Kalahari Biscuit

I Love ...

2012-02-17T11:21:00.003+02:00

Noa's new It's Mine labels.

My good friend Tracy told me about them and I couldn't resist ordering some for Noa.

It was so difficult to choose from all the cute little icons ...

I eventually settled on the heart and the little castle because Noa loves all things Repunzel at the moment.

They are dishwasher and microwave safe and perfect for labelling all sorts of things.

The ones I ordered included my telephone number too.

You can order yours here.

Owen's 1st Birthday ...

2012-02-16T15:09:00.007+02:00

Can't believe that this little guy is ONE already!

We had loads of fun at his First Birthday Party at Rocklands this past weekend.

Owen & his Mommy.

Birthday Boy & his Daddy.

Happy little family.

The theme was Winnie the Pooh and this was a little pot of "honey" (custard)

... such a cute idea.

I LOVE these two ...

and this little one!

I'm not sure who had more fun destroying the Birthday Cake ... Troy

or his friends!

"Look Mommy ...

2012-02-10T15:50:00.004+02:00

... I can draw my name!"

Please ignore the fact that it says "Now draw a sheep."

Wish I had a better picture of her but she was acting a little giddy after I got so excited that she could write her name. She did it all on her own ... so proud of you bunny.

If she could she would ...

2012-02-08T15:36:00.002+02:00

If Emma could walk around like this all day she would ...

She loves this blankie. It was actually one of Noa's blankets which Emma has now adopted. She sleeps with it every night ... and can't fall asleep without it.

She is pretty attached to her dummy too.

We didn't just ...

2012-02-04T06:00:00.001+02:00

eat and open presents on holiday in December. We also ...

looked cool in cozzies,

did a bit of bird watching,

built sand castles,

walked with Grannies on beaches,

spent time with Great Aunties,

cuddled with puppies

browsed around my Mom & Aunty Sue's new shop

giggled

and laughed with special Aunties

and spent time with my beautiful Gran.

This was one of my most special and memorable holidays with my family ever ... loved every minute of it ~wish we didn't live so far away.

So it turns out ...

2012-02-03T08:50:00.003+02:00

that a VERY EXCITING opportunity has presented itself for me to sell ...

Noa has her little chicken business, so I decided that any money I make from selling these necklaces will be put away for Emma.

Please 'like' my page on facebook where I will keep you up to date with regards to stock and special offers ... thanks ;)

Spoilt ...

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000+02:00

Noa & Emma were spoilt rotten by everyone at Christmas time ...

Thank you so much for all the gifts and spoiling our little girls!

We had another Christmas pressie opening session (the 3 rd one out of 4!) at my Mom's house on Boxing Day, along with a delicious Christmas lunch.

My Mom bought Emma this cute little princess tent.

She loves it!

Noa got a whole lot of cooking and baking goodies ...

I see breakfasts in bed in my future ... lucky me!

Salt Rock ...

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000+02:00

We got to spend time with my Dad during the holidays ...

I think it was extra special for him having his two daughters and grand daughters with him on Christmas day.

Noa had Nadine Jumping off things

and Emma had her walking with her all over the place.

Salt Rock is such an awesome place for kiddies to play ~

great little tidal pools to explore

and splash around in.

We also bumped into Raymond from ESA doing what he does best.

One giant sand pit ...

endless entertainment!

Ticky Tyler ...

2012-02-01T09:38:00.002+02:00

Our visit to Natal is never complete without stopping in at Richmond to see Monique, Bash & little Tyler.

Emma was obsessed with all the dogs

and they had to return the affection of course.

Trying to get a photo of Tyler was a bit difficult ... such a busy little bee!

We had another Christmas pressie opening session

and also celebrated Monique's birthday with her.

So great to see them as always!

Ballerina ...

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000+02:00

There is huge excitement in our house ...

I've booked Noa in to start ballet lessons tomorrow.

We did a little dress up this weekend ...

I need a some serious practice in the bun department though!

Can't wait to see my little girl doing what she has been longing to do for ages.

I don't know who is more excited!

I just hope that tomorrow is not the day that she needs a little midday power nap.

I Love ...

2012-01-30T10:04:00.004+02:00

Noa's new Gumboots ...

We found them at Woolies.

Perfect for a little Farm Girl.

Miss Communication

2012-01-27T11:26:00.005+02:00

Emma has been super cute lately with the little things she says.

A few weeks ago I remember Emma waking up next to me in our bed one morning. She looked at me sleepily and said "Lo"... so adorable. Since then "halow" (hello) has become her favourite word.

The other day at work I opened the cooler box to get her juice bottle out. She saw an apple which she desperately wanted and started shouting 'halow! halow!" pointing to the apple ... it was the first word she could think of in her frustration.

I was feeding the girls supper the other day and while I was sitting with them, I was counting on my fingers, trying to work something out. Emma started pointing at her fingers trying to copy me. So I said "Look Em, you must go like this ~ one, two, three, four, five". Emma points at her first finger and says "halow". It was hilarious ... Noa and I were in hysterics.

Teething has been a REAL pain for Emma, so in desperation I ordered an Amber Teething Necklace for her.

I can't really tell if it's helping all that much but I'm too scared to take it off though in case her teething aches and pains get worse. Lots of people swear by them so I really hope it helps my little Em!

Lets hope that we'll get a few good nights sleep around here now.

Just this one time ...

2012-01-26T09:30:00.002+02:00

When my sister and I were little my Mom often dressed us the same and if not the same then in a colour variation of the same outfit ... did anyone else grow up like that? I'm sure my Mom had her reasons ~ like it looked cute and it was easier to dress us in the mornings or maybe it was just something that all mothers did those days ... no?

Anyway, I've always vowed never to dress my girls the same...

Megs bought these cute little dresses for Noa & Em for Christmas.

