It is always interesting to me to see how we adapt to change, how we negotiate around one another, recalibrate and find subtle shifts in our rhythms. This week I underwent (fairly minor) surgery with the result that I have been stuck in bed ever since. Simon and the children have to pick up the slack, cooking, cleaning, organising, caring for me and one another. They have done so with ease and grace, and even though I may still struggle with lingering pains, their good humour makes me appreciate them ever so much more. It is good for me to have to let go, to leave things in their hands and see how capable they are.
It also meant that all of the photos were taken from bed or couch, with my phone. Different.
Ana: Coming up to check on me straight after school.
Bella: Chatting as she needlefelts polka dots onto her thrifted cashmere sweater to repair the moth holes.
Asher: Snuggling up right next to me and watching the squirrels and birds.
Hope your recovery is swift and smooth. Lovely photos.
Posted by: Lila | 19 January 2013 at 12:51
Your childrens hair is so delicious, so rich - although I'm sure that's not the first time you've heard that.
I do hope you're feeling well soon.
Posted by: victoria | 19 January 2013 at 14:01
I'm sorry to hear you are "down" - I was laid up last year for three weeks after a back injury and it was tough watching life go on around me.
I love the shot of Ana particularly. A great "capture from the couch"! x
Posted by: Maxabella | 19 January 2013 at 14:03
I love the needlefelting! Great way to salvage a sweater.
Posted by: jess | 19 January 2013 at 14:04
These are such great photos. Your children seem to be beautiful inside and out.
Posted by: Tamsyn | 19 January 2013 at 17:36
omg, blogging while in recovery from surgery? You are marvelous! You Brits are so hale and hearty! We Americans should step it up!
Cheerio mate or something like that!
Posted by: Heide | 19 January 2013 at 22:15
Hope your recovery goes smoothly. Sometimes it is good to have an excuse to sit back and be forced to take a back seat, 'though if you are like me, you'll be back in the fray much too early (I think it was only a week until I was back up the ladder painting the outside of the house after having my thyroid removed).
There is a real sense of peace to those photos of your children. You are doing a very good job with them. (and I am jealous of all your needle felting needles...my own Ella Bella broke nearly all of mine when she recently discovered needle felting....)
Posted by: Georgia | 19 January 2013 at 22:40
You've taken great shots despite being stuck. Hope you recover quickly.
Carol
Posted by: Carol : @perennial | 20 January 2013 at 00:00
Lovely words and equally lovely captures. Hope you recover soon.
Posted by: Vanessa | 20 January 2013 at 02:05
These are beautiful, phone captures or no. I adore the processing and the tender emotion they evoke.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Posted by: erica @ expatria, baby | 20 January 2013 at 02:16
Sorry to hear you required surgery, I just heard at Feast. So it was lovely to see you relaxing. The kids are great, my they grew this year! Please enjoy some extra rest while you can and they seem to know how to care for you, so let them, they're loving the opportunity .
Posted by: Beth | 21 January 2013 at 13:22
Oh, they're so precious.
Posted by: Heather | 22 January 2013 at 06:14