Blogging 201

Hip hip hooray! This post marks the 201st blog entry at Catching Up with the Klaasens - and time for us to catch up on what this blog is (should be) all about.

Happiness...

Bestie Spa Day (2016)

 
Ironically, while the last five months have broken me more than anything else I've experienced in my life so far, I don't think I've ever been this content. Things aren't perfect; we don't have it all together; we often struggle financially, emotionally, even mentally; we often feel disappointed and impatient that the things we have been dreaming about and hoping for have not yet happened. But we're in a good space, learning to rely on God for protection and provision, and really making an effort to enjoy and grab with both hands the opportunities that each new day brings.

Work... 

School photo (2017)

Since the 101st post, a lot has happened. About a month after that post I was offered a National Management position in Virgin Active South Africa (which, for various reasons, I had to decline). I was then asked to complete a Masters so that I could teach full time at CPUT. I also started lecturing part time again, and for a while went into a partnership with friends who were starting a business (I have since left that, due to - ironically - my work and family commitments, but support them wholeheartedly still). Most recently I have once again, been involved in talks for a National Management position at VASA. All while I still teach full time at ISCT.


Music...

Following in Zac's footsteps (2017)

It's as though we have come full circle. When we're not listening to Zac and Sam's rendition of Shape of You (Ed Sheeran) we are back to listening to AJ Jenkins and all the alphabet, nursery rhymes and silly songs Sam is into right now. Zac has also, since starting to play percussion in my church band, been listening to praise and worship songs on repeat, working on his rhythm and timing. There's a lot of noise in our house.

Not so much for me. I am still no closer to that album I was talking about in Blogging 101. I want to say maybe I'll have time when I'm on maternity leave. But I'm not sure how realistic that is, really!


Food...

Treat Night at Michael's (2016)

I think it's safe to say that we bant. We gave up pretty much all carbohydrates in support of my desperate attempt to lose the baby weight I was still carrying more than 9 months after Sam was born, and it's just stuck. Don't get me wrong: we do eat the occasional (sometimes regular) treat, but on the whole, we are a whole lot healthier (and lighter) than we've been for a while. Banting apparently also affects fertility. That would explain a few things...


Adventure...

Amathunzi Game Farm, Robertson (2016)

How I wish we had tons of stories to tell here. Truthfully though, we have done only one family overseas trip in the last four years. It was amazing, and really ignited in me a deep, insatiable desire to travel with my kids. Sadly the South African Rand doesn't really support those kinds of dreams. So we, still, try to do some local traveling when we can.


Love...

Sunset Walks

Our family has gown by two people in the last 100 blogs. In addition to Zac we now have Sam and little Jellyfish on the way in September. We still have no pets, thanks to the rather small piece of land our house is on. Not that I'm complaining! Feeding three food-guzzling boys is a job all on its own, and I've only just managed to get Zac to help me bring the bins in; feeding another living thing will have to wait a while. Unless it's a fish.

Speaking of house. We bought one at the start of 2015, and have been there two-and-a-bit years now. I really love it; it's just the right amount of everything. Except that we have no garden or outdoor space, and with another human on the way, I do wonder how long it will be before we outgrow this space too.


Memories...

Cape Town to Gauteng and Mpumlanga and back (2015)

I've not been as good at diligently recording memories in this space. I guess life happens, and while I wish I could just think it onto this blog instantaneously, it often ends up taking a while before I get the time to jot it all down. I do hope that, one day, Zac and Sam will take the time to enjoy reading back on these times (they currently just look at the photos and laugh to themselves), and realise that they may not have had everything, but they had a pretty good life.


Play...

Franschhoek (2017)

As one would imagine, being parents of two young boys, there is plenty play going on in our house. From being made to scrum them both between my knees, or chase them on their bikes as I try to walk down the Promenade, to sitting through hours of Paw Patrol being played out in our living room, or the triumphs and tantrums of Uno games - our lives are actually pretty playful. And we like it that way.

Outside of that, Andel has stopped playing rugby altogether, and is now cycling like a wannabe professional. He's actually really good. Fortunately. So it's not like he puts in all the hours for nothing. It would be nice, however, if I too could get some grown up play and exercise in. It's on my list to do Muddy Princess after this baby, so who knows. maybe it'll stick thereafter. Maybe.


