tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25112971483816088392024-03-27T23:53:20.508+00:00dear beautiful {a family lifestyle blog}a scrapbook of our love story as a young familylucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.comBlogger1176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-49372466422407941172020-05-13T14:14:00.001+01:002020-05-13T14:14:50.364+01:00the corona questionnaire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFxU2rT0AZg/XrvyiTJxvUI/AAAAAAAASJg/huqUkOX6NN4CZ5y2MwO2K46NUoYQsnmOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KidsCoronaQuestionnaire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFxU2rT0AZg/XrvyiTJxvUI/AAAAAAAASJg/huqUkOX6NN4CZ5y2MwO2K46NUoYQsnmOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KidsCoronaQuestionnaire.JPG" /></a></div>
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I can't take credit for these questions as I took them from an "Ask Your Children" questionnaire on Facebook. But I thought they'd make a really cute little activity, and something else to add to the Covid-19 Time Capsule that we've been creating for the kids to look back on one day. </div>
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You should be able to right click and save the document straight to your computer, and it's sized for A4 ready to print out and use. Do tag me on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/" target="_blank">@dear_beautiful_</a>) if you use these with your own kids, I'd love to see their answers, as my own kids had some great ones.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqI5WbSkTBI/Xrvv2yWj5FI/AAAAAAAASJQ/ci8aWHgiYIQGE9gtNHQfk8eBUdqiQeL6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Corona-Questionnaire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqI5WbSkTBI/Xrvv2yWj5FI/AAAAAAAASJQ/ci8aWHgiYIQGE9gtNHQfk8eBUdqiQeL6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Corona-Questionnaire.jpg" /></a></div>
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-32835388473016659772020-03-20T13:39:00.001+00:002020-05-13T14:24:45.875+01:00home school routine and ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLWSgWDnLL8/XnTHJQgT_KI/AAAAAAAASIQ/XVO9IUzLXzsqjO1KjAgavx68RraMJTLEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HOMESCHOOLROUTINEPRINTABLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLWSgWDnLL8/XnTHJQgT_KI/AAAAAAAASIQ/XVO9IUzLXzsqjO1KjAgavx68RraMJTLEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HOMESCHOOLROUTINEPRINTABLE.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been asked by several people for a printable version of my routine for homeschooling. You should be able to right click on the image and then save it to your computer. It's A4 size, so ready to print and pop up on your wall. You can see the video that accompanies this routine here:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZMQYKmxFWg" width="560"></iframe></div>
lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-28779470000052926572019-04-25T19:30:00.000+01:002019-04-26T20:09:55.893+01:00happy first birthday wylder heath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">My little Wylder Heath. Our wild card. Our fourth and final. How can it be that we’re celebrating your first full journey around the sun already?</span></div>
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In truth, I don’t think I could ever find the words to do justice to what a total gift you are in our lives. It impossible to explain how incredibly happy and full of love this past year has been. I dreamed when I was young, of having four babies one day; two girls and two boys, and you have been that dream come true and more. You’ve filled a space in my heart that I never knew was empty. You’ve completed our family. You’ve slotted into our gang like you were always meant to be here, and it feels impossible to imagine life before you were here.</div>
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But just because a time before you seems like a distant memory, doesn’t mean that this past year hasn’t flown. It has. So so fast. Your hasty arrival into Daddy arms on the bedroom floor seems like a month or two ago, not twelve. And it’s always so bittersweet... to be excited for what’s to come, proud of what you’ve achieved, but also sad that those baby days are behind us.</div>
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As the fourth one I often feel like people might think it’s less special somehow, because we’ve done all these milestones before. But it actually makes it more special. Because I’m so acutely aware of how precious each moment and milestone is. And for every first of yours, it is a last for me... so I hope you’ll forgive me if I squeeze you a little tighter, hold you a little longer, and breathe in every last second. There’s just no escaping it kiddo, I’ll be clinging onto you as my baby as long as I possibly can. </div>
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This past years has been such a beautiful privilege. You’ve fitted into our crazy life, like the perfect piece of the puzzle. You love your siblings, you adore being outdoors in the fresh air, you light up and grin wide for your daddy, you have the cheekiest smile, the twinkliest blue eyes, and the most adorable giggle. You’re just an amazing little human being that we are all loving watch grow and learn. But your favourite place, favourite thing, comfort blanket, safe haven; is me, and it’s a badge I wear with honour. </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy first birthday Wylder!</span></div>
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Thank you for being mine. Thank you for letting me be yours. I love you wildly with my whole heart. </div>
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-411606784989944332019-02-07T19:30:00.000+00:002019-04-26T20:49:05.052+01:00happy eighth birthday dylan aiden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eight years ago today, you came along Dylan and you made me a mama. You stole my heart. You rocked my world. You made a dream come true. And... all the other cliches, that are super cheesy but that everyone says with good reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">I’ve learnt so much in the 2922 days since then; lessons about nappies and breastfeeding, lessons about routines and weaning, many many MANY lessons about geography and maths and science that I’d didn’t think I’d ever be learning. You amaze me daily with the things you know and </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">remember</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"> and understand; your brain really is amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our little Dylan, you've always had a big heart, a sensible head been a bit of an old soul. So clever that you blow me away regularly. You're a loyal friend, an incredible brother, and such an affectionate little character. And I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So happy birthday, to my best brown eyed boy, my favourite eight year old. You rock my world little man... don't ever change. </span></div>
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-69674306260420397692019-01-31T07:30:00.000+00:002019-01-31T07:30:02.089+00:00the me + mine project {january 2019}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well January is finally done... it always feels like the longest month ever, huh? And it feels like forever ago that I shared festive photos of us for our December Me + Mine Project. But here we are, excited to start another year of this project. And this will be our SEVENTH year of taking monthly family photos. Which feels kind of crazy to me. Because I still love taking them just as much, I still get excited to share them just as much, and I still love seeing other people's family photos as much as I did when I first started doing this all those years ago. </div>
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It's not always easy, but it is always, always, ALWAYS worth the effort, because we have amassed such a collection of family photos in that time... Photos that shout just how proud we are of our family, and of getting to call each other our own. I'm - quite frankly - a little obsessed now with the importance of grabbing my whole family and getting us all in the frame together.</div>
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This possibly won't come as a surprise to anyone who also joins in with <a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/2019/01/the-siblings-project-january-2019.html" target="_blank">The Siblings Project</a>, but this year I am making some changes to how this project works. Changes that I think feel natural and right. So this year, while I will still continue to share our photos here on the blog each month, there will be no linky, and I would instead love people to come and join me over on Instagram to share their family photos. Instagram feels like the natural home for a photo based project, and I know that lots of people already join in on there anyway, simply by using #meandmineproject on their photos, but I'm hoping that we can build a fun and supportive community of people over there who all share a passion for photographing their families. Being on instagram also gives me the opportunity to give back a bit of love to those who join in, by sharing photos I have loved from the hashtag #meandmineproject on the last day of the month. </div>
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So I hope you'll join me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/" target="_blank">instagram</a> (and give me a follow if you aren't already!). And I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful family moments.</div>
lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-16286394588073379012019-01-15T07:30:00.000+00:002019-01-15T09:47:05.386+00:00the siblings project {january 2019}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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This year with The Siblings Project I'm going to do things a little differently. I still intend to take and share my monthly photos of my foursome... I feel like at this point, its a habit I couldn't break. I love photos of them together, how it highlights their similarities and differences, how it shows the way they grow and change, and mostly for how it shows their relationships as they ebb and flow from one month to the next. </div>
