52/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Well what do you know, we made it! 52 photos in 52 weeks and looking back I am so thankful for this project. To see how you have grown into a little girl, the challenges we faced and triumphs we celebrated. What a wonderful year we have had dear Frog, I cannot wait to see what next year brings our little family....

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

51/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Waiting in line to see Santa, you were jumping with joy. "It Sana, it sana" you exclaimed to everyone walking past.

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

50/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

"Lookie, lookie"!!! Pure joy exuded from every part of your being as we walked the Christmas light display. It has become clear that you absolutely love Christmas and all the traditions that come with it.

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

PS :: We are having a little Christmas giveaway, if you haven't entered pop on over and have a look!

49/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Yesterday we went to Santa's Farm to collect our first 'real' Christmas Tree. It was an outing we had all been looking forward to for a few weeks and it did not disappoint. Upon arriving we were given a saw and sled and sent off to find the perfect tree for our family. You were so excited and joyfully lead the expedition. After finding our tree your Dadda cut it down (with instruction from yourself) and off we went. Not content to just walk beside your Dadda as he dragged our tree in the sled, you quickly found a discarded branch and carried it all the way back to the car.

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

PS :: We are having a little Christmas giveaway, if you haven't entered pop on over and have a look!

Giveaway :: Hooray For Happy

"Hello, Hooray for Happy is a tiny one-lady-band run by me, Emily. I live in the Inner-Western suburbs of Melbourne. Earlier in 2013 we welcomed our daughter into the world and I started the new vocation of "Stay At Home Mum". Looking for something to occupy my hands, mind, and creative energy during that precious down time, I picked up some clay and started making bright and colourful necklaces as gifts for friends and as thank you's to some lovely people. After having a few requests for pieces of their own from friends of friends - Hooray for Happy was born! It's a fun, hands-on and creative hobby that gives me a little pocket money for pretty things and tasty treats, and I love it."

If you have been following Being Mumma on Instagram you will have most likely seen Audrey and I sporting matching necklaces. Lovingly handmade by Emily from Hooray For Happy, our beautiful necklaces add a special pop of colour to any outfit and we always receive adoring comments. Just in time for Christmas one lucky Mumma (or Pappa) will receive the wonderfully festive set of Mumma and Me necklaces pictured above. To enter please follow Being Mumma on Bloglovin and both Being Mumma and Hooray for Happy on Instagram. For additional entries share this giveaway on Instagram, Facebook or your Blog. Please comment below for each separate entry. The winner will be drawn and announced on Wednesday the 18th December.

Ps :: There is more good news! From now until the 31st December all Being Mumma readers will receive 20% off Emily's beautiful range of necklaces over at Etsy. Discount code at checkout : mumma

Winner :: comment number 6 - Kate Oliver! Congratulations Kate you will be receiving these beautiful necklaces in the mail just in time for Christmas! Please email me at elle.rampling@gmail.com to organise delivery.

Thank you to everyone who entered and don't worry if you didn't win this time, we have more wonderful giveaways coming in 2014.

* I do apologise but this giveaway is only open to Australia and new Zealand residents.

48/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

I think we made up for last weeks let down... As soon as the skies turned from grey to blue we packed up the car and set off for a picnic by the sea for dinner. We ate grilled fish and chips, sipped on freshly made juice, we explored the sea shore and you finally got that ice cream! You savoured every last creamy drip (and then stole your Daddas for a cheeky taste test)...

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

47/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

This week you learnt about disappointment... We had spoken all day (with great excitement) of our trip to the beach that afternoon to have a treat with friends. Just before we were set to leave a severe storm rolled overhead and with miserable weather came news we could no longer go on our play date. As tears rolled down your cheeks and you asked "why" I couldn't help but think this was just the first of many disappointments life may bring you. You stood in the doorway and watched the hail fall from the sky, your eyes fascinated by the way it bounced off the wet grass. I noticed a smile appear on your face, you turned to me and whispered "wow!" and just like that the disappointment you had suffered moments earlier was replaced with wonder and amazement.