Dreams...

Christmas (2016)

So we got the dream of another baby, in spite of major challenges and under miraculous circumstances when we got Sam. And now we are having another! And so perhaps the fact that we have not yet realised the dream of living abroad and traveling more, is well timed. I still have the insane dream of becoming a doctor. But that's a whole 'nother post all on its own!


Laughter...

A day in the life (2017)

There is nothing better than the sounds of belly laughter that rings from my room when the kids are with us, all piled up in bed. Just the other night, after reprimanding them for an out-of-control performance they put on while we were trying to Facetime family overseas, Zac and Sam took one look at each other, and doubled over in laughter - at me! These two have the most contagious sounding giggles ever, and it has helped me laugh a whole lot more too!


And everything else...

Why We Aren't Moving... Yet

Yes, I'm going there.

To live, happily, in South Africa today is a tough job. There are constant threats to financial security, physical safety, and political stability - to name a few. The effects of these are marginally minimised by economic wealth and ignorance, but truthfully, you can't really escape all that's going on here right now, and many people are feeling a strong desire to move away.

We are no different. We have looked at four countries in particular - two for their family-raising appeal; two for their close proximity to loved ones that we miss dearly. But we have stopped looking, for now. Admittedly, the main reason we haven't moved yet it because the doors haven't opened. Still, there is definite lesson behind this, and that is what this post is about.

We now believe that it is quite possible that it is not in God's plan for us to move now. If it were, the doors would have been flying open for us. After all, we are both suitably qualified, and we've been investigating these options, applying for jobs, speaking with agencies and consultants for nearly five years. And it's not all about God's no meaning that we are to struggle for a while to build character.

On the contrary, I have been reminded, a number of times over the last few weeks, of prophesies spoken over this nation, and they are exciting. Some of these include: having a currency that rivals the strongest in the world (which I know seems impossible currently), experiencing a spiritual revival that begins at the tip of Africa (which just happens to be Cape Town - where we live), and God bringing healing and restoration to our nation (much like the miracle that was experienced when apartheid was abolished).

As pie-in-the-sky as this may seem to some, we are witnessing many possible beginnings to this, and that's exciting to be part of. And when I think of South Africa restored to all her beauty, there probably isn't any other place in the world we would rather want to live.

If things improved we would be able to live more comfortably; our money would go further; we'd be able to take our boys to experience the different adventures in our city and beyond; we'd not have to work as long or as hard (most people have to supplement income) without a healthy life-work balance; we'd not worry about having more children; we'd be able to travel to visit the people we long to see...

If things improved those who presently live in poverty and desperation that drives them to anger, crime and violence would have the possibilities of a better life, and no one would have to live in fear. We could look after our collective resources, and create opportunities for people to release and live their dreams...

I know this comes at a cost. We cannot expect God to move without what is required of us, so I am reminded constantly of this verse:

"When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

If we truly believe that God is sovereign, and that He does not lie, then we have to believe that what He has promised to achieve in this land is going to come to the fore. And if we are meant to be part of it, this is where we are meant to be. For now, anyway.

Blue or Pink - What Do You Think?

I think it was around this time, last time, that we had an idea that we were having another boy (granted, I was pretty certain of that from the beginning anyway) so it's no wonder that people have started asking those same questions now. This time we are probably not going to find out the gender (I mean, I say so now - and have been since the start - but who knows, so watch this space) and so it seems even more appropriate to do another gender quiz - and fun to compare the answers with Sam's.

Are you carrying high or low?
I suck at this! Compared to the others, definitely bigger. My body has completely forsaken me (to be fair, this is the third time it's housing a living baby) and it's just soft and flabby - but I'm not sure that it's actually high(er)...
Verdict = Boy?

