13/52

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

You are growing so fast, right before my eyes you are turning into a little lady. I remain torn, half my heart so proud to see you learn and challenge yourself the other saddened by how quickly you have blossomed. I now know why my own mother, your Ninnie, always says to me "you will always be my baby girl" as you will always be mine...

This week I absolutely loved the portrait of the little lamb over at lamb loves fox. Go have a look and I am sure you will see why.

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

12/52

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

You don't particularly like wearing clothes but neither does your Daddy so it doesn't surprise me! You prance around after a bath, wiggling your little tooshie to music. Sometimes if it has been a big day at school or exploring in the backyard you prefer to just lay on one of our laps as we draw circles and patterns on your bare back.

This week I loved Megan's light filled portraits of her children, there is nothing more beautiful then a child sleeping.

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

Changes.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about change, there is a quote on our wall at work that I often find myself staring at "If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow we aren't really living". Since becoming a parent many things about me have changed and I haven't always embraced them as I should. It has taken me a long time but I finally feel confident in my new skin and I have my daughter to thank for that, she has changed my life for the better...

So my waist is a little thicker but I find my exercise in walks to the park, swimming and playing outside not sitting in a stuffy gym. My blondest of blonde hair has slowly grown to its natural tone, I just don't have the time to sit in a salon for two hours every six to eight weeks. But my hair is healthier for it and my old curl is sneaking its way back in, which I love! I no longer possess the need to buy the latest and greatest as I find comfort in bringing new life to the unused, unwanted and second hand. I have rekindled my love of books and discovered a world of talented, like minded women who happily share their lives through words. I would take a night in with a glass of red and home made pizza over a night out although I am more appreciative when we are spoilt to the odd night out. I have stopped worrying what people think of me, each life is different and I am just spending mine in a way that makes me happy. I am less quick to judge and more open to alternate ways of living, in fact I embrace new ways to make our life more fulfilling....

While I am talking about change you may or may not have noticed a new feature on my little blog. To the right you can now see some of the blogs I like to visit, these are the worlds I spoke of earlier, they are full of wonderful and inspiring ways to live life and find joy in the simple.

Love, Elle

11/52

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

Knees covered in dirt, smile on your face, the sun shinning in your hair. Exploring the world we live in is your favourite thing to do and watching you discover its beauty and hidden treasures fills my heart with joy.

This week I adored Ruby's portrait of Casper, she is so talented and the way she captures her child's world in colour amazes me.

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

Busy.

The last few weeks have been packed with adventure and I feel like I have been neglecting this little space of mine. Audrey experienced her first aeroplane ride as we flew to Queensland for some family time and a wedding. Luke and I managed to steal two nights by ourselves and enjoyed some relaxing and romantic couple time. Last weekend we visited Taronga Zoo, which has become a yearly tradition, with our dear friends. And next weekend we have another wedding in the city while Audrey is having a sleep over for the first time. I intend to post my thoughts about couple time soon but for now here are some pics from the last few weeks..

Love, Elle

waiting for our plane

the excitement lasted 5 minutes then she slept

swimming with daddy in the hotel pool

relaxing with Ninnie

feet up! doesn't happen often

ready for the wedding, love this man

quick selfie

Audrey's god father and his beautiful bride

waiting for our flight home

asleep again

looking over Sydney as we land

zoo time

cuddles with her Aunty Tash

baaaaaaa

making friends (and splashing them)

look mumma

holding hands

hanging with her daddy

over this way mumma

it has been a tiring few weeks for us all

The Dinner Series - Coconut Chicken with caramelised onions and basil mash

OK so this one isn't overly healthy with the butter and brown sugar but it is extremely delicious! You can mix it up with sausages instead of chicken breast or sweet potato mash..

Coconut Chicken with Caramelised Onions and Basil Mash
500g chicken thigh (I normally use breast but we only had thigh in the freezer)
4-6 large dutch cream potatoes
2 large brown (or red) onions sliced lengthways
8 large mushrooms thickly sliced
1/2 cup chicken stock
60g butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 clove crushed garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil
Steamed peas or green beans, to serve
Coconut cooking spray

Onions
- Melt 40g of the butter in fry pan over low/medium heat until 'foaming'
- Add onions and mushrooms and cook for 20 minutes or until soft
- Add sugar and cook for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves and the onion caramelises
- Add stock and cook for 5-7 minutes or until sauce thickens and remove from heat

Basil Mash
- Chop potatoes and boil until soft
- Drain potatoes, add left over butter, garlic, fresh basil and salt/pepper to taste
- Mash until you reach constancy your family enjoys

Chicken
- Heat skillet pan and cover with coconut oil cooking spray
- Slice thigh fillet lengthways
- Cook chicken for 8-10 min each side or until cooked through (I spray my chicken every few minutes to stop from sticking and to increase the coconut flavour)

Serve with steamed peas or green beans, YUM!

the smell of caramelising onions is sensational

parent serving (with optional red)

bubba's serve

getting stuck in...

.... and growing more comfortable with a fork

a face full of food usually means she enjoyed it!

10/52

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

I knew I would have trouble choosing a single portrait of you for this week with so many to chose from. We have returned from a wonderful mini break in Queensland visiting family, attending a wedding and relaxing poolside. I love the way you love the people in your life. You are so open with your emotion and I hope that never changes. 

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

9/52

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

This week we took to the skys for your first flight and a little family getaway. I was worried about how you would go but I needn't had been, you loved every minute. Well the first 5 minutes after take off anyway then you fell asleep and had to be woken upon landing in QLD! We thought maybe it had been a one off but the return flight was the same, excitement followed by deep sleep. We have been driving everywhere as a family for holidays, putting off the first flight for fear you may not handle it. Once again you surprised me with how well you handle life's adventures and I am so proud.

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