11/52

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

Grace:  My poor girl was struck down with a tummy bug at almost exactly the same hour as her Mama on Thursday night.  Since then, she and I have been 'in quarantine', resting in bed, sipping on chamomile tea and looking after one another.  Lethargy is still lingering today.

Sophie:  Our little one woke in such a funny mood on Wednesday morning thanks to a pesky eye tooth which is making an appearance.  She was very quiet and a tad grumpy at the breakfast table which is unlike her.

Joining in with Jodi

From last week's portraits,  Claire's photo of darling little Saskia was pure sweetness in my eyes.

The Sadness Of Old Age

This morning, as I popped down to Fremantle, I drove along soaking in all the beauty of a sunny autumn sky, mentally taking notes about what I was planning to post today.  Instead, I've returned home and sat here at my computer to compose a whole different set of words instead.

My visit to Fremantle was to visit my poor Nanna in hospital (Dad's Mum).  Last Tuesday night, she had a fall which left her with a broken hip and after a three day wait for an operation which frustratingly kept being postponed, she is now slowly recovering from her surgery.

I made my way up to her room and found her drifting in and out of sleep.  I held her hand and stroked her wrinkled cheek.  Her skin was paper thin and she seemed so much older than usual (although at almost 92 years of age, I'm not sure quite how possible that is actually).  Her usual spritely smile and greeting were only half there.  Chatting was difficult for her, but we managed a little bit of conversation as I tried my hardest to be cheery.  Phrases were repeated over and over and she seemed very confused. 

She did manage a little joke though, and that made my heart very happy indeed.

And when I could see that she was having trouble keeping her eyes open, I kissed her forehead, told her I loved her and let her rest, walking back to my car with tear filled eyes and thinking about how horrible it is that old age sees people in such a state. 

A natural part of life I know, but a sad one nonetheless...

The photo above of Nanna and I was taken on my fourth birthday, when I was almost the same age as Grace is now.



10/52

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


Sophie:  Things were a little too quiet for my liking on Friday morning.  Certain Sophie was up to no good, I went to investigate.  Instead, I found her standing as still as can be, hiding in the small gap between our couch and piano. 

Grace:  A scooter has been on her wishlist for some time... yesterday that wish came true.  It's only 8am and she's already outside now whizzing around. 

Joining in with Jodi



My favourite portraits from last week's series were Sarah's.  The contrast of little brother and big brother was just beautiful.

My Un-Birthday

Sweet banner above available from Tucke & Bonte on Etsy

Yesterday, we had a day of birthday celebrations for me, or more accurately, an 'un-birthday'.  Today is my actual birthday, but seeing as Grace has kindy on Tuesdays, I decided to pretend yesterday was my special day for her sake.  There was present opening in bed, a family breakfast at a cafe in East Fremantle and tea at the local pub for us four, complete with a 'happy birthday' serenade all the way home.

Today, has been an equally wonderful day.  Besides being my actual birthday, today is officially Paul's first day of over two months long service leave.  Knowing how eager I am to sort out our home office makeover, he suggested we take a trip to Ikea.  We headed there for a wander this morning, unfortunately returning home empty handed however, needing to do a bit more measuring before any purchases are made.

Anyway, after my post the other day reflecting on my decade between birthdays, I wanted to share with you a poem in one of the lovely birthday cards I received.  The words just seemed so fitting...

When you find beauty in the world around you

And satisfaction in the place you've earned,

When you prevail, though challenges surround you,

And take the best from each hard lesson learned,

When you reach out to share the joys of living

And look with hope upon each new day's start,

When you remain both trustful and forgiving

And keep your cherished friendships close in heart,

When you still feel the proud anticipation

Of precious dreams and goals worth striving toward,

Then every birthday is a celebration

And every coming year its own reward.

9/52

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

Grace: Playing dress ups with my high heels... "Hi everyone, I'm Mummy," she announced as she came clip-clopping down the hallway in these sparkly shoes

Sophie:  A bit cautious at a large birthday party gathering... you can see the slight look of worry in her eyes here as she searched for me among the crowd of unfamiliar faces

Joining in with Jodi