The weather does not quite feel like January – although I’m quite certain will be seeing those temperatures again. Despite the illusion of spring in the air, it was indeed the last weekend of January.

My weekend began with an escape for a most welcome massage from a most skilled friend. A family visit to the science centre and pizza back at home. There was a new book to read, a lunch date with a beautiful mama-to-be, dress up time, soup that tasted good and felt good too, the end of this series snuggled on the couch with hubby, and only one casualty. Warm (to us) weather, penguins in the snow, and spring coats with ski gloves outdoors. While indoors I baked up a storm, danced with florence, smiled at a girl, and did lots of washing up.

And at the end of it all, three new recipes you’ll get to see here soon and a treat you may have seen before, the next instalment, and knitting needles in hand.

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How was your weekend? Hope you’re enjoying a bright start to the new week. Wish you could stop by for a slice of pie and a steaming cup of tea!

We’ve flown through five wonderful months with this sweet little lady. Our Mira is the constant centre of sibling adoration and parental affection. I didn’t imagine just how much these kids would dote on their new sister. It is beautiful.

These baby days are precious and Mira makes them so easy on us with her happy smiles and gentle nature. She celebrated the beginning of her sixth month by rolling over to the cheers of grandparents and aunties but for my part, I might just be trying to pretend that this wee one doesn’t really look any older than she did at three months (the definite lack of hair helps on that count).

The girl with a thousand nicknames and at least that many kisses smothered on her everyday, she is such a joy to us all.

Happy Solstice, dear friends.

During these days of long winter nights we’re seeking light. We’re joyfully celebrating the shift and looking forward to the lengthening of our days.

Best wishes for a beautiful holiday season full of light and love! Wishing you peace and joy, harmony and laughter.

Merry Christmas!! Much love to you all!

xo R

A few of you expressed regret that you missed one of the three spots on my pay it forward but I’m popping in quickly to mention there are spots open at Apseed. Apseed is a lovely blog featuring beautiful photos, thoughtful reflections, delicious food and gorgeous handmades. Apseed Crafts is Irina’s equally wonderful shop and I stop in often to drool over her new items. I’m quite desperate to add my name to the sign up but I suppose that would be cheating.

Some of my favourites from her shop.

Sooo…if you are interested in joining a pay it forward and missed the chance you can sign up at Apseed, here.

Two months?? Already? As Dan cruelly reminded me tonight, Mira is getting older. I am not ready but it’s inevitable. While she grows up too quickly I’m enjoying special moments. Snuggles, chubbs, sibling love, baby wearing, gurgles and sweet, sweet smiles…it’s wonderful.

So wonderful.

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Mira is wearing her puerperium, notes here.