Today my beautiful Phillip turned 11, the beginning of a new decade and final stage before becoming a teenager. As I sat watching him open his present with his baby brother on his lap I was moved by what a wonderful young man he is becoming.
Always ready with a joke and up for almost any kind of mischief, Phillip is at the same time kind, compassionate and thoughtful, his patience with both Nicholas and Elizabeth is endless and he is always the first person in the family to offer help if I am tired or under pressure.
Phill has come a long way in the last 3.5 years and today I got the first real glimpse of the man he will one day be....the baby has gone and I am so so proud to call him my son.
I love you Philly D....you rock B3WB2
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Sunday 16th October 2011
On waking this morning it didn't take long for me to realise that little Miss E wasn't herself and by mid morning her fever was rising and she was a very quiet, lethargic little person.
A call to the NHS direct (a 24 hour medical helpline) soon resulted in an appointment with our local emergency doctor (complete with an offer of a home visit if we would prefer) and due to her age a further referral to the Royal Alex Children's hospital in Brighton for a consult with a paediatrician.
As there appeared to be no focus for the temp and she didn't have an ear, throat or chest infection it was decided that blood tests would be necessary to rule out some of the more sinister causes of temperatures in children.
Wonderfully all came back clear and we were eventually discharged 5 hours later with a large quantity of ibuprofen and paracetamol. The hospital was amazing and the staff out of this world, they were friendly, efficient and left no stone unturned even though there were children there much sicker than Beth at no time did I feel marginalised or less important.
I am so so grateful for the care we have available in West Sussex, and after what I saw today I am even more hopeful that the coalition government will be able to save the national health system and that this incredible service where no matter who you are or how much money you have, outstanding health care is always at your disposal.
A call to the NHS direct (a 24 hour medical helpline) soon resulted in an appointment with our local emergency doctor (complete with an offer of a home visit if we would prefer) and due to her age a further referral to the Royal Alex Children's hospital in Brighton for a consult with a paediatrician.
As there appeared to be no focus for the temp and she didn't have an ear, throat or chest infection it was decided that blood tests would be necessary to rule out some of the more sinister causes of temperatures in children.
Wonderfully all came back clear and we were eventually discharged 5 hours later with a large quantity of ibuprofen and paracetamol. The hospital was amazing and the staff out of this world, they were friendly, efficient and left no stone unturned even though there were children there much sicker than Beth at no time did I feel marginalised or less important.
I am so so grateful for the care we have available in West Sussex, and after what I saw today I am even more hopeful that the coalition government will be able to save the national health system and that this incredible service where no matter who you are or how much money you have, outstanding health care is always at your disposal.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Friday 14th October 2011
Today a year ago my precious family (less little Elizabeth) were boarding our connecting flight to France on our way back to South Africa to visit. I know it is an ongoing theme of this blog but at the risk of repeating myself yet again I cannot believe that 12 months have passed since I last saw my Dad, our extended family, all the Robertson's in JHB and some very dear friends.
Some of the things that have happened in the last 12 months
Some of the things that have happened in the last 12 months
- Bought a house
- Survived a difficult pregnancy and delivered a precious baby girl into our home
- Nick Nick has started nursery
- Phill has entered his final year of primary education
- Found a church that the whole family is excited to be a part of
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
The miracle of life
As I lay in bed this morning giving Elizabeth her early morning feed I found my mind wandering and contemplating the miracle of the little life in my arms. A few short months ago her whole body could fit comfortably across my stomach as she fed and now her legs are hanging down and she is trying so hard to sit for longer periods having mastered the art of rolling from her tummy to back and back to tummy.
What amazes me the most as I look at her is that she is alive and growing on my milk alone....she is yet to have water never mind any other form of sustenance and with only a feed every 3-4 hours she is absolutely thriving. I feel so blessed to know that my body can sustain life in such an incredible way, so privileged to have had 4 beautiful, perfect children and I only hope that just as my milk has sustained them all as babies, my love can sustain them all as they grow to adulthood and beyond.
