MONTHLY PORTRAIT: september

I love these pictures so much, there was no way I was only choosing one for this month's portrait! Part dreamy childhood magic part Royal Tenenbaums...

37/52

Josephine: Her first day of school!

Coralie: Her first dance class!

DANCING JOSEPHINE (and her little helper)

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...

4/52

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.

PINK

It's very rare to see my girls wearing pink. In fact I think the only pink in Josephine's wardrobe is her ballet uniform. I don't particularly like the colour (although the palest dusky pink is hard to resist) and I like to dress them in something a bit different, a step away from 'girly' pink. Of course, this has led to many 'oh, what's his name?' questions...even if they're wearing florals and once even when Josephine had a bow in her hair!!

So it was quite a surprise to realise they were both wearing pink last Friday. Coralie's white, pink and orange floral bloomers and her pink and white striped blouse were both Josephine's. I just love seeing her in all the sweet hand-me-downs.

We're going through a very 'hands-on' stage with Josephine. She's always trying to cuddle, hold hands, pull, push and pick up Coralie. It is (mostly!) done out of love, but poor old Coralie isn't always the biggest fan. That last picture pretty much sums it up; absolute joy for Josephine, not so much for Coralie!

THREE

Today our girl turns three.

Time is going so fast and this birthday seems quite momentous. I know so much will change this year, as Josephine gets older, and it's only the beginning. She's just started her dance classes and after Easter she will start at nursery, three mornings a week; then next year it will be school. I dare not even think about that!

I have felt a little teary at how quickly Josephine is growing up. I want her to stay this age forever. To always want me by her side, to spend her days with me, for me to know everything about what has happened in her day. I plan to drink up every moment this year, more than ever. These little ones of ours don't stay little for long, and I don't want to miss a second.
Beautiful Josephine, you made Daddy and I so proud as you floated around in your little dancing outfit. And how you joined in with the class almost straight away. You make us proud everyday. You truly are the most wonderful, funny and brilliant child. How lucky we are to call you ours.

We hope this year holds fantastic adventures for you darling, and that you continue to grow big and strong and healthy, and lovely as ever. Although, you will always be our baby.

We love you more than words can say.
Happy Birthday tiny dancer xxx