1st Day of School!

Well my angel, before I get to the title of this post, let me first tell you about your doctor's appointment last Thursday. He said that there is a lot of pressure in your ears and that your adenoids are swollen. That means an unfortunate operation for you towards the end of the year my angel, to take the adenoids out and to put gromets in your ears. Don't worry, mom had gromets about 8 times, it's not so bad and I promise to buy you lots of ice-cream after the op!

I am, however, so scared of my feelings when I have to see you in that hospital again, but I suppose that's making a mountain of a moles' heap hey my poopie? Anyway, doc says once your ears are sorted out, we'll see a dramatic change in your sleep patterns and appetite. In the meanwhile, he gave you some appetite stimulants to help you pick up some weight. Hopefully it works! O, and we saw your brother/sister on the tv that same night. We heard the heartbeat and doctor says he/she is 25.5mm long. Can you believe it my angel, that's only the size of an olive! If all goes according to plan, he/she will join us 31 March next year, then you'll have a permanent, live-in friend!

On Sunday dad flew to Durban for work and you've been missing him so. At the gate, at the window, everywhere you ask, daddy.... Luckily he's coming home tonight so you two can play and play!

So, back to the title. Today was your first day at school. I was dreading it a bit, only because I was scared that if you cried, I would not want to leave, and I probably would've stayed there with you the whole day. But no, you didn't care, not even a little bit! At first you were a bit shy, meeting your teacher, but after about one minute, you wriggled to get down, and then proceeded to take all the toys and show them to your teacher, one by one. When I said tata, you threw a mini tantrum, not because I was leaving, but because you thought you had to come with me! So there you have it, I think we found the right place for you, and your teacher seems so incredibly nice. They say they even give you something from the tuck-shop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, hmmm-hmmm, as you would say!
I am so proud of you my angel. I really think you are going to blossom at this school! I'm just sorry the pictures came out so blurry. You were running along so quickly, it was difficult to catch you with the camera!

On a more serious note, please may I ask for prayers for Wes's mom. She was admitted to hospital this morning with severe asthma. Please pray that the doctors can help her and she gets discharged before her birthday tomorrow! Mom, please get well soon so that you and dad can come down and see mr. Monkey for your birthday present!

Also, very happy birthday to Megan for Saturday, and a happy big 30 to Lisa for yesterday. Hope you guys enjoyed the day and may the year to come bring you much joy and love!

Well, that's all from me for now.
Have a great week!

Holiday!!!

Hello my monkey man,

Well, remember in my last post I told you about the importance of prayer, well, here's the proof: Not only did dad get out of hospital safe and sound, but we also got to go to Sun City and have a wonderful and relaxing (paid for) weekend! See, no matter how unimportant you might think your request is, just ask anyway! We missed you terribly though, but made up for it last week, I think.

Saturday the 15th we headed off to the Pilansberg for a weeks' stay at Bakgatla Game Reserve. It was so nice getting away from it all, just being in the bush. Dad had to leave on Sunday, but came back on Thursday morning early, and you guys just played and played! I think you were gone for over an hour! While dad was away, you had some playtime with Malakai, Loren and even ouma came to visit. Unfortunately you weren't feeling that well, but I am very sure it was an allergic reaction that lead to a bit of asthma because as soon as dad brought your asthma medicine, you felt a lot better!

I have to tell you about some of the very cute things you did. You chased the monkeys away every time you saw them, with a lispy sshhhhttt (which is supposed to be shoe!). You roared at a couple of animals, tweeted at the birds, and even baa-d at a hippo! It seems like you are getting the language thing now, because your vocabulary almost doubled in the last two weeks.

Unfortunately it is back to reality now, holiday is over and mom and dad is back at work. We miss you so terribly during the days, but that just makes the evenings so much more enjoyable!

I felt so sorry for you yesterday. I had to take you for your vaccinnes, and my oh my, there is nothing wrong with your lungs my boy! But it broke my heart to see this complete shock and confusion on your little face when the needles went in. Sorry angel, but I promise it is for your own good. The nurse said that you have only picked up about a 100grams in 6 months, which is not good, but I mean, you basically went from crawling to running (and not stoppping) in these last 6 months, so maybe it is that? We're gonna take you to the paediatrician on Thursday anyway, just to make sure all is well, and maybe get you some baby protein shakes???

