Knysna Cycle Tour Weekend - Photo Update

It's Friday morning, and as I'm painstakingly loading these pics (one at a time, because that's the only way they'll load) I'm thinking back to last week, and our extended weekend along the Garden Route for the Knysna Cycle Tour.

On Friday morning, way before the sun came up, 8 adults, 4 children, 4 bicycles, 2 cars and a trailer set off from Newmans Avenue along the N2 towards Victoria Bay. Annie and Natasha had decided not to come - Annie to fulfill some dancing commitments and 'avoid family drama', and Natasha in favour of a weekend away with her friend. In their place, we got Brendan, (originally) my friend, (now also) Andel's cycling partner, and a fast-becoming fully fledged member of the extended Hendricks family.

Getting packed

All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, at 05h00 in the morning!

The newbie gets to do the work

So how long is this trip supposed to take?

Breakfast at Wimpy in Heidelberg

"Hey Pinky, are you thinking what I'm thinking? ..."

We arrived at Carmel in Victoria Bay just before noon. Once we'd checked in and unpacked, we all snuggled into the green bus, and head to Knysna to allow the Andel, Brendan, Pops and Ash to register for their race - and to stock up on supplies for the weekend.

Our home for the weekend

When the boys aren't close Jorj still gets a carry

I'll wait here in the car with my Yaya, thanks

Ethan has the same idea - wake me when we're moved in

More than enough room for this brood

The exquisite view over Victoria Bay

On Saturday, after a late and lazy breakfast, we took a drive into George before returning to enjoy the facilities at Carmel. We spent the afternoon on the tennis court and in the park, enjoying the warm winter sun and beautiful surroundings.

Jorja and I making breakfast for the famiglia

Matthew practicing rolling over, while waiting for breakfast

Tennis doubles: PJ and Brendan vs. Papu and Andel

Aunty Dom teaching Ethan how to see-saw

Yaya and Matthew enjoying some sun

Jorja and Ethan baking tea-time treats in the sand

Don't mind me - I'm just going to enjoy my bottle so long

Where's he? There he is!

That tennis must have been really exhausting!

Sunday morning for the cyclists started with a healthy breakfast and some possibly not-so-healthy concoctions. By 07h00 they were on the road to Knysna. The rest of us were left with a child each (all 4 years old or younger), house in disarray, and nursery rhyme dvd on repeat. I think we spent most of the morning trying to protect Matthew from some rather rough hugs and kisses from Ethan and Zac! We later drove down to Knysna and were able to catch Pops and Ash on the road just before they finished. In celebration of a really good race for everyone, we threw a braai feast!
(Even the most ardent red-meat fan experienced the effects of a slight hangover the next day!)

Ash eating the breakfast of champions

Of course Zac had to wake up to say goodbye

As did Ethan...

... and Matthew...

... and Jorja!

Ready to ride

Taking the kids on a stroll to pass some time

Like father like son!

Babysitter in training

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: Where'd everyone go?

When all else fails - resort to interactive edutainment *blush*

Ash and Papu on the home-straight

 So proud of their Mommy; even happier to see her!

Is this where Daddy was all morning?!

 Our champion cyclists - team JABA
(and boy do they!)

Preparing the post-race feast

Rob and Dom cycle?! Imagine!

On Monday, after a tractor ride and some breakfast, we packed up and started on the journey home.

Two mommies and three nervous kiddies board the tractor

Feeding the ducks and geese

Picnic takeaways for lunch on the road

It was rather sad to be leaving so soon, where there was still so much to do and see, but we had a good time, and I'm sure we'll be back there next year!

PJ wondering if we have to bring Bren back :)

Birthday Photo Update

I've just been reminded that today Zac is 1 year, 1 week and 1 day old - and that this post is late, so here it is.

Andel and I were adamant that we did not want to give Zac a 1st birthday party. We felt that it seemed a lot of money and hassle for something neither he nor his friends present would really remember. We were horribly mistaken. As it turns out, it seems the world is in agreement that a baby's coming of age is something that cannot be passed by without a significant celebration. And if the parents aren't keen to do it, the rest of the world will.

