Harry: 1 year old

11 December 2016

So this is way, way, way late and it hasn't even been on my list of things to do.  That is how chaotic it has been these past few months.  But slowly, slowly things are getting a bit easier day by day.  And while lack of sleep is still a huge thing in my life I had to write this post before another day went by.

Harry turned 1 almost 2 months ago now.  And it feels like yesterday.  Ear infections and tonsillitis have been reeking havoc in our family.  Antibiotics, sleepless nights, crying, more crying, not eating, doctors, more doctors and then finally grommets and two tonsillectomy's are what we have been up to.

But still, Harry manages to smile, dance and be happy for at least part of each day! 
My poor baby I think has forgotten what it feels like to be healthy and normal.  To enjoy a proper meal and sleep well.  But we will get there.
We threw a little bash for him at one of the local preschools and celebrated making it through this somewhat eventful, challenging, happy and awesome year of Harry.

Some days blur into each other and being a mom to two kids is kind of hard.  Very hard sometimes.  And it all can get quite overwhelming.
But then, these moments happen when the light shines through the cracks.  Harry is that light.
No matter the kind of mom I have been and no matter how bad the day seems, Harry smiles, he laughs, he LOVES to dance and he would eat cheerios all day if he could.  Harry loves a cuddle and is obsessed with the vacuum cleaner, water and kicking/throwing balls.

You will see by the lack of pretty photos that it was incredibly difficult to get a good shot for his 1 year photo but I tried.  And these were the best out the lot.

Harry - you certainly have been through so much these past few months.  But it can only get better from here my boy.
Thank you for being the light of our lives.  For being such a fun little brother to Jack and for reminding us to enjoy the little things in life, because when we look back, we will realise that they were the big things.

Easy chocolate chip cookies

23 September 2016

So I have gotten back into full swing with my baking and I am LOVING every minute.  I recently bought a book as a treat by Lisa Clark called "The Cookie Jar" and it says on the blurb at the back: "The Cookie Jar will take you back to the days when baking was therapeutic and an important part of life."

And this just hits the nail on the head for me.  I hadn't baked in nearly 6 months and it really effected me.  Baking is my therapy.  And eating the products are a bonus of course - they get me through the day.  But creating something and photographing it and sharing it with you all really makes me happy.  I love the process.  I love the outcome and I love to share it with my friends.  

Which prompted me to make an extra batch of these cookies today, wrap them up and pop them in a few postboxes of my mom friends down the road.  Because who doesn't need a little delicious chocolate chip cookie to devour and get you through the afternoon when you have two little kiddies to contend with.

So onto the reason for this post - these delicious, soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies.  They are like little pillows of heaven.  I have made them twice now in two days and I have decided that more chocolate needs to be added to these - for me I like the chocolate hit, so in future I may add milk and dark chocolate chunks.  I will update this recipe when I do!

The main reason I love this recipe is that it's simple and you can easily make this dough by hand.  No mixer required.  
And there is no chilling needed either.  
So literally from measuring, mixing, rolling and taking them out the oven to devour takes less than 30 minutes. 
And for me if I can bake something that quick I am winning in life.

You will need:
120g butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1.5 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
130g chocolate chunks (As above, feel free to add another 100g of chocolate!)

All you need to do is...
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.  I put mine on 140 as it gets really hot.
* Melt the butter in the microwave until just melted.
* Beat the butter and sugars until creamy, add the egg and vanilla mix until just combined.
* Add the flour, baking powder and salt until a dough starts to form.
* Pop those chocolate chunks in and use your hands now to roll the dough into little balls.
* Put them onto a greased baking tray and bake for around 10 minutes.
* Do not let them overcook or go too brown otherwise you will lose the soft and chewy texture.

You're welcome!

Harry: 11 months old

22 September 2016

Harry my nunu, you are now 11 months old.  

And you are a strong, independent and awesome little dude that knows what you want in life.

Your personality is really beginning to shine through.  You are going to be a little mischievous character, I can just tell.  You love to follow Jack around and immediately light up when we pick him up from school.  You love to watch TV (no shame here on my part), you still love to bath, you enjoy using your walker now and crash into everything with it.