Noa dresses herself pretty much everyday and she still wears a skirt under her dresses (you can see it poking out the bottom). On this particular day Noa just happened to choose the same dress for her and Emma to wear ...

and so I thought for the sake of some photos and a blog post I'd let it slide.

Got to admit that they look pretty darn sweet though.

A Recipe : Chocolate Brownies

2012-01-25T06:00:00.001+02:00

I made these chocolate brownies this weekend and thought I would share the recipe with you...

They are delicious with ice cream or on their own. Noa and I whipped them up in no time and best of all is you probably have all the ingredients you need to make them at home already.

Preheat the oven up to 180°C

Ingredients:

250 g margarine

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla essence

3/4 cup cocoa

1 1/2 cups flour

* Melt the margarine and stir in the sugar.

* Add the eggs one at a time, mixing it all up after each one.

* Add the vanilla essence.

* Sift the flour and cocoa and mix in well.

* OPTIONAL : we added some pecan nuts to our mixture.

* Pour into a greased ovenproof dish and bake for 25 - 30 min

* Remove from oven and cut into squares once cooled.

* Store in an airtight container.

Warning ... these brownies are not for the faint-hearted!

Your lips will thank you ... your hips however, will not.

A few things ...

2012-01-24T06:00:00.002+02:00

I loved about our afternoon at Kobus' Boom ...

A few of our favourite people all visiting together.

Awesome splash pools in the bush.

Chilled Gogos.

Lovely family friends.

Old school friends.

Pregnant bellies.

Mommy cuddles.

Precious last few days with Aunties.

Showing off to other Aunties.

Oldest Cuzzies looking like they were born to be Chief Conductors.

Youngest Cuzzies having fun.

Beautiful brown eyed girls.

In action star jump attempts.

And last but not least ... Sunset jumping!

Mud ~ Magogong Style ...

2012-01-23T10:13:00.008+02:00

One of the easiest ways to entertain the kids is to ...

give them a little space, lots of sand,

a few watering cans

and let them play in the MUD!

Actually ... they just entertain themselves leaving you to sit back, relax and wonder how on earth you are going to get their clothes clean. Nevermind ... they are only young once ~

and they LOVE the freedom!

In the beginning of Nicholas & Daniel's visit we had to make our own mud

but that was all part of the fun.

Emma loved it

and took 1st prize when it came to the dirtiest little one around.

Love how Danny's jumping in the mud in the background!

Later on in the week it rained

leaving huge big rain puddles to splash around in.

Galla did a little Magogong mud initiation on Danny
while Emma watched on.

Danny wasn't too convinced about this whole mud initiation thing though...

so we thought we had better go wash him off before his Mommy saw him!

Cuzzie love ...

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000+02:00

These little cousins had such a fun time together.

They live far too far away from us!

From the US of A ...

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000+02:00

Keith Nel (Deano's friend from school days),

his wife Jillian and their daughter Logan live in America but come to South Africa for a visit every few years.

They always pop in to say Hi to us when they are here. Last time we saw them I was still pregnant with Noa and we managed to convince them to have a little baby of their own back then.

Noa was so happy to have Logan come visit she even did a little happy dance.

Logan wasn't 100% sure what Noa was doing ... maybe happy dances are a little different in America?

These girls had loads of fun together ... can't wait for the next visit.

Stella Stardust ...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002+02:00

Tess and Stella have been gone for just over a week now and we miss them. Noa was convinced she was flying with to Korea and was heart broken when they left. She is obsessed with going to Korea and keeps packing a little bag of goodies to take along with her for when she does get to go (which is not going to be any time soon ~ sorry bunny). She can sing Twinkle little star in Korean and even has me 'practising' the language ...

A few days before Tess and Stella left, Noa and I had this conversation while driving in the car:

Noa: Mommy did you know that naughty is silly in Korean?

Me: Gosh ... really?

Noa: Yes. Say silly.

Me: Silly.

Noa: See ... you can speak Korean! You clever like Tessa!

It's one of my favourite conversations with her ever! That and this one.

Don't forget to check out Tess' blog to see what her and Stella are up to in Korea.

Christmas part one ...

2012-01-17T11:36:00.005+02:00

Here are some photos of the little ones in their Christmas hats ... I've put them in age order because it's hard to decide who is the cutest ...

Nicholas

Noa

Daniel

Emma

and little Stella ... I had to Photoshop one in for her though!

A little message for Siana, Kian and Tyler ... we missed you this year ~ Christmas wasn't the same without you!

Emma @ the seaside ...

2012-01-16T12:30:00.003+02:00

Just a little video of Emma at the sea ...

I haven't posted any videos of Emma but with my new laptop and Windows Live Movie Maker I'm sure you will be seeing a lot more of my two girlies in action.

Quick ...

2012-01-16T11:17:00.006+02:00

Somebody take a photo before they move!

Troy, Danny, Stella, Nicholas, Owen, Noa & Emma.

Little Christians ...

2012-01-12T11:05:00.013+02:00

Emma and little Stella were Christened in December while everyone was home ... I would have loved to have Christened Emma when she turned One like we did with Noa but Father Egar was away at that stage.

A few funny things happened before the christening which I'll just mention quickly (it's good to laugh right?).

We went to church one Saturday and by the time Deano got to the front of the church to give collection, the collection basket was gone, so he slipped the money back into his pocket. After church he went up to Father Egar to ask him about Christening the girls and then also gave him the money that should have ended up in the collection basket ... I shudder to think that Father Egar thought we were bribing him!

We met up with him the week before the Christening too for a little talk. He was chatting to us about being parents and how our children watch us and learn from us. It was at that precise moment that Emma decided to throw one of her best screaming tantrums because Noa wouldn't give her something that she desperately wanted ... I really hope Father doesn't think she gets that from me!

Here are some photos from the special day ...

The Baptism

A very happy little girl!

Little Stella looking gorgeous in her dress.

