Prayers for Declan du Toit Please!!!

Please, please, please stop what you are doing and take a moment to say a little prayer for Declan du Toit, the below has been taken off his blog sending a flooding of prayers to our heavenly father:
From Declan du Toits Blog:
Hello Declan friends, Granny Wendy writing to you today. Declan is not up to writing at the moment as we have had some bad news.Declan started to get ill last Wednesday as was shown by his blood tests, and on Saturday night he was rushed to hospital. Early Monday morning he had a lumbar punch and various other tests and the results are bad. Declan has tumours on his head, behind his ear, on his chest, on the other side of his neck and in his bone marrow. In other words, the monster has crept into every corner of his body. He is on oxygen and morphine to ease his pain. The doctors have told us that we will have our darling little man for another month if we are lucky.Gillian and Daryl have decided on home care with palliative treatment and hopefully the whole family will return to the warmth and love of their home tomorrow. We will be taking along the oxygen and will probably have round the clock nursing assistance.BUT - this is not the end. There have been so many miracles along the way in Declans life and we are asking you all to mobilise your prayer army, cell group, Church, friends, e-mail lists and any other person you can think of, because the greatest Healer holds Declan in the palm of his hand and can work another miracle. The earthly doctors have done everything within their power and we accept their prognosis and the family are being realistic and preparing themselves, BUT WE HAVE NOT GIVEN UP. Our Heavenly Father and Healer is the One we rely on. For the caterpiller (in this case the cancer monster) it is the end, but for the butterfly it is a new beginning. Declan is our butterfly and we pray for his healing and stretching of beautiful wings for a life of complete healing and wholeness.I will update you every couple of days on his progress and I am sure that when Declan is feeling up to it, he will send you a message.God Bless you all for standing by the family with your love and support and in anticipation of this world-wide prayer that will go up to our Heavenly Father. With love from Granny Wendy

Happy Birthday Great Granny

Happy Birthday for yesterday Great Granny Grey,
Hope you got spoiled rotten and that God blesses you for many many more years to come!

Also bye bye to grampy who went to Dubai. Hope you enjoy your time there and we're counting the days until you come back.

Lots of Love
Us3

SLEEP, PRECIOUS SLEEP!

Hello my angel,

Well, this morning your dad and I awoke with a spring in our steps!!! Yes, you finally slept through, didn't even murmur once! I don't even know what to do with this new found energy! Thanks my only, we needed it!

So, what have you been up to this weekend? Well, Saturday morning we went for coffee with Anja and little Ane. As Anja and I were trying our best to take a sip of our cooldrinks, we realised that the days of just having a quiet coffee with a friend are gone! Ane'tjie is crawling already so she was up and about, just experimenting with everything, and you kept trying to get into crawling position from sitting, and I had to watch you and make sure you didn't fall over. Eventually you did fall over and bumped your head quite badly. I got such a fright, and almost went into a panic. Anja calmed me and told me all the signs I need to look for if it's serious. But that was just the beginning, over the weekend you hit your head 3 MORE TIMES! I realised then that it was bound to happen, so I might as well get use to it. Luckily it doesn't look like too much damage was done, hie-hie.

Then in the afternoon you went to your first birthday party, you buddy Keaton's. And wow, what an amazing site. There was a jumping castle, baby pool, crawling tunnel and so much more. You were mesmerised with all the colours and people, and you had your first marshmallow (very sticky) and a yummy teething biscuit that Megs put in your little goody basket. It was definitely a very messy business, but you loved it!

Then on Sunday dad and I took you to the zoo. You were very interested in all the fishies, and you saw your favourites, Nemo and Dory! You talked to Dory through the glass and tried to catch her (to play I'm sure, hopefully not to eat), but she was way to fast for you! You didn't care much for the animals, maybe they weren't colourful enough. But we'll take you again when you're a bit older so that you can fully appreciate the size of the elephants!

On another note, I realised that I didn't tell you about all the great presents grampy, granny, granny grey and uncle Poena sent you when granny and grampy came up from Cape Town. You got a very fancy car that "dances" and plays music, another little car with buttons that make sounds, a little black motorbike, a swirly toy thingy with balls in it, and a smart kid toy. Yup, you definitely got spoiled rotten! Thanks a lot guys, it keeps us out of trouble!!!

Anyway my angel, I love you plenty and I promise to post some pics of the zoo and the party soon.

Love you always!
Mom

So many happy happy's!

My angel, before I start writing to you, and give you my 2c on life, let me first say Happy Happy to all the people celebrating their birthdays today.

Happy Happy Poen Skoen (that's uncle Brendon Caden, but you'll know him as uncle Bob, Jimmy or Poen Skoen)

Hope you have a fantastic day and that you get spoiled rotten!