You love to play with a ball and try throwing it everywhere.  You still love the ergo (thank goodness) and we often pop you in there if we head out on a walk or if I pop to the shop and you are wanting to be held.  But you love the trolley too which is fun.  You sit in there with your one leg up, holding your biscuit and look like the coolest baby on earth.

You aren't really into your food at the moment.  You could take it or leave it most days.  Boob is your best friend, which is OK - it won't last forever.  Your favourite things to eat are cheerios, apple, toast, grapes and blueberries.  Oh and you love baby carrots.  And the look of concentration when I put some peas and sweetcorn on your highchair is the cutest.  You pincer grip is adorable - some vegetables actually even make it to your mouth!  It seems like most of your food ends up on the floor and I spend half my life cleaning it up!

I won't lie Harry - it has been a tough 11 months.  And at times, I have been unsure as to if I can cope.  But my boy when you smile, or cuddle me and fall asleep in my arms it makes the frustration and tiredness just disappear.  You are worth every tear, every heartache and every sleepless night.  Please know that we love you to the moon and back.  Always and forever.

6 years and 1 day

20 September 2016

So today, me and Mani realised that our 6th Wedding Anniversary....was yesterday.  We have never missed an anniversary and as soon as he mentioned it to me this evening I remember just as I was falling asleep last night I thought "the 19th was today, why does that date seem so familiar to me....oh yes our wedding anniversary"....and then I think I fell asleep.  I woke up this morning and I totally forgot I had had that thought.  Haha, quite hilarious actually.

We aren't and never really have been the whole card, flowers, gifts type of couple.  It just doesn't bother us.  We would prefer to go away for the weekend or out for lunch or a treat.  So we are not bothered at all.  But wow, 6 years has flown.  I have said this before and I will say it again and again.  Time seems to speed up the older you get. 

We are in the thick of parenthood at the moment.  We are lacking sleep, any type of alone time and almost feel like we are just scraping by.  Taking each day as it comes and fighting through it in survival mode.

But we are beginning to see a tiny, teeny little light - we are slowly trudging through the baby phase and what I like to call "the shit show" - the show where you have two kids and don't know what day it is really or what you are doing.  You are just parenting, trying to do the right thing, trying to bring up decent kids.  In amongst the tantrums, bath times, bottles, snacks, outings, parties, routines, meal times you have moments together - steal kisses, hold hands, smile knowingly.  But they are fleeting.  You know that each other are there but your marriage is a side show - the shit show is the one in the lime light at the moment but that's OK.  
It has gotta end some time and for us, I think that will be in the next 6 months.

We often - well, when we can, chat about life before kids.  
We reminisce about the things we miss.  
Lazy weekends, watching TV, just popping to the shops, watching a movie with no interruptions, enjoying cups of tea and just leading a peaceful life.

But guys, in all honesty.  We wouldn't change one thing.  This is a phase of our life that will not last forever.  It is the chaotic phase where you don't have a life.  Yes, we miss our freedom, the peace, being able to lie in bed past 7am.  
But this is life, it is what it is when you have small kids.  
And our marriage is slowly getting back to normal.  It definitely takes a side seat though and I think it is just about making sure you keep on communicating.  You listen, you care, you notice each other.  
Give those hugs, make those cups of tea.  Enjoy the quiet moments together and really be with each other.  
Be compassionate.  It is the little things that make the most impact for us.  Like with anything in life I suppose.

So happy 6 years to my darling, wonderful husband.  
Thank you for being my rock.  
Thank you for being an awesome, doting and FUN father to our boys.  
Thank you for making me tea.  
Thank you for supporting me in all my dreams, hopes and wishes.  
Thank you for always being relaxed and easy going and nudging me to do the same.  

You are my life, my love, my everything.  
And I wouldn't change one thing.

Healthy Chocolate Rice Puff Squares

15 September 2016

So I eat a lot of cake and biscuits. I think that is a known fact if you have been reading my blog for a even short period of time.  
It is how I survive the sometimes long days of motherhood.  Plus anyway - even those who don't have kids - we all love a treat right? 

But I have been becoming more aware of how much of this stuff I am eating so I thought I would try some healthier treats - still with some chocolate in it but maybe just a bit better for me.

