Today is January 6th. It is an important day. Today is the day that we traditionally remove our Christmas decorations and today would also have been my mother's 59th birthday.
I wasn't really looking forward to this day because I was afraid of how I might feel about my Mom not being here to celebrate her birthday with us but as it turned out instead of spending a lot of time thinking about her and getting sad, I ended up spending almost the entire day communicating in some form or another with all the other special ladies in my life. All of a sudden I received call after call and message after message. What strikes me most about this is that none of them even knew that I needed some emotional support today yet there they were.
Poor little Rowan, still feeling under the weather, didn't get much out of it though. I was so busy talking with everyone that he had to find ways to keep himself entertained. So for that, my little guy, I am really very sorry.
Well, we are getting ready to take our decorations down and as we do this I will be reflecting on all the blessing we received over the last year most of which came in the form of the beautiful people we share our lives with. Thank you.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Snow Day
Today was Rowan's very first snow day which meant that he got to stay home from school. I imagine a lot of the kids that had the day off, got to go outside to play in the snow but alas our little guy is feeling sick again. He has been coughing quite a bit and has been pale and tired all day long. It seems to be getting better but if things don't clear up by tomorrow we will be paying another visit to the pediatrician. We'll keep you posted.
Monday, January 4, 2010
First Day Back at School
When asked: "Are you excited about school today?" Rowan, without hesitation smiled and said: "Yeah!" We were very relieved to hear this since it has been over a month since the last time he attended school.
So off we went in the freezing cold. We had to pack his snowsuit and boots so that he could join his friends outside on the playground. The drop-off went very well.
At the end of the day he seemed quite content and when we got home we were surprised to find his backpack filled with gifts. It seems that some of his classmates had given him all sorts of treats over the holiday period while we were in South Africa. An invitation to a birthday party, a candy cane and hot chocolate and some Holiday cards not to mention the Milka chocolate slab! Rowan was so happy when he saw the chocolate and we had to let him enjoy a piece. He was in heaven!
There were also some other goodies in his backpack and it made me feel very glad. There were several paintings, drawings and paper cuttings which means that Rowan has finally started enjoying some of the more creative activities at school.
We are looking forward to see what the rest of the school year has to offer and will keep you posted.
By the way. The school is having an open house soon if any of you are interested just let me know.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Is it a Kitchen or a Workbench?
This Mom and in this case even the Dad thought it a good idea to get Rowan a little play kitchen. He has shown much interest and likes to make all sorts of dishes for Richard and I to try out. Mostly we get to munch on some yummy cakes or cakee as he calls it. He also likes to pretend to wash his hands. I thought the kitchen would be a great learning tool. You know, he would learn about arranging glasses neatly on a shelf and hang his pots on the hooks that were so thoughtfully provided. He did all that and then it seems he got bored because soon the sink was taken out of the counter top leaving a gaping hole that you can throw stuff into and there were hundreds of little toy cars and tools in the microwave. I guess it was to be expected. It is still fun though and he loves it.
Rowan's idea of being industrious in the kitchen.
Rowan's idea of being industrious in the kitchen.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Untitled
This evening we thought we would take our potty training to our number one store. (Ha ha!) We have been couped up at home all day (doing really well at the potty training) and really needed to get out. So we grabbed our coats, gloves and courage as we headed to IKEA.
As we arrived I explained to Rowan that we had to use the potty before we get to play with all the toys and he gladly followed. I was amazed to find that he was still completely dry even after we got stuck in traffic for a very long time and to cut a long and boring story short I will just say that he did it! I was elated!
As we walked through the aisles I was all smiles, not because of all the items on sale but because I felt such joy in the fact that we had achieved such success so quickly after starting potty training. I also couldn't help but think of my good friend Lynn because she wrote a blog about finding the joy and spirit of Christmas at Walmart in her post entitled Spirit of Christmas on Sale at Walmart. So I was very tempted to name this post Joy on Sale at IKEA but just didn't have the guts to do it even though I had even more good reasons to do so.