So, inspired by some birthday decorations sent from the UK, we planned a Under-the-Sea themed lunch for Zac and his school buddies on Tuesday, and family tea for the Sunday. Both were intended to be low-key... Neither really lived up to that!

 

On the menu for lunch was vienna sausage squid on a bed of spinach sea-weed and pasta shells, followed by blue jelly sea-water with suspended jelly-sweet fish.

Smiley Squid

Lunch time at Bonny Babies

Getting treated to a Daddy-feed



Look, I can pose and eat my jelly!

 

No birthday lunch would be complete without a take-home box

For the Sunday, we made (yep, made) starfish and sea-shell cookies (made from sand molds, thanks to every local baking store not having any cookie cutters), cupcakes with sea-world toppings, and chocolate-dipped marshmallows (originally meant to be octopops, but that lost their legs when the chocolate wouldn't pipe!).

Not quite as I had pictured it in my head, but ok in the end!

Piped icing - the difference!

This took practically all of Saturday, so thank heavens for my sensible sister who, foreseeing the carnage that would ensue, already ordered the birthday cake to spare me having to try that too.

The awesome birthday cake - yum yum!

Throw in some more cake (a swiss roll from Yaya, carrot cake from Ouma, and a few extra treats), and you have a party table!

High tea indeed

The day was entertaining, to say the least. Who knew a 1st birthday tea could be so exhausting?! (and it was the 30 adults, not the 6 children that made it so!) Zac had a lovely day, although perhaps it was a little overwhelming, because (like his mother at many of her own parties) after tears, tantrums and throw-ups, he had to take a sick day on Monday!

Mommy's big boy

Thanks to everyone for all the wishes and pressies from near and far. Zac is such a loved and blessed little boy, and we are so grateful for the role you all play in raising our little monkey.

Zac Turns 1!

As a child growing up, I remember getting birthday cards and notes from my mom that always started with something like "x years ago, on a night like this, I was waiting for you to arrive...". I never quite understood the nostalgia - until now. I guess as a mother you can't help but recall the events of your child's birth day, and in that regard, I suppose this apple hasn't fallen far from the tree!


Dear Zac, my almost 1-year-old boy...

When I think back to last year, just before you were born, I can't believe that it's only been a year since you came into the world - demanding its attention, and making your presence known. You haven't really changed much...

You're adventurous and entirely fearless. You trust implicitly and seem to believe in the impossible. You see no boundaries, and regularly test the reaction time of your guardian angels (and your parents!). You're constantly smiling - from the moment you open your eyes in the morning, to when they reluctantly close at night. You're smart and fascinated by the world, and never seem to tire exploring it. Most of all though, you're the epitome of love: you're a reminder of God's love, a product of our love, and a source of such unconditional love. Your generous hugs and kisses fill my arms with your sweet scented cuddles, and my heart to overflowing!

I'm so thankful for all the lessons you've taught us this year, and all the blessings you've brought us simply being part of our world.

We desire so many things for you: continued joy and happiness; health and abundant life; opportunities and favour over all your dreams. Most of all though, we wish you a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father who loves you even more than we do, and who created you in His beautiful image. To live your whole life for and with Him has a reward greater than your mind can imagine or your heart can handle.

You make us such proud parents, and I'm so blessed to be called your mommy. I look forward to each day I get to spend on this exhilarating journey that is, mothering you.

I love you endlessly my sweet, precious, beautiful boy.

Got myself a crying, talking, sleeping, walking, living doll...

So lately this old Cliff Richard song has come to mind quite a bit - especially when people comment on how big Zac is getting. We've definitely had the crying, talking, (sometimes) sleeping bit for a while already, but most recently, we have added the walking bit too.

Nearly 3 weeks ago, 11-month-old Zac decided to demonstrate his skills by walking across the room to greet his daddy after school. Prior to this, he had been standing comfortably and regularly cruising around the furniture, but taking one or two steps only when he thought no one was looking.