 These little squares do not disappoint and because of the dark chocolate you don't need a lot to satisfy your sweet craving.  
They are super easy to put together, pop in the fridge and a few hours later you cut them up and enjoy with a cup of tea.  
I have kept mine in the fridge and won't deny that I have maybe eaten a fair few since making them but hey - they are healthy, right?!.  

I have adapted this from a recipe I found in The Real Meal Revolution's Raising Superheros cookbook.

You will need:

1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup butter
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup puffed brown rice cereal
1/4 cup cocoa
100g chopped dark chocolate
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/4 cup ground almonds

All you do is:

* Line your baking tray with some grease proof paper.
* In a pan melt the honey, butter, coconut oil and vanilla extract - bring it to the boil and then take off the heat.
* Stir in the cocoa and chocolate until all mixed together.
* Mix the remaining ingredients into the chocolate mixture, stir well until combined.
* Using your hands (as this normally works the best) press the mixture firmly into the lined baking tray.
* Pop in the fridge for a couple of hours to set and then cut into squares.


Harry: 10 months old

23 August 2016

Harry my boy it is getting closer and closer to your 1st Birthday.  And you are getting cuter and cuter by the day.  Your inquisitiveness and intelligence never ceases to amaze me.  You love to crawl all around the flat and search for me or Jack if we leave the room.  You ADORE your Daddy and just want to be held by him all the time.

You insist on standing in the bath now, you hardly ever sit down.  You new trick is to dip the sponge in the water and squeeze it outside the bath making a bit of a mess but that's OK! hehe  You are very attached to your dummy but as I write this I think you are becoming less so.  It depends on the day!

Sleep still isn't a thing you enjoy doing for extended periods of time but we will get there.  You sometimes surprise us and have long naps and when you sleep well in the evenings it is such a joy because I can work work work or drink endless cups of tea and watch series.  It is bliss.

You are our world.  You love your food and eat anything put in front of you.  You enjoy standing next to Jack and playing with him.  You hair is getting longer now and not as upright.  Your chubby thighs are just adorable and your cheeky grin makes my heart melt.  Your wave is just the cutest damn thing and I can't help but smile and be so proud of you.  It hasn't been easy and I know my mom skills have been lacking but as the days go by we are getting into a happy place.  I hope you know that I love you to the moon and back.

You enjoy playing "peek-a-boo" with a blanket, oh it is the sweetest thing. Naartjie and toast is your favourite along with a good old budoir biscuit.

You have made me realise that I need to slow down.  Some days I am just go, go go and thankfully we now have days at home where we play, eat, nap and just potter.  These are the days I cherish.  Thank you for helping your Mama realise the importance of slow days.

Love you to the moon and back Harry.


Harry: 9 months old

31 July 2016

9 months in, 9 months out.

It feels like I am standing still and I am watching my kids just grow up in front of me.  I want to try slow time down a bit so I can have babies forever but at the same time I want them to reach their milestones and get bigger so I can enjoy and get excited about all the things like crawling, new words and experiences.

This is how I feel especially with my little Harry.  Deep down I know this is our last baby but I never think of any experiences as my last because that will just make me all nostalgic and a bit sad.  Instead I just breathe in every moment.  I soak in every cuddle, kiss and "last firsts".

Harry now crawls everywhere and explores EVERY thing.  He pulls himself up on my legs my arms and the couch.  Why oh why I have to ask do kids go for electrics, wires, remotes, phones, bins, dirty nappies and basically stuff they know they can't/musn't play with first??!  It amazes me!  Saying that, Harry loves to crawl around our flat, looking for me if I pop into the next room.  He hones in on whatever Jack is playing with which of course ensues into a bit of a shouting match between Jack and Harry but that's OK.  They will soon be playing together and sharing toys.

Harry is so happy.  So chilled.  So cuddly.  He ADORES his Daddy and often pushes me away and wants to be held by Dad.  I love it.  He enjoys his food.  Toast, naartjies, rusks and yoghurt being his favourites at the moment.  Still loves to bath.  And loves his dummy.   That dummy is a godsend people.  I am so glad we have a dummy in our life.  I don't care how hard it is going to be to get rid of it.  It makes my life easier and in my books that means I am winning in life.