How fast is baby's heart rate?
I have actually heard the heart beat, but it was on a doppler, so I wasn't able to spy the numbers.
No verdict

Have you had any skin breakout?
No, my skin is surprisingly unaffected. Wait - except for the rash I broke out in a few weeks ago. But after checking liver function and all the important stuff, we narrowed it down to most likely be an allergic reaction to the boys' body wash.
Verdict = Boy

How much nausea have you had?
I was pretty much nausea free with Zac, and then a little nauseous with Sam. With this one, for the first trimester although I only threw up once (actually as a result of some funky food, not morning sickness) I was constantly ill! In addition to this, I had diarrhoea continually for three weeks.
Verdict = Girl

How are your cravings?
I have not craved anything, mostly because in the beginning I was too ill to eat at all. Since regaining an appetite though, I have not been able to bant; I don't know what it is.
Verdict = (tending towards) Girl


How is your hair growth?
It actually seems quite normal to me this time. If is has been growing, I haven't noticed a remarkable growth spurt anywhere.
Verdict = Girl

What is the shape of your pregnant abdomen?
Round. I have no muscle tone . I thought I didn't recover from Zac, but evidently I did. What I didn't recover from was Sam. My abdomen - that split in both previously pregnancies - has not even closed since Sam, so I'm one big ball of belly.
Verdict = Girl

How has your face changed?
Not much really - well, not that anyone has mentioned. Yet.
Verdict = Boy

How 'big' are your legs?
Look, I'll be the first to admit that thanks to starting a strict (and then not-so) LCHF eating plan 12 months prior to falling pregnant, I was a little on the thin side. I was planning to add some muscle tone to that soon... Anyway, I didn't have much of a bum during that time. But not anymore. I now have a bum. A big bum.
Verdict = Boy

Has baby's dad been gaining weight?
Andel tends to binge eat sporadically, and then get into a training obsession to work all the extra weight off again. I'm not sure if the current eating is just one of those phases or as a result of baby, but I don't see him gaining any weight.
Verdict = Boy

Has your chest size changed?
Yes! And it's so sensitive! I don't really remember feeling this touched out so early in the pregnancy, but it is as it is.
 Verdict = Girl

Which side do you prefer to sleep on?
I'm currently still trying to sleep on my belly (it probably helps that it's soft), or I spend a lot of time propped up on my back.
No verdict

Can you tell you're pregnant from behind?
Apart from the big bum. Not really. Yet. I think
Verdict = Boy (perhaps)
 

Final Score:
Boy 6 - Girl 6

What If It's the Last One?

Announcing a pregnancy is both my best and worst part of the process of everyone finding out. I find the sudden, unnatural attention quite awkward, and then overwhelming, and then just plain uncomfortable (especially if this announcement is made by someone else, in a work meeting, for example. I literally want the floor to open up and swallow me right then).

I do, however, enjoy the creative process of putting together an announcement that can be shared via social media or other indirect communication. When we found out Sam was on the way, I immediately knew what we could do, and created this:

This time has been far more tricky though. I think the combination of mixed emotions that basically took up the entire first trimester, and the fact that we only told the family close to the end of that stage, has been a major contributing factor. The other is the fact that this is probably (definitely... maybe...) the last pregnancy announcement I'll get to make (for myself anyway) so I wanted to go out with a bang.

And as a result, I have not yet come up with the one to post.

So, in celebration of Siblings day, and because who knows if I'll get another chance, here are all the posts we've made and/or considered, for you to have a good giggle at!

Starting with: what PJ post (with our permission) on the family whatsapp group. As you can imagine, it caused a wealth of confusion that was pretty funny to see unfold. It's also what Andel post to his family group, much to their horror...

This is the one Andel was supposed to have posted to his family group...

Here are the ones we're looking at for the 'official' public announcement...

Unoriginal but short, sweet and to the point
 

 Neat and minimalist

 The mandatory cute one

Telling it like it is, in pink, blue or yellow

  

 Andel's favourite

 The Easter-themed one

The just plain funny one

Holiday with Mom: Cooking Class

Every holiday, despite my best efforts, the child care plans I had in place (and sometimes already paid for by the way of school fees) fall away and my kids end up with me. I'm not trying to avoid them, mind you, it would just be that much easier to clean the house and get some things done without being continually followed by and/or attached to two little people. So I'm always looking for things we can do - even if it's walk to the park, get some groceries, go for a play date - just so that we can get out of the house. This holiday I've found a great community initiative being held at our local mall: free cooking sessions!