Happy Happy Keaton for your very 1st Birthday! I know this will be a day that your mom will never forget and you will have some amazing photos to treasure. We can't wait to see you tomorrow and how much you've grown!

Happy Happy Tante Elriza! Mag daar nog vele meer wees en mag die Here tannie se drome en gebede almal antwoord!

Now I know what you're thinking baba, how on earth did the stork manage to deliver so many people on one day? Well firstly, they're all in different years, so it was possible, and secondly, your father will cover the whole "stork-issue" with you later!

So, like your comical dad told you, you've been waking up at 3h00 for the past 3 mornings, thinking it's playtime. Now this would probably be manageable under normal circumstances, but mom and dad have been working extremely hard this week, getting into bed about 2 hours later than we usually do. So this, plus your early morning shenanigans, has left you with two, very overtired parents. The only reason I'm saying this to you now is so that when you have your own children one day, and you find yourself thinking: "What did I ever do to deserve this?", I will be able to provide you with the evidence that you did, in fact, do something to deserve this, lol. Just kidding fatty, it really has made both your dad and I a lot stronger. I mean, now we drink coffee in a 5l can, lots of sugar and no milk thank you! Mom's waiting for the chest hair to appear!

On a more serious note my angel, mom's been reading your friend Malakai's blog, and there is one entry that I cannot stop reading, and it plays over and over in my mind. When you're big I'll read it to you. In this entry Malakai's mom highlights one very very important lesson that I want you to learn as soon as possible, and that is that there is no such thing as perfection, or how something "should be". Don't ever believe that you are not good enough, or that things "should be" different. Don't buy in to this idea of perfection that society has sold to us. Just believe in yourself, in a Higher Power that guides us, and in love, for others and yourself. Life is just life my angel, it is what it is. Go and live it to the best of YOUR ability, no one else's.

Anyway my poopie pants, on a lighter note, I really hope you have a wonderful weekend, you've got your first kiddies party to go to, yay!

Love you plenty!

Mom

Back to the Salt mines

Hey my Boy

Well as you have noticed Mom n I are both back into full swing in the wheat fields, so the blog has been slow of late. You have been a little Angel though, gently waking us up at 3am the last few mornings, it really makes getting up at 5am alot easier and one day when you are a teenager i will surely have my fun repaying the kindness with a water pistol through your window. You have become quite the character though and we love it, your favourite is to gently groan in our ears and pat our heads when we nod off in those early morning play times, I really enjoy playing at night, you have a very naughty look in those eyes, just like a little boy should, alas I do fear for your antics when you get totally mobile and I am sure we will be replacing alot of 'accidental mishaps'. No prob as long as it is in good taste, I might even have a idea or 2 for you to try. You have gained a few lumps and are starting to fill out a bit in the mid section, ie your a fatty. Last night you learnt how to growl in you throat and as evil as it sounded it shows you are developing just fine.

Anyway lad, can't wait to see you tonight and chase you in your walker around the lounge, maybe we can even play corner the Jack russell for a bit.
Hope you and Rose are havin a good Friday.

Later Bud.
Love Dad

Escape is the word!

Hello my beautiful,

You've been up to so many things, I thought I'd write and tell you all about them. Let me first tell you about your first new year...you slept hie-hie! But mom and dad had a great time, with most of our friends and ohpaw Zak came to visit as well. He brought you the cutest and fluffiest doggy which now you love to hug and squeeze, thanx ohpaw. The next day mom and dad went for a spa treatment to get ourselves ready for the new year while you had a sleepover at ouma Rina's. She and ouma grootjie just told me how you made them laugh and all the amazing things you are doing! Thanx for being such a good boy!

Well my angel, as you can see from the title, the only thing you are interested in now is escaping. Escaping from your cushion, walking ring, cot, you name it. Your personality changed almost instantly into this little rascal who just wants to explore everything and anything! Dad chases you around in your walking ring and you are actually getting away from him! It's wonderful to see that you want to try new things, yesterday you even had a bite of apple, which you never wanted!

You've just been a little constipated the last couple of days and I hope you leave the next nappy for dad and not wait till I get home. Dad's still on leave and apparently you two have been causing chaos around that house. He plays ball with you on the carpet, and takes you flying, you know, all those guy things that I don't often think of. You are also sleeping in your own room now, but when you wake up and want to eat I end up sleeping in the single bed with you! Dad also got you a stroller because you are getting too big for your pram!

It looks like your eye toofies are coming out before your front teeth, so you'll look like an old granny with no toofs my boy! The one has already made it's appearance. They say these teeth are the worst to cut, so I'm very proud of you. Other than a couple of nags, you've been absolutely wonderful!

