Super Saturdays

In our home, Saturdays don't really allow for putting up your feet and getting some (much needed) rest and relaxation. Before Zac was born, if we weren't working we were helping at events, and if we weren't playing sport, we were watching it.

Well, not much has changed.

When Andel didn't play rugby last year when Zac was born, I naively thought that perhaps that was the end of rugby for us. I assumed that the weekly cycling session he's been having with our friend Brendan for the last year was a replacement activity. I figured I would just have to get used to waking up between 05h30 and 06h30 each Saturday (when Andel leaves, or Zac wakes, whichever comes first), juggling breakfast, laundry and general cleaning, and having 4 hours of intensive one-on-one time with Zac - and hopefully gain back that time later in the afternoon.

Not so.

Rugby season started two Saturdays ago, and Andel is very much back in the swing of things. He has played both games (once off the bench), and already scored a try. So, despite Andel being able to attend only one training session during the week, and never mind the fact that he arrives home from his cycle only an hour or two before he's meant to be at the field, Zac and I now spend our Saturday afternoons on the sideline watching Andel play.

Andel on the bench - itching to play, I'm sure!

I quite enjoy watching live sport (especially when I'm a WAG). Still, watching with a very vocal and active 9 month-old is a whole other thing! I have to keep one eye on the game (so that I can give Andel a detailed critical evaluation of his performance) while running after Zac (who is usually crawling onto the field), with all our bags in tow. And when I've managed to secure him in his pram, my cheers and applause, are usually punctuated with action songs like "This Little Piggie" and "Round and Round the Garden" (much to Zac's delight).

 

Sometimes I'm lucky and have reinforcements - thanks Papu!



I also want to play...

 

And yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. And I suspect, as Zac gets older (and us more than likely having more sport-enthused children), this is something I'll be doing for a good couple of years still! So bring on Super Saturdays - I'll sleep when I'm old!

 

Far too much fun at the rugby!

March Madness

A lot has happened since I last posted...

First, Tarrin came to visit:
My best friend Tarrin, who has not been back to SA since she relocated to Ireland with her husband Karl 16 months ago, sneakily decided to surprise everyone with a 3 week visit back home. As you can imagine, I was most excited to see her, and to finally introduce her to Zac. They hit it off immediately, and when Andel had to go away on business for the week, Tarrin happily stepped in and took over Andel's role: she helped get him ready for bed, and got him up and dressed and dropped off at school in the morning. By the time she had to leave, both Zac and I were very sad to see her go. Thankfully, she is attending a wedding in SA next year, so she and Karl will be back.


During that time, Ethan turned 1:
With Ethan's mommy and daddy very busy at work, Aunty Dom was appointed head party-planner, and did an awesome job. Everything at the party was thoughtfully selected, co-ordinated and babyproofed - even the weather!

The birthday cake, made by aunty Tarrin

And what a baby-fest this was! There were at least 7 babies Ethan's age or under: all learning to sit or crawl or stand, and keeping the mommies on their toes. Thankfully the big brothers and sisters were old enough and happy to occupy themselves. Even Jorja was on her best behaviour - despite spending the afternoon climbing trees in her Princess dress!

Ethan shrieks in excitement - it is his day, after all!

Then the boys celebrated their first Easter:
Ashleigh hosted Easter lunch at Papu and Yaya's house, and the whole family was invited. We enjoyed a scrumptious spread of roti and curry for starter, crumbed chicken, succulent lamb, rice, roast potatoes and fresh vegetables in cheese sauce for mains, and baked sago and custard for dessert. Sadly, the daddies had to be at work (month-end madness) so they missed lunch, but joined us (much later) for tea and left overs.

 

Grand-daddy Love

Bat-boys - courtesy of the UK

Despite our best attempts, we were not able to keep Ethan and Zac entirely chocolate free. Mind you, there was quite a bit of chocolate drama - the biggest being my faux pas in selecting Jorja a blue Easter bunny when I really should have known that she likes purple.

Who says I'm not old enough to eat Easter Eggs?!

Still, we all enjoyed a very blessed time together, remembering the gift of eternal life that Jesus made possible when He took on the sins of the world and conquored death for us. And I'm so grateful that our children will grow up in this knowledge, and have their lives changed by it...

"train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it"

proverbs 22:6

We're Back!

Oh my word, I hadn't realised it has been 3 months since I last blogged! There is so much to fill you in on:

January:

I decided that it wasn't worth being on a long holiday when Andel wasn't able to take leave, so after two weeks at home with Zac, I went back to work. I must admit, to have some adult time (albeit at work) was refreshing!