You see, not only did Rowan successfully use the potty, he also for some or other reason chose IKEA as the place to blurt out his very first clearly articulated sentence as we were passing through the cafeteria. "I want a juice." he said with every little sound vocalised perfectly. Not only that! Later on, after months of calling water, juice, he decided to say water! In an American accent too! How's that for progress? As we were sitting at a table overlooking the escalators he waved at the people saying: "Hi people!" - another word he has never used before! And then, as we were getting ready to leave and he noticed all the dessert was gone he very casually uttered the following: "Cake is gone. Bugger!" Richard and I looked at each other in disbelief and when Rowan repeated it we burst out laughing! What fun!
Well, there you have it. Another great day. This year is off to a very good start.
As we arrived I explained to Rowan that we had to use the potty before we get to play with all the toys and he gladly followed. I was amazed to find that he was still completely dry even after we got stuck in traffic for a very long time and to cut a long and boring story short I will just say that he did it! I was elated!
As we walked through the aisles I was all smiles, not because of all the items on sale but because I felt such joy in the fact that we had achieved such success so quickly after starting potty training. I also couldn't help but think of my good friend Lynn because she wrote a blog about finding the joy and spirit of Christmas at Walmart in her post entitled Spirit of Christmas on Sale at Walmart. So I was very tempted to name this post Joy on Sale at IKEA but just didn't have the guts to do it even though I had even more good reasons to do so.
You see, not only did Rowan successfully use the potty, he also for some or other reason chose IKEA as the place to blurt out his very first clearly articulated sentence as we were passing through the cafeteria. "I want a juice." he said with every little sound vocalised perfectly. Not only that! Later on, after months of calling water, juice, he decided to say water! In an American accent too! How's that for progress? As we were sitting at a table overlooking the escalators he waved at the people saying: "Hi people!" - another word he has never used before! And then, as we were getting ready to leave and he noticed all the dessert was gone he very casually uttered the following: "Cake is gone. Bugger!" Richard and I looked at each other in disbelief and when Rowan repeated it we burst out laughing! What fun!
Well, there you have it. Another great day. This year is off to a very good start.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day 1 of 2010
Before I get into the main portion of today's post I feel like I need to recommit myself to posting a piece every day of the year. You see, the last portion of this year has been very challenging for many reasons and at times it was hard for me to find the time, energy and inclination to take a moment in front of the computer and try to report on our day. So, I apologise to all of you that have been checking in day after day only to be faced with the other day's entry. I am back now. Willing and able to share those special and sometimes even the seemingly ordinary and perhaps boring moments of our life. I will try my best to be creative, diligent, positive, entertaining and insightful and for those days when eloquence, optimism, coherency and drive escapes me I ask that you... well... maybe just send some good wishes our way. So, here we go!
Day 1 of 2010 proves this family's willingness and dedication to get things done. Yes! On the first long weekend of this year we chose to commit ourselves to one of the most feared responsibilities of being parents: we chose to teach Rowan the fine art of using the potty once and for all.
I will start by admitting that Richard and I know very little about the process of teaching a small child to use the potty save for the bits and pieces of information we gathered from the world wide web. We really just went into this process hoping and trusting that we would figure it out as we go along. So the official report on this day is as follows.
We tried our very best to stay positive and optimistic. As far as patience goes I would have to give Rowan most of the credit. That boy handled the constant nagging pressure coming from us very well indeed. Statistically we had 3 hits and 4 misses which means that we had a success rate of approximately 42%. Well, that statistic is for the more scientific minded of you. Now for those of you who like to be a little more hopeful and think outside of the box I will submit the following assessment: every time there was a miss, Rowan had the opportunity to refine his senses and hone his skill. Therefor the misses were not misses at all and thus we really had a 100% success rate!
Pretty great for the first day of the year, wouldn't you say? Well done Rowan!
