0. The number of times Kai has rolled over
1. Number of teeth currently coming through
2. Number of capitals she has been to. (Washington DC/USA & Pretoria/RSA)
3. Naps a day
4. Time of the day Daddy calls
5. Bottles a day
6. The number of teeth Kai has at the moment (3 on the top – 3 on the bottom)
7. The number of butt pats to get Kai off to sleep
7.5 Kg.Weight she is at the moment (16.5lbs)
8. Number of piano lessons she has had with Nampa
9. Nappies a day
10. How many months she will be when she sees Daddy
11. How many months she will be when she flies home
12. Number of hours she sleeps a night.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Tribute to Cecilia O’Niel
Tribute to Cecilia O’Niel – The most wonderful Grandmother!
November 1906- June 2007
Can you imagine living 100 years? What she must have seen? World War 1 and 2. Motorcars, moving pictures, movies, colour photographs, air travel, television and so much more. How many presidents did she see being sworn in?
She was born in Chorley England one of 9 siblings. She met my Grandfather at age 6. They were married for 59 ½ years but knew each other for 82 years before he died. They had 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
My only wish before coming home was for her to meet my Kailey, and she did – it was such special visits we made and so wonderful for me to see them together. Her only wish was to get her letter from the Queen (something Queen Elizabeth does to all citizens who turn 100) She was so excited when she received it.
In 1935 her and Granddad moved to South Africa since work was scarce in England and South Africa offered a new world of gold mines and better opportunities.
She was part of a generation we don’t know anymore. A strong and selfless generation. Where hardships from the wars, depressions, and ever-changing world made them know what was important in life.
She saved everything! Even the sheets on her bed were cut in half and sewn together on the outside. I remember her saving bath water in buckets to flush the toilet during the drought times. She knew how to conserve. She was so good in fact that she was happy to help you with your sherry or brandy if you did not want it! (Nothing went to waste)
She respected so many people and always gained the respect of everyone around her. She never complained, even if she had reason to. I always remember her saying ‘no one wants to hear my complaints’.
As for being a Grandmother – she let us do all the things we weren’t allowed to do at home. We could have ice cream after breakfast (I really remember that one very well) She walked faster than anyone I had ever met – and that was at 90! She was a wonderful role model and was very aware that a lady was always a lady. Her whole life she wore stockings and a skirt, and of course never went anywhere without a handbag. (Even just walking around the old age home) She always remained a lady and left every situation with such class and style.
I will always remain in awe of this wonderful woman who was a asset to her community, a necessity to her family and the worlds greatest Grandmother……
Rest in Peace Gran, I hope your dancing!
November 1906- June 2007
Can you imagine living 100 years? What she must have seen? World War 1 and 2. Motorcars, moving pictures, movies, colour photographs, air travel, television and so much more. How many presidents did she see being sworn in?
She was born in Chorley England one of 9 siblings. She met my Grandfather at age 6. They were married for 59 ½ years but knew each other for 82 years before he died. They had 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
My only wish before coming home was for her to meet my Kailey, and she did – it was such special visits we made and so wonderful for me to see them together. Her only wish was to get her letter from the Queen (something Queen Elizabeth does to all citizens who turn 100) She was so excited when she received it.
In 1935 her and Granddad moved to South Africa since work was scarce in England and South Africa offered a new world of gold mines and better opportunities.
She was part of a generation we don’t know anymore. A strong and selfless generation. Where hardships from the wars, depressions, and ever-changing world made them know what was important in life.
She saved everything! Even the sheets on her bed were cut in half and sewn together on the outside. I remember her saving bath water in buckets to flush the toilet during the drought times. She knew how to conserve. She was so good in fact that she was happy to help you with your sherry or brandy if you did not want it! (Nothing went to waste)
She respected so many people and always gained the respect of everyone around her. She never complained, even if she had reason to. I always remember her saying ‘no one wants to hear my complaints’.
As for being a Grandmother – she let us do all the things we weren’t allowed to do at home. We could have ice cream after breakfast (I really remember that one very well) She walked faster than anyone I had ever met – and that was at 90! She was a wonderful role model and was very aware that a lady was always a lady. Her whole life she wore stockings and a skirt, and of course never went anywhere without a handbag. (Even just walking around the old age home) She always remained a lady and left every situation with such class and style.
I will always remain in awe of this wonderful woman who was a asset to her community, a necessity to her family and the worlds greatest Grandmother……
Rest in Peace Gran, I hope your dancing!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
First Snow In 26 Years!
First snow in 26 years!!!!! Such a big event on Wednesday – everyone was gob smacked. It never snows in Johannesburg and it did this week. I even remember the snow in 1981, we played in it all day and then packed the snow in Tupperware and put it in the freezer for the next day. Who would ever think that Kailey’s first snow would be in Africa!
Needless to say it did not last very long – but it was still fun!
Needless to say it did not last very long – but it was still fun!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Playtime!
Kailey's Playtime!
Deric's Playtime!
And both of them have that same "I'm so serious" look on their faces!
Monday, June 11, 2007
She Wont Sit Down.......
