For Bayley: Two Already?!

[Not sure what is happening with the formatting here; I've tried reformatting this post at least 10 times, and nothing changes. Sorry if it annoys you. It does me!]

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 Bayley - based on the post I did for Zac and Sam on their second birthdays.

Bayley, how are you only two? You've been talking so long (and so much) that most people assume you are already two and are turning three. The time has gone by so fast; too fast. Just the other day you were a baby, and now you're this big girl. Before I forget all the ways you're changing, here are some things about you right now.

This morning when you woke up... You reminded me so much of myself as a child as you tried to hide away when your brothers sang for you (I have vivid memories of being sung to and immediately crawling under the table at Mike's Kitchen, on more than one occasion). Then you perked up when you realised it's finally "Se-tem-ber" aka your birthday and relished every moment. And you know how to start a birthday: not even the fact that it was 05h50 deterred you from heading straight for that little cake, and eating it right there and then.

If I had to describe your personality in three words, I would use... Bubbly. Strong. Mischievous. You are a beautiful mystery of adventure and affection, and you know exactly what you want. You wow me with your self-assurance, and finish me with your sense of humour. You are exhilarating and exhausting, and you make every, single day better. You're the game changer.

This birthday is significant to me because... if you are indeed my last child, I've just said goodbye to the last bits of baby, ever. I've been deliberate about trying to slow down with you (not an easy feat for me). It's not always worked out exactly right, but I'm so grateful for the times it has. Right now I'm balancing trying to keep you in my arms and on my lap without keeping you from the wonder that is getting older. 

You've developed so much over the last year... I honestly have to remind myself that you have only just turned two. I don't know when the switch happened, exactly, but you have grown up into this 'cryin', walkin', sleein', talkin' living doll'. And boy, can you talk! Not only do you talk all the time; you actually talk sense. You can argue - with sound reasoning. You are empathetic and, at times, manipulative. You walk around the house like a sergeant major, demand to use the potty, choose your own clothes and shoes to wear, and recently started wanting to help me cook. After a long while of faking it, you are finally getting your body to properly jump off the ground (it's the cutest thing), and you love playing cricket / soccer / rugby with your brothers.

I would describe your personal style as... eclectic, I think. Just yesterday you were wearing a pretty, floral top, without any trousers, accompanied by rain boots. And then on other days, you'll select for yourself an outfit that is perfectly coordinated to suit the occasion, be it: sporty, feminine or casual chic.

Your favourite activities include... eating (you devour anything and everything with the greatest delight), reading, and watching Peppa Pig. If you have a Peppa Pig book with a snack, you are in your element. You are almost always happy, and love making others happy too. You eagerly follow you brothers in whatever they are busy doing, and they lovingly oblige. I'm pleased to say that you seem to be outgrowing your need to throw everything into the toilet.

If I could predict a future career based only on what I know about you right now, it would be... modelling, perhaps. You love the camera. You unashamedly hijack everyone's SnapChat, and can do that pout-and-bedroom-eyes look on demand. You're going to give your father a heart attack with that! You could probably also be a performer, talkshow host, chef, or ruler of a small country. 

You like to eat... period. I remember, at the start of the year, how you were this long, skinny little thing, and then suddenly, you started eating. A lot. And you have not stopped. You eat good food, junk food, party food, spicy food - even cat food. You are strong, healthy and beautiful. I hope you always see yourself this way.

You spend most of your spare time... singing. The good folk at school are doing a great job with you. You have quite a collection of nursery rhymes and songs that you can - and do - sing at least once a car trip. You have a pretty good voice too. You can hold your key, and sing a recognisable tune.

Your worst habits right now are... watering things. You'd think having been born into the worst drought in Cape Town ever, you would know the value of water and have the sense not to waste it. And yet, you are always busy in some or other body of water. You love to drink water, which is good. You also, however, mess in the drains outside, jump in muddy puddles, flush toilets (less frequently now, thank you), and pour the water from your cup onto the table, onto the floor, into your food bowl, onto the bed, and pretty much everything else. You also have quite an impressive tantrum...