Harry is a real chatter and loves to repeat sounds or words like Mama or Dada.  I swear he also says "hiya" and "Jack" but that just might be me hearing things.

He still tilts his head to the side, such a coy little creature.  His hair - oh his hair.  His "mohawk" is just so awesome.  His laugh is infectious.  Harry brings so much joy into our lives.  We love him dearly.

Thank you Harry for being the sweet little cherub you are.  9 months already.  Next thing you know it will be your first birthday.


Harry: 8 months

11 July 2016

OK so this is WAY late but better late than never in my books.  It has been so manic round here what with working, looking after kids, school holidays and of course MOVING baby!! We are in our home. Woohoo!

But I digress, this is about my adorable nunu who is 8 months old (well, nearly 9 now but sshhhh!).

Harry is just so so so squishy, chilled, awesome and fun.  He loves to be tickled, he loves to laugh, he loves and ADORES his big brother Jack and he is trying his utmost to crawl.  Harry gets so excited when Mani gets home and wants to go straight to him as soon as he see his daddy.  It is so sweet to see.

He also does this thing where he tilts his head to the side and smiles and goes all coy.  It is the sweetest thing.  My heart.

Being a mom of two is hard, but it is getting easier as both boys get older.  And my mantra for the tough days is "These days will become the good old days!".  So I breathe it all in, I try not to shout and lose my cool and I drink a LOT of coffee people.  A lot.

Harry still wakes up a lot but thats alright.  Co-sleeping helps, it makes it less disruptive.  And also in the headlines - Harry now takes a dummy.  It is amazing actually.  Have you ever heard of a baby refusing a dummy and then all of a sudden taking one?  It has changed our lives.  Harry used to scream a lot in the car which made going out so difficult and now he is a dream as long as he has his dummy.  In the day if he is fussy and a bit tired and doesn't want boob I just pop in a dummy and he is comforted and happy.  Yay for dummies.  Yay for peace.  Always a win in my books.

We also have the beginning of his first tooth coming through - I can't for the life of me remember when Jack got his first tooth.  I always find myself comparing the two still but they are very different children for sure!

Harry - you are so loved my boy.  Thank you for being the sweetest, little munchkin.

Harry: 7 months

9 June 2016

Oh it is so hard not having all of our stuff so I can take my normal monthly photo of my nunu but hopefully this will be the last one.  Plus the fact that my battery died on my camera so I have just used my phone for these photos too....anyhow.

It is hard to believe that 7 months have flown by so quickly.  I was just thinking yesterday about how I don't feel like I enjoy Harry as much as I did Jack.  I know it is different with the second, especially with a small age gap.  But I always feel like Harry fits in around my work/errand/schedules and I don't really get to relax with him, go to any baby classes etc.
I hope he knows when he is older and reads back on these blogs that I love and cared for him dearly.  Hearing his laugh everyday warmed my heart and brightened a dark day.  His smile and beautiful eyes are always commented on wherever we go.  I love carrying him in the ergo and watching him slowly fall asleep as I do the shopping  or walk around the garden trying to get him to nap so I can quickly do some work.

Harry is desperate to crawl and is getting incredibly frustrated that he can't join in when Jack is roaring around or playing with his toys.  Often in the morning I can hear Jack say "No, Harry!" and I know it is because he is grabbing something that Jack is probably playing with.  He is just so inquisitive and wants to be involved in everything!

We won't mention sleep - I mean, its not that important but just know that we don't get loads of it.  But I know it will pass.  Jack only started sleeping through at 21 months so I am prepared.  As long as I get about 4 hours solid I can survive. 

He still loves to jump in his jumparoo, he loves to bath and now pulls himself up on the side (!!).  He enjoys sitting outside and watching Mani & Jack kick the ball.  He is always smiling when we are out and is a happy, cheerful baba.  He loves a cuddle and often nestles into my shoulder or neck.  It makes me smile every time.  It is so precious.