Today we went to try it out. I had probably heard or read the start time somewhere, because I was heading there for 10h00, but after we'd eventually found parking and made it through the mall via the information desk (to make sure I hadn't been imagining this whole thing) we got to the workshop area at 10h05, and were told it was too late to join. As it turns out, they were making muesli and fruit salad which Zac wasn't that keen on, so we signed up for the 12h00 class instead. Of course the only problem with that was the 2-hour wait in the mall.

Eventually 12h00 came around and Zac was super excited: they were making pizza! Below are the few photos I took (the parents aren't actually allowed inside the area, and Sam was sleeping, so it's a miracle I got any pictures at all!).

In his apron, waiting to start

Getting his chef hat fitted properly

Listening to the instructions

Meticulously preparing his pizza

All done - pizza in the oven

Playing Snakes and Ladders during the wait

Heading home for lunch

So even though we spent an ungodly 3 hours in the mall this morning - at least we had one happy holiday maker!

Sam's Picnic Party: Photo Update

We weren't planning on giving Sam a party. Andel is of the belief that at this young age, it's a proper waste of time. But then less than a week before his birthday, we suddenly realised that Sam very much knew what a birthday party was (a second child quality, for sure), and definitely wanted one of his own.

So, on the last minute, we invited family and some close friends to picnic with us in the park yesterday afternoon, after church. The timing coincided well with the end of the school term, and it seemed like the best low key and chilled out option for us. We simply had hot dogs and snacks for everyone, and prepared picnic boxes for the kids (yogurt and mango cups, cheese wedges, crisps, an iced biscuit, an ice bite and a take home cupcake).

It was a really lovely afternoon of fellowship and fun in the sun, only somewhat marred by the tumble Sam took just before the party giving him a shining red carpet burn on his nose!

Below are some pics of the day, thanks to Aunty Dom and Aunty Ash:

Uncle Ricardo's awesome cake

Picnic time!

Some of the goodies in the picnic party box

It's a little scary that this is mostly immediate family

The boys' circle

Birthday boy with the shiny nose

Madame Adrienne in doing a birthday dry run

The girls' gathering

Enjoying the sun and open space

Sharing some birthday cake

Big brother and chief party planner

Yaya and the kids

Enjoying the take home treat

For Sam: Two Already?!

In keeping with my theme of trying to do a creative birthday post while not having to think of too many new ideas for it each year, here is my birthday post to Sam - based on the post I did for Zac on his second birthday.


Sam. You've been telling people you're two years old for such a long time already, I almost find the fact that you're only two years old today hard to believe myself! It has been both quick and long at the same time. You fit as though we were never anything but a family of four, and yet I can remember, in vivid detail, every moment of your entry into the world. And to help you remember, I decided, on this birthday, to take the opportunity to update you on you.

This morning when you woke up... I would already have been at school if we did not prompt you along by turning on the bedroom lights. And then you were in full birthday mode! I've never seen anyone more excited about a candle and a chocolate bunny. And you made us sing (and relight that candle) a couple of times, including one time to sing to Zac. You have definitely grasped more of the birthday concept than Zac could at this age - second child benefits, I suppose.

If I had to describe your personality in three words, I would use... Feisty. Loving. Fun. You are mischievous and adventurous, and you don't back down for anything or anyone. You know what you want, and aren't afraid to fight for it. But you have the biggest heart. You don't like people to be sad, and readily flash that killer smile and pucker up for kisses to make people feel better. You love to laugh, and constantly have dancing eyes. You're so much like your dad like that: super chilled to just take each day as it comes.

This birthday is significant to me because...  you're becoming a big boy, and come your next birthday you will be a big brother as well. You have never been overly affectionate, and in some ways are far more independent than Zac was at this age. However, I love how you snuggle up to me when you go to bed at night, and whisper a quick "love you" before nodding off to sleep. Long may these moments last!

