Playtime

Chloe has this amazing desire to always climb into things. Here she's in the lid to our cooler box with her blocks.

Progress report

Paul is still ahead of shedule and expects to be a day ahead by the end of tomorrow. We went shopping for the handles to the cupboards which was good. Also got some butlery trays for the drawers and a spice rack which fits into the drawer. My folks brought us dinner br well which was a real blessing.

Chloe the bookworm

I thought it was really cute. She pulled down 3 books and was paging through one. Hopefully it lasts!

Chloe and the paddle pool

This was one of Chloe's Christmas presents. The weather seemed excellent for a paddle except Dad made the water ice cold so Chloe wasn't interested in paddling. Hopefully it won't last.

And the kitchen...

My proud hubby and the kitchen in progress. He has been working so hard on this and I'm so proud of him. He's half a day ahead of schedule too!

Tooth no. 8...

... Has arrived!

--
Sent from my mobile device

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the
strength I need. Phil 4:13

If you're having trouble thinking out the box, then you're probably in
the wrong box.

http://www.kimswanphotography.co.za/

http://kim-happy-day.blogspot.com/

Fevers Part II

Ok, so after a torrid night, I took Chloe to school. She was ok, except she kept getting a fever. Took her to the doc and he confirmed my suspicion of a sinus infection. So, our little noo-noo is on antibiotics. Hopefully she'll be well in a few days.

Fevers

It's late and Chloe has a fever which I'm battling to get under control. I pray that it breaks and that she is well in the morning.

Swimming

Today we went to Chloe's school to see her swimming pass out parade...
Paul video'd it, I snapped it, and she got this beautiful certificate for her efforts :o)

Rainy Sunday

Well I'm sitting in the car, waiting to go into church. Chloe is
asleep. Struggling today again I think. It seems her teeth are sore.
She wouldn't let me brush her teeth. She's also been chewing
everything, including the cooled teething rings I gave her, which is
unusual. Lets pray the tooth comes through today. I get so disstressed
seeing her suffer.

--
Sent from my mobile device

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the
strength I need. Phil 4:13

If you're having trouble thinking out the box, then you're probably in
the wrong box.

http://www.kimswanphotography.co.za/

http://kim-happy-day.blogspot.com/

Firsts....

Well there have been a lot of things going on in little Miss Chloe's life.

On the 15th November she had her first taste of the sand at home. She loved it though!
She let me brush her teeth (properly) for the first time the other day.
She took her first 2 steps yesterday morning, (no repeat performances though).
She had her first haircut this morning... it was long in some places and short in others, so I thought I would even it out.
It will be her first Christmas this year. On Friday next week they will be having Father Christmas there at school handing out presents (which we send to school). I have already arranged that Mel takes some pictures with the camera I will send with to school.
Next week Thursday we will also be having the swimming parade, so Paul and I will get to see Chloe swim for the first time. Apparently the children do play up with the folks are there so we will have to see how that goes.

She also decided that it was necessary to empty the washing basket this morning... She has seen me doing it when I am going to do the washing, so she thought that she would assist :) Got to love it!

Paul is away again for another night, but will be back tomorrow. Last night was terrible as she was awake more than asleep, or at least that is how it felt, but I think that is because she is teething, I could see one trying to push through at the top this morning, but being in the grizzly mood she was she wouldn't let me look too closely. I will check again later if she is in a better mood.

We are going away soon, and I can't wait! It is only for 4 days but it will be really good to get away from home and to be able to go for walks in the "bush" and just relax some. I think Paul is also looking forward to it.

I'll post again soon xxx

9 months and counting

Today our little Chlo-bug is as old as I was pregnant with her... what a thought. The time has flown, and it is amazing that she is such a little person already. I look at her and see how she has grown and think that she is growing up and she isn't really my little baby anymore... She will be walking soon and then there is no stopping her.

She loves her books, and this morning we sat for about 15 minutes paging back and forwards in her Bible Stories book. She was also dancing to ABBA this morning. Very cute I tell you.

On Sunday morning at church she was clapping her hands to the music as well. You get so excited with the developments, but at the same time it means that the time is flying by and she is getting older and one of these days she isn't going to need me... I'm sure that she is going to be Little Miss Independent. *sigh*

School Photo's

Isn't she the cutest!!!!????

Fireworks again

Today is the first night of Diwali here, or everywhere actually. And the people are "celebrating" with their fireworks again, and making a helluva racket. The animals in the neighbourhood are going banana's and I actually can't understand, if it is supposed to be the festival of lights why they have to make it a loud warzone sounding event. Sure they are pretty and stuff, but, hang, it's very antisocial... My friend Nisha said that they only light sparklers and don't make any bangs, because of their animals. Why can't everyone have the same viewpoint? I mean fireworks are actually banned in this country.

The trauma of Halloween

Something which has been bugging me for a while now is the fact that they want to "celebrate" halloween at Chloe's school. I have a HUGE problem with that considering it is a very demonic practice. I mean it is probably one of the highlights in the satanic calendar. Anyway, it has been really stressing me out, and I have decided after chatting with Paul that I will not send Chloe to school on Friday. I asked her teacher who's charming idea it was and she said that they have been doing it for years and that there are actually a lot of the parents who dislike it. So I am glad that I am not the only one, but at the same time, I feel that they shouldn't actually celebrate it, and I am really concerned if they think that they are being PC, and satisfying parents who believe in it... who is my child going to school with then???

Thanks to my super dooper friend Sandy who said that she would look after Chloe on Friday morning so that I can get to work, and then I'll come home early to look after her again.

Flood disaster

I also haven't posted about that....

Got home a while back to find water gushing out from under the front door...
Our domestic had left a tap wide open while the dept had turned the mains off and when they turned it back on the pressure was so high that in less than an hour the house was an inch deep in water. Thank goodness for wet and dry vacuum cleaners...

Thanks to Tim and Rob for helping with the cleanup operation, and to Pat and Liz for baby sitting a very unhappy little Chloe.

NAN HA, runny tummies and babies

Ok, so I haven't posted in a LONG time. I know, sorry Sands, but here is your injection :)

I have an allergy baby... it's that simple. So we put Chlo-bug onto NAN HA, which is meant to be for allergy babies, and since then she has had the runs and well, to be honest it has made her more miserable than not, so from today she is going back onto Isomil. Changing MP nappies at 2am just doesn't do it for me!

