twelve/fifty-two

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Olivia: Happily reading and singing to yourself, making up very interesting stories using all the words in your vocabulary! A very precious moment :-)

"Baby Boy": With a few days left before your arrival (we hope!), we FINALLY decided on a name for you. It so happens that you will have the same initials as your big sis. I hope that won't be a biggie!

One of my favourites from week 11 was of precious little Kyla. Such beauty in those big eyes!

Joining Jodi and other amazing bloggers in the 52 project. 

eleven/fifty-two

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Olivia: These two pictures of you pretty much some up our week. Happy smiles and giggles have been rare and when they've happened they've lasted all of 5 minutes, to be replaced by screaming and whining. Oh darling girl, what to do, what to do.

"Baby Boy": Week 38! Mama is really feeling stretched to the max, but I am patiently hanging in there until you are ready little one.  It almost feels unreal that in about two weeks' time (or any day now) we will be holding you in our hands. 

Let's NEST together and be alright!

I've been baking, baking and baking! I'll blame it on Nesting Syndrome if there really is such a thing :-) A good homemade cookie, a cup of tea and some peace and quiet is often just what I need to help me wind down the day and relax (hahaha, as if that's possible with a toddler around!), but I do still enjoy a cookie, or two, or three even in the hustle and bustle of being surrounded by toys, books and crayons with Barney playing in the background!

Here are some really easy (almost) flop-proof recipes you can try.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons coconut oil (or butter)

6 tablespoons honey

50g dark chocolate chopped

2 tablespoons cocoa 

2 cups oats

Directions

In a pot, melt coconut oil, honey and chocolate.

Mix in cocoa powder, stir until the mixture is smooth.

Transfer mixture into a cool container and mix in oats.

Mix until well combined.

Press into square/rectangular container. 

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.

In hot weather store in fridge in cool weather room temperature is okay.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 small egg or 1/2 of a large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract/essence

1 cup cake flour

1 1/4 cup oats

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Mix butter and sugar

Beat in egg, followed by vanilla

In a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients

Mix wet and dry ingredients together

Form into little balls and flatten a little

Layer on a baking tray

Bake at 180 degrees celsius for about 15-18 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup butter

1/2 cup icing sugar

2 cups cake flour

Directions

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy

Add flour, mix until crumbly

Continue mixing with your hands, then form dough into a firm dough

Roll to about 1/2cm and cut into shapes

Bake at 180 degrees celsius for 15-18 minutes

Anyone want to come for a cup of tea...and an episode or two of Barney :-) ?

ten/fifty-two

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Olivia: A birthday message for sweet Aunty Sam :-) Remember last year's one! Still one of my favourite pictures of you!

nine/fifty-two

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Olivia: A few days of not feeling well for my sweet little Caramel :-( It was so heartbreaking for Mama and Daddy to see you in so much pain and discomfort, feeling absolutely helpless. Thank goodness it only lasted a few days and you are all good and well now :-)

"Baby Boy": Finally preparations have begun for your arrival! Clothes washed, car seat cleaned up and Mama's hospital bag is ready, well almost. We eagerly anticipate your arrival, but secretly encourage you to stay in there as long as you want to!

eight/fifty-two

"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Olivia: I cherish these beautiful moments we have together, running around the yard sharing goofy laughs. You make life so absolutely beautiful and colorful little lady.

"Baby Boy": Very soon, you'll be joining us in our fun adventures. For now, enjoy the last few weeks or days of "running around" in Mama's tummy. Sorry, no picture "of" you again this week, Mama is feeling like a  whale!