July Portraits

Had I kept up with a picture a week every week of Molly, these would be the pictures I'd have chosen. 

The I promise not to forget moments in my phone prompt me to remember that time Jamie and K-man were lying on the floor dosing when Molly looks over and goes 'Look Mummy, look at the sweet boys' before she went to join them. And the way that she asks me to 'give' her a story, and what a privilege to give her that gift each night. They also remind me of when I was strapping her into her carseat after we had paid for our petrol and she just told me she loved me, out of the blue. And of course not forgetting the ponies, my own little girl to play my little ponies with. I loved my little ponies, and anything horse related as a child and my heart just swells playing ponies with her. I have also found that I want to buy her everything My Little Pony as I am living out my childhood pony fantasies through her. HA. 

52/52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Molly has been exhausted recently, I think she might be growing. I promise not to forget: tantrums. I will not say any more. 

Well this project went quickly. I'll save my reflections for tomorrow's post but I've decided to carry on with Jodi's 52 project. I love it, but I'm not 100% sure that I will post it week by week. I pretty much failed at it this year and I felt I lost a bit of me in my blog as it was all focused to these with a few photo heavy entries in between. I might shake it up and do them in film this year and post my choices and promises every 4 weeks? Or maybe I will keep up with week by week on do it with instax, I'm not sure. I love that she is asleep in her final photograph. A little angel.

48|49|50|51//52

48

Walks in the 'Winter Woods'. I promise not to forget some of the little phrases you come out with, for examle 'it's impossible', 'I need a holiday', 'leave me alone', 'DONT touch me'.. the last one is when I try and hold your hand in big crowds ;) it's a fun one in public! 
49

Decorating the tree. There is nothing more wonderful to do on a December weekend. I promise not to forget taking you upstairs after decorating the Christmas tree to see your new surprise in your room.. (backstory: Molly had been saying that she was afraid of the dark so I decided to put up the star lights that decorated her first ever bedroom in our old flat) We all went upstairs to see what was waiting and I really expected you to be like 'WOW stars!' Instead I got, where's Santa? Where's my present!? I had to then explain that we had a full 25 days before Father Christmas came to visit, and the magic of the lights was all gone. Mum, the constant disappointment ha!
50

Sitting in the Steam Train on the way to see Father Christmas with her cousins. I don't think anyone has ever been so excited for anything, except maybe Will for his Pirate Ship! I promise not to forget how sleepy you've been recently.. the lie ins have been divine! The other morning we got you up ready for nursery and you begged to go back to bed- you're a bit like your mother in that department. And I agree bed is wonderful!
51

Molly's first cup of tea in her own cup.. she usually steals mine! I promise the other day while we were waiting for my car at the garage. You kept snuggling into me and saying 'I like you mummy'. Each time my heart shattered into a million pieces and the other lady waiting for her MOT coo'd at how lovely you were. I am very lucky to have you to take around with me. I do love doing things alone, but you make my loss of that completely worth it.

Oh my goodness, how has it come to the penultimate weekly portrait post (or catch up in many cases). I can't wait to look through the last years posts next week and see how much Molly's changed. Tomorrow, Molly goes on her first Nursery trip! It was a bit of a sore subject, I had missed out on the last parents tickets and I was having kittens over her going without me, however it's all sorted and we'll be going together! I am so excited! She's so little, the idea of her going out into the world without me shook me. When you have a baby it's like tearing out a hunk of your soul and saying 'here world, have this and do with it what you will' and it's terrifying. But at least this time I can go with and enjoy Molly's discoveries with her.

47//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Playing in a 'boat' I made last weekend. By friday it had a broken back and was ready for the recycling, I was sad to see it go. Next time I'm trying to make this! I promise not to forget your nursery nurse telling me about the day you made cakes with the whole 2-3 room. All the little ones were getting upset at having to wait to stir and you told them 'don't worry we're just taking turns.' And then, when it was their turn you cheered them on saying 'See now it's your turn, yay!' I wanted to cry I was so proud! You're one in a million Molly Rose.

46//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

I'll say it again and again: it is such a treat to watch Molly sleep. I don't think it will ever get old. After I took these pictures I scooped her up and tried to take her upstairs.. bad idea! She won't nap in her bed it seems, but the sofa is ok ;) I miss regulated nap times. It's like having a lunch break ha. I promise not to forget the way you proudly told your Nanny that 'My mummy's knitting me a scarf! Soooo cosyyyy.' It made me burst. I said the same thing in Ysgol Babanod when your Grandma had knitted me a jumper with pockets like flower pots. I felt very special and I hope this scarf makes you feel special too.

45//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

This weeks photo was one of those ones I couldn't decide between to of essentially the same image, so have both ;) I promise not to forget the first time you saw fireworks. You were so excited and kept saying 'Look Mummy!!'. The big ones were a bit too scary but on the way home you told me and daddy that 'I really did like my big fire'. Stay cute Molly-lou.