I went to a lady called Megan who did allergy testing on Chloe and she came back with some interesting results. Banana's, Green Peas... who would have ever thought, but so be it. Anyway, keeping Chloe off a lot of stuff seems to be helping and Megan seems to think that she will outgrow most of them. My poor baby looks like a walking rash most of the time though.

Yesterday we put together the cot that one of the guys here at work gave us, and well, I thought Chloe was going to die from excitement. She was moaning while I was wiping it down and cleaning it, so I put her in it and she was so happy I thought she was going to burst. At least I know she likes the bed. This morning Paul asked if I liked the colour, it is a green colour, but not hideous, and he was more than happy to repaint it, but that means that Chloe won't be able to sleep in it for a few days.

It's amazing to watch how she has developed a little personality, and that she is responding to things now. The best part is when she sees me after a day at school and squeals with delight that I have come to get her. Yay, she loves me!

Minishova

Well, after lots of stress, I did it, and it was a breeze. Loved it! Yay!!!!

A humbling experience

Yesterday, actually the story starts on Sunday...

So, On Sunday I had a bee in my bonnet and decided to make some meals for the week in my slow cookers. Awesome, or so I thought.
By the time we got to taste them , they were a huge flop and Paul didn't like them at all...
So, I put the "leftovers" which was almost all the food into containers, as Octavia, our domestic worker, was coming on Monday.
Anyway, I left her a not to say, please take the food, as I didn't want to throw it away, and I felt a little upset that I had wasted the money, or so I thought. I got an SMS from her to say thank you for the food, and that we had really blessed them as they had no food to eat and would have gone hungry last night. How awesome is God and the way he works?

Chloe is....

7 months old today!!!!

Chloe has just got...

Her first invitation to a birthday party!!!!!

No spark in the Spark

Well, after test driving a Spark with 29000km on the clock I have decided that there is NO way if possible that I would get one.  It was flat, the clutch was dodgy and the gears were wishy-washy, and I felt like I was in a matchbox in terms of safety.  At least that decision has been made....

The next tooth... and kisses

Well, Chloe has now started with the next tooth, I spent the night on the couch with her last night, as she was so uncomfortable, and at least then I could just put some teething gel on her dummy and pop it in quickly before she got too worked up...

She is so cute at the moment, she has become very shy if I am in a group of strangers, and has started making kissing noises, it is gorgeous!

Crawling is still evading her, but she is getting very close now, and I was giving her some crawling lessons this weekend. Imagine how difficult it must be to try to coordinate four different limbs at once when you have only just really grasped hand-eye coordination. But, she is really making such an effort to get going.

To Spark or not to Spark

Well, after the ordeal of having our car stolen we are going through the process of deciding what car we should get for me now, and so far the Spark LT seems to be getting to the top of the pile.  I was thinking about it and it would be a good option, as I have always had a thing for small (matchbox) sized cars, and well here is the opportunity.  I reckon if they weren't as old as they are I would love a Mini, but the original one not the new super duper ones.

At the moment I am also going through the ordeal of trying to get labels to print for the apparel in the stores and not having much joy, so the techies are looking into it on the JHB side, but that isn't making life any less stressful.  However, I am not going to let these small things get in the way of my joy, happiness or most importantly my faith, and I just need to keep reminding myself of this.

Some good news is the technician here has fixed the puncture in my tyre on the Clio.  He said that there was a nail in it, so he has plugged the hole and hopefully that will be the last of the problems there for a while, till we have the tyres replaced...

I guess that the theft of the car wasn't the best timing in the world, but at the same time I am sure that the Lord will make the best of this situation, and we just have to have faith that  He will continue to look after us everyday.  Praise God that we weren't in the car when it was stolen, or that Chloe wasn't taken in a hijacking.  We have so much to be grateful for.

You know that sinking feeling...

When yout walk outside to find you car is missing. Yes, you guessed
it. Our car was stolen. Bummer!

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba

This morning when I went through to Chloe's room she was on all fours, trying to practice crawling, talking a hind leg off a donkey (ba-ba-ba-ba-ba) and happy as anything.  She is getting so interactive now.  She still gets very frustrated when trying to crawl, and is starting to move backwards which it the beginnings of moving forwards.

I have also signed her up for swimming lessons at school.  I researched the benefits before suggesting it to Paul so that I had a good case argument for it.  Then I heard horror stories about an "evil swimming teacher" who dunked the children under the water and if they cried she dunked them even more.  Anyway, after speaking to Mel (yay she's back) I felt much better.  Robyn does the lessons and doesn't put their heads under the water.  So now I have to find a really cute swimming outfit for her for September.  I was also put at ease when Mel said that the pool is heated.  I could just imagine Chloe hating swimming because the water is ice cold.  So hopefully when she is a year old then she will know how to get to the side of a pool if she falls in accidentally.  Research indicated that it was also good for cardiovascular development and also lung development, as well as co-ordination and helped the children get mobile faster, so if the research is right she will walk sooner because she is learning to swim....  No way to test the theory really.

Thanks Neen for taking the time out to read the updates on my blog.  It's always fun to know that the ramblings aren't falling on the black hole known as the Internet and getting lost.  Although, I could one day go back, collect all the old posts, print them, bind them and have "memoirs"! Bwahahah!

Offline

Well, I'm at work, with no comms, no landline, no Internet, therefore no email.  But, it's all for a good reason.  They are moving our server cabinet from downstairs to upstairs in our office, so now in future if there is a problem with the routers or anything I can just walk to the next room, rather than walking half a kilometer to get downtairs to the server.  I can't do anything, as all my systems require the internet for the VPN.

Still sick

Well, Mel is still sick, so Chloe is with Alison again, but thank goodness Gloria is back.  However, they managed to lose a part of one Chloe's bottles yesterday, which I am hoping they have found.

Shame, lil Chloe is getting so frustrated trying to crawl.  She gets onto all fours, but can't do anything from there, although she does move forward as she "flops" forwards when going back onto her tummy.  But, she's rolling around like anything.

Photo album update

It looks stunning, I can't believe how well it worked!  I sat for a few hours cutting out little pictures and words and cute stuff and selecting pictures to put into the album and it was so much fun, and relaxing.  I so want to show it off, but feel like I'd just be showing off if I do :)

Chloe's First Tooth....