You've developed so much over the last year... For a while there we were concerned that you didn't speak much. Little did we know about the verbal onslaught we were about to get. You have the cutest little lisp, and the attempt the most complicated sentences. You're big and strong - a total boys' boy - and you love playing with cars (or in cars). Even before you spoke, you would regularly be 'vroom-vroom-ing' your cars around the house. You love your brother, and are often found getting up to mischief with him.

I would describe your personal style as... a little farm-inspired. Forgive my description, it's just that you are practically always barefoot and walking around in shorts (even in the cold), and if you add to that a floppy hat over your dusty blond curls, I could easily imagine you working the farm somewhere. You are crazy about caps (you made such a fuss Aunty Dom and Garth once had to buy you the adult sized one you wanted instead of the kids one they were looking at), and love wearing sunglasses and other people's shoes.

Your favourite activities include... gallivanting with Papu in the bus, helping your dad clean or fix his bike, dancing to really loud music, and reading. You love books. Even when you were much younger you would bring them for me to read to you (these days you ask Zac, or make up your own story as you read them yourself). You enjoy brushing your teeth and swimming in the bath, and have joined Zac in (still) running fully clothed into the sea whenever we're all the beach.


If I could predict a future career based only on what I know about you right now, it would be...  professional cyclist or tour guide. You are obsessed with your dad's bike, and with Papu's bus. Without fail, when your dad arrives home from a ride, you hop on the bike and ride it through the house. You love wearing the helmet and playing with the pedals and chain (much to your father's horror, particularly when you do this the night before a race). If those don't work out, you could also model - you know just have to turn it on for the camera (when you feel like it).

You like to eat...  anything and everything. You are a human food vacuum with a bottomless pit for a belly. After being really great with veggies and healthy food, you've recently (I blame Papu's retirement) taken to luxuries and takeout. And you have this thing about eating Peanut Butter with a spoon...

You spend most of your spare time... (at the moment, anyway) scratching in the fridge. Just the other night you stood on a chair to get into the vegetable drawer, swiped the Steri-Stumpie your dad was hiding there, and finished half of it! And when you're not looking for food, you are getting ice-blocks to play hockey with. You also love Paw Patrol and Trolls - both your go-to options when you have tv time.

Your worst habits right now are...  throwing down your food (or whatever else you have in your hand) when you're unhappy about something, or hitting out when someone has upset you. I believe we have well and truly entered the 'terror-ific twos'.

Your best friends are... Adrienne, Papu and Garth - even though Papu and Garth are not actually your peers. I love watching you engage with Adrienne; how gentle you are with her when she sleeps or is trying to balance on her feet. And of course, you love your brother Zac. When you can't see him, you look for him, and never want to go anywhere without him. The bond you two have is something very special to see.


My favourite thing about you right now...  is how you still smell like baby. There's nothing better than cuddling close to you before you wake in the morning, and taking in a long, slow breath of your sweet, baby scent.

If money were no object, for your birthday I would have bought you...  a real bicycle! It doesn't bother you that your feet don't reach the peddles on a proper sized one; I know you would be perfectly happy pedaling back-and-forth repeatedly to make your way around.

The one thing I really want you to know today... is just how incredibly special you are. All of us - Zac, Dad and I - love you so much, and couldn't imagine this family without you. You add so much fun and laughter to our lives, and we love spending time with you. Things can be crazy and chaotic at times - whose life isn't - but we know that God has such plans for you, and we are trusting Him; that He will guide and direct us as we raise you to be all that He would have you be.

Take Three: The Responses

For me, the third time round really has been very different. And here I'm not just referring to the overwhelming, never-ending illness, and other physical challenges I never had the first two times. It's like everything  has been different. Most interesting of which has been people's reactions.

Now, in case you aren't aware, by the time you'll be reading this, this post - like the other pregnancy ones - will be a couple weeks old already. At present, we have yet to make that public announcement. In fact, we have only personally told our families, some friends and employers so far.

