34/52

A portrait of my babes once a week in 2015 (24 months)

We are in Southbroom for a week with all our favourite girls: Kimmy, the three sisters, and all our babes (and Hugs' bump). Sand in the toes, salty spray on your skin, family around whichever way you turn, loud meals, long walks, rainy afternoon activities, cousin baths, and morning snuggles all in one bed. Girls' holidays are pretty wonderful. 

33/52

A portrait of my babes once a week in 2015 (24 months)

Post-birthday party balloon bliss. Well, actually, balloons can be both a source of joy and terror for you Florence, you insist these are tied up in their correct spot every evening. 

We threw a little party for you in Kimmy's garden this last Friday afternoon. It was the warmest end-of-winter day and we adorned the garden in giant balloons, teepees, and a golden happy birthday sign and celebrated with a few friends. The theme was Noah's Ark (tow-by-two, twins-turning-two - it seemed quite appropriate) and Cheska decorated the snack table with toy animals dressed in party hats and carrying presents. We made your cake the day before and decorated it with tiny pairs of animals and pink and white bunting. It was such a happy, sunny afternoon and I beamed when I stepped back for a few minutes and took it all in. 

32/52

A portrait of my babes once a week in 2015 (24 months)

(Photo by Lad and Lass)

There are two of you. Two halves of you too - the babies you were and the people you're becoming. Little girls. We're still connected, you and I, closely entwined as I nurse you and you hold my hair, as I kiss your smoochy lips, as I pop half your chewed strawberry into my mouth and kiss a graze or wipe away your tears with a finger tip. I also recognise myself and your papa in you, the expressions or tones you've learnt from me, or the curl of your papa's hair. And yet (and yet - such a small but potent word), you are so very much yourselves. 

31/52

A portrait of my babes once a week in 2015 (24 months)

You are speaking beautifully and constantly. The funniest and sweetest things come out of your mouths when talking to each other or about each other or to me - they either make me want to cry with laughter or cry because it warms my heart.

The other night, Florence closed her finger in a drawer while I was feeding Anna on my bed.

Anna (shouting from the bed): "I see Florence." She jumps off the bed and runs to Florence,"I'm bringing a kiss."

Florence, you have the sweetest way of thinking about things or remembering things when I ask you a question. You say,"ummmmm" with a little smile on your lips. You've just started saying "what else" so now when you're trying to remember you say, "ummmm, what else..."