Broke the skin on the morning of Friday 15 August 2008.

I have been wondering how long it would take before the second started making a move, and on Sunday 17 August it started, I can see it just below the surface.  So we're in for another bumpy week.

This morning when I dropped Chloe at school, there was a different teacher there, and I wasn't completely excited about it, but apparently Mel has the tummy bug that almost all the babies had.

Photo Album

I'm so excited...
I have decided that I will make a photo album of every month of Chloe's life till it is full (That gives me about 3 years worth I think). My brother and his girlfriend gave us an album for Chloe, and I had no idea what to do, I didn't just want a boring album.
Anyway, while lying in the bath (my place or epiphanies) I thought about the page per month option, with just 2 or 3 pictures of her from that month, and then some "scrapbooking" elements added, just to add to it and make it more interesting.
Now the trouble is, that I am so impatient waiting to go and get the pictures printed. I really want to get it started this weekend, I just hope that it comes out the way that I am hoping it does.

Teeth

I can feel Chloe's tooth now! Hopefully it breaks the skin today and
the pain that she is in will stop... till the next one of course... My
poor baby is so miserable.

And the teething begins

Today Chloe is 6 months old. Where has the time gone, the last 6 months
feel like they have raced by, and yet it feels like such a long time
since she was born. It's amazing, I remember the moment that she was
born, I remember holding her for the first time, and yet I have
forgotten what it felt like to feel the contractions, without the
epidural. This evening I was thinking about the time in hospital,
thinking about the last time that I had a solid night sleep, and now
thinking about the whole new ball game I have on my hands with solids
starting, and with the clinic book that I have saying that now that
Chloe is having 3 solid meals a day, she shouldn't have any more night
feeds. Now, you try to tell a 6 month old baby who still can't say more
than "baba", that she can't have any more feeds at night. Anyway, I am
taking her for a check up on Tuesday to make sure that the ear
infections that she has been getting have cleared up properly, so I will
check with the dear doctor to find out his take on the matter.
Personally I don't think that you can just do that. I think I will also
post a question on my favourite forum, and see what the other mothers
have to say about it. I must say that it is the first time I have ever
seen any literature like that. I checked the other books that I have
and none of them said anything of the sort.

Our poor little sausage is battling a lot... She has been crying a lot
today, and I know it is her gums as when I put the Teejel on it helps
for about 5 minutes and then it is sore again. I had to give her Panado
eventually, which only helped for a little while as well. Anyway, she
eventually went to sleep, but her gums are looking a little white, which
isn't normal, so I think that the teeth are moving closer to the
surface. It was fun to see her eating a boudoir biscuit, well gumming
it and getting it everywhere, and I must say that the inventor of them
was very clever, as they tend to disappear into almost nothing. I think
the pain was so bad for her today, that even her toys weren't an
enticement. This afternoon, I was having flashbacks to when she still
had colic, and I had to carry her around all afternoon, and when she is
8kg as opposed to 4kg's it can get a little tiring on the back. But,
some gel from my chiro has helped somewhat.

Well that is me...
xxx

6 months is looming

It is with shock and amazement that I write this post.  On Monday the 4th August, Chloe will be 6 months old!!! Where has the time flown?  Which step 2 formula to use????

It has been an interesting few months with Chloe being at school, and seemingly sick since starting there, and yet it has been an amazing time in my life as well.  I have as you know started a new job, and although I am still very much in the deep water of a huge backlog of work, I think that there is some light at the end of the tunnel, although I think that there is some work that is there, but not noticeable as Ruth has it with her, and I have to get it from her when I am done with the pile that I am busy with.

Chloe is developing in every way possible by the day, although int he last few days she hasn't been sleeping well.  But, I have a plan, more food during the day and that should hopefully help with the night times.  I had to reduce the amount of milk I sent to school the last few weeks as she wasn't eating anyway, because she wasn't well.  But, Gloria said that she is eating well again and I decided that it would be a great idea (with a little help from an email I received on how to get baby sleeping better at night).  She is eating solids already, and tonight was banana and cereal mixed together to give a nice mocha coloured porridge, which she ate well.  So I think that was a hit.  She also gobbles down her veggies at school and on the weekends she loved them too.  Especially sweet potato and apple mixed together.  I tasted it and it tasted pretty good.  Anyway, I have also learnt that feeding Chloe is an art in timing.  You have to time it just right otherwise you can forget her eating.  Although, some enticement with a chicken drumstick bone does help get the spoon in the mouth with the food, it's just a race to see who gets to her mouth first, her or me.
The chicken bone story.... We were visiting Paul's father, and we had chicken for lunch and I decided to see what Chloe would do with the chicken bone, as she has been chewing everything in site, and well... it was an instant hit.  She must have gummed the thing for about half an hour, and I managed to feed her at the same time, as before that she wasn't interested in any food.

Being a mom is an amazing  experience, filled with laughs and tears.  Just today I wanted to cry twice.  This morning when dropping off Chloe, one of the other babies was crying because she wanted mommy and not to stay at school, and I was very emotional, remembering how I was worried that Chloe wouldn't survive even one day at school (she's thriving by the way), and then this afternoon, when I was fetching Chloe one of the mom's was fetching her son, and she had him stripped down to his nappy and he was running a terrible fever, and they suspected that he would be admitted to hospital, so she was rushing him off, after he had been running a temperature almost all day.  The scary thing is that she had taken him to the GP this morning with a temperature and the Dr said that there was nothing wrong with him.  The poor child didn't even want to be touched.  Hopefully I find out how he is doing tomorrow.

Chloe has reached the 8kg mark and is still growing, and gaining weight as well.  She isn't as chubby as she was before, as she is getting longer, but every now and then I look at her and think how small she still really is.  Although when she is stretched out on the floor playing she is quite long.

Anyway, that is about all the news for now...
Kim xxx

Is it safe to use baby powder on my baby?

Jennifer Shu, board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta, Georgia, and coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn

Pediatricians no longer recommend talc-based baby powders because they're dangerous if inhaled, but I see no danger in cornstarch-based powders if they're used sparingly and carefully.

Use a cornstarch baby powder in your baby's diaper area to help reduce moisture and friction, which can occur when a wet diaper rubs against your baby's skin. Today's diapers tend to be super-absorbent, so most babies won't need daily powder if you change them frequently.

