Murphy's Law
The other Monday I wanted to take Owen to be weighted and measured as I had missed taking him at his 13th month. On the Saturday I noticed Owen had a black eye. This was not a surprise to me. He is in constant motion and always with something in not only one but both hands. And considering banging things on his head is his new form of entertainment I was relieved to see it was just a black eye and not something major. The next weigh date was a Friday so I thought the black eye would disappear and that would be a better day to take him. My fear of the clinic giving social services my details far outweighed the need to know Owens statistics that Monday. By Wednesday things were not looking any better. Owen was sporting another bruise, this time on his cheek, and also a scratch on his forehead. Even the lady at the gym creche asked what had happened to him. I just said "I don't know". It is hopeless to explain. Lets hope Monday he doesn't look like WBA champion. Now Thursday Owen and I had the day waxed. We were running on time and the destination was the supermarket and then our usual fixed appointment, a playgroup at a friends home. We were doing alright until I closed the front door behind me. An impulsive thought led me to put Owen down so he could cruise the pavement in front of our house. A little freedom could be good I thought. The only moment that I looked away Owen fell over onto his hands and knees. I decided at this point that maybe he would get dirty and wet and delay our plans. So I scooped him up and put him in his car seat. Next thing I saw and smelt dog poop on his shoe. I immediately took it off and wiped the poop off with a bumwipe. Next it was on his pants. Not too bad I thought and wiped it off with a bumwipe too. Good. No more dog poop in sight. Next stop supermarket. Once all the items were in the trolley and we were at the check-out I happened to glance down and no-way........dog poop all down the front of my jacket and jeans from picking Owen up and putting him in the car. Now I was starting to see red! This lead me to some internet research. There are approximately 16.4 million people living in Holland. Lets estimate half of the population has at least 1 dog (figures are not found) as owning a dog here is high on every Dutchies list. This costs them Eur 54 per year for the first dog and would give the government around Eur 442 million to spend on dog services they provide for this money. Not one cent of the Eur 442 million is spent on cleaning the pavement outside our house! But actually the government are not to blame. I would have thought that Eur 54 would deter a Dutchie. The thought of a wet pooch in our house deters me. Even though it is winter the consequence of owning a pet is that it has to poop. I wish people would be more considerate, when out walking their pet, to the enjoyment of those out walking their toddlers.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Saturday, 10 January 2009
The water freezes over
The last time it was this cold (-8 degrees during the day)and people were able to skate on the water was 12 years ago. The roads were icy and the days were snowy. It was beautiful. Owen, Brendon & I ventured onto the lake, in the pram, in the neighbourhood whilst everyone (and yes their dog too) skated (or slid) and had fun on it. But alas after 2 weeks the ice melted and soon the neighbourhood returned to its normal winter look - rainy and cold.
The last time it was this cold (-8 degrees during the day)and people were able to skate on the water was 12 years ago. The roads were icy and the days were snowy. It was beautiful. Owen, Brendon & I ventured onto the lake, in the pram, in the neighbourhood whilst everyone (and yes their dog too) skated (or slid) and had fun on it. But alas after 2 weeks the ice melted and soon the neighbourhood returned to its normal winter look - rainy and cold.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Christmas in South Africa
With my exams out the way it was time for another trip to South Africa. Owen, Brendon & I had last been there 8 months ago in March/April. It was not a secret that I was dreading the flight there and back. Owen has become so active I could just imagine him kicking the peoples chair in front of him, lifting the tray table up and down for the umpteenth time, wanting to touch everything that could move...............
We spent our night (as per standard) before our flight in the hotel close to Schiphol. It was event-less and we got a decent nights sleep. At check-in we were pleasantly surprised by our up-grade to business class seats (not services only seats). We had absolutely no problem with this. The Lord was definitely looking after us on this trip as we had the same up-grade on the way home. Apparently this was unheard of. Only by this time Owen was used to travelling in a bigger chair and he preferred sleeping alone on the chair, pushing me off at every available chance. Our flight went smoothly and during Owens wake time Brendon and I would take turns to look after him and the other one would watch a movie. Owen was content to play with his toys for about 3 minutes before something more exciting caught his attention. He played peek-a-boo with the curtains, tried to open the airplane door handle, constantly sat in the isle so no one could pass.
