Our time in South Africa

We had wonderful time in SA. Cape Town was superb and a great introduction to the heat that we endured in Durban. Susan was an excellent tour guide and we really enjoyed our drive around the Peninsula, stopping off at Kommetjie for fish and chips, along Chapman's peak and back to Rondebosch. Easter was spent with Lynne & Roly in Eshowe. After Easter we spent one week in Durban - attending Kerry & Neil's wedding, shopping (mostly for Owen!), catching up with friends & family. Rachel (his Durban cousin) was of great interest to him as she was also a little person that made little person noises too. Then it was time for Brendon to say goodbye to Owen & mom, and head off back to Holland. Owen & mom's time in Eshowe passed so quickly. The weather was great and there were hardly any rainy days. It was not difficult to get up to another great day in Africa, although we won't mention the load shedding! Owen really enjoyed passing his time looking at the trees swaying in the wind in Eshowe Granny's lovely garden, the dogs, the cat, chickens and most of all the fish. He also enjoyed starting his solids. A nice change from only milk for both mom & Owen. Butternut was a hit and before long he was enjoying pear & prunes too. All too soon it was time to pack the suitcase and head back to Holland. Mom went overboard on buying Owen winter clothes for Holland so had to sit on the suitcase to close it. The bags weighted 40kg's and after composing my tearful self at the airport, as did the check-in lady & Durban Granny, I paid the excess luggage cost and headed off into the terminal to start the trek to NL. First stop Cape Town. The flight was mostly uneventful. Owen did cry inconsolably on descent as his ears were sore. Kulula staff were excellent when it came to assistance. My baggage was pushed all the way to the arrivals hall where Susan picked me up. A relaxed afternoon & good bath time set the scene for what I hoped would be a good flight. It was a good flight for Owen, who slept most of the way, but Mom got off the flight feeling a bit bleary-eyed! Each time there was turbulence mom was woken to take Owen out the bassinet and strapped to her belt. This happened about 4 times. But all was forgotten by the time we reached the arrivals hall and dad was there to meet us. Owen was the only one with dry eyes!

We survived the journey untraumatised!

All we can say is that we have a really good son! We were quite nervous about the flight as the overnight at the hotel went really badly. Owen woke up so often, we couldn't get the temperature right in the room, the cot mattress was so thin Owen may as well have slept on the carpet. But again we put on our brave faces bundled into the bus and headed off to check in. All went extremely well. The big test was getting on the plane and getting through the flight without traumatising mom, dad and other passengers. The plane trip went well, although wishing 11.5 hours to go by uneventfully was draining. The take-off was a bit of a worry but Owen sucked his dummy and gave his usual wind-down yell, of which Brendon could hear in business class, but then fell asleep. There were other infants and toddlers on board too and Owen was a constant source of entertainment to most of the ladies he came in contact with. His routine was not too disturbed and he did not find passing the hours boring even just looking at his only on-board toys piglet and Mr. Banana. He spent his sleep time in the bassinet and at 6pm went to bed as usual - swaddled. On landing he was still asleep buckled to me on my lap. The airport was a struggle. Our stroller went missing and carrying Owen was tiresome. But we made it to Sue's house and were all in bed by 12.45am. All in all a success!

Our first family holiday - to South Africa

Today our bags are packed and we are ready to head for sunny South Africa. It used to take a few hours for Brendon and I to organise ourselves before a trip but now that Owen has arrived a more detailed inventory check is needed - baby sun cream, baby sun glasses, nappies, nappies and more nappies. We look like refugees with all our luggage just for our one month. Who knew someone so little would need so much stuff. Tonight we will stay at a hotel close to Schiphol and tomorrow morning brave the new day that will teach us how to travel with an infant. We look forward to the adventure but also feel a little unprepared. Owen has so many people to meet like Eshowe Granny & Grandpa - Roly & Lynne, his aunts - Vera & Evelyn, his cousin - Rachel and his first secondary carers Durban Granny & Grandpa - Lynese & Douglas. Our first stop is in Cape Town where we will spend 4 days with Sue, Brendon's aunt. Then off to Eshowe for Easter, onto Durban, and then back to Eshowe again. Brendon will leave during this time for business.

4 Days short of 4 months old!

I cannot believe Owen is almost 4 months. The time has sped by so quickly. While Brendon has been away this week Owen and Mom have been spending 24-7 together. The week has been busy with visitors, a birthday party with the girls and an outing to Joepie Speelpaleis with other international moms from Breda. Owen was so overwhelmed by the noisy children, loud music and flashing lights on the ceiling that we had to leave after 1 hour. He will definitely enjoy this place when he is a bit older and can walk around. He is also starting to hold his toys and there has been the odd occasion when I find his frog hand puppet on top of his face and he is sound asleep. His routine is well established, apart from the odd wobble, and his bedtime ritual a breeze. He goes to sleep on his own in his crib without a problem. Sleep time at night is normally from 6pm to 3am, then a feed and back to bed until around 6am. I thought the day would never arrive that his sleep would be more than 3 or 4 hours. What a joy it is to hear him gurgling in his crib waiting for me to come and pick him up and that face....it melts my heart when he sees me and starts smiling! Tomorrow Brendon will be home from his trip to New Zealand. We have missed him so and I am sure Owen will be happy that Daddy will do his bath time's again so he doesn't have to look at Mom's face the whole day!

Owens Dedication

Today Owen was dedicated at church. It was a very special day for all. Brendon's parents were there as well as all our friends in the church. We are very blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family. Owen was very well behaved and even managed to wave at the congregation from the podium.