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But this year I want to move the project over to instagram more. Mainly because I am over there more, but also because I feel like its the natural home for such a photo based project. I take so many more than the one photo a month, and I know that lots of other people do too. So I would absolutely love love LOVE if you'd share your photos over there, with the hashtag #siblingsproject. And then each month on the 15th I will still share my photo here alongside a quote of some sort, but I will also be using the 15th of each month to show case the photos I've loved seeing on #siblingsproject. </div>
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I'm hoping this might be a nice way of building a little community over on instagram, where we can all find people who love sharing photos of sibling moments (the good, the bad, and the ugly!) but I'd also like it to be an opportunity for me to share some love with you lovely people who support this project each month. And I would love it if you would do the same. </div>
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Come and give me a follow over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/" target="_blank">my instagram</a> if you aren't already. And lets get sharing.</div>
lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-16967910328171990212018-12-31T07:30:00.000+00:002019-01-01T23:14:18.820+00:00the me + mine project {december 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich is loving</div>
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* going to the Cressing Temple Grotto. </div>
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* eating his body weight in Maltesers.</div>
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* Wylder being more vocal. </div>
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* Quinn sneaking off to the toilet to watch videos on the iPad.</div>
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* reading 'You Choose' with the girls. </div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* a fun Christmas night out with the girls.</div>
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* our beautiful white and rainbow Christmas trees.</div>
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* my new (very belated) birthday jewellery.</div>
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* Baileys.</div>
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* how magical this time of year is with children.</div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* being in the choir.</div>
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* his new remote control cars.</div>
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* getting Super Mario socks from Father Christmas.</div>
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* counting down to, and then getting to see, Uncle Matt.</div>
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* amazing everyone with his geography knowledge.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* planning her various different party/festive/casual outfits.</div>
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* going ice skating on Christmas Eve.</div>
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* dry roasted peanuts.</div>
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* performing shows with her karaoke machine.</div>
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* playing with her lego.</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* singing Feliz Navidad with the dance moves.</div>
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* getting to eat chocolate at breakfast time from her "candler".</div>
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* playing with her new doll house.</div>
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* listening to How The Grinch Stole Christmas over and over again.</div>
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* reading "The Game Book" (You Choose) every single night.</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* sitting up.</div>
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* eating fruit pots.</div>
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* twinkly christmas lights and decorations.</div>
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* wrapping paper.</div>
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* being a mama's boy.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>So thats a wrap for another year. 2018's The Me and Mine Project... DONE!!! December has been crazy, magical, family filled, exhausting and exhilarating. We have made some amazing memories and I'm truly sad that it's all over for another year.<br />
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And where on earth did 2018 go? I have no idea how the year has flown by so fast. And what a year 2018 has been. We started it as a five, and ended it as a six, with adventures to Dubai and Ibiza along the way. It's been an absolutely amazing year for us.<br />
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But confession time... in all my years of doing The Me and Mine Project, November is the first time that I failed to get my post live. I had my picture, but first technical problems and then a massive lack of time, meant that I never did manage to get it posted. But I'm so glad that I still have them regardless (and you can see one if you scroll down). Taking our monthly family photos is so so important to me, and I love that as 2018 draws to a close we have a full six years worth of monthly family photos. Photos that I love. Photos that I wouldn't have if this project didn't push me to take them every month.<br />
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January made us all hibernate a bit and we began to prepare for the arrival of baby number 4.<br />
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In February Dylan turned 7 and we had a last big adventure as a five in Dubai.<br />
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March was a slow and quiet kind of month, I nested a lot, and we soaked up time as a five.<br />
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April was supposed to be our final month as a five, but Wylder decided on a wild and early arrival to make our family photos some very special ones.<br />
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May brought the start of what would be an amazing summer, and we spent lots of time in the garden and finding our groove as a six before flying off on our holidays...<br />
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In June we were in Ibiza for our first big adventure as a six (and for my little bro's wedding), it was amazing to get to step away from the grind and soak up the baby days in the sunshine.<br />
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July saw us making the most of the weather with lots of barbecuing, ice cream and trips to some of our favourite places.<br />
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In August we went back to the same old spot to take the same old photo. I do so love seeing our family grow with that same set up each year.<br />
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September was manic; Everly turned 6 and started Year 1, Dylan entered Year 3, Quinn started at preschool and Rich did a lot of work trips leaving me with a LOT of solo parenting.<br />
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In October Quinn turned 3, Rich had his birthday too, and we enjoyed some really lovely family days out.<br />
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In November we hibernated a bit in preparation for the craziness ahead.<br />
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And December was every bit as magical and exhausting as December with small children should be; a perfect end to the year.<br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-85660147838138805442018-10-31T07:30:00.000+00:002018-10-31T07:30:11.622+00:00the me + mine project {october 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich is loving</div>
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* our family day out at Shrek Adventure.</div>
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* playing Red Dead Redemption.</div>
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* celebrating Quinn's birthday.</div>
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* watching Spain vs England in Seville.</div>
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* eating way too many Treeslets.</div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* autumn walks to the park and the woods.</div>
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* having all four kids at home during half term.</div>
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* A Star Is Born movie and soundtrack.</div>
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* seeing Wylder achieve new milestones.</div>
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* how excited Quinn was for her birthday.</div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* getting the most points overall at tennis camp.</div>
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* creating planets on Lego Worlds.</div>
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* going to Shrek Adventure.</div>
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* being in the school choir. </div>
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* reading The Creakers by Tom Fletcher.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* having a week off of school. </div>
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* playing at being a make up artist. </div>
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* dry roasted peanuts.</div>
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* picking out her own outfits.</div>
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* going to lots of birthday parties.</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* wearing her wooly hat.</div>
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* playing in the garden.</div>