I'm just posting one little pic of her and leaving it to Tess to tell her tale of her special day.

This little light of mine ...

Noa ~ little angel.

The cousins.

Emma with her Gogo.

I'm so glad this little dress still fitted her!

Very proud ...

and very happy Mommy & Daddy!

Emma's God Parents ~ Martin & Faye.

Precious sisters.

The beautiful cake that Gogo organised for us.

It was delicious!

Cuzzie photo fail ...

2012-01-11T11:12:00.003+02:00

Well, we are back from an awesome holiday and I have loads of catching up to do so my little blog is taking a back seat at the moment. I have lots to write about and stacks of pictures to post. In the mean time here are some photos of the little cousins all together ... slight photo fail but I giggle everytime I look at them ~ just seeing how hard it is to get little ones to do what you want them to ... but that's what makes these photos so cute though:

Love how Em is looking at Nicholas and Danny is obviously the only one with ears in this photo. Stella clearly doesn't want to be part of the action.

Things get a little worse.

Stella's calm and relaxed, Noa's screaming about something (maybe because Stella is squeezing her leg?) and Emma's had enough.

Oh never mind ... Mission aborted.

Roll on weekend ...

2011-12-15T14:30:00.002+02:00

Work has been so incredibly busy these last few weeks and Noa's school has closed for the holidays. My life is slightly chaotic at the moment. Lots of family arrive this weekend (YAY!) and we are heading to Natal for Christmas next week (YAY again!). Lots to do and get ready for so all I have time to post is this not so wonderful photo of my girls playing peek a boo ...

I love them! x

Wheels up ...

2011-12-13T12:27:00.005+02:00

Noa and Emma were playing on the verandah at home while I was getting their supper ready the other evening. Things suddenly got very quiet so I thought I had better go and see what those two were up to. Don't worry ... nothing bad.

Noa just decided to take Emma for a little ride on the trike to go look for some eggs.

Very cute and innocent.

Then Noa did this and Emma ended up in tears.

And then I thought that Noa probably isn't at the most appropriate age to babysit Emma just yet ... What do you think?

Photo of the day : Charl's Christening

2011-12-12T10:01:00.002+02:00

How cute is he?

Photos of the day : 101

2011-12-08T06:00:00.001+02:00

Tess, Deano and I went to watch Noa's school concert a few weeks ago ...

I'm very glad I wasn't the one trying to manage a mass of little kiddies on and off the stage. Noa was one of the a little dalmations and she along with a few other dalmatians had to run around on stage on their hands and knees and chase after Cruella de Ville. She was only on stage for about a minute but it was probably one of the proudest minutes of my life.

Cutest little dalmatian ever.

Just before the show ... make-up done, glitter sprinkled , ears on ~ Ready to go.

Photos of the day : School Photos

2011-12-07T14:47:00.003+02:00

I scanned these two pictures in so the quality is not the greatest.

They were taken at Noa's school in September.

She gets a little shy in front of someone elses camara.

Aunty Megs

2011-12-07T11:11:00.005+02:00

Megs was home for a little visit last week. Noa & Emma loved spending time with her! Noa loved chatting to her, especially about Cape Town ~ it's Noa's favourite place even though she has never been there.... it's always mentioned in conversation.

Emma LOVES swimming ... she was born to swim.

Noa wasn't feeling well and skipped school one day and spent it with Tess and Megs. Megan sent me updates via facebook as to what she was up to ... I battled to convince her to go back to school again after such a fun day with her Aunties!

Thanks for all the help Megs!

Noa is GREAT big sister ... love to watch these two interact.

Troy's Birthday ...

2011-12-06T11:14:00.003+02:00

Just some photos from Troy's Birthday Party in November ... this post is a little overdue.

The Birthday Boy ... can't believe he is 3!

Colleen & Troy

Tess & Owen

Stella & Jen

Emma

Noa

Ashley

Photo of the day : Christmas

2011-12-05T15:41:00.004+02:00

A little Christmas Fairy decorated our tiny Christmas Tree this weekend ...

while her little sister undecorated it.

I overheard this conversation the other night just before bedtime ...

Deano to Noa : I love you.

Noa to Deano : I love Father Christmas.

Guess who's trying to get into Santa's good books!

Okay, now she's really, REALLY walking ...

2011-12-05T14:49:00.005+02:00

There is no stopping her now ... Emma is walking EVERYWHERE.

From one place to another.

She challenges herself to see how far she can go ...

and she giggles and laughs with every step she takes ...

a sneaky little laugh like she can't believe her luck.

She needs both hands to balance herself though ...

so she shoves the biscuit in her mouth.

Where's the birdie Emma?

Where's your eye?

I haven't really done a post about the words Emma can say because she hasn't said all that much but lately she has been saying a few words that make me stare at her in awe...

I had my laptop on with a slideshow on at home the other day and a picture of Stella came up. Emma looked at it excitedly and said "Lella!".

She was being naughty, standing up in her high chair one day (it's her favourite thing to do lately ... makes my heart skip a few beats) and I said "Sit Em ... mommy's going to smack your bum". She new she could get away with being cheeky, she laughed and pointed to her booty and said "my bum".

She calls Gaga for Gogo, Oa for Noa, Lo for Lorraine, Baba for baby or her blankie (she loves rubbing a knitted or crocheted blanket while she drifts off to sleep).

Up, off, ta are other words she can also say.

Can't think of any more but there are others.

Love the stage she is at now!

Photo of the day : Tractor Drivers

2011-12-03T11:21:00.000+02:00

All in a days work.

This one's for Noa ...

2011-12-02T11:50:00.004+02:00

I loved the way you kept running back to give me an extra hug and a kiss

after I dropped you off at school this morning ... just saying.

Photo of the day : Officially official

2011-12-02T11:14:00.008+02:00

Emma can walk. On her own.

From one thing to another without us holding her like this ...

