having something planned ensured time was well spent.
A couple of weeks ago I ordered some of Cotton Twist's kits, which I've been long admiring on Alexis' IG. They're sweet and simple and take just the right amount of time to create. I went with the Pirate Catapult and Football Game, and Alexis was kind enough to pop in a couple of others to try too.
Last week Josephine picked the Football Game to try out and I can't recommend these little packs enough. They include everything you need and Josephine was able to do it all (except tie the string to the goal posts) herself, which left her feeling very proud. Perfect for our Miss Independent. She loved moulding the clay, personalising the little goalie and constructing the goal posts.
And the best thing about all Cotton Twist's crafts are they offer plenty of playtime once they're made. We took it in turns to flick the pompom ball at the goalie and we even had a penalty shoot out (Josephine won.) It's been living on our dining table since Friday and we've all been playing with it. Phiney is really excited to make another this week, and I can't wait for more precious allotted time to sit down and do this with her.
Time goes so fast, and carving out these moments is so worth it. We both had a lovely time, laughing and talking and creating. The perfect mama/daughter date.
This is not a sponsored post, just a lovely product I wanted to share :)
Walking through the woods with these two, I happily follow and watch them admire and explore and be amazed. I even managed to get Coralie to keep her hat on. Sure it was only for about 35 seconds, but that's the best yet!
Snapping some pictures of Josephine last week, Coralie wanted to be involved too, and I just adore this capture of the two of them. And I can't get enough of our Dancing Josephine...
Josephine: Brightening a gloomy Friday morning with a bit of practice before dance class, wearing her beautiful new tutu.
Coralie: Exploring the freezing cold woods early one morning. She followed a little robin for about 15 minutes as it hopped along the ground.
To celebrate Josephine's birthday on Monday, we headed out to breakfast at our new favourite café (the new Boston Tea Rooms - such a beautiful space) and then went for a birthday walk around the Royal Crescent. It was absolutely freezing, so a much shorter walk than we had planned, but it gave Josephine the chance to try out her new binoculars that Coralie had given her for her birthday, and me to snap some birthday portraits. I never get any good pictures at their parties - sure, it's always so busy but largely I like to be there in the moment rather than behind the camera - so I always make sure I get some great shots at another point in the day.
I can't believe our girl is four. She looks so happy in these pictures, and so does Coralie, and that's all that matters in the world. Plus I got in on the photo action again (debuting my amazing new Ace & Jig dress - thank you Ben!)
Happy birthday darling Josephine, we love you xxxxx