Anyway, I must get back to work now. Mom started a new job so that we can have more money so that dad and I can take you all over the world to see the pyramids, wall of china, and all those other interesting places!

Oh, and I'm sure the next couple of days are gonna be a complete party for you because granny and grampy are coming up from Cape Town tonight!

Love you plenty my only.
Mom

Wow, so much news!

Hmmmm, what's in mommy's handbag?

Getting into Christmas spirit

Daddy's little home-boy!

My laugh is infectious!

Twisting myself around in bed

Told you my laugh was infectious!

Hmmmm, yummy reindeer horns!

Giddy-up!

On my tummy, ready to cause chaos!

Opening presents with daddy

Wrapping paper tastes gooood!

More pressies!

Family of reindeer

Nemo, is that you?

My family

Almost there!

I'll have that thanks!

Dabchick cottage - Dullstroom

Hello my only,

Wow, you've had a jam packed holiday so far, that's why I haven't been able to write for so long! You are sleeping now so I thought I'd quickly snap the chance to tell you what you've been up to.

We, your second toofie arrived about 3 days after the first one and we were so happy that it went so quick! I actually think your top two toofs are gonna make their appearance soon as well.

On Friday the 19th daddy went in for the same operation that you went for, the left inguinal hernia. But dad was in a lot more pain and took quite long to recover. You showed your support by kicking him on his scar almost every time he picked you up. I think you were trying to heal it, well, I hope so anyway. He's feeling a lot better now and you two have been playing up a storm since he's been on holiday. I think you like the guy on guy quality time.

Then on Saturday we left for Loskop dam with Ouma Rina, Uncle Koevoet, Melanie, Ludwig, Helmut and Charlotte. We were at such a stunning place, you had a ball. We went swimming in the baby pool, and we were taken for a 2 hour boat ride, which you absolutely loved! You couldn't stop talking the whole way! Then on Monday morning we left to go to Dullstroom. It was such a cosy little cottage we'll definitely go back there! You got to enjoy your first "fishing" trip. Daddy caught a big one, and Gerrie caught two trouts! Needless to say we had a very nice dinner that night! Once again you were on your best behaviour once again and even impressed us with getting into the crawling position. Since you've noticed that you can move, you haven't stopped! You're not crawling yet, but I can see it'll be very soon!

We came back on the 24th and that evening we celebrated Christmas eve. You had a ball opening all your presents, from Lisa and Dale, ouma Rina, and mom and dad. Of Course, you love the wrapping paper more than anything else! You were also fascinated with the reindeer ears we had on and kept wanting to eat them! Eventually you succeeded.

On Christmas day we went to Amelle and Warren, and mom's cousin's were there, Leatitia, Marycia and Richard. We had a great braai outside by trees, but towards the end we were all very very tired! We went home and turned in early. Oh and Merry Christmas to everyone we didn't get to greet! Never forget the reason for the season!

On Sunday we went to go and give all the goodies to the baby charity in Pretoria. It was so beautiful seeing all the little ones. The smallest was 11 days old, so incredibly tiny! And the oldest was 11 months old. He was also born early, 2 months, so he's also a little fighter. Thank you very very much to everyone who contributed! Megs, for the box full of goodies, Claire for the bags and bags full of clothes, Samm for the products, granny and grampy Paul for the money (we bought porridge, wipes and cloths with it), Loren for the scrapbook albums and SA Shelving for the teddy bears! We had a whole bakkie full to give, so thank you very very much! Unfortunately we couldn't take any pics because of the babies' rights, but it was a very nice day.

Well, it feels like our holiday is only starting now my only. We've been so busy, and now mom almost has to go back to work again! While I was writing you woke up in the mean time, and now you're trying to escape from the cushion that you're on. Very cute my boy!

Anyway my only, I love you plenty and plenty, and I can't wait to see what else you come up with in the next couple of days.

Love you lots!

Mom

1 Tooth smile from now on my angel!

Well my angel, it is a sad day for your mom, because from now on I will not see your all gum smile again. Yes, your first little toofie made it's appearance, the bottom right one, but the left one is not far behind. I realised something was making an appearance at our Christmas party on Saturday. Your buddies Kai, Keaton and Deqlan, as well as little Haylee was there. We had the most beautiful spot under the trees, and there you little guys (and girl) chilled all afternoon. You got spoiled rotten by your friends (and their mommies), and you can be very grateful to be so blessed. Thanks so much Loren, Megs and Samm for a wonderful afternoon and for all the great presents!!!