Without lunging forward. Without us being anywhere near her to encourage her.

Time to celebrate ... I just have to wipe the tears from my eyes first.

Photo of the day : Brothers

2011-11-29T10:22:00.004+02:00

Polar opposites yet so incredibly close.

Wonder what they were talking about here.

Photo of the day : Sparkle

2011-11-28T08:52:00.006+02:00

I've posted a photo of Noa brushing her teeth before and here is Emma's ...

I can't believe that Noa had so many teeth ... and she was wasn't even a year old yet!

Poor little Emma only has 6 front teeth. There is another one tormenting her at the moment and should hopefully be out in the next day or so.

Longest post ever?

2011-11-24T10:44:00.007+02:00

Another mobile photo post ... I seem to be taking more photos with my phone lately:

This photo was taken in the winter (you can see the bare pecan nut trees in the background)

Noa showing her support for the Bokke just before The World Cup started.

Speaking of supporting the boks ... did anyone else notice the springbok on the iced zoo biscuits?

Galla and Sanette visited us for a weekend in August.

Sanette is going to be a Mommy in April next year ... exciting times ahead for them!

Noa & Keagan at her school fun day ... she LOVES these slides!

Emma & Daisy checking on the baby chicks.

Cutest Nerd ever.

On the beach at Nahoon during our East London holiday.

Emma had a slightly better beach experience this time round.

Noa got a bee in her bonnett and started running.

She ran

and ran

and ran! When I finally caught up to her she wanted us to run up that sand dune ... luckily I persuaded her otherwise ... I might have died.

Chilling at Kei Mouth

Strawberry Field in East London ... an awesome recreational facility and playground.

There are all sorts of fun things for the kids to play with and climb!

Noa was brave enough to climb on this thing ...

I was brave enough to step away to take a photo.

And this one too ...

Very brave this child of mine.

She had loads of fun.

I helped Sanette with a Tupperware party while we there. Deano and Galla took the girls to the beach and came back with this photo ... I love it.

Chicken feeding frenzy at home.

Deano spraying the 'baby' pecan nut trees ... they are growing really well.

Cat nap ...

Noa really struggles to stay awake in the car on the way home from work sometimes.

Look how long Emma's hair was just before her haircut.

Deano away, Emma napping ... Noa and Mommy time.

Bath plug fascination

Fish? ... you there?

Emma thinks it is hilarious that her finger fits in her nose.

Marlize left Charl with me at work the other day while she went for a haircut.

He wasn't much company ... he slept just about the whole time.

Photo of the day: Free Range Chickens

2011-11-24T06:00:00.003+02:00

The problem with Free Range Chickens is just that ...

They are FREE! ~

Free to wander into your house,

Free to eat up any little morsel of food that falls from above (much to Emma's delight) and

Free to do their business on your clean kitchen floor...

now all I need to do is teach Daisy and Lucy how to herd them back out the door!

This Free Range Chicken Business is not all it's cracked up to be.

Photos of the day: Sunset

2011-11-23T10:12:00.005+02:00

Work has been keeping me busy lately ~ hence the lack of blog posts.

I've set my screensaver to show a slideshow of all my photos and these photos just popped up, they are too beautiful not to share:

This one is a little fuzzy but it shows a very special bond between a Daddy and his little girl.

And this one of the beautiful sunset in the background.

A day at the quarry ...

2011-11-16T06:00:00.001+02:00

One Sunday morning the warm sun came up and we all popped down to the Quarry for a little get together with friends ...

Emma flirting with the boys already.

Noa trying to catch a fish ...

no bites unfortunately!

Tess & Stella Stardust

Tess & Em's turn to try catch a fish.

Waiting and waiting.

What little Stella was up to while Tess was fishing

(look at her cute little foot)

My little family.

Just the girls.

Daddy Deano & Emma.

Only Tess & Marlize managed to catch a fish ... much to Deano's disappointment!

Off she goes ...

2011-11-15T10:47:00.004+02:00

Emma is officially walking ...

I say officially because she willingly let go of something

and walked as opposed to us kind of forcing her to take a few steps ...

I am thrilled

and so is she! We definitely have our work cut out for us now!

Oh and I forgot to tell you ... we have a new puppy.

Her name is lucy

She was advertised as a Jack Russell.

We bought her thinking she was maybe a Jack Russell crossed with a Dachshund.

and now she is growing into what seems might be a Jack Russell crossed with a Basset Hound!

I didn't want to get another puppy just yet but Deano convinced me otherwise. She is so incredibly naughty and drives me crazy but I secretly love her to bits (shh ... don't tell anyone).

Stand up for the champions ...

2011-11-04T09:42:00.007+02:00

Emma has been teasing us for weeks. ...

She holds onto something to steady herself, then lets go, calls to get our attention, laughs and quickly grabs back hold of whatever she was holding ... it's all a big joke ~ "look mom no hands" kind of thing.

But today she stood ...

for ages on her own ...

before she realized what she was doing!

Emma has taken the scenic route when it comes to walking and standing on her own. We've tried to have a few walking practice sessions but instead of taking steps she lunges forward into your arms. I'm sure one day everything will just click ... she will get it ... understand what this walking thing is all about and then, I'm afraid to say it ... there will be no stopping her!

I've figured out that if I put a two second self timer on my camera and hold it a little differently, I can take self portrait photos without having a strained look on my face.

Yay for photos of me ...

... with my girls.

Spin ...

2011-11-03T15:23:00.006+02:00

Noa is a real girly girl and LOVES wearing dresses.

If she can spin in it ...

she'll love it even more!

She also insists on wearing a skirt under her dresses ... I have no idea why.

She has got to the age and stage where she wants to dress herself ... I've decided to choose my battles and give her some freedom (with a bit of gentle persuasion) when it comes to dressing for school everyday.

