CORALIE IN THE SUN

I know I went on about the sunshine in my last post too, but I can't get enough of it. It has inspired me to get the camera out more this week than in the last month I think.

Coralie and I spent the afternoon in the garden on Wednesday and it was so lovely. Wearing the nanny-made cardigan Josephine wore here, it's crazy to see how much Coralie has grown and changed over the winter. I'm so looking forward to getting outside with her for some one on one time on our afternoons when Phiney is at nursery. Sitting and watching her explore the garden was magical.

WAITING FOR SPRING

WEARING: [Josephine] Second hand French dress and shirt // La Coqueta tights // Clarks boots [Coralie] BabyGap blouse // Coco & Wolf bloomers // La Coqueta tights // Clarks boots.

I am definitely ready for spring. I think we all are. I'm ready for lunchtime picnics and feeling the warm sun on my face. I'm ready to leave the house without 15 minutes of layering up and the endless amount of mud (it's everywhere - on boots, coats, trousers, scooters, bikes, the carpet, the car...) And I'm ready to say goodbye to waterproof trousers for a few months.

This week we've had some beautiful spring days. Blue skies and sun have made leisurely walks so much fun, and there's something so refreshing about throwing open the windows and letting the fresh air breeze round the house. I even put some washing on the line earlier. We headed outside yesterday for a quick stroll and we didn't even wear coats. Sure the cold wind soon drove us back inside, but it felt so good.

I can't believe it's March next week, and whilst I can't wait for spring, I'm all to aware of how fast the days and weeks are going and how (as always!) I just want them to slow down.

08/52

Josephine: Looking very much like a WW2 evacuee, with her windswept, day old plaits and knitted jumper.

Coralie: Looking very at home behind the wheel of a tractor.

SISTERS

WEARING: [Josephine] Next dress and cardigan // La Coqueta tights // Clarks boots [Coralie] Dress found at T K Maxx // H&M cardigan // Coco & Wolf bloomers // La Coqueta tights // Clarks boots

The friendship between our girls has really developed over the last couple of months, and it makes my Mama heart so happy to see them laughing and chatting, and genuinely enjoying each other's company.

I think with Coralie changing so much since Christmas - she can talk so well now, and make herself understood much more - things are much easier for both Josephine and Coralie. There seems less frustration and arguments, and much more getting along and playing games together. It's so lovely to see.

Of course there is still friction - Coralie isn't the most delicate person, and train tracks and Playmobil scenes can get quite easily destroyed - but Phiney is appreciating that it isn't Coralie being naughty and just that she isn't quite as co-ordinated, or doesn't quite understand the game yet. For someone who is normally rather lacking in patience (just like me!) Josephine often blows me away by how calm she can remain when it comes to dealing with her little sister. Not always of course, but mostly :)

I'm so proud of these girls. So proud to be their Mama.

Also, I love the series of portraits of them outside our front door that's growing.

DYRHAM PARK: winter sunshine

We spent the morning with my Mum enjoying the glorious winter sun at Dryham Park. Neither girls were feeling 100%, so our walk quickly turned into a stop at the tea rooms and lots of chocolate cake, but hey - I'm fine with that!

The girl's both loved riding on the tractors, but I think they had the most fun on the bus that takes you back up the hill to the car park...

Photos from our last trip to Dyrham in the spring (look how small Coralie is!), and to teeny Phiney the year before that.