I have to laugh as I review this post before posting it because I didn't realise that hits and misses could be taken to mean something entirely different when it comes to a boy using a potty :) So just to clarify, what I mean by hits and misses is really whether or not he was successful at making it to the potty in time. It's funny.
Day 1 of 2010 proves this family's willingness and dedication to get things done. Yes! On the first long weekend of this year we chose to commit ourselves to one of the most feared responsibilities of being parents: we chose to teach Rowan the fine art of using the potty once and for all.
I will start by admitting that Richard and I know very little about the process of teaching a small child to use the potty save for the bits and pieces of information we gathered from the world wide web. We really just went into this process hoping and trusting that we would figure it out as we go along. So the official report on this day is as follows.
We tried our very best to stay positive and optimistic. As far as patience goes I would have to give Rowan most of the credit. That boy handled the constant nagging pressure coming from us very well indeed. Statistically we had 3 hits and 4 misses which means that we had a success rate of approximately 42%. Well, that statistic is for the more scientific minded of you. Now for those of you who like to be a little more hopeful and think outside of the box I will submit the following assessment: every time there was a miss, Rowan had the opportunity to refine his senses and hone his skill. Therefor the misses were not misses at all and thus we really had a 100% success rate!
Pretty great for the first day of the year, wouldn't you say? Well done Rowan!
I have to laugh as I review this post before posting it because I didn't realise that hits and misses could be taken to mean something entirely different when it comes to a boy using a potty :) So just to clarify, what I mean by hits and misses is really whether or not he was successful at making it to the potty in time. It's funny.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
December 2009
The month of December has been really good to us. On December 4th we left on a plane for South Africa. This was very exciting for Rowan as he loves planes! Richard and I were happy that we would be able to spend some time with our friends and family again. We also had some big events to look forward to. There was an early family Christmas get together, a memorial service for my Mom as well as Rowan's aunt
Jennifer and his now uncle Walter's wedding.
As we arrived in Johannesburg on the 5th, we were greeted at the airport by a throng of people that were very happy to see us. Few things match the feeling of being greeted with love and joy by those you love and appreciate most in life. The meet and greet at the airport was very short but oh so much appreciated by us. As we left
the airport and headed towards Benoni where Richard's parents live we were welcomed by one of those beautiful highveld thunderstorms and a rainbow visible in the night sky. It was quite special.
Rowan's Gran prepared one of our favourite South African dishes called Boboti. It was delicious and we were happy to be home and amongst family again. Needless to say we were very tired that night and went to bed quite early.
The following day was set aside for a lovely Christmas get together with my side of the family. It was also Rowan's Oupa's 60th birthday so we really had something to celebrate. Again the food was out of this world! Rowan and Richard spent a lot of time swimming in the pool. It was very nice to catch up with all the members of this rather large part of our family.
The memorial service for my Mom was very touching and sincere. We gathered together with my sister, her fiance, three of my mom's sisters, two of my cousins and my grandmother. It was really meaningful for us to all finally be able to stand together in remembrance of my mother and the life that she shared with all of us. Her ashes were placed in the wall of remembrance at the Methodist Church in Alberton.
The next couple of days were spent visiting with friends and family. We were busy every single day but were sure to make time for plenty of sunshine and swimming. I look back fondly on the mornings and afternoons spent in Granny's garden blowing bubbles, chasing cats, twirling around and around and swooping through the air like
aeroplanes.
Before we knew it, the week was over and we were heading off to the Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu Natal. We were very excited to be visiting the place that Richard and his family always visited on their vacations many years ago. Richard and I have also had a couple of opportunities to stay there so I guess it is safe to say that The Caverns Berg Resort feels like home to us. This time my sister,
Yolande and her fiance Alex joined us. Even though it rained for the two days that we were staying there we still had a great time. Rowan also enjoyed spending some quality time with his aunt and seemed to be completely smitten with Alex.