On weekends she has free reign and can wear anything she chooses. There is a little girl in Noa's class who refuses to wear the same shoe on each foot ... so I think I have it lucky.

I love this child ...

more ...

and more ...

each day.

Hanging out with Stella ...

2011-11-02T14:41:00.002+02:00

Tess left Stella with us for a little while the other day ... she was quite happy to hang around in Emma's Chair while I got supper on the go.

This little baby LOVES me ...

I am always rewarded with a huge big smile when she sees me ... so cute!

Bet she can't wait to fly to Korea and see her Daddy again!

We are going to miss you two terribly!

Happy 6 months for last Saturday Stella!

Two Girls and a Granny...

2011-11-01T14:25:00.003+02:00

My Mom hates being in photos (which is probably where I get my photophobia from) but I did manage to snap a few of her spending time with the girls.

She spent 3 weeks with us ...

and spent every minute that she could with them.

Happy Birthday for Yesterday Mom!

And a huge Thank You for the EVERYTHING!

We love you stukkend.

It wasn't me ...

2011-10-31T14:43:00.004+02:00

So Deano gave Emma her first haircut the other day ...

I must say that her hair had reached the wispy stage and got quite knotted at the back of her head when she slept.

So here she is. She doesn't look boyish at all.

She just looks like a poor little girl who's daddy got hold of her with the clipper.

Sorry bunny ... don't worry ~

it will grow back and I won't let daddy shave your hair again... promise.

Nonsense ...

2011-10-28T11:25:00.002+02:00

Last night while I was reading to Noa before bedtime we were reading a little book about being kind to others and we got to talking about all the kids and her teacher at her school. The conversation somehow got to this ...

Me: Do you speak English to your teacher at school?

Noa: No.

Me: Do you speak Afrikaans at school?

Noa: No.

Me: Do speak Zulu at school?

Noa: No.

Me: Do you speak Tswana at school?

Noa: No.

Me: Goodness. What do you speak at school?

Noa: Nonsense.

Me: Nothing ... i just about died laughing.

Celebrating One ...

2011-10-20T16:00:00.000+02:00

Emma's birthday was great fun ... the weather was perfect and we got to spend some time with a few of our favourite people.

The Family ...

Me and my girls.

I'm always taking photos instead of being in them myself ... I'm definitely going to make a concerted effort to take more photos of myself with my family.

... so you might be seeing a little more of me around here.

See ... I told you.

Daddy Deano & the Birthday Girl.

Cute little Big Sister.

Gogo & Em

With her Granny.

Aunty Tess & lil Cuzzie Stella

The Friends ...

Baby Charl (who is 6 weeks old already!) and Marlize

Diaan

Amone'

Keagan & Tanya

Jannie, Louisa & little Truhan (who was born 8 days before Emma)

The Cake ...

After hearing my boring plans for Emma's birthday cake, Tess quickly offered to create something a little more fun ... and she most certainly did! Thank you Tess ... we loved the Caterpillar Cake!

She just knew that we were all singing for her.

Oh Happy Day!

Keagan snuck in to blow out the candles before we were even fininshed singing ...

so we started all over again ... Emma didn't mind.

She didn't quite know what to do next

so Noa helped out a little

and Keagan too (again!).

Okay ... I've had enough now. You can all go home!

Both girls were exhausted and fast asleep by 6pm ... I wasn't far behind.

Thank you for all the wishes, gifts and love sent to our little girl!

We feel very blessed.

Granny Time ...

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001+02:00

My Mom is visiting us for 3 weeks ...

Noa is loving spending time with her Granny!

One ...

2011-10-19T09:58:00.003+02:00

Just a few photos of Emma on her birthday ...

My two favourites.

The love between these two little girls is indescribable.

She didn't really like the cake but she enjoyed destroying it.

Happy 1st Birthday Em!

Meeting baby Emily ...

2011-10-15T11:00:00.000+02:00

Our friends Pops & Amanda live in Kidd's Beach, near East London, so we got to spend some time with them during our holiday. We met their new little baby ...

Emily Ruth, born on the 13th of September 2011.

Such a sweet little thing.

Matthew & Noa got on really well and played so nicely together.

Things did get a little goofy

and crazy at times though.

We loved spending time with you guys

and meeting your little princess! x

Kei Mouth ...

2011-10-14T11:33:00.005+02:00

We spent a morning at Kei Mouth while we were in East London ...

The same place where Deano and his family went camping during the December Holidays when he was growing up.

The same river where Gogo lost her false teeth when she swam across the river ... also during one of those December Holidays.

The same beach where Deano's Dad used to tow the kids behind the Landrover on a piece of conveyor belt ... skidding them along the water.

Deano's eyes light up when he talks about those days ... must have been a blast.

Noa hung around waiting for it to warm up a little,

while Galla taught Emma the art of drinking beer (just kidding ... I hope?!?)

This one's for Gogo ... thank you for Noa's new cozzie ... we love it!

Noa loves to whistle.

The fake smile.

Circles in the sand.

Emma has a love hate relationship with the beach.

She looks like she's having fun but it didn't last long. A few seconds after this photo was taken she wiped her eye and got sand in it, then started crying, then she lay down and put her face in the sand resulting in more sand in her eyes and some in her mouth and ears. She didn't like her trip to Kei Mouth as much as the rest of us ... She was much happier sipping beer with Galla.

Poolside ...

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000+02:00

It was so great to get away on a much needed break to East London. Lovely to spend time with Galla and Sanette too and for them to show us the sites and sounds of their bustling city.

They have a lovely little house (close to the shops ~ yay!) with a cute garden and swimming pool...

... perfect for Emma to stand on the side

and splash her hands in the water.

And great for Noa to run around on the shallow step.

She was even brave enough to lie down ... only for about 2 seconds though. The water was freezing!

We've been away ...