Andel celebrated the last of his twenty-something birthdays, and spoilt himself with a day off and some me-to-me gifts. He also celebrated some success at work when his club was recognised as one of the top sales achievers in 2012, meeting each month's target for the entire year.

It was a big month for Zac: he had his first swim, perfected his crawl, learnt to stand against the furniture, and started teething in full force. Of course this combination meant for an increase in attention-seeking behaviour (have I mentioned that he has a shriek that registers somewhere close to supersonic), dirty nappies and sleepless nights. Initially though, we were just so chuffed by his progress, the rest didn't matter too much.

Zac on the move...

February:

Andel had a quiet month. Business was equally quiet at his club, so he was busy most of the time, resting only long enough to do some cycling training with Brendan or catch up on the latest series he was watching.

The college term at eta started at the beginning of the month, and I started my teaching practical at the International School of Cape Town a week later. It's been a while since I last walked the coridors of high school (or any school) so it was quite an anxious night-before for me. It also meant the start of much earlier mornings (I leave home nearly 90 minutes earlier than I used to) - which means that I've had to make the most of my afternoons with Zac.

Zac's no-knees crawling style was making him supermobile, and he and Ethan were on the go most of the day, every day. Of course with Ethan taking his first few steps, Zac thought he'd follow suit and practise standing sans the furniture. Zac got his two bottom front teeth, and decided that biting people would be a new way of showing his affection. Needless to say, we (me especially) were not impressed by this.


March:

Andel took part in his second Argus Cycle Tour last Sunday. He and Brendan did it in 05h29, and managed to shave 90 minutes off last year's time. Andel also attended his work's awards evening in Johannesburg this week, leaving me to be single parent, full time student teacher and part time lecturer for three days. Thankfully I had the assistance of my family and Tarrin, who arrived for a surprise visit last week. We are so happy to have her here, and have thoroughly enjoyed watching her and Zac get to know eachother.

Andel getting ready for the race

Andel, Brendan and Nurr with their no. 1 fan after the race

Zac is just a bundle of energy. His little personality is turning out to be quite a mix of Andel and me, and he is currently exercising the side of him that is rather demanding (I think that my be me in there). He is eagerly trying to walk along everything, and pulls on anything that is within his reach. He obviously has a love for music, as he spends most mornings happily dancing (sometimes to no music) for us before going to school. Now if only we could put a dampner on that shriek...

I am now one week away from finishing my teaching practise. Although I had to take leave from work to be able to do this, I have found myself being swamped with work and school work, and have had very little time to do anything else. I have enjoyed it though, and am keen to see what the results of this experience will be.

April promises to bring a sense of normalcy back into my life - something I'm quite looking forward to. Before then though, we have quite a weekend ahead, celebrating Ethan's 1st birthday, so I'm sure it won't be as long before I blog again. At least, I hope not!

ps. I'm really struggling to load photos onto this post. The video took 2 days to get right! I'll add some pics when I am able to.

2012 in Review

For me December is always a time of contemplative reflection. I'm not one to get too caught up in all the Christmas decorations or the hype of the pending new year. In an exercise of gratitude, I've decided to reminisce on the year past, and recall all the things I'm so very grateful for.

January: I'm grateful that Andel and I have employment
This was a good month for us. We celebrated Andel's birthday, and I started my new job as a lecturer at eta. I remember being very nervous, and feeling much like a 6 year old on her first day at big school. I was welcomed with open arms though: me and my preggie belly. And only once did I overhear a student ask "is that lecturer a bit fat, or is she maybe pregnant?".

A low key celebration, and a home-made birthday cake

February: I'm grateful that I was not full term during the hot summer!
It was really hot. I remember wondering how Ash was coping with Ethan still in her belly, and a sweltering average of 30 degree heat. Andel was on leave for this entire month. He spent most days cycling around the peninsula (on his then 1 month new bike), or hitting some balls at the driving range. I on the other hand, started my 2nd semester of education studies. It was during this monthly checkup that we found out that our little Peanut was a boy.

At Ash and Ethan's baby shower

March: I'm grateful for the those who became parents before us, who help, advise and support us.
After waiting what felt like an eternity, Ethan Izak du Plessis finally arrived. Andel and I got a quick dose of instant parenthood while babysitting Jorja, and frantically took notes as Ashleigh and PJ looked after their newborn. Andel also got a big promotion, and started in his new position at his own club.