Your best friends are... honestly, probably your brothers. They dote on you like nobody's business, so you know you have it good there. You also have a couple friends at school you speak about a lot, as well as some overseas friends that you manage to keep a really good memory of. Then, of course, there is Elijah. He's actually Sam's friend from school, but you have latched onto him, and he to you, and when you're together you're inseparable. If Elijah gets a sister one day, I reckon you may have had something significant to do with that.

My favourite thing about you right now... is that, even though you are a daddy's girl, you still give me plenty of time and attention, and love nothing more than ending each day snuggled up against my chest. You give the most wonderfully lovely hugs and kisses, and if you were something I could bottle and take in each day, you would be my fix.

If money were no object, for your birthday I would have bought you... a puppy called Strava. Because that's what you want. You have saved a picture of a German Shepherd pup on my phone that you look at, at least once a day. I don't know how good you'd be at actually keeping a pet, but it does seem to bring you such joy. I'm trusting that one day, hopefully not too far away, we'll have a garden big enough for you and Strava to play in together.

The one thing I really want you to know today... is just how much you have changed our lives - mine in particular. You are the piece of this family that we were looking for; the one we needed to set the picture right. You are exactly what I needed to understand who I am, and what I've been called to do on this earth. You have opened my mind and heart to new possibilities, and brought to life a world of ponytails, dresses and painted nails - that I never thought I'd get - or want - to share with anyone. I can already tell the purpose on your life, and the gift you are to the world. Bayley, Jesus has so much awaiting you, and we can't wait to watch it all unfold.

Holiday at Home: Movies

Do you remember the first time you went to the movies?

When I think back, I recall going to the drive in (remember those?) with my parents quite regularly. In my mind's eye I can see us in pyjamas and gowns, pillows in hand, on the backseat of the car (or the boot of my grandparents' then kombi), and the speaker latched onto the driver's seat window. But when I think of my first cinema visit, the furthest back I seem to go is around six or seven years old, to see The Little Mermaid.

We went with my aunt who, at the time, may have been the only one still unmarried and without children - I may be wrong about that. It was school holidays, I think, and my sister and I were treated to see the movie. And not only that! I distinctly remember, after having watched the movie, being taken to Woolworths to get Ariel t-shirts and tights as well!

It just so happens that The Little Mermaid is still one of my favourites, not to mention its killer soundtrack that I can still sing from start to finish.

Anyway, I digress.

This week I took Zac and Sam to the movies. At four years old, this was Sam's first trip to the cinema, and I must say I had reservations about how well this was going to work out. Thankfully, I roped in an aunt to go with us, for Mommy's moral support!

We went to see Toy Story 4. I love this movie franchise, as do the kids, so I figured it was a win for all. If you've seen the movie though, you'll know there are a couple freaky characters (for a four year old anyway), and I had to hold back my giggle when Sam, who was holing my hand, squeezed it super tight every time the Bensons appeared. To be fair though, Zac also got a fright - a few times! What was less funny, however, was about 3/4 into the movie when Sam stood up out of his seat and shouted, "I'm tired of this now. I want popcorn!" and then proceeded to go and sit in the aisle. Rookie mistake on my part - not feeding them enough snacks to keep him occupied. Still, it was an enjoyable - and definitely memorable - experience for everyone, including Sam, and can be ticked off our holiday to-do list!

ps. If you haven't seen the movie yet - go! It's great, and you'll love it.

Holiday at Home: Making Rotis

I won't lie: I am a working mom out of desperation mostly. Admittedly, as we have had more kids, I have softened, and I am more willing (some days) to be a part-time / work-from-home mom. All things considered though, I go to work at least half of the time solely to remain sane. And so, being home with two kids for the holiday firstly is not a holiday, and secondly is challenging in terms of finding the creativity and patience to keep us all suitably occupied and happy.

But today, the boys and I made roti. From scratch.

Now, this would ordinarily not be any mean feat. I know plenty of Cape Town locals who make their own rotis any - or every - day of the week. However, when you add to this the fact that the kitchen is not really my place, you'll understand why this is post worthy.

I found this really easy, foolproof recipe on Food24, and the boys loved it! Not only is it super simple and not much mess, it tastes really good too. Seriously - it's yummy enough for me to have eaten some, before lunch, while on a keto eating plan (on which I have successfully avoided all bread stuff for most of the past six months!)