Our time in SA was spent mostly in Eshowe and a few days in Durban. The weather was perfect bar 2 days where it was really too hot to go out. Our days were spent relaxing, swimming, eating, eating some more and venturing out into our surroundings. Christmas was a special time for all of us. Owen was delighted with the present opening. He got such great gifts. We gave him a fabric castle (where he and grandpa Roly played in), Granny Lynne and Grandpa Roly gave him clothes and a big truck. Other presents included a drum, stacking containers, plastic links, wooden cars, squeaky frogs and bath toys. What a blessed little boy.
Brendon was fantastic. He was POD at night and I was POD in the wee hours of the morning. It is much more pleasant to be up in Africa at 5am compared to Europe. It is warmer, lighter and we could go outside and wonder around. Owen looked at the fish, listened to the birds and chickens. The dogs were probably very happy to see the back end of Owen as he was always picking up their feet, poking them in their eyes and giving them a general examination whenever they were within his reach.
Granny Lynne had special "Owen time" each morning. Cuddling on their bed and zurbiting his tummy . Owen learned how to go down the 3 stairs in Eshowe. First forward on his tummy and then step by step standing up. He loved investigating all the nooks and crannies and managed to trash a lamp within 5 minutes of arriving. Needless to say he left a trail of broken bits and pieces when we eventually departed 10 days later.
Owen developed a nasty cough whilst in Eshowe. We took him to the doctor there and was given a concoction of antihistamine and panado. It still did not clear up totally so we took him to Garth, Brendon's uncle in Durban. He prescribed a cough mixture (for an allergy)that after asking at the 4th chemist, was apparently unavailable nationwide. Funny that sounds like the same story as the elusive "Supernova" Adidas running shoes that I was looking for. Makes me think there are a lot of allergic runners out there.
The last few days we spent with Brendon's sisters and Owen's cousins in Durban. He had a great time with them. Sharing toys/things seemed to be a difficult thing for Rachel and Owen. Rachel saying "baba mine" and Owen trying to take Evangelines dummy out her mouth. Evangeline did not object but in time I think she will not be very happy about that. The last day we had a photo shoot with all and sundry and got some excellent pictures of the little urchins in action. What a precious bunch of little people.
After stocking up on our usual SA supplies to take home we loaded the car with our "refugee look" and headed to the airport. Another very enjoyable trip to South Africa!
With my exams out the way it was time for another trip to South Africa. Owen, Brendon & I had last been there 8 months ago in March/April. It was not a secret that I was dreading the flight there and back. Owen has become so active I could just imagine him kicking the peoples chair in front of him, lifting the tray table up and down for the umpteenth time, wanting to touch everything that could move...............
We spent our night (as per standard) before our flight in the hotel close to Schiphol. It was event-less and we got a decent nights sleep. At check-in we were pleasantly surprised by our up-grade to business class seats (not services only seats). We had absolutely no problem with this. The Lord was definitely looking after us on this trip as we had the same up-grade on the way home. Apparently this was unheard of. Only by this time Owen was used to travelling in a bigger chair and he preferred sleeping alone on the chair, pushing me off at every available chance. Our flight went smoothly and during Owens wake time Brendon and I would take turns to look after him and the other one would watch a movie. Owen was content to play with his toys for about 3 minutes before something more exciting caught his attention. He played peek-a-boo with the curtains, tried to open the airplane door handle, constantly sat in the isle so no one could pass.
Our time in SA was spent mostly in Eshowe and a few days in Durban. The weather was perfect bar 2 days where it was really too hot to go out. Our days were spent relaxing, swimming, eating, eating some more and venturing out into our surroundings. Christmas was a special time for all of us. Owen was delighted with the present opening. He got such great gifts. We gave him a fabric castle (where he and grandpa Roly played in), Granny Lynne and Grandpa Roly gave him clothes and a big truck. Other presents included a drum, stacking containers, plastic links, wooden cars, squeaky frogs and bath toys. What a blessed little boy.
Brendon was fantastic. He was POD at night and I was POD in the wee hours of the morning. It is much more pleasant to be up in Africa at 5am compared to Europe. It is warmer, lighter and we could go outside and wonder around. Owen looked at the fish, listened to the birds and chickens. The dogs were probably very happy to see the back end of Owen as he was always picking up their feet, poking them in their eyes and giving them a general examination whenever they were within his reach.