Here are the three top responses we have witnessed:

Juvenile Joy
I call it this because the level and intensity of the excitement is almost naive. There is this unbridled euphoria about a new baby, without any consideration to the number of ways in which this will turn our personal and larger worlds upside down, for a while anyway.
Advocated by: the grandparents who have not had 8 grand-kids in 8 years


Shock
There is simply no nice way to state - or hide - this one. It usually appears in the form of an emoji-inspired facial expression of big, wide eyes and an open, o-shaped mouth, followed by deathly silence and shaking of the head lasting a good number of minutes. The brain seems to shut down entirely, except to fulfill essential functions like breathing.
Advocated by: the unsuspecting parents


Sympathy & Concern
I wanted to say Disappointment but perhaps that is a little harsh. In this instance, there is an immediate look of pain sometimes accompanies by "oh" or "sorry" (I kid you not) because more than anything else, these people understand that kids cost time, money, promotions and various other sacrifices. Sometimes, you can feel the lingering question of "how did you let this happen" hanging over the conversation too. To be fair, this is usually sometimes also accompanied by some happier emotions as well, as people weigh up the pros and cons of the situation. Generally though, the resultant response is a reality check that life is going to get tough, for a while, anyway.
Advocated by: my gynae - and the realists who know what our life is really like

*Disclaimer: the sympathy and concern of those close to us, is very different, and much more loving than the sympathy and concern of less intimate acquaintances and almost-strangers who stumble upon the information, and feel the need to give their opinion.


Now this post is not to bash anyone for the way in which they have processed (or not) this news. For most - myself included - it was totally involuntary. And honest. What it has done though, is simply reminded me that our ways, as people, can be weird, and that in everything, I need to have a bit more of an eternal perspective.

Things are going to be different. And more difficult. It was the same when Sam was born. But then, as I recently told a friend who just had her second baby, everyone adapts to the new life, and families establish their new normal. And before we know it, we'll in our own routine again that just gets easier as kids get older and parents get wiser.

At its most fundamental point, we still serve the same God whose promise to provide doesn't have a clause on the number of children He is able to provide for. Here's praying for grace as we navigate these waters once again.

"Children are a heritage from the Lord; offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." ~ Psalm 127:3-5a

Oops, We Did It Again

Based on this definition, you could say that after being a 'Jack of all Trades' all of my life I'm now officially branching out into a specialisation. And my field of expertise: Parenting.

Yes, you guessed it. We are pregnant again. Not that pregnancy can be a mistake as such. Children aren't ever a mistake. They are ordained and purposed. This one is certainly a surprise though! In fact, despite always wanting four children (don't ask me why; I don't know, and it has never been a conclusion I came to rationally) I recently realised that, as far as my family is concerned, I was content. I further explained this to myself as being in a position where I finally did not feel like I needed more kids for it to feel complete; rather, I was ok with having or not having any more kids, ever. Until this, of course.

It's crazy how my perception of things has made the world of difference here. With Zac we were just out of that newly-wed phase and ready to begin a family, so the news was super-exciting and even trendy, as everyone else in our circle was sort of in the same space. With Sam it was a little different but equally exciting as, against some pretty impressive odds, we had been eagerly waiting the fulfillment of a promise of another child. This one has been more like winning the lottery: feeling amazingly blessed and utterly overwhelmed at the same time.

To say that we are shocked and unprepared is an understatement. And even though the anticipated gap between Sam and this one will be only 3 months less than Zac and Sam, I feel like I'm going to have two babies (three kids in 5 years will do that to you), and I struggle to visualise how the heck we're going to cope physically, financially and psychologically. But (and this part is so important) we 100% believe that conception is divine, and children are blessings that come exactly when and how they're meant to. We believe that this child's life is God's plan, and that He will provide for him/her as he has done for us and our other kids. And so, this has become an extension of faith for us all.

"Don't panic; I am with you. There is no need to fear for I am your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I, your God, have a firm grip on you, and I'm not letting go" Isaiah 41:10, 13

Share in our joy and wonder as we experience yet another miracle, and welcome another precious gift into our lives.

2017 CT Cycle Tour: My Thoughts

Sunday 12th March should have been the 40th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the biggest open, timed cycle race in the world. There were over 35 000 local and international cyclists waiting to test their mettle in what is one of those bucket-list events of physical and mental strength and endurance.