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* chicken nuggets and carrot sticks from McDonalds.</div>
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* building with duplo.</div>
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* being three!</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* sitting up.</div>
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* bouncing in his jumperoo.</div>
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* chewing everything!</div>
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* trying food.</div>
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* bath time.</div>
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It's been another busy month for us, but one where we have tried to make the most of or together time, whenever we have been lucky enough to get it. We've managed to squeeze in days out, quiet days at home, and everything in between. A combination of work commitments, hundreds of birthday parties and the normal grind of family life is keeping us all on our toes. But seeing these pictures; our whole world in a single frame, makes all the work worth it.</div>
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The past month has seen so many sibling developments going on, and it still continues to fascinate me how these guys seem to weave their way through their lives together the way that they do.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>The biggest change has been for the girls, who are now sharing a room and with Quinn making the move to a big girl bed, they are now also sharing a bed a lot of the time too. Honestly it's the cutest thing to find them sleepily snuggled up together. And I really do think it's going to make them even closer than they are already. Dylan and Everly loved their years of sharing a bedroom, and I'm sure thats part of the reason they are so tight even now. Dylan is a little bit miffed that he misses out on all the fun, and I'm sure we'll have to bring back the weekend sleepovers again once things have settled down. I love that the kids are so keen to share space with one another, and I really feel like those bedtime chats and morning snuggles they share are the sorts of memories that will make up a massive part of how they remember their childhoods.</div>
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The other big development has been more of a subtle one, but exciting nevertheless. With Wylder being more alert, responsive and more upright, he definitely feels more like one of the gang. The excitement on his face when he's sat up in his jumperoo or bumbo and they all gather around to chat and play is just the sweetest thing. I just love how much he clearly loves and enjoys them already. </div>
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We took this months photo at the end of a lovely, chilled, family weekend; and I just love how relaxed and natural they all are in it. Dylan the proud big brother, Everly the mother hen, Quinn the cheeky life and soul of the party, and Wylder wondering what it's all about...!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-61892071055121127932018-10-13T19:30:00.000+01:002019-04-26T21:05:41.924+01:00happy third birthday ashlyn quinn<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Oh Quinny Quinn, how is it possible? Our crazy, lovely, noisy little nutter is three years old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Three. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">THREE!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s been a massive year for you; you've moved into a big girl bed, and into a bis girl shared room with your sister. You've potty trained like a total champ. You started preschool. And you became a big sister. And you've</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> taken it all in your stride, with your signature cheeky smiles and playful nature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You are a total firecracker gorgeous girly. You keep us guessing, you keep us on your toes. You have more drama in your little finger than most people have in their whole bodies. You have a million different facial expressions, a wicked sense of humour and we couldn’t possibly love you more. You're a sunshine in our lives; keeping us all smiling and laughing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You've had a quiet, but perfect for your birthday... The croissants for breaskfast, a Trolls scooter, copious amounts of Duplo, sunshine so you could play in the garden, a rainbow birthday cake, and the weather even meant we could fulfil your request for a BBQ for dinner. I can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate our favourite three year old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Happy 3rd Birthday Ashlyn Quinn. I love you with all my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">x x x x</span></div>
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-56635063439230776272018-09-30T07:30:00.000+01:002018-09-30T07:30:10.564+01:00the me + mine project {september 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich is loving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* watching Jack Ryan on Prime.</div>
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* Christmas chocolate in the shops.</div>
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* eating Wahaca taco kits.</div>
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* making Wylder laugh.</div>
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* the League of Gentleman live show in Hammersmith.</div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* having one-to-one time with Wylder. </div>
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* Quinn's excited face at preschool pick up. </div>
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* sorting finishing touches for the girls' bedroom. </div>
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* loads of good new tv series starting.</div>
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* girls night out with her friends. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* being in Year 3. </div>
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* helping with Wylder's bath time. </div>
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* playing Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker.</div>
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* getting his Bronze times tables award. </div>
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* croissants dipped in nutella. </div>
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Everly is loving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* her swimming birthday party.</div>
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* having three lots of birthday cake and singing. </div>
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* playing make up. </div>
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* drawing pictures of her family. </div>
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* being SIX!</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* going to preschool. </div>
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* Trolls blind bags.</div>
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* chicken nuggets and carrots from McDonalds. </div>
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* starting ballet class. </div>
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* her big girl bed.</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* giggling at his brother and sisters. </div>
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* trying to find his thumb to suck on. </div>
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* rolling over.</div>
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* watching trees in the wind.</div>
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* milk. </div>
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Our feet have hardly touched the ground during September, and not exactly in a good way. Dylan, Everly and Quinn have all made positive starts back at school and starting preschool, and Wylder and I have got used to our new normal with quiet mornings just the two of us. But September has brought with it a lot of trips away for Rich, which we all find hard in different ways. Add to that, the fact that we've also been very busy at weekends, and with other goings on, and the who month seems to have flown by in a blur of busy. October isn't looking to be much calmer either...!</div>
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But we have made the most of the down time we've had. And we've grabbed onto together time with both hands. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" and all that. And it's definitely been cute to see how happy the kids are at the prospect of Daddy coming home, or some time all together. </div>
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I feel like the littlest two somehow manage to steal the show in our family photos this month; Quinn's cheesy face and Wylder's totally bemused expression just make me laugh so much. We decided to crack out some of our very best faces for a few photos once we'd taken the serious ones, and I like them too much not to share... so here are our not so pretty faces!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-82040617299756384902018-09-21T19:30:00.000+01:002019-04-26T20:55:40.178+01:00happy sixth birthday everly grace<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happy 6th Birthday Everly Grace... the little girl who has taught me so much about life, about motherhood and about myself in your six short years. I thank the heavens every day that I got to be your mama. Loving you is just the most beautiful thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You're feisty and stubborn. You're caring and compassionate. You're chaos and noise. And you're cheekiness and sunshine... all in one package. You genuinely have the kind of empathy that the whole world could learn a lesson or two from, but you can also be SO very sassy. Sometimes you feel so much older than your six years, while at other times you are so adorably innocent and vulnerable and new, that it seems hard to believe that you've been here six minutes, let alone six years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But you have enjoyed six journeys around the sun now. And I’m pretty sure that nobody has ever looked forward to their birthday with more anticipation and excitement than you have this year. And you have deserved every single celebratory second as the centre of attention. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You're a total gem Everly and I don’t know what I’d be without you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happy sixth birthday. I love you so much my little sunshine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">x x x x</span></div>