You don't want your baby inhaling any kind of powder, so make sure that you don't get it near her face. Instead, pour a small amount into your hand away from your baby and then apply it when you see her diaper area starting to look a little irritated from chafing.

There are times when cornstarch powder isn't a good idea. If your baby's skin is raw from diaper rash, for example, it's probably best to keep powder off it and use a diaper ointment or cream instead. And if your baby shows any signs of a skin infection — like areas that are red and very warm to the touch or oozing — then don't put powder on it, either. Instead, have your baby's doctor take a look.

Jo Ann C. Rohyans, pediatrician and lecturer on pediatric health for Columbus Children's Hospital and the Columbus Health Department, Ohio

Baby powder may smell and feel good, but I don't recommend it — and the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends against it. Powder can cause breathing problems and serious lung damage when inhaled, and it's not always easy to keep the powder out of the air where your baby might breathe it.

This is most worrisome with talc-based powders, which have small, easily inhaled particles. Cornstarch, which has larger, coarser particles, is not as easily inhaled as talc.

There's no evidence that baby powder helps to prevent or treat diaper rash, either. The best preventive strategy is to clean and pat dry your baby's bottom at each diaper change and then apply a thin layer of protective ointment or cream.

If you wish to use powder, choose the safer cornstarch-based product. Shake the powder into your hand, away from your baby, never directly on or near her. Keep the powder container well out of your baby's reach at all times, too. You don't want it to fall over and produce a cloud of powder for her to inhale. Occasionally, you can use a medicated powder in the neck folds or groin folds as long as you don't allow it to build up.

Finally, to avoid irritation, carefully wash away any powder that may have accumulated in your baby's skin folds whenever you change her diaper.

Wow! What a couple of weeks

Ok, ok, ok, so I have kept you in suspense about developments in my job for a while (if there is anyone who reads my blog and has been waiting in anticipation to see what is up).

I started a new job with my boss at his other company c c G A L L E R Y. The spaced characters are to avoid possible spammers. The company is a motorcycle business, selling bikes, apparel and accessories, and also servicing the bikes. What a ride. I jumped in the deep end there,
and have had to swim, and learn new strokes very quickly. But, having said that, I have enjoyed every moment of it, and I am still enjoying it. I have the job, of ordering parts and stock, managing the network, and what ever else there is to do, including teaching everyone how to
use the new system that has just been implemented, which I am still learning.

Then, Chloe has been growing so fast. She is almost sitting up by herself, has started eating solids, and just so alert it is scary. I am waiting for her to start leopard crawling. She can roll from her back to her tummy, but not the other way around, and I am sure that she needs
to master that before she will be able to crawl. I'm not rushing things though, just trying to enjoy every moment with her and watching her grow and develop daily.

Now, after telling you about work and Chloe, try mixing the two. My subconscious mind did. The other night, I was stressing about the new system, and worrying about all the stuff I had to do at work, and inevitably dreamt about trying to add Chloe as a stock item to it, and opening job cards to feed her and everything. Talk about majorly stressful. I was getting more stressed because I wasn't sure what she would be classified as and none of the things I needed to load on the job card were loaded into the system. All I can say is that I was glad that she woke up and I needed to wake up to feed her.

Then, some not so great news...
My dear friend Sandy's husband nearly wrote himself off last Friday afternoon, while returning home on his motorbike, he had an accident, and was in theatre today. Sandy, has been a pillar for him, and has been amazingly strong. I have been praying for them, and knowing Franc was in theatre today, I prayed for her peace and that the Lord would hold her and comfort her, and she said she was feeling very calm and sounded like she had it together this morning. I think that she was battling again this afternoon though. Sands, you're an amazing woman, and God is your strength, remember that, and also please don't let Franc get another bike.
Please could you all keep them in your prayers and I will try to keep you updated as we go.

Well, that is the news for now.

xxx Kim

Finally a doctor who cares

Yesterday, after speaking to my friend Ruth, I found a doctor who really cares about his patients and takes the time to listen to the problems, and get to the bottom of them, and explains the medications that he has prescribed and how they should work and how soon they will work and also what is wrong with you or your child. He's a homeopath here in Durban, so if you would like his details then email me and I will gladly give you the details.

I took Chloe to see him yesterday because she was coughing to the point of vomiting and her nose was running more profusely than before, and I was worried that the incredibly sore throat that I have, I had passed to my poor little cherub. I had been giving her a homeopathic remedy called Cataro which was working a treat, and "detoxing" her sinuses, hence the runny nose, but it was the cough that was worrying me, as well as the thrush that seems to be getting worse in her mouth. So, we arrive at his rooms, and the receptionist was amazingly friendly (I'm sure Chloe's cuteness does help with that) and we were seen on time, which is another pet hate I have for most medical practitioners, and he introduced himself, so that you know who you are dealing with, and then does a complete background information gathering session, followed by the actual "check up". Chloe loved him, and was all smiles except for when he was trying to have a look at her throat. She is very anti anything in her mouth at the moment, because of all the medicines that have been forced down her throat. Anyway, after fighting to look into her ears (she wanted to play with the in-ear-looking-thingy) he said that she has infection of the Pharynx (see picture) and a shotty nose, which may be aggrivated by the dairy formula that she drinks. So, to make a long story short, he gave me 2 sets of drops to give her and some other SUPER probiotics to help with the thrush. I have to rub the probiotics into her mouth which ends up with her crying and unhappy, so that is not the best part. But, the very cool part was that he said that she looks very well and healthy. The other amazing thing is that you can call him at any time to ask him something if there is something you are unsure about or, he asked me to phone him with an update on her progress today so that he knows what is happening. I am also just really happy that the school are so good at administering her meds as well so I know that she will get them when she needs to.

So, I have to monitor her again tonight and see how she does, and then let him know in the morning and then we will take things from there. I'm just glad that we are getting somewhere, and I can get to see him rather than fight with unpleasant receptionists who tell you there is a 3 day waiting period to see the doctor, and usually it's not the one that you want to see anyway.