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000+02:00

We visited Galla & Sanette in East London last week ... I'll post some pics as soon as I've stopped hyperventilating ~ I still can't get over the fact that Emma is a WHOLE year old already!

ONEder ...

2011-10-11T08:54:00.003+02:00

She is ONE ...

Happy Birthday Em!

Thank you for being such a precious little girl!

May all your birthday dreams and wishes come true (you still have to eat your veggies though ... sorry). We love you more than you could ever know. x

We'll be celebrating ONE on Sunday so birthday party pics to follow.

A few reasons why I love you ...

2011-09-29T12:00:00.004+02:00

You are always happy ....

and always smiling (except when you are unhappy and crying I suppose ...

but that's not often)

You are so cute when you pick up our phones or anything for the matter to hear if there is anyone on the other side.

You have the sweetest "naughty look" I've ever seen.

I love that I get to be your mom for the rest of your life...

can't think of anything I'd rather be.

Love you Em.

A few reasons why I love you ...

2011-09-29T11:12:00.004+02:00

You are one of the sweetest little persons I know.

You love me despite me hurting you when I do your hair.

You make me laugh out LOUD ... which is the best kind of laugh I think.

You are goofy and silly ... just my kind of person.

You make me incredibly proud to be your mom...

don't ever forget that. Love you bunny.

Introducing ...

2011-09-29T10:48:00.002+02:00

Charl Basil Butler

Congrats Marlize & Clayton ... your little man is gorgeous!

We love him already.

We love visitors!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000+02:00

Colleen, James, Troy & Owen came to visit us a few weekends ago.

Troy had a ball and didn't want to leave. He was especially enthralled with Noa's chickens ... they were 1st on his to-do-list for each day and even made cheeping noises in his sleep so I'm pretty sure he was dreaming about them too. Colleen sent me an email the other day to say that Troy now has imaginary chickens and chicks at home ... one of which James stood on!

James, Colleen & their boys.

Not so little Owen.

Troy & my two little nuggets.

A ride in the wheelbarrow ... Deano's party trick.

Gosh ... she's almost 1!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.002+02:00

Almost a whole year has gone by since Emma's birth ... my littlest baby is almost One

... how did that happen?

Tooth update ... The top two teeth came through yesterday ... Finally!

Her 6 - 12 month old clothes are getting a little snug so she has now started wearing a few 12 - 18 months outfits!

She hasn't taken her first steps yet ... I'm not sure if she is scared or just very clever. Why struggle to walk and risk falling when you can crawl almost as fast as your mommy can run?

She's cruising though and grabs hold of any hand that is held out to her

so she can walk a few steps.

I'm sure she'll walk when she is ready ... no harm in getting your mommy and daddy to push or carry you around a little longer hey Em?

Rugby Fever ...

2011-09-21T09:37:00.003+02:00

South Africa , Northern Cape, Magogong ...

Rugby Fans gather for the Rugby World Cup adventure.

It's tense ...

It's gripping ...

and fills our hearts with pride as we support the Springboks!

Misery Moo ...

2011-09-07T11:34:00.002+02:00

Poor little Emma is having a REALLY tough time with her teeth.

She is usually such a happy little baby. She still only has 3 little bottom teeth but those big top ones are so almost here ... I can't wait for those puppies to break free of her gums!

So in the mean time she'll just have to chew ...

... and chew on things.

Baby Butler ...

2011-09-06T10:49:00.003+02:00

Our friends, Marlize and Clayton were blessed with a little baby boy yesterday morning.

They joined us for lunch on Sunday and I took a few photos of her belly ... just in time because she went into labour on Sunday evening!

At some stage during the pregnancy Clayton decided that he would only shave again once his little boy was here ... Marlize couldn't wait for that day to arrive!

Little Charl Butler was born at 5:15 am

5 September 2011

3.45 kg

Emma has lost a comfortable place to sit but has gained a little buddy!

So happy for them and our girls .. they have a new little play mate!

A bit of this & that ...

2011-08-26T10:56:00.003+02:00

I decided to do a mobile photo post again. Here we go ...

My friend Marlize sent me this photo of Daisy while we were on holiday in Natal ages ago ... they often babysit her for us when we go away. Her caption for the photo was "Dogs day out on the farm" ... This photo cracks me up ~ Daisy looks hilarious ... she never wants to miss out on any of the action and loves catching the breeze.

One day on our way home from work, Noa insisted on walking the last stretch through Gogo's pecan nut trees while Emma and I drove in the car next to her. She really surprised me by walking the whole way home ~ I thought that it would have lost it's appeal after the first 50 m.

Good morning Sunshine.

The first day Emma faced the front in her car seat and Noa in her booster seat.

We woke up one Saturday morning to find Deano's bakkie a little away from the carport and with it's wheels missing. It felt like we were part of some silly prank ... only it wasn't.

Sunshine Stella

Tess & Stella looking cute.

Emma Time ...

2011-08-25T11:22:00.006+02:00

Noa has been skipping her day time nap more frequently lately and sometimes only has a proper nap on the weekends. I think it finally caught up on her though because she fell asleep at work just before home time yesterday. She wouldn't wake up when we got home so I tucked her in to bed and said a little prayer that she wouldn't shout "Mommy .. I'm awake!" at 2am the next morning.

So with Noa napping away it meant that I had a little Emma Time ...

She looks like she is quite the poser

On the move ... she has learnt the art of cruising

She loves to scrunch her nose up.

Her new little bottom tooth is seriously bothering her.

I then tried to take a few photos of Emma and I ... not such an easy task with my new camera though ~

Not enough of me.

Too much me.

A little better.

I give up!

Noa woke up at 7 last night and ate some supper with us. I didn't have the heart to send her straight back to bed so let her lie with us while we watched a little telly ...

I guess they both must have had an exhausting day!

Emma update ...

2011-08-18T15:16:00.004+02:00

Emma has been surprising us each day with the little things she can do.