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-2320198233541167702018-08-31T07:30:00.000+01:002018-08-31T07:30:01.493+01:00the me + mine project {august 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtCQl0K0OHo/W4hmWj9SrJI/AAAAAAAAR5w/DOI6ipk3118-k8AQbOuTBF1k-gZqaoidACLcBGAs/s1600/augustmeandmine2.jpg" /></div>
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Rich is loving</div>
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* seeing Madrid and Turin with work.</div>
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* a family day our at Chessington.</div>
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* the football season starting again.</div>
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* playing mini golf with the kids.</div>
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* the miniature train ride at Audley End.</div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* the sunny summer holiday we've had.</div>
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* a special week of fun days out as a family.</div>
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* taking pictures of all four children together each week.</div>
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* Wylder sleeping through the night.</div>
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* having her hair a bit shorter. </div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* being a daredevil at Chessington.</div>
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* adventure golf at Bear Creek.</div>
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* getting into the third Harry Potter book.</div>
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* being the most improved player at tennis camp.</div>
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* doing bottle flips in the garden. </div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* being a fairy at Audley End.</div>
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* tickling Wylder's tummy to make him laugh.</div>
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* playing with Mummy's make up.</div>
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* the Jungle Bus ride at Chessington.</div>
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* picnic days out with her school friends.</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* having her hair done.</div>
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* singing and dancing to Trolls songs.</div>
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* learning to put her arms in the air and scream on rides.</div>
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* being on stage at the Summer Festival at Audley End.</div>
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* seeing the Gruffalo at Chessington.</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* his morning stretch.</div>
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* having all his big siblings at home.</div>
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* chewing his fingers.</div>
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* rolling onto his side.</div>
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* sleep.</div>
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I always look forward to taking and sharing our August photos for The Me + Mine Project, they always end up being some of my favourite of the year. Every year we head back to the same spot, and recreate the same photograph, and I really think it marks the changes in our family so much. Not least when there is a new family member to join the line up this year.</div>
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It feels funny looking back to last years photos, because we didn't yet know about Wylder, but he would have already been making himself at home in my tummy. It's crazy the difference a year can make, hey?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlQCJ-NfgME/W4hmX2zLerI/AAAAAAAAR6E/YPjfqXHMsFEOsykR5rZYPpPuuXgCCeL8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/augustmeandmine6.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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And if you've been following The Me + Mine Project for a while, you'll know that around about now, I like to take a little stroll down memory lane, and look at all our previous August gate photos from years gone by. And this year will be no different...! I love this little tradition, and the fact that it actually predates us even doing The Me + Mine Project, and the first one was simply us capturing a photo in our final days as a three. Little did we know how we'd fill those gaps in the gate over the coming few years.</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-85389026406024037862018-08-19T21:18:00.002+01:002018-08-19T21:18:34.484+01:00the siblings project {august 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Well even if I do say so myself... I have been really excelling on the siblings photos lately. (Not so much on the getting this post up on time, but you'll forgive me because its the summer holidays, right?) In fact gone are the days of a last minute rush to get a picture of these guys together, because forget monthly photos, I've been trying to get <b>weekly</b> ones while we're on school holidays. Hows that for overachieving? (Again, if you'll forget the fact I'm four days late posting this...!)</div>
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Okay, so lets talk about the summer holidays. I'm finding it a mixed kind of bag really. I'm loving having my little gang together, and I already feel sad just thinking about the fact we're well over half way through, and our long together days will be coming to an end again soon. But of course there have been arguments and voices raised and fallings out and times outs and the occasional swipe at a sibling when they don't think I'm looking. </div>
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Just like everything in parenting, and everything with kids in general, it's a mixture of sunshine and showers... but the mixture makes the rainbow. And I actually think there is something lovely about those tougher days too (although maybe not "in the moment"). Obviously, it goes without saying that it makes my heart sing to see my children playing nicely together, being kind to one another, and saying they are best friends. But at the same time, they are learning so much from the harder times; about negotiation and problem solving, about peace keeping and sharing, about empathy and love. Because even though the arguing gets pretty fierce sometimes, they love each other even more fiercely. </div>
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I thought that this month it might be funny to see some of the instagram photos of our four, and then the outtakes that didn't quite make the grade, but which I also love. So with this first lot, obviously the first one is pretty adorable of all the kids. But the facial expressions in the second one just make me smile so so much. And the relationship between Quinn and Wylder in that third one just melts me.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhgUPReJqDs/W3l6j3s-JlI/AAAAAAAAR5M/-WdJRbEdCxUzWlYNJOVv50P5ZAenS4y9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/augustsiblings1.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3H3XnS1ztwE/W3l6jpFDSXI/AAAAAAAAR5M/aADjNLqwLK8y5KRIPXtapx0SSHMkcSdvgCEwYBhgL/s1600/augustsiblings2.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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Then with this lot, I posted the first one because Wylder's unimpressed face really made me smile, especially in contrast to the smiles on the other three. But that second one is adorable; from the way that the boys are leaning into one another, to the way Everly is looking across as her baby brother oh-so-proudly. </div>
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And this last photo doesn't have an outtake because it was a one-shot-wonder, but I simply couldn't leave it out. Because this is real life with four a lot of the time. They smother each other with love and attention, and a lot of the time, I just can't get a look in...!</div>
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<br />lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-79899790272791324012018-07-31T07:30:00.000+01:002018-07-31T07:30:14.769+01:00the me + mine project {july 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich is loving</div>
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* chocolate from the fridge. </div>
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* cooking on the barbecue loads.</div>
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* a trip up north and catching up with old friends.</div>
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* shouting "Hey Siri" at the HomePod. </div>
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* watching Marco Polo on Netflix.</div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* that school's out for summer!</div>
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* watching Dylan and Everly's performing arts festival.</div>
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* hearing Quinn sing songs from Trolls. </div>
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* big smiles from her littlest man. </div>
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* strawberry Pimms</div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* learning to swim properly. </div>
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* singing "The Year Two Song" at performing arts day. </div>
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* playing Lego Worlds on the Nintendo Switch. </div>