Ethan Izak du Plessis, just one day new

April: I'm grateful for the luxuries I've been afforded this year.
Andel and I went on our babymoon. We stayed in a luxury tree house in the winelands, and enjoyed a pampering of note. It was my one and only massage of the year - how sad!

A well deserved pampering, I think

May: I'm grateful to have finished my studies, and done well in them.
Over the course of this month, I had numerous appointments I kept praying I would make before Peanut arrived. I was blessed to have 2 babyshowers, and finish all my exams with any major incident.

How cute are these yummy baby-inspired treats?

June: I'm grateful for our little boy, and all the joy he brings us.
Despite being relieved of my teaching duties, I worked up until the last Friday of the term, and on the following Monday morning our beautiful boy, Zac James Klaasen, exchanged womb for world amidst much excitement and drama. He missed the opportunity to be his dad's father's day gift, but gave us plenty other reasons to celebrate.

A little after 08h13 on Monday 18th June 2012

July: I'm grateful for the ways in which God has provided finances, in even the tightest situation - we have never been without.
After some very last minute arrangements and miracles, Annie was on the flight to Las Vegas. Despite some horrendous travel experiences, including being stranded at Heathrow Airport for 2 days, she had a once-in-a-lifetime dance experience, and a really wonderful time.

Annie: a little jet lagged but still smiling

August: I'm grateful for family, and the unconditional love that accompanies them.
Zac had his first sleepover when he went on his first annual Hendricks Weekend Away. Despite being ill, he loved having the whole family around, and we enjoyed the break. Zac also became a big cousin when we welcomed Gabriella Ava Klaasen into the world.

Six week old Gabbi with aunty Shantel

September: I'm grateful for my life and my salvation.
This month I celebrated my last twenty-something birthday, and tried to savour the last of my maternity leave, and enjoy the spring sunshine. We also dedicated Zac to the Lord, and celebrated his life with our friends and family.

The dedication cake I made for Zac

October: I'm grateful for the flexibility at work that allows me to maximise my time with Zac.
This month was bitter sweet as I returned to work full time. I was excited to get back into some kind of human routine, but found myself really sad at having to leave Zac to go back to work. Zac took to daycare like a duck to water, and while I missed him terribly, I had - and still have - the best reunion with him in the afternoon.

At Hillcrest Berry Farm in Stellenbosch

November: I'm grateful for my marriage, and for the husband and father that Andel is.
On the 21st Andel and I celebrated 3 years of marriage. In some ways it feels as though we've been married longer; we've been through that much together. I'd like to think though that we're only at the beginning of an adventure that'll only get better. We don't get much alone time these days (I doubt we will have for a good number of years yet), but we did manage a dinner at a local restaurant, and a toast to the future.

At a function earlier in the year

December: I'm grateful to have seen another year: to have experienced and learnt all that I have, and to be given the opportunity to see in 2013...
We've just celebrated our first Christmas as a family (see previous post), and I'm currently enjoying 2 weeks' leave with Zac. Even though Andel is working through the season, we've managed to have some good family time in between, and are looking forward to seeing in the new year together.

Zac's first Christmas

A Family Christmas

This Christmas had some extra special cheer and excitement as we looked forward to spending the first of many with our little Zac. Of course it was also Ethan and Gabbi's first Christmas, and in a little twist no one expected, we had another first time Christmaser with us for the holiday: little Matthew, 3 weeks old, and waiting for a foster family.

Starting on Christmas Eve: we started a new family tradition when we had our first Klaasen family Christmas Eve dinner. This seemed to be the perfect prelude to the usual midnight gift exchange, and helped to pass the time for the kiddies who were anxious to see what Santa had brought them.



Christmas Eve Dinner in Grabouw
 

Gabbi (4 months old), Santa's youngest little helper
 

Opening Christmas gifts at midnight

One happy and tired family

This was also Zac's first sleepover in Grabouw, and he behaved so well: not only did he smile and play without any performance, he also slept well, and didn't disturb anyone! By the time we left late Christmas morning, Zac was in full Christmas cheer!

For the first time in five years, the full Hendricks family had lunch together. It was a nice change, and was filled with the usual excitement and drama that accompanies the Secret Santa exchange.

Andel bought for Ashleigh, and cashed in on his adidas connections to get her a pair of trainers and a SA T20 cricket top.

adidas ambassador

Ash bought for Yaya, and got her a leather handbag and a pedicure voucher.

Yaya showing off her multi-tasking skills

Yaya bought for PJ - arguably one of the most difficult to buy for - and thankfully, all went well. PJ got a the carving knife he wanted!