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

46/52

A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

You get some of the craziest cases of bed head I have ever seen. It sticks up and out, it is fuzzy on the top and curly on the ends, it is constantly in your eyes and it is all our fault! You got my thin curly hair and your fathers abundance of hair, we both have double crowns and so do you. It may be difficult to manage in the mornings but we wouldn't have it any other way because your hair is just like you... Wild and carefree.

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

45/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

And just like that you are two! We returned home from our Queensland adventure this week and back to our little life with our chooks. On Tuesday we celebrated your birthday at home with Nanny K and Da and a delicious pear and ricotta cake.

At two you love:
// the colour yellow
// the number four
// cows and chickens
// actually make that all animals
// your family
// being outside
// bath time
// reading books
// helping in the kitchen

At two you have decided you could live without:
// getting dressed
// having your nappy changed (hence our progression to toilet learning)
// staying still for longer then 30 seconds
// being in the car for longer then 30 minutes
// leaving the park or the beach

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

44/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

We are still on our Queensland adventure and you are loving every minute. For a very special treat Poppa and Ninnie took us all to Seaworld. We watched dolphins glide through the water, we listened to talks about the environment, we indulged in a few too many treats and you swam and splashed the afternoon away.

I first met Belinda when we attended The Creatives and I have loved following her family on her beautiful blog. PS :: I am voting keep the 50's hairstyle too Richard!

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

43/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Our first evening in Brisbane saw us with Sangria in our hands and burritos in our laps at The Gasworks. You were amazed by the trees that appeared to be changing colour before your very eyes...

The second week in a row that this little girl has stolen my heart!

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

Magic In The Mundane

Early morning playtime
Late afternoon baking

Figuring out how to walk in thongs
Not happy she was not allowed to wear the floral crown I made to bed
Drying the floral crown
New (old) colourful clothes
Gifted cookie jar
Collecting ingredients for dinner

Joining in with Emily and a world of talented bloggers

Community :: In Need

What I love most about the community that comes with a husband who works in the police force is the support they offer their own in times of need. Graeme Donnelly was an inspiring policeman who was regarded and respected by all. He passed away in August after suffering a heart attack while riding his beloved push bike, a hobby that provided relief and separation from his demanding role as Chief Inspector. His passing rocked the policing community and they instantly rallied to raise support and funds for Graeme's family. A family fun day with a charity football game between the two local commands where Graeme spent most of his career was just one of the events our community put on. It was amazing to see 1000's of people turn up to offer their support and enjoy the day in honour of a great man.

Magic In The Mundane (the REALLY late edition)

Refreshing
Best friends, our little animal lover
Toilet learning
Splayds :: "For use by the television set or for party entertaining"
What she is helping to cook here

"Raaaaaaaaa lion!"
Our Floss has grown a strange obsession with the lawn mower
A delicious go-to for an easy summer dinner

Joining in with Emily and a world of talented bloggers

42/52

"A portrait of Audrey, once a week, every week, in 2013"

You have always participated in the workings of our home, cleaning up your toys at the end of the day, putting your dirty clothes in the washing basket and helping set the table at meal times. Most recently you have shown interest in preparing meals, cleaning up spills, trying to dress yourself and helping with the dishes. Patience has never been one of my strengths, I still search the house for birthday and christmas presents! But my dear Frog, you have taught me patience has it rewards. Like the proud smile on your face whilst eating a meal you have helped me prepare.

There is nothing sweeter then a little fountain top!

- Joining in with Jodi and a world of talented bloggers -

Creating Crowns

It was by chance I discovered the flower circlet/crown workshop at my local WEA. Before attending the centre for a course for work I hadn't considered the training facility as anything more then an odd looking building where businesses held seminars and courses. How wrong I was! Upon perusing their Spring course guide in my lunch break I was surprised by the multitude of courses on offer. Pottery projects, soy candle making, everyday Indian meals, cheese-making, Italian desserts and hula hooping as exercise are just some of the courses that caught my eye. I had been wanting to learn how to create a fresh floral crown since I made myself a plastic version for Audrey's birthday last year so I was ecstatic to find a course was not only available for Spring but also affordable.

Full of whimsy, delicious smells and even more delicious food it was a magical day with two of my best girls...

** For upcoming workshops and courses at your local WEA pop in and pick up a course guide or you can find them online.