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* finding out his SATs results.</div>
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* reading library books. </div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* playing on her scooter in the garden. </div>
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* helping to look after Wylder. </div>
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* painting stones.</div>
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* eating mini Magnum lollies. </div>
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* performing in her jungle end of term show.</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* watching, singing and dancing to Trolls. </div>
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* having her hair done in bunches. </div>
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* stroking the cats. </div>
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* building Duplo castles.</div>
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* shopping and visiting the M&S Cafe with Mummy. </div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* chilling in his bouncy chair. </div>
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* lying on his play mat.</div>
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* stretching when his swaddle comes off in the morning. </div>
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* kicking up and down the bath. </div>
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* milky cuddles. </div>
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I had such grand ideas in my head of how these photos would be. We took them on Wylder's first trip to the beach, to one of our favourite beaches, and definitely one of our happy places as a family. As a family we adore being by the sea (although Rich does like to have a little moan about sand when we get back to the car!!!) We've taken photos at these pastel beach huts every single summer since Dylan was small, and I was so excited to take our first photos there together as six. Sadly Wylder had other ideas. As did the weather. After weeks of scorching weather, it decided to blow an absolute gale; and while the kite surfers provided the older kids with lots entertainment, the littlest one decided he was having none of it about 5 photos into our little shoot. Oh well, there's always next year, hey?</div>
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Oh and incase that doesn't give you enough of a 'behind the scenes' insight into how it all went down. Quinn decided half way through that she needed a wee. Everly was dragging around a quite frankly <i>enormous</i> bit of wood like an overly enthusiastic puppy. And Rich said on more that one occasion that we were wearing too many colours between us, and that we looked like CBeebies presenters. Oh, and my dress was very blowy, and I had to keep a very careful hold of it to ensure I didn't give anyone an eyeful. Fun times! But I know I've said it before, those moments of challenge, laughter, tears and smiles, that go into getting these family photos each month, are part of the charm of it. </div>
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I can't wait to see your lovely family portraits shared, so please do add your links below. And if you are sharing your photos on Instagram too then, please make sure you're <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/">following me</a> and use #meandmineproject as I will be sharing some of my favourites.</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-75342312191320802142018-07-15T07:30:00.000+01:002018-07-15T09:12:30.523+01:00the siblings project {july 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBdu-PcvwZo/W0r-iHmzBKI/AAAAAAAAR3I/swH_rbQq1Fs5n_2tfHY0pZxKB-CZunX7ACLcBGAs/s1600/julysiblings2.jpg" /></div>
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I feel like I've rather outdone myself with the sibling photos this past month. Because I have them from a few different days, and there was no last minute rush job to get a snap of them all. I suspect it's because I'm basically <i>obsessed</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>with photos of these four together... I mean look at them, wouldn't you be? Although any close observers will notice that the set up and style is similar in them all (and very similar to <a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/2018/06/the-siblings-project-june-2018.html" target="_blank">last month's photos</a> for The Siblings Project) because this seems to be the easiest way to get them all in the frame, and all relatively still, and all relatively happy.</div>
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It's been another month of settling into their groove as part of the new dynamics - dynamics that I suspect with grow and change a lot over the coming months. A lot of the time its still very much the big three together, and then Wylder; which is to be expected for obvious reasons. But Quinn in particular is definitely getting closer to her little brother, and I think their relationship will definitely become closer as he becomes more and more playful and interactive.</div>
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Right now we're all just counting down the days to the school holidays, and an entire six weeks of sibling time. Over the past week or so they all seem to be bickering and annoying one another more than they do normally, because end-of-term-itis has hit and they are all just hot and grumpy and tired. But I'm sure that six weeks to chill and just play together will be just what the doctor ordered to chase the grumps away.</div>
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I know plenty of people would dread the idea of four children, in close quarters, for six weeks. Not this mama. I just know that the slower pace and the together time will be so good for my little foursome, and that come September I will be devastated it's all over. </div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-12803724576440011592018-06-30T07:30:00.000+01:002018-06-30T07:30:08.082+01:00the me + mine project {june 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich is loving</div>
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* the world cup.</div>
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* family time in Ibiza.</div>
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* Mint Oreo Dairy Milk.</div>
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* binge watching the Marvel serieson Netflix.</div>
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* summer days in the garden. </div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* the sunshine!</div>
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* Wylder's first smiles.</div>
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* Quinn concentrating on pronouncing things right.</div>
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* mint flavour Magnum.</div>
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* our entire week in Ibiza.</div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* the water slides in our hotel in Ibiza.</div>
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* the school's Rainbow Fun Run.</div>
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* reading (at a phenomenal rate!)</div>
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* croissants dipped in nutella.</div>
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* being the best ring bearer ever.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* going on holiday.</div>
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* wearing her flower girl dress.</div>
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* eating ice lollies each day after school.</div>
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* pretending to put mummy's make up on.</div>
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* chocolate ice cream.</div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* choosing her own clothes each morning.</div>
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* strawberry mini milks.</div>
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* watching Trolls.</div>
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* flying on an aeroplane.</div>
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* playing with duplo and happyland.</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* going on his first ever holiday.</div>
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* attending his first ever wedding.</div>
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* giving his first ever smiles.</div>
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* bouncing in his chair.</div>
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* milky mummy cuddles.</div>
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It's all holiday snaps for The Me + Mine Project from us this month. Isn't that what holidays are all about, hey? Family time. And taking photos. Although I will confess I failed... big time... because my plan was to get a lovely photo of the six of us all dressed up for my little bro's wedding. That was the whole reason we were in Ibiza after all. The girls were both flower girls, the boys both had the cutest wedding outfits, Rich and I were all dolled up... but that photo just never materialised. There was simply never a good moment to get us all together and also grab someone to take a photo. Weddings with little kids are kind of manic... who knew?!?!?!</div>
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But we did all thoroughly enjoy a week of sunshine on the white isle. While lots of people seemed to think travelling with a tiny baby (not to mention three other children) might be stressful, but actually it wasn't. In fact the break from chores and routines, and the luxury of someone else cooking all your meals and permanent entertainment in the form of a swimming pool, actually meant that we got more time to relax and soak up our newborn, and for all the kids to have lots of bonding time. </div>
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In fact I'd actually thoroughly recommend going on a break with a new baby. Yes, it had it's stressful moments (hello baggage claim with four children, no buggy, and three suitcases to collect!) but the kids did us so proud with their great behaviour on both flights, and we loved our first adventure as a six. </div>