Since then Zac has been practicing furiously. He walks all day, every day. And fast too. If he could control his little legs any better, he'd be running from place to place. And as a result, I have not been able to capture any footage of this - until now.

At last I managed to get him to walk to me while recording it!

And now my exercise begins, I believe. I get to chase this crying, talking, sleeping, walking, living doll all over the place!

(Interestingly enough, Zac's walking has coincided with Ethan and Jorja's absence from Bonny Babies. Perhaps Zac thought he'd best find something to keep himself occupied while they're on holiday... Or maybe he and Ethan have plans to take over the joint once they're back?)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

It seems that Winter has well and truly arrived here in the Western Cape, and at the risk of sounding ungrateful: I'm not at all happy about it. Usually, given the choice, I always take cold over warm, but it seems the last few weeks of mild, sunny weather and pleasant autumn evenings have spoiled me much.

Heading to 12 degrees, with a real-feel of 6 - Brrr....

Right now I want nothing more than to be at home, curled up on the couch in a labyrinth of arms, legs and duvet with Zac and Andel, listening to a good cd or watching a movie (because reading a book with the two of them around simply isn't possible). Instead I sit at my desk squinting at my screen, with frozen hands and feet, a nose that won't stop running, and a tongue that's still stinging from the hot soup I ate (too eagerly) for lunch.

My little Bat-boy Eskimo

And yet, I'm grateful for the seasons - they are proof that nothing lasts forever. Not only does it give us hope for the future, it also reminds us to appreciate what we have, with us, right now.


So I'll try not to dwell on all the negatives. Rather, I'll look forward to Sunday afternoons in front of the fire, my Mom's homemade bread, sharing hot chocolate and melting marshmallows with my siblings, nights in with Andel, and lingering hugs and cuddles from Zac - because who knows: next year this time, I may not be so fortunate...

Mommies' Pamper Party

In celebration of our motherhood - and as a good excuse to get together and relax for a bit - my sister Ashleigh and I hosted a little pamper party for our sisters, mom and local-living aunts last Saturday.

It was a beautiful autumn day, there was a selection of teas and muffins on offer, we were minus our children (who were being looked after by uncle Andel and Papu - yes, all of them), and we had Romy to work our feet and faces while we enjoyed some girl time over lunch - what wasn't there to enjoy?

A selection of tea and muffins for the morning

 My mom getting her eyebrows waxed

Dom and aunty Heidi looking on in amazement - or horror?

Dom's turn, and she's thoroughly enjoying the set up

Quality control? Or wondering about her kids?

The finished products...

(Can you guess who the feet belong to?)



Adventurous Auburn

Racy Red

Glamorous Grey

Lovely Lilac

Sole-ful Sangria

Like my aunty Heidi put so well, "When you've laughed and cried and loved and hated and skinnered and advised and passed comment on, and, and, and.... all within a 4 hour period... then you know you've spent time with people you love. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon"

If this is a benefit of motherhood, I can't wait for more of these!

ps. The feet (in order of appearance) belong to: Heidi, Bonita, Dominique, Robyn and Ashleigh :)

Crouch, Touch, Set

Literally, since Zac was born, Andel has been trying to teach him to scrum.

At first, it was as if he was reciting some kind of rhyme, and Zac would gaze up at his face with his then characteristic frown, as if wondering why on earth his father would think he needed to know this strange sequence of words. To be honest, most of the adults around us at the time (me included) were wondering the same thing.

Then Zac got a little older. He was able to hold his head upright, and later his upper body, and Andel started to show him how to set up for the scrum. He would bend Zac's legs, tap his forehead towards his, and guide Zac's (then) little legs to push off powerfully. At this point, everyone around us was wondering if we had another Richard Williams (father of Venus and Serena) or Earl Woods on our hands. I was wondering how a baby so 'regular' in size was going to play as a forward, if he wanted to play at all - and how I was going to deal with Andel's disappointment if he didn't!

Well, 10 months into rugby 101, all Andel's hard work has paid off, and somehow Zac knows what to do, when to do it, and (since Andel's been teaching Ethan how to scrum too) can do it against opposition.

If you don't believe me, here's proof:

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