She loves to crawl around and is standing up against EVERYTHING ... lovely for her ... exhausting for me!

She can make brrr noises.

She waves and says "Iiiii!"

and she can clap her hands!!!

Teething has been a real struggle for this poor little baby of mine ... and she only has 3 little bottom baby teeth to show for it! I don't remember Noa ever struggling like Emma has. I wonder what the rest has in store for us?

What's Crackalackin ...

2011-08-17T09:55:00.004+02:00

Noa's chicken business has kicked off ...

they have started laying eggs ALL over the garden.

Here they are hovering by my front door waiting for some food.

Deano salvaged these egg boxes from a friend.

You will often see Noa pulling this face in photos ~ sometimes the only way I can get her to look at me is to scream and say "What's on my head?" ... hence the expression.

So we got some egg boxes ... next is the label.

She takes this chicken business very seriously...

Okay ... maybe not so seriously.

Oh never mind ... she doesn't take it seriously at all!

The finished product ... Wanna buy some?

Okay we'll give you some but donations are welcome ;)

It's a blur ...

2011-08-15T15:45:00.004+02:00

This past weekend flew by without me taking any photos so I decided to take a few while the kids were in the bath on Sunday evening. Deano bought me a smart new camera a while back (thank you baby!) and I am loving my new little gadget. The first two photos are a bit blurry ... I clearly have a lot to learn.

Little Miss Sunshine 1

Little Miss Sunshine 2

My cute lil family ... Love you so much! x

Ten ...

2011-08-12T12:24:00.003+02:00

Wow! Emma turned 10 months old yesterday ...

I'm having a hard time processing how quickly these last 10 months have gone!

What's even more crazy is that we'll be celebrating ONE in 2 months time!

Thank you for being our sunshine ...

... and our alarm clock!

We love you bunny. x

Hugs and kisses ...

2011-08-10T15:08:00.003+02:00

Sisterly love albeit one sided at this stage.

Noa gives the best hugs ~ she SQUEEZES with all her might.

And Emma has started giving us kisses ... she makes them as sloppy as she can!

Little Farm Girl ...

2011-08-08T12:46:00.004+02:00

We were at Clayton and Marlize's place yesterday and Noa jumped at the chance to feed the little baby calf who had lost it's mom a few weeks ago.

She was a bit apprehensive at first ...

... but that didn't last too long.

Little Em watched on and let the calf suck her fingers when the bottle was finished ...nice and sloppy.

Shooz ...

2011-08-05T06:00:00.001+02:00

I bought Emma these cute little shoes the other day. She had other soft little baby shoes but they never stayed on very long. These ones managed to stay on for longer than five minutes at least.

(proper pair anyway)

Dinky & Cute!

Favourites ...

2011-08-04T06:00:00.002+02:00

I asked Noa what a few of her favourite things were this past weekend. Here are her answers ...

Colour : Yellow.

(which she used to pronounce lellow)

Movie : Pooh's Heffalump Movie.

She love, Love, LOVES it.

Story : Little Red Riding Hood.

(Although I seem to be reading Goldilocks at least 5 times a week)

Song : Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika

(Which she ends off with "South Africa our Lamb")

It's her favourite song to sing in the car ALL the way home from work ... proudly South African for sure!

Chicken : The Yellow One (obviously)

Food : Wors and this (pointing at her supper) which consisted of fish, cauliflower, broccoli (which she called brolliflower at one stage), tomatoes and basmati rice.

Fruit : Strawberries, bananas, naartjies, oranges and juice (eh? oh fruit juice).

That's it. It will be interesting to see what she says in a few months time so I'll definitely be doing this again.

Magic ...

2011-08-03T11:05:00.005+02:00

This post was going to be about Emma and food ...

but then I decided to spice it up a little and show you how Emma totally proved Tommee Tippee wrong.

I bought this "Magic Mat" to help prevent those little spills that always happen when a baby and food get together. It can be used on any flat surface and holds bowls and plates securely so there is less mess ... sounds like a mommy's dream come true!

Until Emma got hold of it that is.

Very determined to get this plate loose.

She figured out their little secret.

Like the mean mommy I am I kept sticking it back again.

Satisfaction!

Sorry Tommee Tippee ... your magic mat doesn't work in our house!

Hopscotch ...

2011-07-28T12:08:00.006+02:00

When I dropped Noa off at school the other day, the older kiddies were playing hopscotch on the path that leads up to the school building. Some of the parents even joined in as they were walking past. I thought I would teach Noa the basics of it yesterday ...

Serious concentration.

She kind of got the idea but I think she is a bit too young to play it properly~ or she just isn't a hopscotch fan ... who knows.

So then we decided to draw instead.

Far more interesting.

This little one wanted to join in too.

She is never far from the action.

Weekend Randoms ...

2011-07-27T14:45:00.004+02:00

Just some photos from our weekend chilling at home ~ nothing hectic planned but whatever we did felt just perfect ...

Noa in her school shirt which they all have to wear on a Friday.

One of my favourite photos from the weekend ... these two have become great friends.

Noa jumping on the trampoline on Saturday ... I let her stay in her Hello Kitty pajamas all day ~ because some days just need to be spent in your PJ's.

Off they go again.

I get a shock every time I look at this little baby of mine ... Can't believe she will be celebrating ONE in 2 months and a bit!

No weekend is complete without a blankie, toys and some winter sunshine.

I took some photos for My Secret Little Something

Here's another one to keep you guessing.

Sunday was Stella Time, who is finally back from an extended holiday with her Mommy and Gogo to visit Monique, Bash & Tyler.

Pink Puffy Marshmallow Cuzzies

My other favourite photo from the weekend ... a few of my favourite people all in one picture.

Nap time for Emma is spent exploring her cot for the first 15 minutes before she finally drifts off to sleep.

The newest member of the Chubby Checker Clan ... can't believe how much this little baby has changed in 3 weeks!