Anyway my angel, I have to get back to work. I love you plenty and promise to post some photos soon!

Love
Mom

Bad luck comes in three...

Well my angel, let me start off with explaining the title.
First: The freaky weather last weekend that came almost exclusively for your daddy's big 30th.
Second: Mom's car broke, and not how, ALL 4 fuel injectors went, which is damn near impossible, and...which cost R8000 to fix, so sorry my angel, no jungle gym for you this month.
Third: Now I'm sure you've overheard us talking about going to Sun City this weekend, I mean, we've been ranting and raving about it for weeks! Staying in the Palace, all expenses paid, wow, how lucky can we be? Hmmmm....well, fate is really tempting us my angel. Your daddy is in hospital. That's why he wasn't with us last night. Dad was complaining of really bad pain in his abdomen, but thought it might just be a bug, so he waited it out. But by lunch time daddy couldn't walk anymore, so, doctor please! The first doctor had a very gloomy diagnosis. She said that dad's intestines might either be twisted or blocked, bad news, because that requires surgery. Mom was in histerics, and dad was sooooo depressed because now we can't go to Sun City anymore. Luckily after he got admitted to hospital it was revealed that it was not a blockage, but a very bad infection (which is still not a nice thing to have). So on antibiotic drip for him. We phoned the doctor to hear whether it is possible to be discharged today and he said if daddy responds to the antibiotics and his white blood cell count goes down, then he can go home with oral medication. Shame my angel, your dad was in so much pain and I just thank God that he's ok. Here's the thing baby boy,something I have come to realise over and over again. Pray. Just keep on praying, no matter how small or how big your request. Like us praying for daddy to get better, which is a big thing, and praying to go to Sun City, which is a small thing. Just always keep on praying. Ouma Rina says it states in the bible "maak jou begeertes bekend aan My", and my boy, I promise you, if you pray sincerely, your prayers will be answered...and if they're not, then it is because we cannot see into the future and God knows better.

Wes, my only, we love you very much and hope that you get better soon. Home is just not home without you.

Love you plenty!

Happiest birthday to the best husband and father in the world!

Hello my angel, well, you might not have noticed, but yesterday dadda turned into a granpa! Hie-hie, yes, your wonderfull father turned 30! Now I know this must sound like a gazzillion years old to you, but your dad is actually still nimble for his old age! We had such a great party planned, outside, live band, then off to a resort for braai and swimming in the heated pools, how nice! But as a wise women once told me, if you want to make God chuckle, make plans, so it went more like this..... We woke up to freak rains for this time of year, then the wind came, then the snow (or hail, whatever, it was white), then some more rain, wait...a bit of sunshine....no...more rain and wind. So needless to say we had to make a few adjustments. The party was moved from outside, to inside the wine cellar at Upper Deck. Because of the cold weather, everyone came at around 16h00, instead of 12h00, as planned, if they came at all (and I really don't blame them, it was FREAZING!). With the exeption of Megs, Conrad and Keaton who drove all the way just to wish your dad a happy birthday and drop off a gift (thanks very much guys, it was greatly appreciated!). Then...once everyone arrived and defrosted a bit, we went to the resort where we stayed over. Finally, after the rugby, the party really started. We made a BIG bonfire, had a braai, and had a good time with friends. Next morning we made breakfast to the wonderful smell of rain in the bosveld and then headed off to home. When we got back granny took your dad for a helicopter flip and dad could fly the helicopter himself!!! Uh-oh, now daddy wants to be a pilot again, opened up a whole can of worms there! He-he, but your dad enjoyed it so much, and it was wonderful hearing how exactly he managed to control that machine! Thanks a lot granny P for the gift, you could see the joy in Wes's face! Then they dropped uncle Brendon off at the airport, and granny is leaving today. I'm sure you are going to miss her very much coz for a week and a half you guys just played and played and played!

