There is a little lump in my throat this week,
she turned two, and I’m not sure how that happened.
Feels like nothing since I birthed that baby bundle in a pool by the dining table windows-
I still think of the afternoon light and the peaceful way she swam into this world.
Turning two meant there was birthday cake with her favourite, favourite “blues”.
She helped me make it, but we had to be quick-
one blueberry in the mouth and one for the cake.
There was a doll- the most beautiful doll you ever did see.
And after that, she will be two and one day, then two days and so it continues,
gulp.
A Little Vintage Store, is where the lovely doll is from. Beautifully handmade by Jennie in Brisbane, Australia- I’m in awe I really am. Love, love, love that this birthday present didn’t come from a department store with a ‘made in china’ tag.
Blueberry Cake
300g softened butter
300g sugar
4 tsp vanilla
zest of one lemon
4 beaten eggs
600g self raising flour
125mls milk
approximately 300g blueberries or enough to cover the cake surface
Cream the butter and sugar together, add vanilla, eggs, lemon zest and milk. Then fold through flour. Into a greased and lined tin and arrange blueberries.
Bake until golden at 180C.
(Depending on your cake tin size, this recipes bake time will differ. Cooked as I did, it took forever (23cm)- but I wanted it tall. Baking it in a much wider cake tin will ensure a shorter cook time…or half the recipe, (but where’s the fun in that.)
Happy birthday, baby girl!! Wow, that’s gone quickly, Brydie, seems like only yesterday you were pregnant! 🙂 Beautiful cake, and absolutely stunning doll!
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it’s such a beautiful doll isn’t it. Kicks Barbie’s butt that’s for sure 😉
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This is a beautiful post. So sweet, especially the photograph of her little hand reaching for a blue. Lovely cake.
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I had to be fast. Very fast! (She is very skilled at jamming as many ‘blues’ in as possible.
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happy birthday little one..i remember mine at the same age and even though they’re grown they’re still my precious babies..gorgeous cake by the way..x
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I think they will always be too Jane…even when they are 60.
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Gorgeous Brydie! I can completely relate to feeling that these years whistle by way too quickly! My eldest has just started at High School this year and it feels like yesterday he was showing up for his first day of Primary School. I hope your little girl had a wonderful day to celebrate! Such a beautiful age… though aren’t they all… 🙂
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You are right, every age has it’s own kind of magic. I did first day of Kindergarten again this year too…gulp. No easier the second time round oddly enough.
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Gorgeous baby girl, doll and cake. Just beautiful Brydie x
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Thanks Jane. xx
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It’s incredible how quickly time flies and I know this from experience because I now have a 21-year old son and my baby just turned nine! We’re celebrating his birthday this evening with a home-cooked dinner with all three children present (a rare thing these days) and my parents. I love how your gorgeous girl helped you make this beautiful cake that I’m sure sent a beautiful aroma through your home. And the doll is precious! xx
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Enjoy that precious family time CL. Every second of it.
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That went fast! Love the dolly — is she called “Blue”? 🙂
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That little lady is called…”Lady” 🙂
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The cake looks wonderful and delicious. Handmade is so much better I think. Happy birthday to your little one. She’s very lucky to have a mum like you. Best wishes! 🙂
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Happy birthday little 2-year-old! Those 2 years have gone terrifyingly fast, but I’m sure they are filled with many wonderful moments, and that the next 2 years (and beyond) will bring many more. I don’t think you could have chosen a better doll, or a better cake, for the occasion. Reading the comment above, I love the “Lady” name too 😉
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Bless her cute little hand! So lucky to get such a beautifully hand made and one of kind doll. Girls always remember their favourite dolls from childhood; some lucky to still have them later in life. Perfect cake!
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Beautiful post. My little boy turned 2 this week as well and I’m having the exact same feeling – when did this happen?! Gorgeous cake and photos as well.
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Ooooh Happy Birthday to your little one as well! Time eh…
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Beautiful memories Brydie and a beautiful cake for a beautiful little girl 😀
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Oh just goes way too fast! Just wish we could freeze time! Gorgeous cake!
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A blueberry cake fit for the queen or a little Princess indeed. Her new dolly/mate is wonderful and I can see years of huddled conversation and whispered secrets shared between the two of them. Don’t sweat the years flying by because tiny hands become bigger and eventually fly the coop but then they come back to share endless cups of tea, bread baking, cake collation and family communion that often involves more children that you can hand back after spoiling thoroughly and you can watch your baby give her own baby a beautiful doll 🙂
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I’d say skip the fluffy princess part Ms Narf and straight to ruling Queen. This girl has a touch of the fiesty and is not afraid to use it 😉
While I’m in no hurry for my children to grow up I do look forward to that day of sitting round a table and sharing pots of tea. I do love that imagery.
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🙂 There is something absolutely and most breathtakingly beautiful about all stages of life. We just have to find it 🙂
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Totally agree. xx
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Happy Birthday to your baby girl so big now already! – it really does seem like time flies – I can hear the sadness but more importantly feel the love in your words and photos, sending a big hug to you all xx
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Thank you dear Joanna. xxx
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Loving that she got a “healthy” birthday cake – my little babe had chocolate beet cake for her first. She also loves her berries. And does that doll have flowered Wellies on? Too cute! And I also very much like that it was not made in China.
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I LOVE that it’s not made in China Katie!
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Birthday Blues! So gorgeous Brydie. Awww that little chubby hand… 2-year old’s hands are just the best; so spongy and pudgy and edible! Can’t even begin to tell you how much I LOVE that doll, with her neckerchief, boots and funky dress. Divine. My first doll was home-made too, and I’ve never forgotten it.
PS. Lovely, lovely cake. Wouldn’t mind a slice right about now.
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It’s the cutest little thing isn’t. We are so lucky to live in this digital age, in that we are exposed to so many artists and creative people. Buying a plastic Disney doll from a department store…yep, no need, and I love that.
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Congrats! Awesome cake and cute post 😀
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Thanks Nick
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Happy birthday to your little one. Can’t see your photos, must be something wrong with my computer!!! Will try again later
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Ooh eek, hope you can see them now?!
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Yes, I can now – gorgeous!
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Happy birthday to your little one – Sylvia’s birthday when she was 2 was all about blueberry decorations and now it is all about lollies – I don’t know how that happened – love the doll – hope she gets lots of cuddles (hope they both get lots of cuddles actually)
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Thanks Johanna, I wonder if there are ever, ever any kids that don’t like lollies…I wonder?
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Happy happy birthday to your little girl and happy birthing day to you Brydie. I hope you both enjoyed the cake – it looks pretty special. x
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Happy birthday little one! My son is approaching 4 and I often wonder when he stopped being my baby and became a little boy. That doll is beautiful! If I had a little girl I’d buy one in a heartbeat. Your daughter is very lucky. 🙂
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