What amazes me the most as I look at her is that she is alive and growing on my milk alone....she is yet to have water never mind any other form of sustenance and with only a feed every 3-4 hours she is absolutely thriving. I feel so blessed to know that my body can sustain life in such an incredible way, so privileged to have had 4 beautiful, perfect children and I only hope that just as my milk has sustained them all as babies, my love can sustain them all as they grow to adulthood and beyond.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Saturday 1st October 2011
England has been experiencing an unexpected heatwave over the past few days and Nick, Beth and I have been blessed to take full advantage of it with visits to Wakehurst Place and Tulley's farm with wonderful friends.
With temps forecast to again reach 28 degrees today Si was keen to try out some "wild swimming" in one of the rivers about 30 mins from home in the picturesque village of Barcombe Mills. Arriving at the Anchor Inn we soon realised we were in for a real treat with great open meadows for people to relax in and boats on hire for a gentle row up the River Ouse.
Kerry, Donay, Ben and Zac joined us for the afternoon and although the water proved a tad chilly for swimming, it wasn't long before Si was heading up stream with all the children for an hour long paddle while Kerry, Beth and I lay on a blanket under the trees chatting and soaking up the dappled sunlight.
A magic day made all the more special by the fact that it is the first day of October and we so so shouldn't be having the amazing warmth that we are....going to make the Winter so much more bearable when it arrives.
With temps forecast to again reach 28 degrees today Si was keen to try out some "wild swimming" in one of the rivers about 30 mins from home in the picturesque village of Barcombe Mills. Arriving at the Anchor Inn we soon realised we were in for a real treat with great open meadows for people to relax in and boats on hire for a gentle row up the River Ouse.
Kerry, Donay, Ben and Zac joined us for the afternoon and although the water proved a tad chilly for swimming, it wasn't long before Si was heading up stream with all the children for an hour long paddle while Kerry, Beth and I lay on a blanket under the trees chatting and soaking up the dappled sunlight.
A magic day made all the more special by the fact that it is the first day of October and we so so shouldn't be having the amazing warmth that we are....going to make the Winter so much more bearable when it arrives.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Sunday 25th September 2011
Where has this year gone, I can't believe that we are already starting to see Christmas decorations in the shops and before we know it there are going to be Father Christmas jingles on the telly and the silly season will be well and truly upon us.
With the arrival of Autumn and the changing of the leaves I can feel the family already starting to slow down for the winter and our annual "hibernation", Si has started working on the DIY around the house that was put aside through the glorious warm weather and the children will be going into Winter uniform soon, not to mention the clocks falling back in the last weekend of October.
Elizabeth is growing well and flourishing, she will be 4 months old soon and is really working hard at learning to sit on her own. She is an incredibly alert little girl and a standard comment from all who meet her (friends and strangers alike) is that she looks like she is taking everything in and wants to contribute to the conversation.
Nick is starting to settle to his new routine of school 3 times a week and although he has his moments of frustration he is coping as well as can be expected with Elizabeth's burgeoning cuteness and although we have had a few more demands of "carry me" he is once again showing his amazing capacity for change and acceptance way beyond his years.
Phill is loving being top of the school and is taking up just about every sporting opportunity presented to him. We have made his application for secondary school and although it will mean me having three children at three different schools for another three years we are really hoping we get a space at our first choice school as we really believe it will be the best option for Phill.
Megs has started year 9 in fine form and commented just the other day that things are going really well for her at the moment. Hormones seem to be settling down a bit and she is back spending more time with the family and more willing to chat about things that are going on in her life.....long may it last, those early stages of puberty took HUGE courage from all involved :0)
Si and I are doing well, he is still enjoying his job and has loved the summer and his long lunchtime walks along the Thames. I am in a good place at the moment as well (thanks in no small measure to my happy tabs I am sure), I have been referred to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and am hoping that that will help equip me in the long run for 4 children and all the demands on my time.
I have found a church that I am really enjoying and have started the Alpha course on a Thursday night for the next 10 weeks. Since arriving in England I have had more time to explore my faith, and I have a very strong feeling at the moment of thanks giving. I feel that God is really calling me to give something back now and I am eager to explore the possibility of getting involved in parenting courses and other life enrichment workshops, so watch this space for more updates.
With the arrival of Autumn and the changing of the leaves I can feel the family already starting to slow down for the winter and our annual "hibernation", Si has started working on the DIY around the house that was put aside through the glorious warm weather and the children will be going into Winter uniform soon, not to mention the clocks falling back in the last weekend of October.