Fragrant Baby Powder

I found this recipe online, and thought it would be a good idea. Now the better idea is to add TeaTree Oil for nappy rashes. Now all I need to do is work out how much it would cost to make this and see if it makes more sense to let Elizabeth Annes (c) make it or make it myself. (Paul is really rubbing off on me)


- 225g cornstarch (Maizena here in South Africa)
- 3 drops lavender essential oil (again after some research, add some tea tree and lavender oil)

- Place cornstarch in a self-sealing plastic bag and add the essential oil drop by drop.
- Tightly close the bag and shake it to distribute the oil, breaking up any clumps through the bag.
- Let stand 4 days to distribute the essential oil. Use with every diaper change, or as needed.
- Potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.

- Spice or salt shakers with large perforations in their lids make good powder containers.

Bonnet

Yesterday, I was beside myself with excitement.  I had an idea for making a bonnet for Chloe.  I have been trying to crochet a beanie for a week now and just getting more and more frustrated with every round crocheted.  But then, I was hit with an epiphany for making the bonnet, and it was SO easy.  2 squares sewn together along 2 sides and edged, with some ribbon to tie it on, and viola we have a bonnet.  I was dying to wake her up to try it on, but managed to hold myself back, and tried it on this morning.  In fact she wore it to school this morning.  I do admit that it is a little too small, but it's easy enough to make bigger ones.  Add more rounds to the granny square!

Now to teach Sandy how to make them :o)

If you can't beat them

Bwhahahaha! I know the feeling, been there and done that!

Antibiotics and rashes

On Friday last week I took Chloe to a GP because her eyes were oozing green goop and her sinuses were blocked, and the pharmacist I spoke to said she would need antibiotics.  So I went to him, and he gave Chloe come antibiotics and eye ointment and also a decongestant.  Now comes the fun part....

The decongestant shouldn't be administered to children under the age of 2 due to the Ephedrine HCL content.  So, without knowing this I had been giving it to my noonoo and she was not wanting to eat or sleep from it.  Anyway, thank goodness for the internet and research.  I stopped that very quickly.  Then the antibiotics that he gave her, are very strong and the day care mother said that she thinks that he was wrong in his dosage as there is another baby (10 months old) who was also on the same stuff and the gave her less than half the dosage this guy gave to Chloe.  Thank goodness the course finished today.  So now, Chloe has thrush on her bottom and in her mouth, she cried all of Monday night, and wouldn't eat for the better part of the weekend.

Thankfully with the prayer and support of friends we annointed Chloe (with oil) and prayed healing and blessing over her, and she slept much better last night.  My mom also brought some meds up from the pharmacist I spoke about in my last post, and that has also started helping.

Hopefully this evening her bottom will look a lot less inflamed.

xxx

Losing faith in medical practitioners

This weekend was a bit of a turning point for me...

 

I am losing faith in medical practitioners.  I took Chloe to a GP because the pead's are never available to help, and she needed to get sorted out as soon as possible.  So anyway, this guy prescribed medication for her, of which one shouldn't be given to children under 2 years old, because of the ephedrine in it.  Thank goodness for the Internet.  Anyway, then the pharmacist gladly gave the medication to me without batting an eyelid, knowing full well that the meds shouldn't be given to babies.

 

So what do I do? I can't get hold of the people who specialise in babies, and the people who you think should be able to help seem to not know what they are doing either, and then the people you expect to double check the doctor don't. 

 

There is about only one person that I trust in the medical profession at the moment, and I can't always ask her everything, but she is an amazing pharmacist, and seems to be the only person who gives a hoot.

 

I think that it is an injustice to the people who really need professionals to be professional, and be there to help.  I know that they also need a life, but at the same time, have staff who are pleasant and don't fob you off all the time as well.

 

Sorry to the readers here, but I have to get this off my chest.  In my sleep deprived state I need to be able to voice the dissatisfaction.  I phoned the pead's rooms this morning, and they always say, "phone back in half an hour" or "phone after 12" and it hacks me off.  I phone back in the time stated and they tell me the same story again.

 

The other issue I have is, they say that you can take the child to the emergency room and they will get hold of the pead.  They can't even get hold of him, so what is the poor person on the street supposed to do?

 

Argh!

The problems with complex life...

Noisy neighbours!

 

Last night was terrible, Chloe has been sick, the poor noonoo had sinus infection, which she is on antibiotics for.  The problem is, I have now discovered that she has thrush in her mouth and on her bottom, so she has been in pain all night. She was awake every half hour or so.  So I am shattered, which hopefully will excuse me if I don't completely make sense.

 

Now, back to the neighbours.... we live in a row of 3 simplexes, where our beroom wall is our neighbours kitchen / lounge wall.  Now, on any other night I wouldn't have been upset, but considering that Chloe was sleeping badly already, I was getting upset.  I think they must have been re-arranging all their funriture last night, in the kitchen and lounge, making a HUGE racket, and then also standing outside Chloe's bedroom window talking loudly etc.Sometimes I get so angry with the incosiderate nature of people.  They were backwards and forwards past our house for an hour, talking, running, one of the children were even riding a plastic "motorbike" up and down, and they make a HUGE noise.  I was ready to go next door and give them gears, but I thought it would be a bad idea, considering that I was tired, and not thinking completely rationally... but, as I had said, things only went south from there. 

So, I've been quiet...

Ok, Ok, I know that I have been very lax in posting recently, but I haven't really had much news (and writers block).

 

As you can see there has been some overhauling of my blog... different look and feel... let me know what you think, although it could change again soon, have found some really cool skins.

 

Life has been pretty tiring, looking after Chloe, missing Paul and getting back into the swing of things with work.

 

Paul was in Zambia for the whole week last week, so I had a fairly quiet week, work, look after Chloe and sleep.  I was in bed early every night last week.  I just couldn't keep my eye's open.  I must say that it was quiet and I was really happy to have him home again.

 

Things still haven't settled down with Chloe and she still has a blocked nose.  Her sleep is constantly being interrupted by the nose, and I am hoping that the humidifier that I bought will help.  I have also added Olbas oil to the humidifier which will apparently help clear her up, and so far there has been some improvement, but it is slow progress, and I am battling with all the wakings and never sure if she is hungry or just can't breathe.  There are also massage techniques that I can learn that will help with that, but I haven't had the time, or the funds to learn those techniques.

 

There has been an exciting development in my life, but I will have to keep you in suspense till it is official, so sorry for those waiting now with bated breath to hear what it is.  I will definitely keep you up to date with that development.  Just for those wondering, no, I'm not pregnant again.