43|44/52

Watching Molly romp around in her grey onesie being poorly, drinking milk and falling asleep has taken me straight back to those dreamy baby days. The hours that drifted in and out of sleep and feeds and snuggles, those are so sweet and precious to me and I've been enjoying an extra baby-like toddler. I promise not to forget you running over to me that morning while I was sitting by the fire to say 'I like you.' it made me die and feel born again. You can be wonderfully kind with your words. 

I took the above photo on my phone on my 23rd Birthday (back in October). I had planned to work as Jamie couldn't take the day off with me but Molly was far too ill to go into Nursery. We had a quiet day, with a couple of visits and some nice phonecalls but my absolute favourite thing was hearing Molly wish me a Happy Birthday and telling my mum on the phone that she had given my 'stickers' for my present. She hadn't but hearing her tell someone what she had thought to give me was the most adorable thing! So I guess that's two things I won't forget for week 43.

A still ill Molly enjoying a tea party with the dog. I promise not to forget dunking bourbons into tea together. Quite a wonderful thing to show you while we sit in front of the (gas) fire.

Week 45's picture taken on Tuesday might be my favourite of the whole year.. but I'll post that on Sunday. This cough keeps coming and going, we went to the doctor yesterday and like usual I was told to come back if she still has it next week. Next week will make it a month and she's not been sleeping properly poor pudding. I could do with a nap if I'm honest! I'll be back with a festive themed post tomorrow ;) We will be spending the day under the duvet on the sofa watching dvds. Happy Thursday :)

37-42//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

I solemnly swear I will try my best to finish the last 10 week by week.. I say try ;) I'm not sure if I'll carry this on next year actually after all this effort to do it from Newborn stage with Molly. If only all my images were dated haha. OH my goodness realising there are only 10 weeks left of the year I see there are so many things I haven't done on 2013's 'to do'. But I've ticked off over half- let's see what I can do in ten weeks ey! 

37

This is Molly's boat. Ingenious! I promise not to forget your imagination at just two years old. It's just enchanting. I wonder what worlds you'll create and play in by the time you've doubled in age at four, let alone in adulthood. I think there will be some great works in you.

38

Molly's first best friend. I promise not to forget how gentle you are with Klaus (unless you're lying on top of him which can get a little less gentle). And the way you love to give him his treats and shout 'BOO BOY!' and 'good job doggy!'. I hope you take your compassion for sentient beings throughout each stage of your life.

39 

Painting, every day. I'm glad I bought watercolours as well as poster paint. Staying at home is expensive! I promise not to forget the wild creativity that you are just discovering. I can't wait to see where it leads.

40 

Always running, hair flowing in the wind. She's very 'Merida'. I promise not to forget each morning you grab my hand and say 'run run Mommy' and I have no choice but to run around our living room until I'm too tired and have to apologise. You are our rough and tumble girl. Don't ever replace that with silly expectations of what a girl 'should' be. You are absolute as you are. 

41

Molly's first hot chocolate. A whole cup to herself that is. She finished the cream before I had a chance to take the pictures. She is clearly my daughter! I promise not to forget this moment. It's why I photographed it. While you drank your first hot chocolate, we watched 101 Dalmations and snuggled up on the sofa after a long walk at Bradgate Park. It's these afternoons that I always imagined in my vision of family life. Muddy walks with the dog, getting warm in our pyjamas with hot chocolate and a film. I am so lucky to share this with you, my perfect girl.

42

My poorly girl. This was taken yesterday, when the cold was just beginning to appear. Her face changes when she's ill. It sort of puffs up. Her expressions change and her eyes seem full, ready to cry at everything and nothing. I managed to capture a happy moment amid the coughs and attempted nose blowing. I know it hadn't quite hit because today, I was not allowed to help her blow it at all, and it was a fight to get anything done such as pull-up changes done. I promise not to forget our nap earlier in mummy and daddy's bed. You snored louder than Klaus and all I could do was watch you. I never get to watch you sleep any more and there is nothing more precious to me than seeing you in a deep sleep. I wish I could bottle it up. Also, when you awoke you screamed the house down and as I tried to console you you told me 'NO MUMMY IT'S NOT YOUR TURN TO TALK' and continued to whale. I sat there and tweeted and just let you get it all out until you were ready for a hug. Poorly toddlers might just beat poorly babies. I'll remind you of this afternoon when you have children of your own.

29-36//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

She, is my wild. Words after the jump.. it's been quite a catchup.

27|28//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

I took so many photographs on this day that I couldn't chose a favourite, so I chose the final frame. Taken at the end of a perfect day. I promise not to forget the way you sing the wheels on the bus. I love your little singing voice.

That smile, that smile is the one. Though, don't be fooled, that smile is currently being overshadowed by temper tantrums and the dreaded, unexpected coming of the terrible two's! I promise not to forget how cute you are when you coming running over because there's a fly in the vicinity, 'mommy 'ly mommy 'ly!' 

