13/52

" A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou -  She delights in watching people, her facial expressions mimicking theirs.

Remy -  He's a home body this boy. 

Inès -  Just when I think she's growing way too fast I see her on our bed and smile at how tiny she still is.

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.

12/52

" A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou -  In her own little world pottering amongst the tomato seedlings.

Remy -  A little boy and his giant leaf hat.

Inès -  Her feet are always in the air. And always covered in fluff.

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.

head to water

Temperatures are soaring again and the landscape is harsh. By now,  Autumn's gentle ways should be lulling us into a time of inward renewal and hibernation. Evenings should be cool enough for a cardi but Summer refuses to leave. Bogged down in humidity we are all tired, cranky and stagnating in a season that has long overstayed it's welcome. So we head to water.

Cool water on hands and feet provide a tonic to prickly, sweaty skin and a welcome excuse to strip off.  Tetchy little ones are soothed with a handful of animals and timber bowls; a backyard savannah of sorts. And  frequent drinks of slightly chilled water with slices of lemon and cucumber help to hydrate and calm.

Tonight I will set out small tapas plates of  hard boiled eggs, olives, cherry tomatoes, hummus and sourdough bread with chilled slices of orange for afters. I will draw myself a cool bath come evening and wallow by candlelight, willing Autumn to show itself. Tomorrow we'll pack our fossicking baskets with flasks of iced peppermint tea and head to the creek. And if I forget the calendar and just accept the weather for what it is, I might just convince myself that this extended Summer is indeed a gift.

Has Autumn shown itself to you yet? What are your weekend plans?

the mindful day: taking tea

Lately I've been taking my tea outside on the back deck; it's cool and quiet there. Usually English Breakfast with honey or mint fresh from the garden. And perhaps a little something sweet to eat. It's that small window of time with both my youngest babes sleeping that I'm enforcing some self care on myself.

Neglecting the nappy folding, the lunch (and sometimes breakfast) dishes I'm choosing these quiet few moments first. Propelled by some unforeseen notion of domestic duty I would usually soldier on until all the tasks were done. Wouldn't the list of to do's with jaunty ticks leave me feeling accomplished? Surely I'd savour the serenity all the more. But inevitably someone would wake the second I placed the kettle on the stove and the daily dance would resume, the precious moments of alone time gone.

So now, with my eyes resting on green, growing things and my ears filled with not much more than birdsong, I'm putting my tea break at the top of the list. A few solitary moments in a day to recharge and regroup...or to simply sit down. A small act of mindfulness where I lower and relax my shoulders, gently direct my attention to the taste and warmth of the tea and gaze at nature's colour palette. The rules are simple - no phone and no computer,  just tea and stillness.

11/52

" A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou -  She is eating so much at the moment. The teenage years have me worried!

Remy -   Snuggles on the lounge.

Inès - They comment often on her soft hands, soft hair, soft earlobes....

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.

10/52

" A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou -  The weekend is a time for backyard shenanigans, quiet craft and slow times together. She shines on these days.

Remy -   A sore throat and an ear infection have called for lemon and honey drinks and lots of cuddles.

Inès - Growing way too fast!

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.

9/52

" A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou -  All long limbs and dark lashes; I see the teen here.

Remy -   He is as easy going as they come. 

Inès - So lovely to carry her close.

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.