31/52

Concentration: looking at his reflection in my sunglasses

We've had a quiet, blissful week.

Blue winter skies, sunshine, first wattle blooms.

Beachy mornings, lagoon splashing, rock-hopping. Our first outing in *what feels like* a long while, as we've avoided car travel to keep the daytime nap at bay.

With our nights now free for badly-needed us time, I feel like I am doing a much better job during the day. 

We've made fizzy paint, planted marigolds, played matching and memory games, made moon phase cards, drawn hand tracings, taken walks, had picnics in the garden, rearranged our stepping stones, and so much more.

I am enjoying him more than ever. And it is quite possible that he just continues to get cuter.

I am loving this new groove. My heart is full.

Joining in with Jodi.

You can see the whole series of portraits here.

Revolution

Not terribly long after my small whine, we had a watershed.

The boy dropped his day sleeps, just shy of turning two. Not decisively, but we encouraged it, and it has stuck. 

And we are now relishing a new, blissful routine. Our days - and nights - are vastly improved. For all of us. Our days are smooth, save the late afternoon melts. His mood is up. Our nights are *gasp* easy. He reliably goes to bed - and to sleep! - around 6pm, when he is so exhausted he asks for bed. And sleeps around TWELVE HOURS!* Last night it was THIRTEEN and a HALF!! People of the world!! 

I never in a billion years thought we would get here, not even close.

I am hesitant to type this, but our collective jubilation overfloweth. We have our nights back - huzzah!

I also feel apologetic as I type this, as I know some very lovely people in the bloggerhood are also struggling through horrible sleep woes, while I brag about my winnings.

I also realise that this could all change with the wind. 

In the meantime, we just hope and hope and hope that this new thing sticks, and relish the now.

I think we've earned it.

--

*Not unabridged. There are still around three night-time stirrings / wake-ups, but this is small-fry in our world.

30/52

Two!

Dappled light at the zoo, the day before his birthday.

Wild hair, on the march, apple in hand.

Looking very much like a storybook character.

Another post is due to celebrate two!

Joining in with Jodi.

You can see the whole series of portraits here.

29/52

'Put the camera down, Mama!'

Soft curls and painted light.

Lining up animals on the window sill, so they can look at the view.

Wearing his 'marching band leader hat'. I have no idea where this bandanna came from, but it's been a hit this week in our marching band of two.

And demanding my presence, sans camera.

We have been savouring the last week of one! And working out this new territory without a daytime nap.

Joining in with Jodi.

You can see the whole series of portraits here.

28/52

Chasing seagulls.

I really like the idea of trying to capture spirit and personality through portraiture. 

After swimming, this is probably his favourite thing to do at the beach! What almost-two-year-old doesn't like chasing birds?

Joining in with Jodi. (Thanks Jodi for featuring last week's portrait on Che and Fidel!)

You can see the series of portraits here.

--

I must also apologise (again) for my lack of response to comments - the boy has not slept before 10pm for over a week. There is light - and an end - he has dropped his day nap and we are happily reclaiming some badly-needed adult time in the evenings. Huzzah!

27/52

Throwing pebbles into the lagoon.

The weeks are flying by. 

We are relishing the return of the sun after a patch of very cold, dramatic weather.

Saying goodbyes, and welcoming new friends.

Logistics planning and major purchase shopping.

Herb planting and star-gazing.

But most of all, just trying to enjoy the small moments.

He is loving throwing pebbles and seedpods into water and hearing the 'plop'. I think this must make him officially a small boy.

Joining in with Jodi.

You can see the whole series of portraits here.

26/52

Winter light and a soaring imagination

We've had a lot of indoors weather. I'm posting this (late) from the depths of a subtropical low - lots of howling wind and relentless rain. Extreme weather is part of life on an island Cape, that's for sure.

One of his favourite things to do inside is sit with his basket of empty jars and spice containers and make a big curry or stew in a pot. He loves opening and closing the lids and offering me tastes from his spoon.

Joining in with Jodi.

You can see the whole series of portraits here. I cannot believe the year is half done! And in four more portraits, we'll have a two-year-old!

Also must say a big thank you to everyone who has left lovely comments - the last few weeks have been super busy and involved travel, so I am still catching up.