 

All the increases in the cost of living have really made things tight in the budget and I have been looking around for cheaper but good nappies.  I was told about a factory shop which sells factory reject nappies (mostly cosmetic defects) and they didn't have any when I went there, so I gave that up as a bad joke.  But, in the mission of finding a cheaper alternative to Pampers, I was at a supermarket and was doing some research and found another brand which is as good as Pampers, but about 50 cents a nappy cheaper, so I think I will be buying those in a short while.  It's ridiculous how much they charge for the things.  There is the alternative of having cloth nappies, but then you have the problem of nappy rash and bucket loads of nappies to wash every day.  You have to weigh up the cost of the detergent and water as well when thinking of the towelling nappies. My mother said that she went through about 12 nappies a day with us and that is not an option.  I can't see that happening anytime soon.  Also the cost of formula has also gone up quite a bit, almost R20 a tin, which also bites quite hard.

 

I'm sad to say that I have become quite unused to Chloe at home, and the weekends are exhausting, looking after her, keeping her busy.  By the end of the weekend I am happy that she is going back to school, but at the same time, by 9am on Monday morning I am missing her like crazy.  Like a yo-yo I tell you.

 

Anyway, let me go, I really have run out of stuff to write now...

 

xx

Explaining why I am the way I am...

 

The first day back at work

Well, so far the first day back at the office hasn't been too traumatic, except that I am missing Chloe like anything. I think that the thought that I can't just go and get her when I want to makes it all the more difficult to deal with. My boss is away today, so there hasn't been terribly much to do, except clear my inbox from 4 months worth of emails and also get my computer back to what it was after the network administrator decided that he needed to downgrade my Office due to a program not working… he coulda just reloaded it….

Chloe has been miserable, she goes from happy, laughing, smiling and gurgling to screaming and inconsolable in a flash. Word on the streets is that it's the typical symptom of teething. Something I didn't realise is that apart from having a sore mouth from getting the teeth, it makes the baby feel sick, and sore all over, headache and the like. I suppoase, thinking about it now, it's understandable. There is a lot that happens to their little bodies in order to get the teeth to come out, or so I hear.

I guess some advantage to her teething and being in school, is Mel knows what to do and how to help her a little, but I am not sure that she will do anything I haven't asked her to do, and I must admit I am at a loss half the time. That is the trouble with being a first time mom. There is so much that you don't know, and if someone hadn't told me about teething, then I would be clueless. That is also when forums come into their own, where you have a whole host of mom's to ask questions, and they will normally have some kind of answer.

Well, I have just been to find something to help Chloe, and there is a product called Bennetts Eazi-Breathe Kit, which I am hoping will help her to breathe at night. The poor child, if she has sinus problems the way I do, I don't blame her for being miserable; I have such a bad sinus headache at the moment.

Don't you hate it when you ask a shop attendant for something, by name and they look at all the other products on the planet except the one that you asked about, and then still ask questions 3 times because they weren't listening properly the first time. Sleep deprivation certainly makes the fuse just that much shorter. I guess it is easier to go where you know you will find what you are looking for.

An update on Chloe

Chloe has been doing so well at school, and I can't believe the amazing development only one week has made. She is definitely a child who needs lots of stimulation. She went from not really being interested in toys to holding them and playing with them. The other development was a runny nose which gets so blocked at night that the poor baby can't breathe properly and wakes up all upset. I took her to the homeopath yesterday and she has given me some drops which should clear her nose up by Thursday. I knew it was inevitable that she would get something at some stage, but I think the worst part of her being sick is there is nothing that I can do to really help, she can't blow her nose (they only manage that from about 4 years of age, or so I have read), the saline that we spray in her nose, helps to some degree, but it isn't a lasting solution and well, the sleep deprivation doesn't help me much either. I will have to wait and see how she has been today. I know that she was sneezing out a whole bunch of snot, which is good, because then it is coming out but at the same time, it means that there is still a lot in there. I guess the drops must be working though, because she wasn't sneezing like this before, and the Doc did say that it would clear out her nose. I guess I didn't think that it would do so with sneezing.

Chloe has also had a sudden growth spurt. I know this because clothes which fit her last week no longer do. I was trying to put on a pair of leggings and they just wouldn't get to her waist, in fact only half way up her bottom, so she has put on some length. I would be interested to know how long she is now. I am sure I can wait another week, she has to go for her next set of jabs on Friday next week. It is a sad thing, knowing that she will be feeling miserable and sore afterwards. But, at least I know the vaccines are ones which work.

I received a note from school to say that there was a strain of Meningitis doing the rounds in Pietermaritzburg, and that we should get the babies vaccinated, and after 2 days of trying to contact my paed, he was away on business, he confirmed that I needn't fork out the money for the vaccine, as it doesn't work. Go figure. Sometimes you have to wonder why they make them when they don't know that they really work. A comment from the receptionist there was that they hadn't given that vaccine in ages. At least I know that I can trust him. This man is really passionate about babies and their health, so I think that I have an amazing paed.

Well that is all for now. Till the next post.

It's All Part Of His Plan

I know this isn't something that I have written, but I thought that is is something that really spoke to me, and where I am at the moment, with life and decisions that need to be made... I pray that it will help with something that you are grappling with as well.

In everything God works for the good of those who love Him... because that was His plan.

Romans 8:28 NCV

When you're in a situation where you've got more questions than answers, it takes faith to accept that "in everything God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28 NCV). What you consider wasted experiences can become confidence-builders and priceless sources of insight - when you decide to learn from them! If you don't, they'll keep happening till you do. The Israelites went in circles for 40 years before they finally wised up. Don't let that happen to you.

When you get too comfortable God stirs things up. The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they're forced out of it. Next they are pushed off a cliff edge. Can you imagine their thoughts: 'It's my mother doing this?' Who and where you are at this moment in time has been divinely appointed. God in His wisdom knows that you need the challenge of certain situations to mature and stretch you. The job you dread going to every day is developing your skills, endurance and sense of responsibility. Those people who rub you the wrong way are actually making you more like Jesus!