The next stop on our journey was the destination for the wedding. We drove for an hour and a half through the mountains winding through the valleys, crossing rivers and passing many traditional zulu settlements and other rural villages. There were cattle everywhere! What a wonderful treat to see such happy cows simply wandering around the grassland at the foothills of the magnificent mountain range. The air
was fresh, the sky blue and the sun as hot as could be. Rowan slept most of the way and when we arrived at Didima Lodge he was ready to have some fun. And boy did he have fun!
Jennifer and his now uncle Walter's wedding.
As we arrived in Johannesburg on the 5th, we were greeted at the airport by a throng of people that were very happy to see us. Few things match the feeling of being greeted with love and joy by those you love and appreciate most in life. The meet and greet at the airport was very short but oh so much appreciated by us. As we left
the airport and headed towards Benoni where Richard's parents live we were welcomed by one of those beautiful highveld thunderstorms and a rainbow visible in the night sky. It was quite special.
Rowan's Gran prepared one of our favourite South African dishes called Boboti. It was delicious and we were happy to be home and amongst family again. Needless to say we were very tired that night and went to bed quite early.
The following day was set aside for a lovely Christmas get together with my side of the family. It was also Rowan's Oupa's 60th birthday so we really had something to celebrate. Again the food was out of this world! Rowan and Richard spent a lot of time swimming in the pool. It was very nice to catch up with all the members of this rather large part of our family.
The memorial service for my Mom was very touching and sincere. We gathered together with my sister, her fiance, three of my mom's sisters, two of my cousins and my grandmother. It was really meaningful for us to all finally be able to stand together in remembrance of my mother and the life that she shared with all of us. Her ashes were placed in the wall of remembrance at the Methodist Church in Alberton.
The next couple of days were spent visiting with friends and family. We were busy every single day but were sure to make time for plenty of sunshine and swimming. I look back fondly on the mornings and afternoons spent in Granny's garden blowing bubbles, chasing cats, twirling around and around and swooping through the air like
aeroplanes.
Before we knew it, the week was over and we were heading off to the Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu Natal. We were very excited to be visiting the place that Richard and his family always visited on their vacations many years ago. Richard and I have also had a couple of opportunities to stay there so I guess it is safe to say that The Caverns Berg Resort feels like home to us. This time my sister,
Yolande and her fiance Alex joined us. Even though it rained for the two days that we were staying there we still had a great time. Rowan also enjoyed spending some quality time with his aunt and seemed to be completely smitten with Alex.
The next stop on our journey was the destination for the wedding. We drove for an hour and a half through the mountains winding through the valleys, crossing rivers and passing many traditional zulu settlements and other rural villages. There were cattle everywhere! What a wonderful treat to see such happy cows simply wandering around the grassland at the foothills of the magnificent mountain range. The air
was fresh, the sky blue and the sun as hot as could be. Rowan slept most of the way and when we arrived at Didima Lodge he was ready to have some fun. And boy did he have fun!
Right outside our chalet was a rock garden of sort. Rowan spotted his first gecko and that was the beginning of a weekend long search for
geckos. He turned over every rock he could find and climbed on and in between every boulder he came across. We attempted a hike or two but Rowan thought walking up a hill along a very boring path cutting through the grass in the hot sun was a silly idea. So we walked back down and the two boys went for a swim while I helped out with the wedding preparations.
The wedding rehearsal was held in the late afternoon. This was Rowan's test to see if he would in fact be happy to carry the rings down the aisle. He didn't like the idea too much and we decided that he would walk with Richard down the aisle from where the would go directly to their seats while one of the groom's men held the rings. This way Rowan could still be a part of the ceremony and show off his super
funky and slightly over the top outfit.
Rowan also made two new friends. Steph and Abi were the prettiest two flower (bubble) girls he has ever seen. Abi quite liked Rowan too and the two of them played together quite a few times.
The wedding was great. I think it could quite possibly have been one of the happiest weddings I have ever attended. Jennifer was bursting with joy and looked beautiful in her purple wedding dress. I don't think I have ever seen Walter as elated either. The children claimed the dance floor even before the dancing started and kept us and
themselves entertained for hours. The food was good and the atmosphere perfect. Wait until you see the beautiful landscape that surrounded this wonderful event. We had a lovely couple of days in the Drakensberg and we didn't want to leave.