The only time that I am able to take pics of PJ

PJ, who had to buy for Dom, stepped out of the Secret Santa guidelines this year, and got Dom what she needed, rather than what she wanted: a new phone. We're all really happy about this as we are now all able to contact Dom when necessary!

Back into the world of connectivity

Dom drew Kim's name, and bought her a docking station for her ipod. I have never seen anyone quite so grateful for a gift.

The epitomy of excitement

Kim bought Andel a pair of jeans he wanted - and there's a really funny story attached to this. On Andel's list he always puts down all the information you need: the sizes, the store you can buy it from, even the price. This year he had a few things from the adidas original store on his list, as well as a George Foreman original. Kim, thinking that the original stood for original adidas store, spent the better part of a shopping outing arguing with a number of adidas staff members insisting that they show her a George Foreman. Eventually a soft spoken manager suggested that she go to Game, and look for the George Foreman grill there. It was hilarious!

Andel laughing at Kim's story

Speaking of George Foreman. Papu drew my name, and got me a George Foreman Grill and Griddle. Not before a dose of drama though: insisting that he'd forgotten who to buy for, I first received a letter of apology, and a couple R100 notes - monopoly notes, that is! It was worth it in the end though. And I suppose you could say that Andel scored on this one. We didn't even know we had the same thing on our list!

Note how many layers of paper Papu used here, ai!

Finally, I had to buy for Papu, who has threatened to resign from this exercise, and submitted a list with absolutely nothing on it - no pressure! I considered a number of things, and watched as week after week Papu proceeded to buy these things for himself. So in the end, I got him an external hard drive for the entertainment system he's setting up at home. I've also hooked him up with old favourites like Police Academy and Vetkoek Paleis, that he can watch until his heart is content!

Me anxiously waiting to see Papu's response

Annie, Natasha, Jorja, Ethan and Zac are still very much with their bottoms in the butter: still scoring gifts from everyone, and by the end of the gift exchange, the living room in Newmans Avenue looked like a paper bomb had gone off in it.


Little Matthew who's with us for the holiday

Annie very happy with her stocking

Eagerly awaiting the opening of the gifts

Quality control

My very own little Santa

The afternoon and evening were quiet. Having babies around certainly does change things. And by 22h00 we were at home getting ready for bed. Not that a (marginally) shorter day dampers any of the Christmas spirit, I was glad for us to have the chance to focus on the real meaning of Christmas, and remember the ultimate gift of the life of Jesus.

Photo Update

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks Andel, Zac and I managed to make some time to have our very first family photoshoot.

The last time we had one of these was when Andel and I got engaged, so we thought it was high time we had some more recent pics displayed in our home - and Zac was at the perfect stage: still cute, cuddly and all things baby-like, and old enough to sit and smile on demand!

For those of you in the Cape Town area who are looking for a photographer - for any occasion - consider using Taryn B Photography. We think Taryn did a great job: she was so comfortable and accomodating - with Zac especially - and we love how natural her pics look.

To view more pics from the shoot, please follow this link: http://tarynbphotographyblog.wordpress.com/

Let Go and Let God

How many times haven't I heard people say this: often in the midst of some or other stress or strain under which people seem to not really be coping. I can't say that I've used this phrase often, or that I've paid too much attention to it when I've heard it. Mostly it has gently tickled over my one ear before leaving straight out the other. Until today.

This morning I learnt a hard lesson about letting go. And then about letting God.
This morning Zac rolled out of the bed: tumbling to the floor with a thud that startled me, and a scream that sent me into a massive panic. I wish I could say that I was busy, that I just turned away for a moment, and wiggly little Zac shot off the bed before I had a chance to do anything. The truth is though, we were both asleep after a pre-sunrise feed. I was so fast asleep that I didn't even feel him move out of my usually secure hold of him. I think he was asleep too, actually. And immediately when we woke we were equally shocked and frightened.

Zac cried for a few seconds, had no visible indication of any injury or discomfort, and was soon happily feeding and laughing at me. My recovery was not as fast. I too cried (for half an hour straight, and then some), and immediately I was condemning myself; questioning my abilities and sense of responsibility. How could I have left him on the open side of the bed? How could I not have woken through his movements? How could I let go?

And through the lambasting I was giving myself, I almost heard God lovingly ask, "and since when have you been perfect? Don't you know you are never going to be able to protect Zac from everything that could, possibly, maybe happen to him? You don't control things, I do. And what's more: you need me too. You cannot possibly even begin to 'excel' as a parent without my help..."

