Kailey's New Playgroup!

Last week I was in our local shopping center when I bumped into a friend who had a baby as old as Kailey. Her baby went towards Kai with open arms to hug and touch her, but Kai looked at her like she was made of cheese, and then to me as if to say ‘What the hell is that!’ I realized then that she has not spent much time with other kids.



So today we went off to a playgroup! I am not sure who had more fun, her or me. I got to speak to other moms (something I don’t get to do much here) and Kai got to play with other kids and learn about texture (today’s lesson)

Next Wednesday we start swimming lessons for 6-9 month olds. Apparently it’s a good idea to teach your child at this age water safety before they start crawling. Our class is for 12 weeks, for 30 min and yes I have to get into the pool with her. I now have to get a costume and my mind right for that moment…..

Jo and Kai July Photos

Kailey's Number Game

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.

Kailey's July Adventures!

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!

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!

Beautiful, Happy, Hippy Family

Playtime!

Kailey's Playtime!


Deric's Playtime!

And both of them have that same "I'm so serious" look on their faces!

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!!!

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.

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!

Kai has been a busy girl lately.....

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!

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

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







Hope you enjoyed the photos. I'll try and keep them coming as Jo sends them to me.

Take care

Deric

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!

All in a days work

All in a days work

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100 Years Apart

I'm back!

I took Kailey to see my gran the other day. She was born in 1906 and Kailey in 2007. It was so special to see her reaction even though she is slowing down so much. She grabbed Kailey and gave her a kiss, I then put her in her arms and they both just lay there. She kept saying how beautiful she was. It was a very spacial moment. I'm just glad Kailey could get to meet this phenomenal woman.

We are experiencing technical issues... please stay tuned!

Deric left almost 2 weeks ago! He is doing fine, already working very hard and will be for the next 8 months. If he has time he will be using this blog and let you all know how he is doing.

Usually whenever Deric goes away we have a strange phenomenon....... bugs, spiders and now wasps get in the house - and I have to be brave and deal with them. When he is here ... nothing not even an ant steps foot in our house! Go figure!

Kailey and I are doing fine, very busy getting ready to go to SA. We leave next Sunday and arrive in Joburg on Monday. Not sure how I feel about it yet - as the past few weeks has felt like a tornado has just passed through.

Kailey has colic... we went to the doctor on Friday who confirmed it. I guess no one will be inviting us over between 7pm and 9pm for a while. She screams inconsolably and then falls asleep with exhaustion. Hopefully it does not happen on the flight to SA, I will be thrown off mid flight, guaranteed!

Other than missing Deric, we are well and already starting to plan our 30 day holiday with Deric in SA over December.

I will be blogging in SA, and posting photos as I get them.

Here is a little note to Deric from Kailey....

Our family portraits

Mom and Kailey's first trip to Washington DC - also first time meeting Aunty Dawnele and cousin Lexy

Kaileys Christening and other stuff...

On the 18th February, we had Kailey's christening at a church near us. It was a lovely ceremony. Our friends joined us and besides for the special occasion, it was a wonderful excuse to hang out with everyone on a Sunday afternoon. After the church service everyone came back to our house and we got to celebrate with champagne (cider for me) and other nibbles.

Things have been going well, I still cannot believe where the days go. There is so much to do with Deric leaving in a few weeks and us leaving soon after that. We are now working on Kailey's visa to be in South Africa! Why she needs one I have no idea, its not like she is going to work there.

This next weekend we go visit Deric's sister and niece in Virginia - Kailey's first time out of North Carolina. We are going to show Mom Washington DC, and show our baby off to Dawn and Lexy.

Kailey is now 4 weeks old, has gained 2 pounds and weighs in at 10 pounds now. She is at 3 hours between meals and we are pushing 4 hours at night (I never thought I would be so grateful for 4 hours sleep before. Imagine having 8.... ohhh the thought is just too exciting to even entertain)

She is so much more alert, and is looking at everything. She is such a calm baby, only cry's when there is something to cry about. We are blessed!

Last night we had such a great evening - we had our neighbour's Stephanie and her 3 kids over as well as Oriana and her son for dinner. We made a fire pit, sent the kids out in the forest (our back yard) to get fire wood. After dinner toasted marshmallows and hung out in the cold, all wrapped up around the fire. It was just what we all needed and such fun.

As for this next week ahead, I have a long to do list and have given in to the fact that if I get a 3rd of it done it will be a good week. How life has slowed down! I realized I moved to London 5 years ago today!

Another week of first for Kailey

Finally I write!

Well, we have survived the first 2 weeks of being parents! It does take a while to get use to this new little person who sweeps her way into your lives... but we are on track. Besides for a few sleepless nights we are coping very well.
Deric was home for the past 2 weeks and went back to work today. I cant begin to tell you how quickly the days go by. Since I feed her every 2 hours, as soon as I am done, nappy changed, and calmed her down.... its time to start again.
But once again I have to say she is amazing and we all cant stop staring in amazement at her.

My Mom arrived last Saturday (just another person for Kailey to wrap around her finger) she is helping a lot and giving me a few extra hours a day sleep.

Week 2 with Kailey

Kaileys First Week

Strange to think this time last week I was in the hospital waiting for Kailey to arrive. Now a week later I am addicted to her in every way.

Everything is going well - we have had our doctors appointments, which all turned out well. She has had her fist play date with Lorelia, Rachel's daughter who was born just 3 weeks before Kailey.

I am so grateful to have friends like I do here! Oriana, Rose, Jenn, Dani, Brooke all helping out with meals (something I have just not thought about) You have no idea how your brain becomes mush when you are so focused on this little miracle. Thank you guys so much for all your help so far..... I am so lucky to have you all.

My mom gets in on Saturday. I have not seen her in over a year, so its going to be great. The timing of this whole experience could not be better than it has turned out.

Deric is very into been a Dad, Kailey has him completely wrapped already (as she she should) and it is so wonderful to watch him with her. I cant believe he has not had experience with babies before, he is a natural.

Thank you to everyone who has sent best wishes, parcels, cards, gifts, flowers ......... We appreciate it all so much.

Kailey's first week

Introducing Kailey Theresa Holbrook

It's Time

Just a few hours after posting the polls from work - my water just broke. It's 4:20am now so I will have a baby in 24 hours!! (Yikes)
After spending the day yesterday at the Spa for my Birthday (compliments of my wonderful husband) She has decided that its time. My wish came true, all I asked from day 1 was that she would not be born on my birthday, the day after is a good compromise.

I am pleased to say Deric is doing well!!!

Next time I post, will be in a few days hopefully with photos for you all.........

Wish me luck - we are leaving soon for the hospital.

Here is a poll they took at work for when the baby is going to come....... Those above the line are in my good books - the rest of you............

JOANNE'S "BIG DAY"

1/27 Deric
1/31 12:00 AM 7 lbs 12 oz Amy
1/31 5:00 PM 8 lbs 2 oz Lori (side bet, it will be a boy!)
1/31 4:30 AM 8 lbs 1 oz Tracy
____________________________________________
2/1 7:16 AM 6 lbs 3 oz Kara
2/1 3:00 AM 6 lbs 5 oz Karen
2/2 10:00 PM 7 lbs 4 oz Brooke
2/2 10:53 AM 7 lbs 10 oz Erin
2/2 8:30 AM 7 lbs 13 oz Rachel
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 4 oz Rose
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 2 oz Jenn
2/4 11:00 AM 8 lbs Oriana
2/5 6:00 AM 8 lbs 6 oz Dani (shame on you Dani)