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I can't wait to see your lovely family portraits shared, so please do add your links below. And if you are sharing your photos on Instagram too then, please make sure you're <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/">following me</a> and use #meandmineproject as I will be sharing some of my favourites.</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-49499009143138906792018-06-15T07:30:00.000+01:002018-06-15T07:30:04.748+01:00the siblings project {june 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEYCE8uKOqs/WyLnZzSl-zI/AAAAAAAARtw/GotjqN3qE6cMTVw60MfzKsgKOtW5-wLQQCLcBGAs/s1600/junesiblings2.jpg" /></div>
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After debuting their new line up as a foursome last month, this past month has been all about getting to know the littlest ones better. We were so so lucky to go on holiday to Ibiza at the beginning of this month, and it was definitely just what we all needed to help us settle into our new family set up. </div>
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I always feel like sibling relationships are strengthened by holidays. Yes, the fact there is so much together time brings it's fair share of arguments. But mostly it just brings so much opportunity to play together, learn together, explore together. And as parents it gives us the beautiful gift of time in which to sit back and watch those things happen. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>There are so many relationships at play now between my four. There's the older two, the younger two, the odds, the evens, the bookends and the sandwich fillings. And they are each so unique and special and fascinating in their own ways. </div>
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With the older two it's always been more of an even playing field, with them being so close in age. And Dylan and Everly love each other fiercely, while also pushing each others buttons like no one else can. I love hearing their playground stories from school; where Everly has heard that Dylan got taken to the medical room and was worried, or where Dylan helped Everly to play in his game when she didn't want to play with her own friends anymore. </div>
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The little two are so adorable to watch. Quinn has blossomed into her big sister role so beautifully. There are times when we have to remind about gentle hands, and that Wylder isn't a doll she can pick up and play with. But she simply loves cooing over him, and he has returned his affections by bestowing upon her his very first smile. My biggest dream while pregnant was that the younger two may get to have the close bond that the big two have, and I feel like they've definitely started out on the right foot. </div>
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When it comes to my bookend boys; Dylan has continues to be the proudest big brother that anyone could ever ask for. He gets the most adorable look on his face whenever anyone talks about him being the big brother and what a special job that is. It's a job he's always taken very seriously. Throughout my pregnancy he was the most excited about a new baby, and Wylder's arrival made him downright emotional. He is just so happy to have another sibling, especially because it's a little boy. And he already talks to him about all the things he'll teach him as he grows up, and that he'll always be there to look after him. (This may have resulted in a wet eyed moment for me.)</div>
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Everly and Quinn's bond continues to make my heart swell. The sister thing was new and unfamiliar territory for me (having grown up with a brother) but I love seeing what they have. They are so similar in some ways, and so different in others. I simply love watching them play together now that they can both get so involved. Quinn is finally the little playmate that Everly has been waiting for her to grow into; someone who she can boss around, and who idolises her every move. Although I know without a shadow of a doubt that this relationship will be the one to keep us on our toes as parents... I suspect they'll drive each other mad as teenagers. </div>
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Four children definitely has its stressful moments. But so did life with three... and two, and one. We just have to look at them though, to know that every new grey hair and wrinkle is worth it. They learn so much from sharing their lives with one another, and I really hope they'll look back as adults and see each other as the greatest gifts that we could have given them. They are certainly my greatest gift.</div>
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Rich is loving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* teaching the kids to ride their bikes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* settling into some more routine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* a weekend with family visiting. </div>
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* barbecuing and getting the garden sorted for summer.</div>
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* watching Jessica Jones.</div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* watching our brood of four bonding.</div>
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* St Tropez pre shower tanner.</div>
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* newborn smell.</div>
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* planning for holiday.</div>
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* May Day Fayre in our old village.</div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* being in the dance show</div>
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* being a big brother to a little brother.</div>
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* reading David Walliams' books.</div>
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* riding his bike without stabilisers.</div>
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* taking a bedtime shower instead of a bath.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* showing off her baby at school.</div>
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* her Belle dress for the dance show.</div>
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* holding Wylder in her lap.</div>
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* changing out of her uniform after school. </div>
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* playing outside. </div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* strawberry mini milk lollies.</div>
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* watching Bubble Guppies.</div>
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* playing with Duplo for hours.</div>
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* wearing the same rainbow dress over and over again (I've bought a second one!)</div>
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* being in the garden. </div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* milk.</div>
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* swaddling.</div>
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* white noise.</div>
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* trying out his smile.</div>
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* car sleeps.</div>
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This past month has been all about settling into our new normal as a family of six. Six? My goodness that just sounds crazy. But here we are, all six of us, in all our bank holiday glory. Aren't those two bank holiday weekends just the best bit of May. I feel like they have been so well timed for us this year; giving us a little more family time in the work-life balance as we find our feet with a newborn in the house again. </div>
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It's been a lovely month. We've enjoyed the newborn bubble and in so many ways it's flown by in a haze of cuddles and night feeds and every single one of us learning new things. But it all honesty aside from the novelty and excitement of Wylder which is yet to wear off for any of us, it's been a pretty normal kind of month really. Barbecues on sunny weekends, juggling the children' busy social schedules, little adventures together.</div>
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But as you read this we are actually off on our first BIG adventure as a six. We're currently sunning ourselves in Ibiza. As I'm writing this to schedule for while we're away, I hope it doesn't tempt fate to say that we bravely took four children on a plane and lived to tell the tale. There aren't many 5 week olds who can boast a stamp in their passport, but our five week old does. It's not every day that your uncle, my baby brother, decides to get married in Ibiza; and that simply isn't something you miss... however terrifying the prospect of travelling with four little people might be. </div>
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<br />lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-8357012438822324312018-05-25T07:30:00.000+01:002018-06-29T23:46:05.922+01:00dear beautiful wylder {one month old}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Dear Wylder,</div>
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Oh baby boy, this has been the fastest month ever. It doesn't seem possible that so much time has past already, since you came crashing into the world in such a hurry on April 25th. I feel like we've just about recovered emotionally from the craziness of your wild arrival; although I think you'd better prepare to have to hear that story a lot as you grow up. There aren't many people who can boast being delivered at home by their daddy though. It's something that parents tend to say a <i>lot</i> but it feels like yesterday you arrived, while at the same time it feels like you've been a part of our family forever. It seems impossible to imagine our lives without you in it now.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>That's not to say that it's been all sunshine. You do seem to struggle a little bit with wind at times, and - while you're breastfeeding well - you can be a bit of a lazy latcher; sometimes it's like you just expect the milk to appear in your stomach by magic. But things seem to be settling down a lot as you grow, and as we find our rhythm together. You did lose a bit of weight initially (unlike your greedy sisters who gained from day one) but you've now regained it, and then some; so we must be doing something right. </div>
