Mira Matar

The dynamic duo, kicking off the morning together. Mum fun. Fun-stagram poses. The magical curiosity and connection. Just before I was struck. Job well done! So too, the process of building a snowman with Mum. The view from the kitchen window. Snowman outdoors. Little-man indoors. Stretching out, & Focused in. Post bathes... 💗💗💗

Sharing your smoothie. Proud of you. A look that questions the observer. A look that mirrors the questioner. Time out for sweetness. Time out for reading. Growing up, there was an advert for chips known as CC's.  And it went like this: "Bet your can't eat just one" How apt today! Joy. Mum and I play. Mum and Grandma, dancing with You and Adam Karim. 💗💗💗

Feeling chill. Feeling glee. Feeling reflective. Your grandparents arrived at lunchtime. And we lunched whilst you rested. You were met with some grapes, soon after your daytime nap. Consumption of them waited until after lunch. Indoors: opening presents! Outdoors: opening new horizons. Running Mum, leading the way. A moment of stillness. 💖💖💖

Runny noses, plus a temperature of -8 outside, led to the day being spent indoors. To a speedy return to full health! 💗💗💗

You two! Synchronized. Connected. A stop at 'Aunt' Natalia's. The Queen of our home. Chance run-in with the artist and art teacher 'Aunt' Larisa. 💗💗💗

Just like your sister's birth, your birth, and your brother's birth, The birth of a new year, Is the birth of new hope. The tradition of sharing gifts at this time,  I translate as: Here and willing to give. And we for you and your siblings are certainly: Here and willing to give. Giving knowledge is part of that. Giving time & attention is part of that. Giving support & love is a part of that. Reliable friends are part of life's backbone too. Each of us must go forward alone. Yet each of us alone, Is made by those with whom we associate, and with whom we choose to build. Think closely, it's a fascinating paradox. I hope that 2025 see you and your siblings flourishing. A little more. Every day. 💓💓💓