Free for a morning

I was given a treat this morning. Rob let me have the morning off to get my hair cut. I think it had been a year since my last hair cut and whilst I had been growing it, I had remembered recently why I haven't had long hair in a while. My hair is very thick and heavy. Combined with zero personal time meant that when I managed a shower I was just putting it up into a pony tail wet. I was a bit over it. I took Nigella in for her summer trim too. So between us we must have left kilos of hair in Hobart. 

It was odd to be on my own. I chatted to my hairdresser (mostly of course about the girls), a novelty to speak with an adult other than Rob! 

Of course he styled my hair and I knew I'd just want to go home and wash it out. But it was nice to sit and be preened.

I drank my tea too milky and too fast, just like I do at home now.

I went into new and glittery shops that have opened in the revitalised city centre. But was overcome with the bright lights, music and choice, so scurried out without a purchase. 

I darted away from anybody with a cough. Not sure when or if I'll lose that habit.

I got a new phone. I don't miss Telstra shops, that's for sure.

The shopping highlight was heading back to the big pharmacy near the hospital to buy hair dye (oh those grey hairs are multiplying), baby QV wash, breastfeeding shields and bottle teats.

I picked up one of my favourite afternoon snacks when I was at the hospital: a caramel milkshake and date scone. 

Even our little city is buzzing after my long babymoon at the hut. I have lost the ability to concentrate in such a noisy, busy environment. I also didn't realise how much I filter what I read and watch as I only have a phone to engage with the wider world. 

I seek beauty. In life. In a bunch of flowers from the garden. In classical music on the radio. In the grey goshawk as it flies across the dam. The rain pouring down my window pane. The pasture grasses starting to flower. Online friendships that are more real to me than some of my real life friends. In the kind and loving gestures of a dear husband I love very much. In the faces of our daughters.

It was fun for a few hours. But I don't really mind that I've stepped off the merry-go-round at the moment. It will help me appreciate our life at home all the more. Both Nigella and I feel lighter, ready for summer, free.

42/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Maggie: practising her crawl position. So she can catch her crawling sister!

Elisabeth: those eyes. She is a little person now: so expressive, so beautiful and so clever.

Joining in (a little late) with Jodi at Che & Fidel. 

41/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

It's been a week of sniffles here at the hut. Snotty babies aren't fun, are they? But they seem to be over the worst of it.

We have been taking this monthly portrait over Rob's shoulders since June. Watching the girls change from month to month is pretty amazing. (Maggie is on the left and Elisabeth on the right).

They were weighed and measured this week: Maggie is 5450g and 64cm and Elisabeth is 5810g and 65cm.

We'll keep taking them as long as Rob can pick them both up! 

Joining in with Jodi at Che and Fidel. 

40/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Maggie: being changed into day clothes by Papa.

Elisabeth: (very) early sunlight into the hut, Elisabeth trying to crawl on the mat while I fed Maggie, the dogs looking in, Rob making us our morning coffees.

I tried to take a few photos this week of our morning routine: images to trigger a memory of these spring mornings at the hut with two small babies.

Joining in with Jodi at Che & Fidel.

39/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Maggie: she can be a clown one minute, or super serious the next, or then just like this photo she has the sweetest look and you just can't help but melt.

Elisabeth: I had no idea that babies could express such a wide range of emotions! Elisabeth spied Maggie holding the bug toy! 

Joining in a little late with Jodi at Che & Fidel.