Ingredients:
4 cups of all purpose flour, sifted
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups hot water (off the boil)
1 tablespoon melted butter

Method:
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, remembering to mix the baking powder and salt into the flour separately before incorporating everything.
- Add the oil to the water, and then add the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Mix together using a wooden spoon, and then lightly floured hands.
- Remove from the bowl and knead on a floured surface before rolling into a long sausage of dough.
- Brush the dough with the melted butter.
- Divide into smaller portions before rolling them out into thin circles of dough.
- Fry each roti on high using oil or butter for frying.

 Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Bucket List: Explore a Different Part of South Africa

Talk about making hay while the sun shines. While on our annual trip to Knynsa, we decided to take full advantage of the fact that we were already on the road, and made a special trip to the Klein Karoo.

My kids are pretty "protected" in that they don't see much outside of their day to day environment. It's not something we've done deliberately, and we are attempting to rectify that by exploring our surroundings (and larger country) more; still, they haven't seen much of anywhere other than Cape Town, so taking the short drive over the Outeniqua pass from George to Oudtshoorn seem like a good idea. And we were not disappointed.

We went chasing the sun from a dark and misty Vic Bay, to a bright and warm Safari Ostrich Farm, and had a real treat. We took the tractor tour, and spent a good hour or so learning about Ostriches in general, as well as the farm itself, and the kids (and adults, except perhaps for Garth who is not a big bird fan) were in their element!

When we left, later the afternoon, we were tired in that we-just-had-the-best-time kind of way, and it felt great! Here's to doing more local stuff together - and to checking off more of our bucket list items this holiday!

Airport

I stood at domestic arrivals last night, waiting for my uncle who, due to a mysteriously missed connecting flight in Qatar, landed almost eight hours later than scheduled, and about 36 hours since leaving home in Norfolk.

I knew he would be exhausted, and I expected to see a man on which that showed. I envisioned a wrinkled shirt and equally winkled face, with heavy eyes, and the stiff gait that two days in transit gives you. He took ages to come out, and I just figured that would be why.

And while I waited, I watched. 

I have a love-hate relationship with airports. I love the bustle. I hate the rush. I love the excitement. I hate the stress. I love when I'm off somewhere. I hate when I'm not. I always leave with a fresh wave of wanderlust, and a secret plan for my next adventure. Most of all though, I love how I feel about people.

No matter how tired or annoyed people are while they fly, disembark, and fight each other off for their luggage, the minute that dividing door at arrivals opens, they are 'home'. I saw strangers being welcomed by locals as they, I imagine, discover Cape Town and South Africa for the first time. They are friendly and welcoming to each other, and there is no fear, hate or discrimination. I saw loved ones reunited: lovers embrace after physically or just seemingly long absences; the meeting of families where distance and delicateness dissolves into delight; and the shrieks of sheer joy as parents and children are joined together again. I saw proud pilots and sociable staff, and I felt warm inside.

And then I saw him. Casual after the charge of the crowd, he came: wornout, I'm sure, but looking absolutely wonderful!

Welcome back to Cape Town, uncle Ed. We are so glad to have you here with us! 

Knysna Cycle Tour 2019

We've been making the annual trip to Knysna for seven years now, and I'd be lying if I didn't confess that, for at least three of those years, I've been threatening to not return. It's not that I don't enjoy Knysna - or even a good road trip - it's just that it always revolved 100% around the cycle race, and not much else (despite everyone's best efforts).

This year was not that different except that maybe, courtesy of a mental detox, I was a lot more chilled about the whole thing. And would you know - it was the best trip yet!

We left at the ungodly hour of 01h00 last Saturday morning to take a leisurely drive along the Garden Route. I am grateful for the insanity of this process as it allows my children to sleep in the bus (at least most of the time), and we are able to make regular toilet / coffee / breastfeeding breaks, as are needed, without any rush to get to race registration.

As we have done since the 2017 Knysna fires burnt down our regular accommodation, we checked into Carmel Guest Farm in Victoria Bay. This is a great place to be based for many reasons including: close proximity to the beach as well as to George; really affordable accommodation (and breakfast); plenty of activities for the kids; and an incredible view! Do yourself a favour and check them out if you don't already frequent this place.