Busy ...

2011-07-22T10:23:00.002+02:00

"You making me busy!!!" ...

That's what Noa shouts when you spin her around in your arms or on the swing. I've tried to explain that it's dizzy but I think she keeps saying busy because it makes us laugh.

Busy is what Emma is lately too ...

Not even Daisy's bowel of food is safe anymore!

And she can totally say "Mamma" ...

... most often when she's crawling to me or all over me or when I walk into the room.

We are working on Dadda and Noa ... she looks at them when I ask where they are, which is a start. I think she can say "Hi" but I'm not 100% sure about that though.

And she knows her name ... Hello Em.

Only ...

2011-07-20T10:12:00.000+02:00

My Make-It-Happen quote for the week ...

I have a little something up my sleeve that I am planning but I am filled with self doubt at the moment so I need all the motivation that I can get.

I promise to let you in on the secret as soon as I muster up the courage to get it out there.

FYI ...

2011-07-19T15:30:00.003+02:00

For those of your living in South Africa and even those who don't but visit often ... Did you know that if you sign up your little ones to the Reggies Fun Club you will get a R50 Reggies voucher when you do and also a R50 voucher when he/she celebrates their birthday. It is definitely worth the effort of filling in the application form. I got Emma's voucher via email today ~ so I thought I would share the news.

My little helper ...

2011-07-18T14:42:00.004+02:00

Sharing the workload since 2010.

Emma is one lucky girl to have such a great big sister.

A mixed bag ...

2011-07-15T14:37:00.015+02:00

I was going through the photos on my phone the other day and then I got hold of Deano's phone too and decided to do a blog post with all our cellphone photos which might otherwise be lost forever if something ever had to happen our phones ... the quality is not the greatest but the memories are. They are in no particular order ...

Noa and her chickens.

Deano had some eggs hatched in an incubator and now we have LOTS of chickens at home. One of Noa's very favourite things to do is to feed them and watch them peck away. Deano has got big dreams for Noa to start a little chicken business to make a little bit of pocket money for herself.

The hail ...

One afternoon in May the clouds came rumbling in over the plots and bought this freak hail storm along with it. It was a lot worse in other parts of our area and wreaked havoc on the crops and pecan nut trees.

I have no words.

Tess and baby Stella (1day short of a month old)

One word comes to mind ... Moeg.

Emma and I passing the time outside while I was still on maternity leave.

Noa squeezing in for a group shot. x

Pink ...

The girls and I went to visit Aunty Lynne and Gaby to help me with Tess' baby shower preparations ... we almost made Tess wear this wig ... can't remember why we decided not to though.

Emma ... almost 5 months old.

Emma & Noa playing in the sea shells that Galla bought home from East London for the chickens.

This may or may not have been the reason for my washing machine breaking a few weeks ago.

My mom made that Teddy for Noa before she was even born ... one can understand now why he is a little on the dirty side.

Noa having her hair washed at the hairdresser yesterday ... wish she would smile like that at me when I was her hair. (Still love you though bunny).

The blanket my Granny crocheted for me ... keeps me warm while watching telly during this long cold winter.

Emma holding her own bottle ... Dr brown's was the only bottle she would drink from.

Ashley and Emma at Colleen's baby shower in January.

My little Noa looking like a cute little pixie ... her fringe was still struggling to grow back then.

Summertime ...

hard to think how hot it can get when it is so cold now.

Our baby cows ... who have since been sold along with their Mommies.

Emma chilling in the Bumbo @ 3 1/2 months.

All smiles in her car seat (3 months).

Noa having her hair washed and smiling at her previous haircut.

They have this very cool massage bed that you can lie on while they do it.

Country roads.

I went through a crazy few days where I actually thought that I had the time and inclination to go walking everyday ... I loved it but then I felt bad that I was leaving my girls at home with Lorraine ... I also got a little lazy. Now that I'm back at work there is even less time.

Dummy ... she finally digs it. (4 months old)

The little farm girl.

Once again ... I have no words except old fart ~ never thought I'd type that in a blog post?

Ahhh ... cute (4 months).

2 months ... I miss those days (the cuteness not the sleeplessness)

Napping pool side (almost 2 months)

Happiness is ...

Snip - Snip ....

2011-07-14T15:35:00.004+02:00

I took Noa for a haircut this morning ...

I have no idea if her hair will ever look like this again before her next trip to the hairdresser so I just had to document this momentous occasion. There is always an Oscar performance when I wash or brush her hair at home ~ that or bribes of super surprises.

But it is a completely different story at the hairdresser.

Noa often pretends that she is phoning Lindy on her plastic phone to make a hair appointment.

The convo goes something like this ~

Hello Lindy ... will you cut my hair?

~pause~

Yes, it's Noa

~pause~

On Thursday? Yes that's right.

(I think Thursday is her most favourite day of the week ... it's her answer for any "when"question)

~pause~

Yes, okay.... BYE!!!!

Smile Noa

Oh nevermind.

There's one good thing about the winter ...

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000+02:00

... Oranges.

Delicious ...

Freshly squeezed, straight off the tree ...

... Yum.

Sisterhood ...

2011-07-12T06:00:00.001+02:00

... Sharing secrets already.

Emma crawling ...

2011-07-11T14:28:00.007+02:00

Life has stepped up a notch in the hectic department now that Emma has found her freedom ... she just wants to get going and if that isn't enough, she has now discovered that she can pull herself up if she grabs hold of something ... often with disastrous results.

Can't let this little one out of your sight ... who knows what she will get up to.

This is my most favourite part ... the unsteady, exaggerated lift of each hand but it doesn't last long though ... once she's got her groove it's turns into a quick little shuffle.

I had to call Deano to come and have a look at how quickly she moved around the bed the other night after her bath ... quick as a flash with out any clothes to offer any resistance!