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There is also nothing quite like the guilt I feel when you are upset and just want to be held, but I have to do something for one of your older siblings first. I honestly hate to hear you cry, it makes me so anxious that it physically hurts sometimes. But then all I have to do is see you with Dylan, Everly or Quinn to know that the love and attention you get from them more than balances out the times when I can't give you the full attention that I'd like to. </div>
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You are a little gem of a baby though. You certainly have your night and day the right way around, and do your longer stretches between feeds overnight; and you always settle back to sleep after night feeds. We are swaddling you at night, and you definitely seem to like that. And we are also using a white noise machine which seems to really calm you. In fact I think you already know when you hear it that it's time to go to sleep. </div>
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A new development lately, as you've approached the month marker, is that you are more awake at certain times during the day now. It's lovely to see your beautiful eyes open and taking the world in a bit more. We're all a bit obsessed with speculating about your future eye colour, and whether they'll turn brown like Dylan, Everly and Daddy, blue like Quinn, or green like me. My money is on a lighter colour, but I'm not sure just yet. I guess the coming months will tell us. </div>
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Bath times are your favourite. You seem to absolutely love soaking in the warm water. It calms you if you're upset, or you'll kick your legs all excitedly at other times. But it's certainly a happy place for you. Coming out of the bath... not so much!</div>
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You aren't quite smiling yet, but you are really thinking about it. You'll stare at our faces so intently, almost like you want to smile but haven't quite worked out how yet. I'm so excited to see those first grins, and to see your personality develop and shine as you grow. </div>
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Without a doubt you are the missing piece that our family has been waiting for. You are just the perfect fit, and we are all just so happy and proud to have you in our six. Having you in the house just makes the love grow so much. We all love you so much, and seeing how everyone dotes on you makes us love each other more too. </div>
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I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the lucky feeling I have at knowing you're mine. I'm just so proud. And so very in love with you little man. You've without a doubt completed our family, and I feel so very very blessed. </div>
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We love you so much Wylder. Thank you for being ours.</div>
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xxx</div>
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Your first month in photos...<br />
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lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-18516435240353290042018-05-15T07:30:00.000+01:002018-06-22T21:49:23.105+01:00the siblings project {may 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My little tribe. My four little loves. </div>
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Dylan, Everly, Quinn and Wylder. </div>
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My four. My heart.</div>
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This past month has seen a whole lot of change with the arrival of our fourth and final baby. Every one seems to have taken their sibling promotion in their stride, with lots of affection and attention being lavished on our lucky, lovely little man. And I'm remembering all the ways that love grows when their is a new baby in the house. How not only do we all have this new love Wylder, but how seeing the older children doting on their baby brother, makes me love them even more. It's a big old bubble of love around these parts, I have to say. </div>
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So, yes, there has been a line up change for this month's photos. And it makes my heart swell with pride to see these four together, and to know that I get to call them mine. It feels like they were always meant to be a four, destined to be a four. I can't wait to see how their relationships change and develop and grow over the coming weeks, and months, and years. Because this is just the exciting start of a whole lifetime of the four of them challenging one another, learning from one another, supporting one another, annoying one another, and loving one another. </div>
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I think it's probably abundantly obvious that I'm totally in love with these photos. I just think the love and the pride of those three big siblings shines out of every photo. And take a look at Wylder in the last photo... thats the moment when you realise that this crazy, loud bunch of loons is your family, and you're stuck with them.</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-85360949374026129592018-04-30T07:30:00.000+01:002018-04-30T07:30:24.880+01:00the me + mine project (april 2018)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EVhhOseBVU/WuY3N1WVp-I/AAAAAAAARrI/NMh2VsLz-601wA-yebZpOBezXZZWwAlrwCLcBGAs/s1600/aprilmeandmine2.jpg" /></div>
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Rich is loving</div>
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* having our first barbecue of the year.</div>
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* Liverpool in the Champions League.</div>
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* Quinn's little shows. </div>
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* power washing the patio. </div>
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* having our new baby. </div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* seeing our FOUR children together. </div>
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* going for afternoon tea with my mum and nan. </div>
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* a quiet Spring break together at home.</div>
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* our newly decorated bedroom. </div>
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* having a newborn to snuggle again. </div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* his baby brother.</div>
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* playing in the garden. </div>
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* reading 'Ratburger'. </div>
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* show rehearsals.</div>
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* playing on the Nintendo Switch.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* getting to wear make up for her dance show rehearsals. </div>
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* watching 'The Greatest Showman'.</div>
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* wearing summery clothes. </div>
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* being a mini mummy. </div>
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* reading her school books. </div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* using the big girl toilet. </div>
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* Lindt chocolate bunnies.</div>
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* reading and watching 'Room On The Broom'.</div>
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* putting on shows in the fireplace.</div>
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* being a big sister.</div>
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Wylder is loving</div>
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* cuddles.</div>
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* milk.</div>
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* his family singing him 'A Million Dreams'.</div>
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* keeping people on their toes.</div>
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* arriving early!</div>
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Well this is categorically <i>not</i> the post I thought I'd be writing for The Me + Mine Project this month. I fully anticipated I'd be writing a mushy post about it being the end of an era, how it was a pleasure to be sharing our final family photos as a five, how we were all looking forward to meeting a new member of the gang in the coming weeks. </div>
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But that new member of the gang had other plans, and decided that there was no time like the present. That he would far prefer an April birthday to a May one. And that he'd really like to get in on the 'Me and Mine action' a month early. </div>
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And so here we are, with our new line up, as a SIX!!!</div>
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We are still very much "in the newborn bubble" at the moment, and it all still feels very new. But it feels <i>so</i> good. We obviously still have a lot to learn about the new juggles of four children, but its already impossible to imagine life without Wylder in it. He's one lucky kid that's for sure, with three very smitten older siblings, and equally smitten parents of course. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSDyZaHiCmo/WuY3N4jjA9I/AAAAAAAARrY/3JjMvsBMf909DTHOu9b6HenFvzwfvh2-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/aprilmeandmine3.jpg" /></div>