So in conclusion, Wes, the weather this weekend decided to display your extraordinary personlity. You are unique my love, one of a kind, and irreplacable. We love you dearly and we hope the next 30 years will be just as special as you are. I cannot wait for every morning with you and our little family that we are building. I love you and happy birthday.

Our beautiful boy!

Hello my angel,

I just wanted to take some time to tell you how very precious and beautiful you are. You have been such a cute little man these past days, even though you had very bad tonsilitis, and you were teething again. Everything you discover just reminds us of how many things we take for granted. We love you so dearly!

Well, some updates on what's been happening in your life:
As I mentioned above, you had a very bad case of tonsilitis. And......you were allergic to the antibiotics that were described! We were so scared that you might be allergic to penisilin, which is a problem, because then you can hardly take any antibiotics! Luckily a very smart doctor decided to take another ingredient out and test that first. It worked, and now you are only allergic to cyl..bla...bla..something... acid. (I could only remember the acid part, sorry). Another worry of ours was that you haven't picked up any weight in the past 2 months, but we decided to put it down to the ear infections, teething and the tonsilitis. Now we are on a feeding rampage, to make sure you get a bit fatter!
You got to see uncle Koevoet, who came to visit us from Madagascar, and your ouma moved in right next door to us. They have a pool, so guess who's gonna learn to swim in summer! Your granny cam up on Thursday, and you two have been playing non-stop! You also got some beautiful presents all the way from grampy in Dubai! A singing camel, a swimming fishy, and lots and lots of clothes (and a bag for your clothes too). On Saturday you received some great news that you will not be alone for much longer. God willing, come March next year, you'll have a permanent, live-in friend! And on Sunday we went to the botanical gardens with Ohpaw to watch the teddy-bear's picnic. It was so nice being outside in the fresh air, listening to the youth choir. On Sunday night Malakai came to visit you and you guys had lots of fun playing. You made it your duty to show him all his toys, as well as handing him your dummy, if his fell out. Luckily we could give Kai his own little dummy before you got to him with your cute little dribble mouth! AND...you actually said Kai, a couple of times. It was so nice seeing the two of you enjoying "discovery".

Anyway my poopie pant, Mom's off to work now, daddy as well, and you mister, are safe and sound,playing with your granny all day! See you tonight my angel. The days just feel too long,before I get to see you again.

Love you!

Some beautiful words again from Ohpaw!

My angel, ohpaw has written some beautiful words to describe a very exciting journey ahead of us. I feel blessed that your ohpaw feels that way about us. Love you dad.

"Somewhere, beyond the bright blue, a little soul knew that the time had come for him to descend to earth and spend some years there as a human being. So the little soul approached the Giver of Life and said, “Oh Great and Loving Giver of Life, please grant me the right to choose my own parents!” The Living One smiled benignly down on the little soul and softly said, “My precious little one, your wish is granted.”

With much joy the little soul began to scan the earth in search of the humans he would want as parents. He (we say “he,” but actually, little souls have no gender, as yet) flew over many continents and oceans, he visited many big cities, dry and arid deserts, lush, green forests and icily cold polar regions. He saw much poverty - and much wealth. He saw some happiness, but plenty of sadness. He saw some generosity, but much greed. The little soul became quite despondent, because he could not find a suitable couple whom he would want to be his parents.

Then, on a sunny, but wintry afternoon he saw a young couple playing on the lawn with their little son, whom, he later learned, they called, “our little warrior.” The mommy’s demeanour was soft and gentle, but strong. The daddy was as bright and shiny as the sun itself. He saw the daddy’s sturdy yet friendly face, saw his jaunty smile, heard him belly laugh at his little son’s antics, and he heard the little boy chortling with delight at the tricks his daddy got up to.

Right there and then he knew for sure he wanted those two as his parents. So, with great anticipation the little soul returned to the Giver of Life and said, “Oh Merciful One, I have made my choice.” The Supreme One leaned forward in a manner suggesting He was completely ignorant of what He was about to hear (although He already knew the answer), and said, “Who shall it be? I can’t wait to hear whom you have chosen!” “I want Wesley and Elriza to be my daddy and mommy, and I want Caden to be my brother. The Giver of Life nodded in approval and said, “You have chosen well, my little one. Let it be according to your desire.”