I often get frustrated if I want to get things done, for example, write this blog post.  Harry has woken three times this evening while I write this and it is hard.  But I just remind myself that he is so small still and just wants cuddles or boob.  Soon, he will be like Jack and he won't be a baby anymore.  These days are fleeting, they go by in an instant.  Yes, they are trying, they are tiring but I keep telling myself to ENJOY them.  Soak them up.  Breathe them in.  Coffee and a shed load of biscuits always helps!

Harry - I love you my boy.  We all do, so very much.  You are simply gorgeous and we love watching you grow each day.


Harry: 6 months old

8 May 2016

We arrived to our new home in Cape Town on the day Harry turned 6 months old.  Pretty much the same age I was when my parents returned to Cape Town after living in the UK.  Isn't it funny how life works out?  So this post is late, but better late than never.

Harry is such a chilled, go with the flow baby.  I suppose that is quite common with the second ones as they just have to fit in around the toddler brother who is just constantly on the go, playing with playdough, kicking balls, eating snacks, watching TV or demanding "Jack do it" for the umpteenth time.  He is very attached to his mommy though - phew, it can get very tiring but this too shall pass.  And I know that when it does I will miss it.  So I take a deep breath and I give him an extra squeeze.  Or I go make myself another coffee and inhale a packet of biscuits. Either works.

Harry loves to bath and is just about sitting on his own now.  He always is looking around, watching Jack, trying to crawl, grabbing anything in sight.  He is going to be another busy one, no doubt.  His laugh is just so infectious, his smile beautiful and his fat rolls just adorable.  He has started on solids but isn't overly keen - I am thinking about doing a bit more baby-led weaning but I just have to get my act together and do a bit of research as to what to give him.  When I feed him he just tries to grab the spoon the whole time and wants to feed himself so food ends up all over his hands, my hands, my clothes which I don't mind but maybe he would prefer to explore himself.

Harry ADORES his jumperoo - it is just so cute watching him really go for it and jump.  He gets so excited.  And he is chatting away too which just melts our hearts.  He has the most loving look on his face each morning when he sees Jack and giggles away when Jack starts talking to him or tickling him. He loves to cuddle and often nestles into my neck, it is such a lovely feeling.  I hope I remember these little things.  I want to bottle them up and just treasure them.  It goes by so quickly.

We are so blessed.  We are so grateful.  We love you Harry.  Happy 6 months my boy.


Harry: 5 months old

18 March 2016

Harry my boy - you are such a delight.  You squeal and laugh so much at the moment, you have definitely found your voice and like to let everyone know that you are in the room.  You love to play with toys and pick things up and chew them.  You are sleeping a bit better but still like your boob at night.  As long as I have my coffee in the morning I will cope just fine.

Your fat rolls are just scrumptious and your smile makes my heart explode with love.  Jack loves to give you cuddles and tickles you lots.  Sorry if he takes your blankie sometimes or a toy - he just wants what you have.  Soon you will be running around together!

You love to facetime your granny and grandpas and great granny's and your aunty - you give them lots of smiles and you are desparate to sit up by yourself and see what is going on around you.  Not long and we can get some food into you.  That is a whole other phase...phew - not my favourite one to be honest but it has to be done.

Love you my boy.  To the moon and back.

Harry: 4 months old

18 February 2016

Oh my little sweet boy.  You are really coming out of your shell these past few weeks.  Your infectious laugh and happy personality is beginning to shine.  You are so ticklish and you are a chatterbox too - you are always making noises and it warms my heart every time I hear you gurgling in the next room.

You love to watch Jack and the cats.  I often see you just staring at them with a grin on your face.  Bath time is a firm favourite too and you love going to collect Jack from nursery to see all the friendly faces and hustle and bustle.  You are not a huge fan of the car seat still (just like your brother) but it will pass.  We just have to get through this phase.

Just today you are starting to grab toys in front of you, you love your Sophie Giraffe and I have a feeling you are beginning to teeth - fun times!  I can wear you facing out in the carrier now and you love to watch the world and smile at everyone.  The ladies love you! hehe

We are getting through the hard part of crying/colic and getting into the fun part of gurgling and laughing and interacting.  We have so much to look forward to my boy - lots of special family and friends to see these next few weeks before we jet off on our adventure.  I can't wait to not have to dress you in 3 layers and a blanket.  You are going to love the African sun.  Love you my nunu.


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