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I can't wait to see your lovely family portraits shared, so please do add your links below. And if you are sharing your photos on Instagram too then, please make sure you're <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/">following me</a> and use #meandmineproject as I will be sharing some of my favourites.</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-6817479122239546442018-04-30T07:00:00.000+01:002018-06-22T21:49:23.130+01:00... and then there were six!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvETpBErgAU/WuYzkr9iDYI/AAAAAAAARqk/zeW5poG1M5o7Z7ZPPTT9r8dcqI1pNC-XwCLcBGAs/s1600/andthenthereweresix1.jpg" /></div>
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In the closing moments of Wednesday 25th April 2018 at 11:53pm, and at 38+6 weeks pregnant, we welcomed our fourth and final baby into the world. </div>
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In a bit of a hurry. </div>
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At home. Unplanned.</div>
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On our bedroom floor. </div>
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Without a midwife. </div>
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Or any pain relief.</div>
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But then that is a longer (or not as the case may be) story for another time. </div>
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A very much longed for little boy and little brother. Weighing in at 7lb 15oz and every inch total perfection. The absolute image of his older brother, but with his eldest sister's hair and his littler sister's nose. </div>
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And our little wildcard baby, with his wild arrival into the world, looks all set to live up to the name we chose for him. Our little Wylder Heath. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylZknWgxSnM/WuYzkYyRITI/AAAAAAAARqo/8ehEQ6Qm32YX7fVU3q8LNW4vYXHUAWEVACEwYBhgL/s1600/andthenthereweresix2.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RuLvtnJ_Hk/WuYzkbLGyYI/AAAAAAAARqs/eh9pkAtAO2ksrVzd0P6IuuGYaMz68F1LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/andthenthereweresix3.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ADSWOEz_M/WuYzlILPnLI/AAAAAAAARqw/uxGiz1ySrEkmdGsv3Uv4h8gyiDU5ePVXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/andthenthereweresix4.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
<br />lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-23694791589415047782018-04-15T07:30:00.000+01:002018-04-15T07:30:05.334+01:00the siblings project {april 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTgRksHaUq4/WtJfKz-oyOI/AAAAAAAARqE/dePaWX8AiYICsHTuwVy5LvzyWCIh39nCgCLcBGAs/s1600/aprilsiblings1.jpg" /></div>
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I get to sit and write this month's The Siblings Project post at the end of a two weeks with this little trio getting to hang out together every single day. It hasn't been all plain sailing of course, I'd be lying if I said there haven't been squabbles to sort out, but mostly it's been pretty blissful and it's been lovely watching them with their heads together over a box of lego, or snuggled together under a blanket watch a movie. </div>
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I feel so aware all of a sudden that their lives as a little three is now on borrowed time, and all being well, they'll have a new sibling to show off by next month's post...! So it's been nice for them to have this time together, and for me to sit back and watch them; to feel proud of the little family that we have made, and look ahead to the changes in the future. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>I'm definitely at that point of equal parts excitement and melancholy about all the changes ahead. Of course I don't have any of those worries this time about how I'll share my love (because I know it just grows) and I'm less worried about the impact it will have on them (because as a three they are already well used to waiting their turn when needed and sharing the limelight and attention). But there is still a part of me that is sad to see their days as a three come to an end... three has been so good for us, right from the very start. Change is always difficult, but it isn't overshadowing the excitement I feel about introducing the fourth and final member to the gang. They are all so excited to meet him or her now. And he or she is already the luckiest baby ever to get this lot to look up to. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPAxCUelwE/WtJfKuKvplI/AAAAAAAARqA/RiE-UKgsVCULd_T-8PHiegDId1N3SHYrACEwYBhgL/s1600/aprilsiblings3.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->lucy at dear beautifulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389965251370657029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2511297148381608839.post-37579971004980563792018-03-31T07:30:00.000+01:002018-03-31T09:46:52.718+01:00the me + mine project {march 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmZi9_eJTpE/Wr9F_KRmTpI/AAAAAAAARpM/7OpRESMFHl8ry4pecFAWNqcdE0vd9bShgCLcBGAs/s1600/marchmeandmine2.jpg" /></div>
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Rich is loving</div>
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* a fun work trip to Switzerland.</div>
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* playing Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle with Dylan.</div>
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* eating chocolate hot cross buns. </div>
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* finishing Stranger Things on Netflix.</div>
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* getting the garden ready for summer. </div>
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Lucy is loving</div>
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* washing tiny baby clothes. </div>
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* having Mother's Day afternoon tea at school with Dylan and Everly. </div>
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* cuddly time on the sofa watching Moana with Quinn. </div>
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* mac n cheese. </div>
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* baby wriggles. </div>
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Dylan is loving</div>
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* the school reading challenge. </div>
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* playing out in the garden. </div>
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* feeling the baby get hiccups. </div>
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* watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory after finishing the book.</div>
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* talking about, playing and generally obsession about anything Super Mario.</div>
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Everly is loving</div>
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* singing songs from The Greatest Showman. </div>
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* seeing The Greatest Showman at the cinema. </div>
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* practising her reading. </div>
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* playing shops with Quinn. </div>
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* weekend sleepovers. </div>
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Quinn is loving</div>
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* watching Moana. </div>
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* helping Mummy with the washing. </div>
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* having her hair blowdried. </div>
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* taking Kit everywhere she goes. </div>
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* wearing her wellies. </div>
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How on earth is it March <i>already</i>? It feels like this year is absolutely flying, and we are already a quarter of the way in. And next month will be our last as a five, which just doesn't seem possible to me. We feel excited and ready to meet our newest member of the gang, but at the same time, I don't feel ready to say goodbye to life as a five yet... does that even make sense? </div>
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It's some very last minute photos from us this month, but they really couldn't be more perfectly suited to our March. After <a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/2018/02/the-me-mine-project-february-2018.html" target="_blank">the adventures of February</a>, we have had a really slow month. There has been lots of quiet time together at home, a fair amount of hibernating weekends, and just a lot of soaking up together time and preparing for the changes ahead. </div>
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I also have to say, that looking at this month's photos I can see the family resemblances that so many people like to tell me about, but which I don't normally see. Everly and Rich looks SO alike, Quinn looks like my mini me, and Dylan looks like my kid but with Rich's eyes. Aren't genetics a crazy thing? It's got me really intrigued to see who this newest little person ends up being most like.</div>
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I figured I'd share some of the crazy outtakes too this month... because sometimes, promising your kids that they can pull their silliest faces once we're done, is the best way to get those nice faces in the photos in the first place. Such an attractive bunch aren't we?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uc-IapGxH0U/Wr9GAKumPlI/AAAAAAAARpk/T6O0Ae71U2QqAJGLFLz1cOvNor7zyr_MQCEwYBhgL/s1600/marchmeandmine4.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
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I can't wait to see your lovely family portraits shared, so please do add your links below. And if you are sharing your photos on Instagram too then, please make sure you're <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/">following me</a> and use #meandmineproject as I will be sharing some of my favourites.</div>
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