The view of Victoria Bay from our chalet

Vic Bay up close and personal...

... a mere 2km from our accommodation

Saturday was a recovery day as Andel and Garth prepared for their race, and Papu recovered from the drive. I'm not even joking when I say we were all in bed at 20h00!

And thank goodness for that early bedtime because we were all up and in the bus driving to Knysna at 07h00 on Sunday. We dropped the guys at the start of the race, and then head up to what has become part of our race routine in Knysna: catching the boys on the first climb, before visiting The Farm.

Waiting on the side of the road

The main cheerleaders

Arguably the best seat in the house

I'm seriously beginning to believe that I make this trip just to visit this place. It's heaven! There are hiking and bike trails for kids and adults (which we hardly ever get to explore because we're always there in the middle of winter - still, you don't see anyone complaining), and this quaint restaurant in the middle of a beautiful playground, that serves amazingly good food, and the. best. carrot. cake. ever!

Breakfast time!

Biking in a break from the rain

Grandparent duty for Papu and Yaya

We head back to the race area with little time to spare before we saw the elites cross the finish line in what must have been a challenging race in cold, wet conditions, and with an extended route. And a little while after that, we saw Andel, then his brother Bernil, and then Garth cross over too. They were tired and triumphant, and we were ready to get warm and fed when we found out that Andel had finished second (overall in the non-elite race) and had to stay for the prize giving. To say we were all floating on Andel's high for a bit after that would be an understatement. It was kind of a big deal (and we were not allowed to forget it!).

Standing in the rain at the finish line

The original supporter

One tired, happy daddy cyclist

As has become customary, we spent the next two days just getting in some down time. The weather played along, sending raining both days, so we ended up just hanging together as family. It's funny that our party gets smaller and smaller each year now that the Dups and Bren are overseas, and with Annie, Tase and Peyton rehearsing for their show back in Cape Town. Still, it's been pretty special to spend some quality time with my nuclear family, checking off bucket list items and whatnot - including going horse riding (in the rain, no less!).

Yaya was in her element

Matthew - super keen and confident

Bravestar went first, obviously

Taking turns to look after Bug

We made it home safely on last evening, following a couple of tourist stops for roosterkoek in Albertinia, meaty pies from Ou Meul in Riviersonderend, and homemade vetkoek from Ouma Klaasen in Grabouw.

The Honeymooners

Die Main Manne (or so they think)

And so it's back to the grind - and who knows, perhaps I have another Knynsa trip in me yet?

Zac: SE7EN

I look back seven years, and they have taken their toll on me. For one, back in 2012, I was young, energetic, a sociable go-getter. Tonight I find myself in bed at 21h00 (not an uncommon occurrence), trying to recover from a pretty ordinary day. Not you though.

For you, these seven years have been wonderful. They have given your life meaning. Earlier you were sitting next to me, chattering your way through your thoughts (out loud) as you finished Horrid Henry's Birthday Activity puzzle book (that you received two hours prior) from cover to cover, and I can't help but think about all you have learnt to do in your seven years of life.

This morning you woke at 06h00 - a bit of a lay in by your standards - to start your day with your family. You made breakfast for yourself and your siblings, and skilfully negotiated improvements on your birthday gift. You helped purchase and prepare snacks for your buddies, and then spent hours with them playing proper cricket. You took some of the money you got today, and voluntarily paid it towards some debt you accidentally incurred recently. And you made a final stop at my bedside to whisper, "I love you mom", before going to sleep yourself.

How did that small baby grow to be this smart, strong, sensitive boy, so fast?

Zac, each step with you is a bit of an enigma (I guess that comes with being the first born), and like a good mystery, you allow us to discover clues about you, one hook at a time, until we can piece together what forms a picture of who you really are. And the more I get to know you, the more my heart swells with love and pride for you.

Happy birthday, my darling boy. You're a dreamer and world changer, and I can't wait to see all I know you're going to achieve in your lifetime. Keep your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, knowing that He will give you the wisdom and courage you need to equal any task. You are so very special, and we love you immeasurably!