O Christmas Tree.

When I asked Ro to pose in front of the tree that we'd spent time decorating and debating on which part of the room it would look best from. Our Christmas tree is one for ants, it's small and it's seen better days but it's part of our traditions and so it stays. 

Every year I've managed to get a picture like this - all three Christmases that I've shared with Roman - but of course none quite like this. I asked him to get into the frame, he obliged but not before removing the top he had on and putting on his rather smart suit jacket.

And for records sake here are the past two Christmases in front of the tree:

(This was taken on the run-up to Roman's first Christmas which was by all accounts very tame as Christmases go.)

 

Last Christmas (2011.) This picture was actually taken on Christmas Day - the top he's wearing here, and that has been heavily featured throughout my 366 Project this year, was a Christmas present from gran and papa.

Disapproval.

He's always a slippery fish at bath time, but especially at the end of bath time. He'll try his best to avoid my open arms with the towel draped over them. "NO! No want get out!" he'll shout, very loudly but playfully, as I try to tempt him out of the bath. Pulling the plug and offering up tooth brushing to Roman (one of his favourite things to do) doesn't do the trick and all he wants to do is be in the bath forever more.

Quickly he recovers, running to the mirror and greeting the cute face who captures his glance there. Many kisses are shared between Roman and his reflection, many sweet nothings are also shared and I have to laugh at this meeting of the two. Of course capturing it on camera is strictly prohibited and he throws me this look to remind me that there are some things which should remain sacred ;).

Also I was very tempted to crop out the mess of this place...but this is life so it stays.

'Mummy, Ew!'

"Mummy, ew!" Roman said to me, pointing to the flour on the pitta bread. "Ew, yuck!" he said, to hammer home the point he was trying to put across. Then to completely discredit his comments he shoved one of pitta bread pieces straight into that crumb coated mouth. I love toddler double standards ;).

This Toddler Life.

Bryan took this photo of us two. I was aiming for a 'nice' shot of me and Roman. By 'nice' I mean without his arms floating above my head so wildly or the fact he wasn't even looking at the camera...but that's not toddler life. And parenting a toddler can go two ways; you either laugh or cry into your pillow and while I sometimes do the latter, I try to do the former a lot more often because this set up is pretty sweet despite the wildness and the mood swings (me and him.)

Puppy Love.

I know it's not the best photo in the world, but I love it. We were having a moment where Ro was full of extra cuddles for me and I asked Bryan to capture us, just as we were; with me stealing a kiss and Roman directing his love towards his puppy ;).

College.

Before I started this year's photo project I knew there'd be certain events I'd be snapping with my camera and as the year has progressed on I knew I'd be taking these photos of Bryan's first day at college.

Because I knew he was nervous I decided that me and Roman - with Ro eating his lunch on the go - would tag along to ease off the nerves a little. 

We walked Bryan to the entrance and I tried to snap plenty of photos but I think Bryan wasn't keen on this at all. So, being sneaky me I let him go into the building and as he was walking up the steps called out for him ;). He also has a sore neck hence the awkward pose here.

"Want colleges!" Roman cried out after Bryan as he left. I don't think he understood that he couldn't go to college with Bryan, my poor boy. He was momentarily upset by the injustice of not being allowed to go to college but soon got over this.

I'm feeling very happy and positive about the things this will mean for our family. I don't really know what the future has in store for us but I do know that this year ahead, this year of changes, will be a great one. I'm excited to see what's in store :).