I have no idea why my child is in such a hurry to do everything!!!!!
She is not exactly getting up and standing on her own, but she will push her legs straight to get herself up. We keep trying to get her to sit but she just wont!!!
Monday, June 4, 2007
I have had a lot of people wanting to see Kaileys first two teeth.... well here they are. No sign of number 3, but we are waiting. Excuse the blur, its hard to get a 4 month old to stay still for the camera.
Things have been mad around here, my Mom broke her arm and was in and out of hospital all of last week having screws put in. But we will survive and she will be as good as new in about 8 weeks.
Deric is doing well - we are on the 6 month count down. I feel so fortunate to have such a sort time to wait. A lot of our frinds have gone for 15 months. But soon we will all be together again when everyone is back!
He is enjoying the video's I have been sending him of Kailey. They are such fun to make and when he comes to see us in December he will still have been a part of her life.
Monday, May 28, 2007
After the birth of Kailey I have not been able to sit down very long, I was on painkillers for my coccyx for 3 months. So I decided to go to the doctor when I got to SA. He had X-Rays done, and after looking at them told me I should stop taking painkillers, as there is nothing wrong with me.
I still could not sit down comfortably, but I stopped taking pills. The doctor called me in this week, (2 weeks after seeing him) to tell me he sent the X-Rays for a second opinion and I have fractured my coccyx!!!!!!! He then said ‘you had better take painkillers!’ I told him I had stopped since he told me to… he was like ‘no you will never cope without them!’ He is obviously not a woman!
I still could not sit down comfortably, but I stopped taking pills. The doctor called me in this week, (2 weeks after seeing him) to tell me he sent the X-Rays for a second opinion and I have fractured my coccyx!!!!!!! He then said ‘you had better take painkillers!’ I told him I had stopped since he told me to… he was like ‘no you will never cope without them!’ He is obviously not a woman!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Today I decided I would brave the South African Government Departments and get Kailey’s visa sorted out to ensure her legal stay. You see, she has been registered as a South African citizen, something you have to do before you get a passport. But this is going to take three moths and then we have to wait another three to four months for her passport!
Well the other thing is that all this will happen in the above time line if there are no strikes or go slows of government employees!!!!!!!!!! So I am taking no chances and getting her the visa…..
So I call the Immigration department today and ask for directions. The very helpful woman on the other side of the phone directs me to the town, the road and then says ‘you will see a Shell garage on the left, go in there and ask them how to get to us, they know’ Well what could I do – I went to the Shell found a man who knew how to get there and he directed me up the road to the building.
I had to giggle only in Africa!
Well the other thing is that all this will happen in the above time line if there are no strikes or go slows of government employees!!!!!!!!!! So I am taking no chances and getting her the visa…..
So I call the Immigration department today and ask for directions. The very helpful woman on the other side of the phone directs me to the town, the road and then says ‘you will see a Shell garage on the left, go in there and ask them how to get to us, they know’ Well what could I do – I went to the Shell found a man who knew how to get there and he directed me up the road to the building.
I had to giggle only in Africa!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Two Posts at the Same Time!!
Hello again from the Stan! Here is a picture of me and my new friend. Below the photo is a blog Joanne asked be to post. I also threw in a picture of Kai and Jo (They are much better to look at than me!! Enjoy.
Deric
Hello Everyone,
Good to be back! Good old blogging – its addictive you know.
Anyway – things here have been fine, I am getting use to the differences here. I always seem to be getting use to the differences in some or other country. I have made a full circle in 6 years, and my adventure continues.
You forget so much when you leave a place.
• I forgot how long lunches here are… I love that.
• You are always invited to friend’s houses for tea and cake…I love that.
• Having your hair done is fantastic, it cost half the price and you get double the treatments…. I love that.
• Going to a day spa in the country with your friends is a relatively normal thing to do and it costs so little… I love that.
So as you can see, I am figuring out all these fun things.
On the down side – I miss my husband and my home so very much………… I hate that. I am however grateful to be in a loving environment and also for having such a wonderful daughter.
School is fine – I go in at the moment for 2 classes a week – on a Monday and Tuesday. So I am not away from Kailey too long. I do my assignments and study at night when she is asleep.
As for Kailey.. She has 2 teeth now, weighs in at 14lbs. Not a small girl! But so happy! She greets me every morning with a smile when I go to her crib, and she laughs all day long. (Well till her dinner that is, then she screams, which she thinks is her God given right!) She loves going out, but keeps to her schedule no matter where we are. This makes going out so easy. There is another great thing that makes going out easy too….. Nursing rooms for moms. This expands my world!!!! I can go out with ease! They also have family rooms where Dads can change babies, and potty training rooms, where there are tiny loo’s! Genius I tell you Genius!!!
Deric and I celebrated our two-year marriage anniversary this past weekend… how much can happen in two years is amazing. Our wedding anniversary is in December. We figured with two anniversaries Deric is bound to be around for at least one a year!
Keep in Touch - Love to you all
Joanne
Deric
Hello Everyone,
Good to be back! Good old blogging – its addictive you know.