Paul says God "understands… and knows what is best for us at all times" (Ephesians 1:8 TLB). So instead of asking Him to change things, thank Him for the experience and the lessons you're learning. And if you can't figure out what those lessons are, ask Him. James says, "If… you need wisdom… ask God" (James 1:5 CEV). When you do, you'll discover - it's all part of His plan!

xxx Kim

The end of another season

Today marks the decision to sell my car... It is a sad day for me, and it was a difficult decision to make but it needed to be made, and sooner rather than later. The trouble is that the car must have been made at the end of a shift of a Friday afternoon when no one wanted to be at work anymore, and they did a rotten job on putting the little chor (slang word in South Africa for a small runabout) together. Since I bought the car there have been problems, starting with a faulty indicator switch which took the dealership 6 months to diagnose, and only solved the problem when I threw my toys out the cot and demanded that they replace the switch. It seemed to settle down then, but since then I have had problems with the central locking, the fuel injectors, water pumps, the electronics have lost the plot, and now I guess it is time to say good bye to what has to be my favourite car. This means that we will now become a one car family, and that means that there will be some inconvenience. There are the down sides to it, but there are some benefits. We can save the money that we make from selling the chor and earn interest so that there is a nice deposit for a new car next year, but I think that is the only one I can think of now. At least the other good thing is that if the car does finally give up the ghost, then at least I won't be in trouble with a baby and a broken car. But, it is still a heart breaking think that the little car that has till now faithfully taken me where I need to go, when I need to go will no longer really be part of my life. So, this is not a Happy Day kind of post.

I guess the thing is, it's the first car that I have bought with out the help of my parents and I have a lot of memories in the car, just trips taken, and I know that that shouldn't make the difference to whether you sell a car or not, and that I shouldn't be so attached to a material thing, but I still love the thing, and it has been a comfortable chariot with a great sound system, smooth ride and it certainly sorted through the creature comforts. But enough making myself more miserable... the up side is that at the end of the day, it is becoming an unreliable option and rather than have a car that ends up costing thousands, cut the losses and move on.

Chloe's First Day

What a start to the day... Firstly Chloe slept from 6pm to 4 am, which is a new thing, and then I had to wake her to get her ready for school. Typical I thought, school starts and she sleeps in... :o) At least I know she is normal. Then I dressed her and got everything ready, trying to remember everything I had to pack for the day and as stock for nappy changes and the like. Bundled her into the snug, and then to the car, but it wouldn't open... then it wouldn't start. So, being optimistic, I tried roll starting it... what a laugh, the battery was so dead the engine didn't even turn over. So, unpack everything again and phone for help. An hour later the new battery arrived with the technician, on a motorbike... not what I was expecting, and then the car started perfectly. I packed the car again, and off we were. About half way to school Chloe started crying, which didn't help matters. I got to the baby room and there were only 2 babies still awake, and they said that it was nap time so at least I know they get some sleep. Melanie picked Chloe up and she stopped crying, as it was a new place and very interesting to have a look at. But, then after chatting a while, Chloe decided enough was enough and started to cry again... so Melanie put her to sleep, a relief. I think the biggest relief I had was that Chloe isn't the only child to be rocked to sleep. There was another cutie pie there and he wasn't interested in being put down for a second. They said that he had been home for a week and all the routine training they had been doing had been undone... note to self, try keep the same routine when at home.

Anyway, I left the school feeling alright, I didn't cry which I thought I would... and I felt kind of weird not having a child in the car, not having to worry about it being too hot in the car... or when she will need a feed.

Now the wait to go and fetch my little one. In the mean time, I have rearranged the study, and let Octavia clean the house in peace, and I went to visit my folks, and then shopping for a new pair of jeans, the other pair I have make me look like a clown they are so big for me... not sure when that happened, because they fitted just fine before I was pregnant. Yay for breastfeeding! I also had to try to find a lift to the Barnyard Theatre tomorrow night to save having two cars there, and I did manage to find one, so after putting Chloe to sleep I have to get to the supermarket where I will be collected and then have a bit of fun. Shame, poor Chloe, starts school, so no Mommy all day and on the second day she has no Mommy pretty much half the night as well. Hopefully she will be sleeping so she won't know the difference. I will finish this post tonight, and then let you know the rest of the story after I have been to fetch Chloe and get the feedback from Melanie on how her first day was.

Well, Chloe's first day was alright I think. Melanie said that she was good, and napped well, had all her milk and only cried when she was tired really. So I guess she will be alright. I still feel sad because it means that she is growing up and that she isn't such a little baby anymore, but I guess that is life. At least she seemed happy to see me, and when I was putting her to sleep this evening, she was dreaming and I imagine she had a busy day from the movements. I was a little worried that she seemed to get frights, but Melanie did say that she woke with frights from her naps, probably due to the new noise environment.

The end of a season

Tonight I am feeling very sad, as tomorrow morning our little cherub starts at her school, and I know that I am going to take it very badly. I imagine she will take some time to settle down there, and get used to the people who are caring for her, but at the same time it is going to be very difficult for me to get used to the idea.

There are several reasons that I will be taking such strain...

- It means that she is growing up.

- I don't know that she will even miss me at this age.

- I feel a little jealous that there will be someone else who will be her "primary caregiver" and I will no longer fill that roll daily.

- I don't know how she will cope with the environment, and how she will cope with the people and all the other babies.

- She is definitely likely to get sick very soon after starting there.

- They will never care for her the way that I do (which could also be seen as an advantage by some).

It is going to be very difficult and I think that tomorrow is going to be a terribly hard day. I was washing the dishes just now, and thinking I have to sort out the new computer workstation (we have ditched the computer stand and turned the dining room table into the new desk, and now I have to get everything into a suitable place where it all works well and comfortably) and thinking that it will be difficult with Chloe, and then I remembered that I won't have her here with me, and I think that it will be very empty here without her. I am going to miss cuddling her, and loving her, watching her nap, and I think I'll even miss her crying.

I was speaking to a friend at church today, and she said that Chloe would be fine, and yes they will never look after her the way that I do, but they will take good care of her, and they will have a routine of things that they do with the babies, so she will get into the groove soon and then be fine. She did however say that it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for them to settle down, which is different to what they said at the school (2 weeks) but I will have to see. She said that I should tell them what I am expecting, and that they are offering a service which I am paying for so I have to make sure that I am happy, and be assertive about how they care for her. So, I will see what happens.

