My Big Full Birthday Weekend

On Friday 6th September, amid no fan-fare whatsoever, I turned 30! Here's a photo update of the celebrations that started on Friday morning, and lasted the entire weekend long!


It started with Zac and Andel covering me in birthday kisses (and jokes). I then went to work where I was treated to lunch and some cake, before receiving a delivery of roses from the Grahams in Ireland. In the evening, a few friends and family joined us for a grown-up dinner while aunty Heidi (bless her!) babysat Zac.

My bouquet from Ireland, delivered to work

Candice and I, back together after 5 years

Eitan and I always see each other on our birthdays, regardless

Can you spot the 30 year old? Me neither

Even Mom let her hair down a bit

Red Velvet Cake from Sugary Sensations for dessert

On Saturday, despite having a really late night, Ash and I took the kids to our monthly Mammas and Munchkins play date. I was really looking forward to the edible art programme they had planned - but that was before Zac announced his arrival by smacking another child in the face (much to my embarrassment!). Of course, after a good scolding, he fell asleep, and missed the entire thing! Thankfully, Jorja and Ethan more than made up for him, and had a wonderful time.

After that, it was time to head home and make a confirmation cake I'd promised to Annie. I keep telling myself not to leave it so late - but I never seem to learn! Having said that though, I do think I'm improving with each cake I try.

After a night out, Zac couldn't stay awake

Ethan - while he was sitting still!

Jorja making her edible art

Annie's confirmation cake I made the day before

On Sunday, after Annie's confirmation (and the family lunch and tea that followed), Andel and I went to Madame Zingara's. What an experience! Please check out the reviews that are available on the net on this. Unfortunately we couldn't take any pics inside there - still, the acts, the food, the whole experience was amazing, and totally worth it! It was the most fantastic end to a really great birthday weekend!

Andel plays dress up at Madame Zingara's

My awesome 2-minute face paint

Zac Goes to Hospital

So way back at the beginning of August, during a very stressful teaching prac time, Zac got a cold. That developed a cough. And a raging fever.Until finally he had full blown pneumonia.

Looking back, I can't say that there were any clear signs that it would get that bad. Sniffles and coughs are pretty common at this time of year, and considering that Zac's been pre-teething for a while, even the fever, once it broke 36 hours later, didn't worry me that much.

I've often been told about this mother's intuition thing, and for a long time - pretty much since Zac was born - I was not totally convinced that I had it! Turns out I was wrong, because 7 days after the start of Zac's cold, I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The health professional and scientist in me started taking measurements and vital signs (not that I really knew what to do with them right then), trying to work out what needed fixing.

That continued the entire night. I took breathing rates, heart rates and temperatures repeatedly (still not knowing what exactly I was looking for), but thank God I did, because when we took Zac to the hospital the next day, I was able to give his paediatrician a run down that not only impressed him, but also helped him make the decision to admit Zac.

So, Zac's check-up turned into a 4 day stay at Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, and a round-the-clock test of faith and physical endurance for me! Despite 2 days in high care, Zac made a speedy recovery and a few new friends, and after 3 days' out-patient treatment was (nearly) good as new!

In relatively high spirits despite the oxygen tubes

A peaceful night's sleep

Home care: Wynberg Boy in training!

So much better! (if naughtiness is anything to go by!)

Thank you to everyone to their love, support and prayers. You have no idea what a difference they made!