Anyway – things here have been fine, I am getting use to the differences here. I always seem to be getting use to the differences in some or other country. I have made a full circle in 6 years, and my adventure continues.
You forget so much when you leave a place.
• I forgot how long lunches here are… I love that.
• You are always invited to friend’s houses for tea and cake…I love that.
• Having your hair done is fantastic, it cost half the price and you get double the treatments…. I love that.
• Going to a day spa in the country with your friends is a relatively normal thing to do and it costs so little… I love that.
So as you can see, I am figuring out all these fun things.
On the down side – I miss my husband and my home so very much………… I hate that. I am however grateful to be in a loving environment and also for having such a wonderful daughter.
School is fine – I go in at the moment for 2 classes a week – on a Monday and Tuesday. So I am not away from Kailey too long. I do my assignments and study at night when she is asleep.
As for Kailey.. She has 2 teeth now, weighs in at 14lbs. Not a small girl! But so happy! She greets me every morning with a smile when I go to her crib, and she laughs all day long. (Well till her dinner that is, then she screams, which she thinks is her God given right!) She loves going out, but keeps to her schedule no matter where we are. This makes going out so easy. There is another great thing that makes going out easy too….. Nursing rooms for moms. This expands my world!!!! I can go out with ease! They also have family rooms where Dads can change babies, and potty training rooms, where there are tiny loo’s! Genius I tell you Genius!!!
Deric and I celebrated our two-year marriage anniversary this past weekend… how much can happen in two years is amazing. Our wedding anniversary is in December. We figured with two anniversaries Deric is bound to be around for at least one a year!
Keep in Touch - Love to you all
Joanne
Friday, April 27, 2007
South Africian Internet?!?!?!
Deric here (in Afghanistan) writing this blog update for Joanne and Kailey (in South Africa). Crazy....
Anyway... the deal is South African Internet is not the same as American Internet and it shuts down all the time. Thus, not allowing Jo to update this blog as often as she'd like. So, because I'm such a GREAT husband..... I told here I'd update it for her!!
However.... I'm in a dust filled room in Afghanistan using internet that is probably only a little better than Jo's down South. So I am going to keep this short.
Joanne and Kai are doing very well. They are both adjusted now and on a good schedule (feeding, sleeping, playing, sleeping, feeding.....). And guess what... Kai got her first tooth!! How cool is that! Jo says it is causing more slobber on her than pain for Kailey. There has not been any crying or fussing from Kai about her teething! Joanne is very thankful....
I am also fine. Working hard and trying to do my best over here.
With all that, here is the most important part of the blog.... Pictures.
Enjoy
.JPG)
Hope you enjoyed the photos. I'll try and keep them coming as Jo sends them to me.
Take care
Deric
Anyway... the deal is South African Internet is not the same as American Internet and it shuts down all the time. Thus, not allowing Jo to update this blog as often as she'd like. So, because I'm such a GREAT husband..... I told here I'd update it for her!!
However.... I'm in a dust filled room in Afghanistan using internet that is probably only a little better than Jo's down South. So I am going to keep this short.
Joanne and Kai are doing very well. They are both adjusted now and on a good schedule (feeding, sleeping, playing, sleeping, feeding.....). And guess what... Kai got her first tooth!! How cool is that! Jo says it is causing more slobber on her than pain for Kailey. There has not been any crying or fussing from Kai about her teething! Joanne is very thankful....
I am also fine. Working hard and trying to do my best over here.
With all that, here is the most important part of the blog.... Pictures.
Enjoy
.JPG)
Hope you enjoyed the photos. I'll try and keep them coming as Jo sends them to me.
Take care
Deric
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
We are finally getting more settled lately. I started school this week and to my surprise I only go in Mondays and Tuesdays, but for the next two weeks I don’t go in on Mondays at all. I do have a lot of homework to do … and Kailey is not having any of it! It was so strange to go in this week, nothing has changed – everything is exactly where I left it. The lectures are all the same and were so welcoming. To make me feel extra old, some of the 3rd years were my Grade 8 students when I taught at Pro-Arte. I think I will be happy there – as long as I get all my assignments done!
The good news for me… Kailey is getting to bed by 7:30, getting up at 3am to feed and then wakes again at 8. This is heaven. So much so that tomorrow night after putting her down I give the monitor to my Mom and I am going to have dinner with Claudia and Olga.
Here is a picture of Gladis and Kailey – this is how Gladis walks around the house with her…. See now my child is officially an African American…..
I am trying to learn how to do this but you can’t believe how hard it is to get the kid on your back to begin with!
Gotta Love It!
The good news for me… Kailey is getting to bed by 7:30, getting up at 3am to feed and then wakes again at 8. This is heaven. So much so that tomorrow night after putting her down I give the monitor to my Mom and I am going to have dinner with Claudia and Olga.
Here is a picture of Gladis and Kailey – this is how Gladis walks around the house with her…. See now my child is officially an African American…..
I am trying to learn how to do this but you can’t believe how hard it is to get the kid on your back to begin with!
Gotta Love It!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
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