how did he get so big?

He's 8 now. I can hardly believe it. The tiny little human that made me a mother is now a grade 2 boy. Technically a tween a guess. But I actually refuse to believe that. To me he is still my innocent young boy child. Who wonders at the world's mysteries, is not yet jaded by life's more bitter moments. Is curious and wonderful and has an intellect way beyond his years. Is growing into a gorgeous human being who is sensitive and caring and competitive and funny and a complete goon. Who cried floods of tears today because the lollipop man was retiring from his school. Who cherishes his friendships and his family and football.

He is mine. I made him and he made me. And that makes me luckier than any tattslotto winner.

While we were shooting in the reserve behind our house we came upon our resident mob of kangas. They usually let us get pretty close and this day was no exception. I never get sick of seeing them behind our back fence. Never.

pink/punk princess

That's my girl. Of course she's been casually and subtly guided down a music loving path, choosing offbeat fashion and not caring about looking/acting different. Not that she is different - she's pretty much the same as her little kinder friends - into pink and fairies and princesses. But she also loves playing zombies and ninjas with the boys, headbanging to music in the back of the car (fast and noisy is her musical preference), and if she doesn't like what you have to say then you'll well and truly know about it.

When she grows up she wants to be a rock star, a princess and a shark.

One day I decided that I'd had quite enough of the Disney princesses getting a run in my house so I introduced her to She-ra Princess of Power and I think she's watched it every day since. She carries a toy sword around in the back of her jumper.

So when I came home with some temporary hair chalks in every colour of the rainbow she was most excited to try them in her hair. Because rock stars have cool hair and she's gonna be a rock star like Dave Grohl one day you know - one who plays drums and guitar and sings.

This kid. Seriously. She smashes my heart into bits.