A new project.

I can be a little crazy when it comes to consistency, and as this year I undertook Jodi's 52 project, I wanted to tidy up(photo wise) the first two years of Molly's life. I know I've taken at least one photo every week of her life. At least. Not on a 'fancy' camera, I didn't have one nor did I see it's importance. Now it's irks me but hey, I haven't forgotten any fold, any pout, or any tiny toe so it's not that important. But I do want to make her albums consistent. So I've began a new project to add "A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, since birth." It's annoying trying to find the dates for each photo (some of them aren't in the photo details and I'm having to work them out via facebook) but when I'm done I'll be very happy. I've not done anything crafty in a while and I wish to get back to that.

I would like to get some more washi tape for the pictures, any suggestions where to buy it other than paperchase? Their selection isn't too fancy and MT tape on amazon is expensive.

.. I almost finished this with a kind regards- I've clearly been working too much ;)

Happy Saturday!

26/52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

With her Nain. My Nain and Taid(grandparents) came to visit recently, Taid sorted out my garden and Nain fell asleep on the sofa with Molly. Molly kept telling Taid off for stealing foxy 'Naughty Taid!'. I promise not to forget how excited you were when we brought home your own potty 'Moll-moll's toilit' and you immediately took your nappy off and did a big wee!! Now to get you to do it again (new peppa-pig pants and sweets don't seem to be cutting it..)

What I wouldn't do for wooden floors..

Also, I've had this ready to post for over a week, oops. Blame it on the glorious weather ;)

23|24|25//52

23/52

Dearest Molly, you are SO cute in that car. We love how much you love to play. I promise not to forget the way you say icecream 'lotlin'

24/52

Father's day breakfast of chocolate fingers before a 'proper' cooked breakfast sandwich. I promise not to forget how unconditional and pure your love for your daddy (and mummy) is- it reminds me to love better and without conditions, something as a human I get distracted from easily.

25/52

A rather hot little baby relaxing to watch Nemo (again). I promise not to forget your new phrase 'sorry guys'. Though not so much your new habit of saying 'so sorry' with real conviction when you've not done anything, it breaks my heart every time.

20|21|22//52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

20/52

Molly pouting after I told her not to feed the dog the camera remote. (This is Jamie's as he was away this week) I promise not to forget you walking your dinosaur and getting him to eat the grass. 

21/52

As I was preparing Molly's lunch she took herself outside and sat at the picnic bench and waited so we had our food outside. I promise not to forget sharing ice lollies and enjoying the sunshine and dancing to Kings Of Leon my Molly-girl.

22/52

Molly and her Hên Nain. I promise not to forget the way you fell asleep in my arms that day at your Great-Grandparent's. I haven't cradled a sleeping baby for such a long time. You are still so very little.

19/52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Last week I bought Molly a hula-hoop, turns out I cannot hula-hoop. Though Molly loves dragging me around inside it. I promise not to forget you climbing out of your cot three times!! Time for a big girl bed- we'll be on ebay all week I think bidding for the one. 

So this is nearly a whole week late- oops! I've been relaxing and getting over finishing my degree :) It feels good but terribly surreal. Last friday after I finished work I was so ill for five hours straight, it was awful! I think it was my reaction to everything over the last few weeks. Since then I've read more than I have in the last three years. Do you have any recommendations I need to read? Tonight we're watching Eurovision!! We have bulmers, beer, cake and the candles burning. Perfect! I love me some eurovision. Last year I was painting the hallway.. I'm yet to do the second coat HA! We're a bit behind on Sky+ but I am LOVING Finland! Ding Dong!!!

Linking up with Jodi

18/52

"A portrait of Molly, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Yesterday at Lillie's birthday bbq, Molly lasted all day without a nap! Not so good for us when she woke up at 6.15 this morning. She's the type of girl who- the more she sleeps, the more she sleeps. I promise not to forget how you held my hand in Gangan's car. It's the sweetest thing, your little paw. 

I finished my dissertation 3am thursday night, I'm so unhappy with it/happy it's over/wanting to start it again. I didn't answer my own internal challenges through it, which was my personal aim. And I didn't make myself proud. Though I did make myself cry at the end. I daren't read it back, it's too late and it will kill me. I suppose I'm never going to feel proud about any piece of writing. I never do, but at this moment I wish I could go back six months. It's so odd, I've been wishing them away for such a long time! Then again if I did I'd probably live at the library, and one thing I can say about this final year is despite studying working and having a (bit) of a social life, my family time has never suffered. And that's most important. I'll read it back when I've graduated. Maybe. I have two essays left, 3000 words for tomorrow, 2000 for Thursday. Then, then I am going to sleep. Really really sleep. And clean! Oh my god, my house will be so clean. 

Linking up with Jodi