Back in Johannesburg we said our last goodbyes to friends and family and prepared to get back on a plane. And just like that our two week South African vacation was over.
A fluffy, white blanket of snow welcomed us back home and soon we were filled with Christmas spirit. We decorated our tree, pulled out those dancing and singing snowmen and even bought a couple with lights to decorate our back yard. The stockings were stuffed and gifts wrapped while listening to some special holiday music. We cooked a great big meal and spent our Christmas morning together as a family. In the afternoon we joined our very good friends for some desert and gift
exchange. It was a very happy and blessed Christmas indeed.
The week between Christmas and this new year's eve was rather cold, wet and snowy so we ended up spending a lot of time indoors. Rowan played with all his new toys and musical instruments, he learnt to draw circles, made some progress with his potty training and learnt to identify the colours of objects. It was a productive week indeed. As for me... I spent some of my time reflecting on the past year - the
triumphs, the tragedies and those very special ordinary days that came to be 2009. I look back and I am humbled by life and it's complexities. I am thankful for all the people that have in some way or another shared their lives with us and I am glad that we were able to share some bits and pieces of our lives with all of you through
this blog.
May you all have a wonderful and blessed 2010 filled with love, joy and peace. With love from Richard, Elaine and Rowan.
geckos. He turned over every rock he could find and climbed on and in between every boulder he came across. We attempted a hike or two but Rowan thought walking up a hill along a very boring path cutting through the grass in the hot sun was a silly idea. So we walked back down and the two boys went for a swim while I helped out with the wedding preparations.
The wedding rehearsal was held in the late afternoon. This was Rowan's test to see if he would in fact be happy to carry the rings down the aisle. He didn't like the idea too much and we decided that he would walk with Richard down the aisle from where the would go directly to their seats while one of the groom's men held the rings. This way Rowan could still be a part of the ceremony and show off his super
funky and slightly over the top outfit.
Rowan also made two new friends. Steph and Abi were the prettiest two flower (bubble) girls he has ever seen. Abi quite liked Rowan too and the two of them played together quite a few times.
The wedding was great. I think it could quite possibly have been one of the happiest weddings I have ever attended. Jennifer was bursting with joy and looked beautiful in her purple wedding dress. I don't think I have ever seen Walter as elated either. The children claimed the dance floor even before the dancing started and kept us and
themselves entertained for hours. The food was good and the atmosphere perfect. Wait until you see the beautiful landscape that surrounded this wonderful event. We had a lovely couple of days in the Drakensberg and we didn't want to leave.
Back in Johannesburg we said our last goodbyes to friends and family and prepared to get back on a plane. And just like that our two week South African vacation was over.
A fluffy, white blanket of snow welcomed us back home and soon we were filled with Christmas spirit. We decorated our tree, pulled out those dancing and singing snowmen and even bought a couple with lights to decorate our back yard. The stockings were stuffed and gifts wrapped while listening to some special holiday music. We cooked a great big meal and spent our Christmas morning together as a family. In the afternoon we joined our very good friends for some desert and gift
exchange. It was a very happy and blessed Christmas indeed.
The week between Christmas and this new year's eve was rather cold, wet and snowy so we ended up spending a lot of time indoors. Rowan played with all his new toys and musical instruments, he learnt to draw circles, made some progress with his potty training and learnt to identify the colours of objects. It was a productive week indeed. As for me... I spent some of my time reflecting on the past year - the
triumphs, the tragedies and those very special ordinary days that came to be 2009. I look back and I am humbled by life and it's complexities. I am thankful for all the people that have in some way or another shared their lives with us and I am glad that we were able to share some bits and pieces of our lives with all of you through
this blog.
May you all have a wonderful and blessed 2010 filled with love, joy and peace. With love from Richard, Elaine and Rowan.
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