Sebastian had a tumble in the mud at the playground this afternoon and his knees and new shoes took it hard. Should have worn the wellies! Katharina rode her scooter down the hill in the driveway this afternoon and how I am glad I was there to catch her. I'd never seen a girl's eyes so big in my life, as she was gaining speed and racing for the street.

It's been another beautiful day here, but the sun's now far below the trees in our back garden. I love this time of day, when it's growing dark and my little ones are waking up and my husband's last lecture of the day is ending; when the cold house warms up with the heat from dinner on the stove and the tidiness is messed in a moment's time.

In other news, I know you can't wait to hear our Spring break plans. I can't wait to share! Also, stay tuned in for new developments on the blog (emphasis on "new"). Exciting things in our future!

Today is gloriously sunny and mild. I ran half my errands with no coat and just a jumper on. My little ones came home from the park with mud on their little hands and Katharina had it in her teeth from tasting rocks. I love them that way-- nice and dirty, showing good signs of an afternoon well-spent.

And Valentine's Day! It's my 7th year knowing my sweetheart, and life's a whole bunch of sweetness for us. We met around Valentine's-time in 2007, Valentine's day 2011 we found out Peter was accepted to a UK univerity and we were expecting Sebastian and Katharina. And this Valentine's day, we're having friends over post-kiddo bedtime for steaks and drinks, and I'll be making a vegan flourless chocolate tart (to cancel out the beef, obviously). Sounds about perfect this year.

I'm off to bake that cake. Enjoy some photos from our outing this afternoon, etc. . .

this handsome man? he's totally spoken for.

said shoe-in-a-drawer.

valentine's day decorations.

posh shopping buddy.

Lemon poppyseed muffins

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

2 cups self-raising gluten-free cake flour

1/2 cup sugar (this can definitely be reduced. Honey would also be a great substitute)

1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil

1 cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk

4 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest (more if you're like me. I like to go heavy on the lemon)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons poppy seeds 

Preheat oven to 175ºC/350ºF. Mix dry ingredients. Beat oil and sugar in separate bowl; add milk, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla. 

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Do not over mix. 

Drop into lined muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes.

*personally, I think these would be fabulous with a lemon glaze. I will add that next time, and use part butter, part oil.

3 Months || 4 February

Happy 3 months, to our sweet Philippa! We love the rolls in her wrists and the smell of her baby breath.  We love her voice and the shape of her eyes. We love to squeeze her tight and smother her in kisses. 

What a perfect addition to our family.

*Dress: Baby Gap, tights: Junior J., boots: Koala Baby