Elizabeth is growing well and flourishing, she will be 4 months old soon and is really working hard at learning to sit on her own. She is an incredibly alert little girl and a standard comment from all who meet her (friends and strangers alike) is that she looks like she is taking everything in and wants to contribute to the conversation.
Nick is starting to settle to his new routine of school 3 times a week and although he has his moments of frustration he is coping as well as can be expected with Elizabeth's burgeoning cuteness and although we have had a few more demands of "carry me" he is once again showing his amazing capacity for change and acceptance way beyond his years.Phill is loving being top of the school and is taking up just about every sporting opportunity presented to him. We have made his application for secondary school and although it will mean me having three children at three different schools for another three years we are really hoping we get a space at our first choice school as we really believe it will be the best option for Phill.
Megs has started year 9 in fine form and commented just the other day that things are going really well for her at the moment. Hormones seem to be settling down a bit and she is back spending more time with the family and more willing to chat about things that are going on in her life.....long may it last, those early stages of puberty took HUGE courage from all involved :0)
Si and I are doing well, he is still enjoying his job and has loved the summer and his long lunchtime walks along the Thames. I am in a good place at the moment as well (thanks in no small measure to my happy tabs I am sure), I have been referred to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and am hoping that that will help equip me in the long run for 4 children and all the demands on my time.
I have found a church that I am really enjoying and have started the Alpha course on a Thursday night for the next 10 weeks. Since arriving in England I have had more time to explore my faith, and I have a very strong feeling at the moment of thanks giving. I feel that God is really calling me to give something back now and I am eager to explore the possibility of getting involved in parenting courses and other life enrichment workshops, so watch this space for more updates.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Sunday 11th September 2011
I have been wanting to return to Bedgebury near Tunbridge Wells ever since Amanda and I met there last summer. Today the opportunity finally presented itself and so after Phill returned from Rugby practice we packed the car and set off.
Meeting up with Kirsty, Kev, Max and Lottie was the "icing on the cake" and it was fun to wander amongst the immense redwoods chatting and laughing and a real joy to watch our little boys running and playing in the huge parkland.
Si, Megs and Phill were able to try their hands at Archery with a fabulous Kiwi instructor in the early evening while Nick, Beth and I strolled along the paths watching squirrels and collecting pine cones.
A gorgeous warm day for Autumn, and surprising considering the weather we have been having due to Hurricane Katia. It was only once the sun started to set that we reluctantly called it a day having added another diamond to our tennis bracelet :0)
Meeting up with Kirsty, Kev, Max and Lottie was the "icing on the cake" and it was fun to wander amongst the immense redwoods chatting and laughing and a real joy to watch our little boys running and playing in the huge parkland.
Si, Megs and Phill were able to try their hands at Archery with a fabulous Kiwi instructor in the early evening while Nick, Beth and I strolled along the paths watching squirrels and collecting pine cones.
A gorgeous warm day for Autumn, and surprising considering the weather we have been having due to Hurricane Katia. It was only once the sun started to set that we reluctantly called it a day having added another diamond to our tennis bracelet :0)
Friday, 9 September 2011
My Garden
I have always loved a beautiful garden but sadly have never had the patience or inclination to develop one....until now that is. Having lived in rented accommodation for almost 3 years in England, Si and I have really come to appreciate the privilege of having our own home and although our garden is really small, we decided that we wanted to turn it into a space we could enjoy both as a family and with our wonderful friends.
As I have said, I have no idea about gardening and so it was great providence that Elizabeth was born in the early summer which also meant that my talented mother would be arriving for 6 weeks and she would be able to help us get established with all things outdoors.
Si, Mom and I worked really really hard during her time here and although finances only permitted the establishment of one large bed, it has turned into my absolute pride and joy and I can often be found outside checking on my gorgeous roses and marveling at how wonderfully my snapdragons are coming along.
I am really beginning to feel a passion for this lovely gentle hobby and am terribly excited that I seem to have an ability with roses particularly and my 9 bushes have more that 60 buds on them combined....just wish they would all open at once and let me really glory in their beauty.
As I have said, I have no idea about gardening and so it was great providence that Elizabeth was born in the early summer which also meant that my talented mother would be arriving for 6 weeks and she would be able to help us get established with all things outdoors.
