25/52

Ellery: playing with his 'animoos' (one of his made up / bent-out-of-shape words)

Aubrey: is there anything more lovely than a squeaky clean baby?

One of his favourite games is acting out scenes with his animals. I am a required participant.

The small boy: first rolls from tummy to back. And, those impossible lashes. And dimples upon dimples!

I've been musing upon the 52 project and wondering whether I want to continue with it, in this form. 

It has helped me hone my eye, I think, for which I am grateful. And the routine has been important for follow-through. I am committed to some sort of regular portraiture of these amazing boys. But I lament the gems unposted, because there could only be one shot. Likewise I sometimes feel compelled to post images I'm not completely enamoured with.

Uncanny timing, these thoughts, as Jodi this week posed the question of whether participants intended to continue with the project for the second half of the year.

We shall see where these thoughts meander.

24/52

Ellery: breakfast conversations with his Dad

Aubrey: such a chilled out, happy little fellow

The winter light is positively taking my breath away. Our island house gets it in the afternoon, and it lights up the dining table in our city house in the morning.

The big boy and I are getting used to a new groove on our own during the days, following the departure of our au pair.

The small boy is drooling, clutching toys and bringing them to his mouth. And watching his big brother like a hawk. Also, four months this week! Can you believe it?

23/52

Ellery: the smoothie kid

Aubrey: so much cute

The big boy is morphing from a two-nager into a three-nager, and don't we know it.

The small boy is all finger sucking, dribbling and hand discovering. The gurgling, laughing and cooing make me ponder: could this be the perfect age? So much cute, and before teething, separation anxiety and mobility milestones kick in.

22/52

Ellery: 2000 kilometres from home and still in his natural habitat

Aubrey: babe in arms (and wool)

My house is a fantastic mess. 

We arrived home last night after a whole day's travel back from the Grands' place in the Gippsland hills.

A beautiful week of family and pottering in the country. And the chance at last to introduce the Grands to "the little fellow who doesn't drive and doesn't sit up yet", as described by his big brother.

It will take us another day to return to the island and unpack our monthly groceries.

This next week begins a new chapter, as we bid farewell to our au pair and welcome winter. I am more than a little daunted by the task of wrangling the big kid (who I am having the hardest time with lately, but that's another post) and the house on my own.

Mustering deep breaths and positivity ...

--

This week's portraits taken at Whisky Bay and Port Albert.

21/52

Ellery: a bundle of energy on the beach

Aubrey: serious little chap

We've been making the most of the shortening days, before it gets too dark and cold to end the day at the beach.

Although I am still wondering whether winter will actually arrive this year.

I am knitting up a storm, regardless.

two months in pictures

20/52

Ellery: bedtime routine often looks like this

Aubrey: squeals and giggles

The golden light edition.

If the weather is good, we often head to the beach in the afternoon. We take the big boy's dinner, which is usually eaten whilst running around. Usually naked.

It's the perfect way to wear him out, and he often conks out in the car on the way home.

We also get some time for photography (him) or yoga (me), whilst he is busy carving up the sand.

Everyone wins.

And the small boy. Squeals and giggles this week!