Such a meaningful lesson, and so difficult to apply some times.

Sometimes we let go because we choose to. Other times we let go because we're made to, or something cuts the rope that's holding us, or like this morning, we are just so tired we just stop holding on. In each case though, the question is not about why we are holding on, but rather what we are holding on to.

Regardless of which area of our lives this may apply to, we all need to remember: (as Jorja says) "God is with you". I imagine Him hovering below where we're hanging, daring us to just let go so that He can catch us and sweep us up in His arms, and take us higher and further, opening our clenched shut eyes to all we were missing in our fear, exhaustion and pride.

Thank God Zac is fine. Thank God I will be fine too. Perhaps now that I know I am no longer in the running for the world's most perfect parent, I can stop beating myself up trying to be that. Perhaps now I will really let go, and let God.



Little Gangster Zac

Bed Battling

This past weekend we went away to Port Owen with the du Plessis. While we were all pretty excited to get away, we were equally nervous by the fact that it was our first weekend away with the boys, without any additional babysitters!

After unsuccessfully trying to persuade aunty Dominique to assist in this department (unfortunately for us, we just could not match the offer of yet another 21st birthday party), off we went - 4 adults, 3 children and around 200 bags all packed tetris-style into Papu's green bus.

Port Owen is a lovely little marina along the West Coast, about 90 minutes outside of  Cape Town. We didn't arrive there until 19h00 on Friday evening, but we still managed to see the sunset on our way. We were greeted with drinks and canapes, and were pleasantly surprised by how well kitted out our waterfront duplex was (you know that you're married with kids when you see a washing machine and tumble-dryer, and immediately regret not packing in your washing!).

Our home on the water's edge

The biggest attraction, for sure, was the king-sized bed in the main bedroom (when you're married with children, any amount of extra space is a major plus!). Situated on the second floor with a balcony and waterfront view, we were all hoping that someone would want the other room downstairs. That said, it made sense that the du Plessis settle into the big room - after all, how many times in your life do you get to fit your whole family onto one bed, and still each have enough room?

There were four in the bed, and the little one said...

The room downstairs was equipped with single beds - not that Andel minded at all. He has waited patiently for an opportunity to have his own space. Unfortunately for him, it didn't come this weekend, because Zac, who has recently given up his crib (well, actually, we had to take it back as our rental had expired) and no longer really fits into his carrycot, decided that he was going to sleep, starfish-style, on the one single bed, leaving Andel and me to share the other!

Sleeping arrangements aside, we had a lovely time. We enjoyed mornings on the patio, hearty (and healthy) meals, home-baked treats, and satellite tv. We also took to some activities on, and in, the water, and took a drive into the nearest dorp.

Brekkie tasters for Ethan

 

Only sight-seeing for Zac

Taking a much needed break from the babies

Jorja, our little mermaid

At the end of it all, I'd say it was a pretty successful weekend. I, for one, was proud of the fact that, for the most part, Zac behaved and we were all able to 'handle' our children without too much drama.

A daddy's work is never done! :)

The early morning roadtrip home on Monday was bitter sweet. While we thoroughly enjoyed  having a relaxing Sunday, no one really wants to go straight from holiday into the office!

But at least we get to all go back home, to our respective beds. I'm especially excited about this, as this will be the last week Zac is sleeping in his carrycot in our room. This weekend, he moves into his big bed, in the cot!

Working Nine-to-Five

When I rejoined the workforce 6 weeks ago, no one told me it was going to be quite this challenging. In the hustle and bustle, and frantic organising of husband, baby and self, I really have not even thought about the blog. Hell, most days, I'm lucky if I can think of anything at all!

On paper it seemed so simple: Andel would take Zac to daycare on his way to work every morning, and I, after finishing all my work at work, would fetch Zac at 16h00. Right. In reality, I take boxes and boxes of marking and lesson preparation home every day, only to return to work with them the next day, untouched.

Spending time with Zac is a priority, so between play-time and bath-time, not forgetting feeding-time, there is little rest-time. And more often than not, when Zac finally puts his sleepy head down by 21h00, mine goes down right along with his!

Working mothers - the real kind (not like me who can finish at 15h00) - you are my heroes! How you manage to work full days, and rear pretty awesome kids (without any issues of neglect or insecurity), and do it with smiles on your faces astounds me! One day when I'm big, I want to be just like you!

So my apologies for not blogging. So much has happened, and there's lots to fill you in on - which I resolve to do more timeously! Just as soon as I'm done with this term... kidding!