Si, Mom and I worked really really hard during her time here and although finances only permitted the establishment of one large bed, it has turned into my absolute pride and joy and I can often be found outside checking on my gorgeous roses and marveling at how wonderfully my snapdragons are coming along.
I am really beginning to feel a passion for this lovely gentle hobby and am terribly excited that I seem to have an ability with roses particularly and my 9 bushes have more that 60 buds on them combined....just wish they would all open at once and let me really glory in their beauty.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Tuesday 6th September 2011
Elizabeth was 3 months old on the 3rd and as per the maternity care in the UK our health visitor popped by this morning to do her check and see how we are doing.
Our beautiful baby girl is doing really really well and is holding her graph in weight, height and head circumference, she is currently sitting just above the 25th centile which is tiny for a Robertson baby but as the health visitor said she is one of the most alert babies she has seen and is reaching her physical milestones way way ahead of schedule, so maybe there is something to be said for a tiny petite frame :0)
We have settled into a nice 3-4 hourly feeding routine (about the only routine we have) and although she can get a bit cranky at times our little poppet is a good natured baby who is generally content to sit and watch the world go by as long as someone gives her a little kiss occasionally.
A huge "talker" she has us all entranced with her cooing and even Nick Nick is battling to resist her charms and now asks to hold her on a regular basis, in fact this morning he even helped me lift her into her car seat, which while incredibly sweet and helpful is something I am going to have to watch as have visions of him trying to carry her up the stairs lol.
Our little family is happy and content and as the autumn closes in I think we are going to have a lovely snuggly winter really getting to know and enjoy our latest addition.
Our beautiful baby girl is doing really really well and is holding her graph in weight, height and head circumference, she is currently sitting just above the 25th centile which is tiny for a Robertson baby but as the health visitor said she is one of the most alert babies she has seen and is reaching her physical milestones way way ahead of schedule, so maybe there is something to be said for a tiny petite frame :0)
We have settled into a nice 3-4 hourly feeding routine (about the only routine we have) and although she can get a bit cranky at times our little poppet is a good natured baby who is generally content to sit and watch the world go by as long as someone gives her a little kiss occasionally.
A huge "talker" she has us all entranced with her cooing and even Nick Nick is battling to resist her charms and now asks to hold her on a regular basis, in fact this morning he even helped me lift her into her car seat, which while incredibly sweet and helpful is something I am going to have to watch as have visions of him trying to carry her up the stairs lol.
Our little family is happy and content and as the autumn closes in I think we are going to have a lovely snuggly winter really getting to know and enjoy our latest addition.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Monday 5th September 2011
After a very quiet, peaceful weekend today saw the start of the new academic year. Phillip and Nicholas returned to their schools this morning and afternoon respectively and Megs is back tomorrow morning.
We have had a wonderful holiday together but I would be lying if I didn't admit to a sense of excitement and anticipation at the thought of my day tomorrow, which I intend to spend lying on the couch watching movies with Elizabeth. Although all three of the older children have been AMAZING these last 6 weeks it has been incredibly difficult to get any form of routine going and there have been times when I have literally felt pulled in 4 different directions.
School hasn't really been an issue for our children since arriving here and as expected both Phill and Nick returned home very happy with their teachers etc and Megs (sporting a new hairstyle) is really looking forward to her return as a year 9. This year will be Phillip's final in primary school and he is very excited to finally be the "top of the heap" and is looking forward to viewing his prospective secondary schools later this month.
Looking forward to a fantastic academic year in which both children rise to the occasion and make us as proud as we have been in previous years.
We have had a wonderful holiday together but I would be lying if I didn't admit to a sense of excitement and anticipation at the thought of my day tomorrow, which I intend to spend lying on the couch watching movies with Elizabeth. Although all three of the older children have been AMAZING these last 6 weeks it has been incredibly difficult to get any form of routine going and there have been times when I have literally felt pulled in 4 different directions.
School hasn't really been an issue for our children since arriving here and as expected both Phill and Nick returned home very happy with their teachers etc and Megs (sporting a new hairstyle) is really looking forward to her return as a year 9. This year will be Phillip's final in primary school and he is very excited to finally be the "top of the heap" and is looking forward to viewing his prospective secondary schools later this month.
Looking forward to a fantastic academic year in which both children rise to the occasion and make us as proud as we have been in previous years.
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