Granny Lynne had special "Owen time" each morning. Cuddling on their bed and zurbiting his tummy . Owen learned how to go down the 3 stairs in Eshowe. First forward on his tummy and then step by step standing up. He loved investigating all the nooks and crannies and managed to trash a lamp within 5 minutes of arriving. Needless to say he left a trail of broken bits and pieces when we eventually departed 10 days later.
Owen developed a nasty cough whilst in Eshowe. We took him to the doctor there and was given a concoction of antihistamine and panado. It still did not clear up totally so we took him to Garth, Brendon's uncle in Durban. He prescribed a cough mixture (for an allergy)that after asking at the 4th chemist, was apparently unavailable nationwide. Funny that sounds like the same story as the elusive "Supernova" Adidas running shoes that I was looking for. Makes me think there are a lot of allergic runners out there.
The last few days we spent with Brendon's sisters and Owen's cousins in Durban. He had a great time with them. Sharing toys/things seemed to be a difficult thing for Rachel and Owen. Rachel saying "baba mine" and Owen trying to take Evangelines dummy out her mouth. Evangeline did not object but in time I think she will not be very happy about that. The last day we had a photo shoot with all and sundry and got some excellent pictures of the little urchins in action. What a precious bunch of little people.
After stocking up on our usual SA supplies to take home we loaded the car with our "refugee look" and headed to the airport. Another very enjoyable trip to South Africa!
Friday, 12 December 2008
He walks!
Today when Brendon came home from work he gave Owen a good walking workout using his walker toy and the vegetable rack. Little did we know it would pay off a little later. Just before bath time Brendon asked me to look for Owens new toothbrush upstairs. I got to the step gate just in time for both of us to witness Owens first real steps on his own. He went from our bed to the door all on his own. It was so silent during those seconds you could hear a pin drop! Well done my little man. I am such a proud mama!
Today when Brendon came home from work he gave Owen a good walking workout using his walker toy and the vegetable rack. Little did we know it would pay off a little later. Just before bath time Brendon asked me to look for Owens new toothbrush upstairs. I got to the step gate just in time for both of us to witness Owens first real steps on his own. He went from our bed to the door all on his own. It was so silent during those seconds you could hear a pin drop! Well done my little man. I am such a proud mama!
Friday, 5 December 2008
Sinterklaas
In the days leading up to December 5 (starting when Saint Nicholas has arrived in the Netherlands by steamboat), young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing special 'Sinterklaas-songs'. Often the shoe is filled with a carrot or some hay for the horse of St. Nicholas. On the next morning they will find a small present in their shoe, ranging from a bag of chocolate coins to a bag of marbles or some other small toy. On the evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the past year (in practice to all children). This is often done by placing a sack with presents outside the house or living room, after which a neighbour or parent bangs the door or window, pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. Another option is to hire or ask someone to dress up as Sinterklaas and deliver the presents personally. This character is the equivalent of Santa Claus in the rest of the world.
So as Owen is still very young we did not go this whole route and instead took his shoes (one real one and one coloured in one by mom) to two supermarkets where on specific days before the 5th Sinterklas showed up and put goodies in the shoe. I think mom found the experience and goodies much more entertaining and yummy than Owen.
In the days leading up to December 5 (starting when Saint Nicholas has arrived in the Netherlands by steamboat), young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing special 'Sinterklaas-songs'. Often the shoe is filled with a carrot or some hay for the horse of St. Nicholas. On the next morning they will find a small present in their shoe, ranging from a bag of chocolate coins to a bag of marbles or some other small toy. On the evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the past year (in practice to all children). This is often done by placing a sack with presents outside the house or living room, after which a neighbour or parent bangs the door or window, pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. Another option is to hire or ask someone to dress up as Sinterklaas and deliver the presents personally. This character is the equivalent of Santa Claus in the rest of the world.
So as Owen is still very young we did not go this whole route and instead took his shoes (one real one and one coloured in one by mom) to two supermarkets where on specific days before the 5th Sinterklas showed up and put goodies in the shoe. I think mom found the experience and goodies much more entertaining and yummy than Owen.
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