As I said earlier, it was also this day that I saw a little white spot on your gum, and I started worrying that it might be a little ulcer. But the next day it turned into a little slit, and you were very unhappy the whole day, and alas, today, on "gelofte dag" and the anniversary of your uncle Charl's passing, your toothie came out. Right next to it is another little white slit, so you might get the other one in a day or two.

Well, let me tell you what else you've been up to (other than moaning, which I completely understand). Saturday Haylee and Laetitia came to visit us after the Christmas party and you had such a good time with Haylee. She gave you plenty of kisses, and passed all your toys on for you to play with. You also had a bath together which was too adorable for words, and she gave you plenty of hugs! Last night we went to Keaton's house and you just said hi to everyone, had your bottle and slept for the rest of the night. Mom and dad had a fantastic dinner that Megan and Conrad made, and then we took you home for some rest. I also think you might be going through a growth spurt because you've been waking up every four hours to drink at night. It's good my angel, mom doesn't mind, just grow grow grow! I also started making your food myself, mommy's becoming domesticated! You had avo on Sunday, which you hated, banana yesterday, which you pondered about, and gem squash last night, which you loved! Because of your toofies, you aren't eating your solids that well, but when you're really hungry you devour everything in the bowl.

Today we went to the annual Theron Christmas party and wow, what a spread Aunt Barbara and Uncle Martin prepared! You had fun meeting all the people and playing with Ohpaw's beard, but you definitely didn't want to eat anything! We, however, had way too much to eat, but it was just so good! You played with uncle Popeye and aunt Daleen, you finally met your other uncles, Hennie and Louwtjie and aunt Ria and their wives and husbands and kids. It was a big party! Thanks so much aunt Barbara and uncle Martin, it was such a relaxing afternoon, perfect to kick the holiday off with!

Anyway my angel, you are sleeping now, so I'm gonna go climb in too because I'm sure you'll be awake just now!

Love you Lots!

Abba House

Hi Everyone,

As said in one of my previous posts Wes and I will be giving to charity this year as a Christmas present to each other. Seeing as we now have a little miracle of our own, we decided to give to abandoned babies and found the perfect place to donate to. It's called Abba House and they have 11 little babies ranging from 3 weeks to 9 months old. We are going to visit them the 28th of December to spend some time with the babies and give them some goodies.

Here is their website:

http://www.abbahouse.co.za/default.html

If anyone is interested in donating something, we would greatly appreciate it. Over and above money, here is a list of things that they need:

Cereal 2 & 3
Wet Wipes
Skip/Sunlight Washing Powder (Wash Baby Clothes)
Black Plastic Bags (For nappy changing dustbins)
Cloth Nappies (Spoegdoeke)
Sterilon (for sterilizing dummies) 200 ml
Fabric Softener
Pedal Bin Liners
Dishwashing Liquid
Cotton wool & buds
Basic Medicines:
Vi-daylin drops
Buscopan,
Iliadin nose drops,
Daktarin oral gel,
Fragrance-free, non-coloured Aqueous Cream
Milton / bleach

They also need second hand baby clothes if anyone has some. And they make a baby scrap book for every child that leaves them to go to a family, so they need some of those. They have the paper, they just need the albums.

If you are interested in donating something, please let me know and I will come and pick it up from you in next week. I really think we can make a great difference in the lives of these little miracles.

Hope everyone has a great holiday!

Lots of Love

Us3

Swim Swim Swim

Hello my only,

Well my angel, you are really becoming a new little person. All of a sudden you are so interested in everything around you. As soon as you see anything new you just want to grab it. It's very cute. You are also bringing your little legs in to crawl. Who knows, maybe by Christmas you'll be mobile.

Dad and I took you for a swim on Sunday at the Aqua lounge and you absolutely loved it! Dad held you in a swimming position, and you made all the motions to start swimming. It was really very cute, and you look too adorable in your swimsuit! On Saturday we had to cancel a photo shoot with your friends Kai, Keaton and Deqlan because you had a cold, and we didn't want you to give it to Deqlan, as he just got over URI and his immune system is still not 100%. But we'll reschedule it for the new year. We did however go to visit Kai and Keaton, and had a great time playing and chatting! I can see you guys are gonna cause chaos together one day!

Your personality is really coming alive now, and when I try to put you to sleep and you don't want to, you throw the biggest tantrum! You scream like something is horribly wrong with you, but only for 5 minutes, then you're asleep. Last night ouma Rina watched you again, and thank goodness you didn't give her so much grief. She says you were an angel, so it seems like you're saving it just for us!

Anyway my baby, I'll write as soon as you are doing more cute things (which is actually daily).

Love you plenty!

Mom