It would probably be true to say that the majority of the communication between parent and toddler consists of a number of grunts - "My truck is stuck, please help me!" and cries - "I just woke up, please feed me!" But every now and then I am struck by something special that Nicky does, in this case … [Read more...]
How My Infertility Empowered Me
Infertility can make a person feel profoundly weak and powerless in the face of repeated failures, the passing years and a loss of hope for the child you so long for. Some of the events that can feel like a shot to the gut include your period arriving again, or the announcement of a pregnancy as you … [Read more...]
Five Free (Homemade) Toys for an 18 month old
As I've mentioned before, you don't need a lot of money to amuse a child. They are more interested in real objects. But there are some things you can put together using things you have lying around the house anyway, which you can utilize. 1) A rustling pillowcase: Babies and toddlers love the … [Read more...]
Five Ways to Keep your Home Smelling Like a Rose
Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time will know that housework is not really a priority for me. I'm a bit of a messy person. This is why I have a maid. Yet, especially with the advent of the dirty nappy, even I have reached my limit for stench. Something has to give. So, in the … [Read more...]
Grateful for 2013: Blog Stats, Resolutions & Self Improvement Gifts Giveaway
I woke up yesterday morning, the first day of 2014, feeling very grateful. My husband breathing beside me, my dog hogging the bottom of the bed, and my little Nicky. Really, I have everything I need. And I'm so grateful. Nevertheless I think it does help to look back (and forward) and take stock … [Read more...]
Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
There I was. I was doing it AGAIN. Yelling at Nicky. We were messing around on the bed and he was having fun taking the Calpal bottle in and out of the box. All of a sudden he just threw it at me, hitting my chin. And my response? To yell. "Aaah! Nicholas you can't DO THAT!" A few seconds later, … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas!
Just a short post to wish you all the happiest of Christmas! Nicky had a super day today, after a hectic night where he woke up at 4am, bounced around and then went to sleep only about two hours later. So I think this is the first Christmas we have missed church, just to let our child nap. But … [Read more...]
Real Objects are Better than Toys
I was inspired by this post about how all this baby wants for Christmas are real objects, and things which we adults do not find valuable but little ones really enjoy. So I decided to do a comparison between toys which gather dust and real objects that get used. Don't get me wrong, Nicky does … [Read more...]
Power Surge
"5th December will be the day in history that someone stole cable in our neighborhood and damaged the powerstation and all electrical appliances. Still sitting in the dark 30 hours later. For all I know someone important could have died. Don't think much is left working at home ... joys of Eskom. At … [Read more...]
Feeling grateful
Here in South Africa we don't celebrate thanksgiving. But with my inbox full of news about this time I just thought now is as good a time as any to list some things that I am thankful for right now. 1. My dear hubby, who has been working so hard lately for his little family. My pillar of support … [Read more...]