Happy Birthday Ohpaw!

Baie baie geluk met paw se verjaarsdag Sondag! Hoop dit was 'n wonderlike jaar, en mag al paps se drome waar word in die een wat volg! Ons is ongelooflik lief vir paw en waardeer elke stukkie wysheid en aanmoediging wat paw daagliks vir ons gee! Pa is ongelooflik spesiaal!!!

And, Caden's birthday gift to ohpaw? Saying OUPA!!!

Baie liefde
Ons 3

Welcome to the world Cole

To Lisa and Dale,
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy, Cole, born on the 7th of the 7th! I know he'll be as special as his birth date, and may he bring you endless joy and pride!
Love
Us3

Bumps, Marrow and Drawings

Hello poopie pants,

Let me tell you about the first word in the title. On Saturday you had one of the biggest falls ever. I'm not quite sure what happened, but I think you tripped over your own feet outside on the patio. Apparently there wasn't enough time to put your hands out so as to break your fall a little bit...then...crash, fase first, onto the pavement. I have never seen a bruise swell up so quickly. Right between the eyes, it looks like a little (actually very big) rhino horn. I felt so incredibly sorry for you. Luckily after a couple of minutes of crying you cheered up again, but the evidence remains, so you look like you've been in a battle field!

Later that day me and Yolandi went to the Declan Bone Marrow drive. I donated a blood sample for bone-marrow, and Yolandi donated blood. At first I was very weary, I mean, apparently it is VERY painful to donate the marrow. Then I thought about the day that I might receive the call that I am a match for someone and I had to go and donate. I got chills up my spine, and frankly, I was terrified! But my terror was soon dampened by the thought of the family getting a call on the same day, saying that they have found a match for their loved one. Well, that just makes it all worth it! But I think the final convincing factor was that I remembered you, little one, being a mere month old, weighing only about 1.5kg, had a lumber puncture. And my baby boy, if you could be that brave and endure such pain at such an early age, then I can surely do it, possibly to save a life!

Anyhoo, I have attached a pic of your first drawing, which we gave to dad as a father's day present. I think it's a master piece!

Love you plenty squishy!

Happy Dad's day!

My angel, I know it's a bit late, but I wanted to tell about all the wonderful dad's in your life. By this I don't mean that you have more than one daddy (relax Weasel), I mean that there is a whole hierarchy of men that you can look up to. So here goes:

Your daddy Weasel:
Well, what can I say. There are simply not enough words to describe how much he loves you. You should see him sparkle when he comes home and you break into a squeal and a little run, tripping over your own feet just to get to him. He was gracious enough to lend his ruggedly handsome exterior to you, so you two really look like two peas in a pod, especially when you're lying with him in front of the t.v. with the remote in your hand! So to big daddy Weasel, thank you for being the most amazing father and husband that anyone could ask for. Thank you for leading this family and thank you for being our support and anchor. We love you endlessly!

Your Ohpaw:
Now here is a man of intense wisdom and creativity. You always calm down when you hear his voice and you love listening to him sing. You also enjoy grabbing his moustache every now and again. Other than being a wonderful ohpaw to you, he has been the most inspirational father to me. I have learnt so many things from him, espescially how to look for the deeper meaning in everything and how earthly things don't make you who you are. Listen to your ohpaw my squishy, he is a very wise man and he will teach you many things. Happy father's day paw, we love plenty!

Your Grampy:
A silent wisdom. A man of few words, but through his eyes you can absolutely see the joy and love he has for you little man. He has raised your daddy to be a stand-up guy by being a wonderful role-model and someone we can look up to. He phones regularly from Dubai just to check if you are still ok and to hear your little voice on the other side. He knows so many things, espescially about things that fly, so, if you are anything like your father (which you obviously are), I know you will spend hours and hours listening to what he has to teach you. Thank you grampy for being such a source of warmth and love. You are an admirable man and we love you immensely.

To all the other fathers out there, thank you for taking care of your families, for leading them and directing their ways. You are the cornerstone of society and without the discipline and knowledge that you instill in your sons or daughters, civilisation will cease to exist.

Lots of Love!