But then, during the night before, in the wake of SASSA (social grant) problems nationally, protesters had taken to the streets in an attempt probably to have themselves heard, burnt tyres and other objects, thereby completely damaging the road on the picturesque route, and in doing so, potentially endangering the life of every cyclist riding there later that day. So before the race had even begun, there had been a change to the race, reducing it from 109km to 78km, thanks to a detour away from the affected areas.

Then there was a second fire that broke out in Hout Bay, after a massive and devastating fire basically flattened over 650 homes and left thousands destitute in an informal settlement there only a day earlier. Emergency services needed to be deployed, and the roads in and out of Hout Bay needed to be clear for them.
 
And then there was that weather forecast that was rapidly changing from difficult to impossible conditions, with wind speeds reported to have reached nearly 100km/h in areas. Cyclists were unable to ride their bikes through the start without being blown off them.

So at 06h35, less than 20 minutes into the event, and with only three groups having left the starting blocks, the unprecedented decision to cancel the event was made.

These were my immediate thoughts:
 
Of course it's most definitely regrettable that the CT Cycle Tour has been cancelled:

As a Cycle WAG I know firsthand the time, money and effort that goes into entering and preparing for this race.

As a South African I know the benefits the city and country gain from hosting a successful event of this scale.

As a spectator I pray fervently for the safety of each rider doing the route, and want to see them overcome the physical challenge of completing the race.

I also, as someone with intel to the working behind the scenes, know that not one of the organizers or race sponsors would ever want to cancel. They are the ones who are going to bear the burden of this and be inundated with angry mails and social media complaints.

STILL...

While I am bitterly disappointed for the racers and fans (we were fortunate to see Andel ride up Edinburgh Drive while he was unaware it was cancelled), between new fires flaring up, roads damaged (due to), live protest action, and really wild wind, we have to trust that the difficult decision to cancel was made in the interests of the riders and their safety. And for that, I am so grateful!

How To: Prepare a Low Carb Party Spread

With Sam's second birthday coming up this month, I've been thinking about whether or not we should have a party (I'm swayed towards doing one because he's old enough to enjoy it, but Andel is not keen), and thinking back to what we did last year.

The plan for Sam's first birthday was actually to picnic with some friends with kids of similar age. Then it rained the week of his birthday, and even though it didn't rain on the actual day, it was so overcast and still wet everywhere, we took the picnic into our house - which truthfully, became a bit chaotic when the wider family also simply turned up.

It happened, too, that at the time we were full on Banting (Andel in an attempt to lose more weight for his cycling; me to shed the Sam-pregnancy weight that had refused to leave). So we did a low carb finger-food spread, and it was really fun and tasty - and the kids loved it.

Here's what we served:

Meat Balls - these homemade protein balls were prepared in coconut oil and seasoned with finely chopped onions, parsley and a bit of grated cheese to help them stick. We made smaller-than-usual sized balls, perfect for little hands.

Yogurt - for all the older kids, we prepared small cups of double cream, plain yogurt, and had some berries, honey and cinnamon on hand to add some flavour (not that it's really needed as the double cream is pretty rich and yummy already).

Crudites - we sliced up some veggies and fruit (the lesser sweet options) for the kids to grab and munch on while they played. These were a hit with the adults as well, and were served with low carb mayo as a dipping sauce.

Egg-Based Muffins - these savoury treats were stuffed with delicious bacon bits, onions, peppers, tomatoes and cheese, and seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika and herbs. It's basically an omelette served in a muffin tray, and is surprisingly filling.

Cheese Board - while mostly for the adults, we also cut up some blocks of cheddar cheese for the kids. These can be served with banting seed crackers or on slices of cucumber instead of breads.

As drinks we had refreshing infused still and sparkling water (cucumber, lemon, mint, berries), as well as full cream milk (which was actually the preferred option for them anyway).

Of course, what's a first birthday without a cake - to smash if not to eat - so of course, the cake was not of the carb and icing free variety. However, if you do want a banting friendly cake recipe, this brownie one is a favourite in our house.

Basically, banting does not have to suck dry the enjoyment of food and dining from your life - and not even from a party. There are loads of delicious recipes that give great low carb and low sugar options which, once you get the hand of preparing, make great alternatives.