Poor Chloe was very grizzly today, and I think that she may be teething, or starting to, and seemed very unhappy with anything that we did to keep her busy, but I went to visit Pat and she put a blanket outside on the grass and we sat outside for a while and Chloe loved it. First we had her on her tummy for some leopard crawling practice and then we flipped her over (when she was too frustrated to carry on) and she chatted with us for ages, until she got hungry, and tired (bed time). I am hoping that the lady at the school will be able to shed some light, as I am sure that looking after 10 babies you would know when they are beginning to teeth. Shame, all these changes. I forgot to tell you all that Chloe has graduated to her camp cot in her own room, and she has been sleeping alright. I have also stopped getting up every time she wakes up. I get up if she starts to cry, which is normally around midnight. She does wake up in the middle of the early morning, but I leave her, and she goes back to sleep without me. It means that there is less disruption of my sleep and she tends to eat better in the morning when we get up. So many changes for this little girl, I hope that she can cope, and I pray that she is safe in the hands of the people I felt God wanted her in. I know that I felt certain that she was meant to be in the school I have put her in, and I hope that she really blossoms there and does well, I am sure the interaction with the other children will help her become more independent and confident rather than being a recluse at home (almost like her mother).

I'll keep you posted with developments.

An update

Everyone must be wondering what has happened to the updates that came around so regularly, and since Chloe was born there has been nothing to speak of really. Well, that is because spare time has been very scarce, and motherhood has been a very tiring, daunting, and yet amazing experience.

Chloe has been growing quickly and is almost 6kg already, and at 11 weeks I think she is doing very well, according to the clinic sister. She is also beginning to get really cute, "talking", and smiling and generally making it harder to not fall in love with her. She is really developing a personality that matches her irresistible looks. She has managed to charm most people who have seen her, and even people walking past in the shopping centres can't resist a closer look. She does have her mothers dislike for the camera, and it is hard work to get even a little smile out of her when taking pictures, but I have managed one or two, but, I have yet to capture the full smile that I get in the mornings, usually in the middle of her feed and then it is all over. She won't eat after that, because she is too busy chatting and making my heart melt.

She will be going for her 10 week jab this week, and I'm hoping that it will be alright, as last week she was so miserable when I was at the clinic we decided against giving it to her. She didn't seem to react too badly to the first one at 6 weeks, which was a relief, and I am hoping that it will be the same this time around. She is also on formula, and I am no longer breast feeding, for my sanity and also because in about a month's time I will be back at work, and I can't imagine trying to express milk in the bathroom at the office and then having 40 odd people checking out the milk in the fridge there. Formula is just easier.

Other than that, all I can say is that NOTHING can ever prepare you for motherhood, and how all consuming it is, and how hard it is. All the stories and advice etc, aren't even a speck on the screen when you are in the situation, and to all the moms-to-be reading this, it's worth every second, but it is the toughest job you will ever have!

Not Just A Mom...

You have to love this one :o)

 

 JUST A MOM?

 A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
 was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
 
 She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
 
 'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
 
'I'm a Mom.'
 
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed
 
What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out: 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title s lowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.  Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!

And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
 
Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!! ;
I also think it makes Aunts 'Associate Research Assistants.'

Easter vs Passover... very interesting

This past weekend Paul and I visited a different church, and the preacher had been asked about the origin of Easter, and why the church didn't have an Easter service on Easter Friday etc.  He went into great depth to describe why they don't as a church don't "celebrate" Easter, and I have layed it out below, with information I got from http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/origin-of-easter.htm as Paul had to to check that the information that had been given to us was in fact correct (my darling sceptic :o) ).

~~~~

Origin of Easter - A Christian Commemoration
The origin of Easter, a holiday associated with the observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is actually based on an ancient pagan celebration. Christians recognize this day as commemorating the culminating event of their faith, but like so many other "Christian" holidays, Easter has become commercialized and mixed with non-christian traditions like the Easter Bunny, Easter parades and hunting for Easter eggs. How did this happen?

Origin of Easter - Its Pagan Roots
The origin of Easter dates back to ancient times, not long after the global Flood recorded in Genesis 6-9 of the Bible. Nimrod, a grandson of Noah, had turned from following his grandfather's God and had become a tyrannical ruler. According to the biblical record, as king, Nimrod created Babel, Ninevah, Asshur, Calla and other cities, all known for lifestyles that promoted unspeakable evil and perversion. When Nimrod died, his wife, Queen Semiramis, deified him as the Sun-god, or Life Giver. Later he would become known as Baal, and those who followed the religion Semiramis created in his name would be called Baal worshippers. They became associated with idolatry, demon worship, human sacrifice and other practices regarded as evil.

The origin of Easter involves the birth of Semiramis' illegitimate son, Tammuz. Somehow, Semiramis convinced the people that Tammuz was actually Nimrod reborn. Since people had been looking for the promised savior since the beginning of mankind (see Genesis 3:15), they were persuaded by Semiramis to believe that Tammuz was that savior, even that he had been supernaturally conceived. Before long, in addition to worshipping Tammuz (or Nimrod reborn), the people also worshipped Semiramis herself as the goddess of fertility. In other cultures, she has been called Ishtar, Ashtur and yes, Easter.

The origin of Easter goes back to the springtime ritual instituted by Semiramis following the death of Tammuz, who, according to tradition, was killed by a wild boar. Legend has it that through the power of his mother's tears, Tammuz was "resurrected" in the form of the new vegetation that appeared on the earth.

According to the Bible, it was in the city of Babel that the people created a tower in order to defy God. Up until that time, all the people on the earth spoke one language. The building of the tower led God, as recorded in Genesis 11:7, to confuse their tongues to keep them from being further unified in their false beliefs. As the people moved into other lands, many of them took their pagan practices with them.

Contemporary traditions such as the Easter Bunny and the Easter egg can also be traced back to the practices established by Semiramis. Because of their prolific nature, rabbits have long been associated with fertility and its goddess, Ishtar. Ancient Babylonians believed in a fable about an egg that fell into the Euphrates River from heaven and from which Queen Astarte (another name for Ishtar or Semiramis) was "hatched."

Origin of Easter - Resurrection Day for Christians
For Christians, the origin of Easter is simply the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ about 2,000 years ago. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus Christ, the true Messiah promised in the Old Testament, was crucified and resurrected at the time of the Jewish Passover. Since that awesome event took place, those who believe Christ is their Messiah have honored that day and often celebrated it with the traditional Passover. As the Gospel of Christ spread throughout non-jewish nations, among people who did not have a history of celebrating the Passover, the pagan rites of Easter gradually became assimilated into what the Christian church called "Resurrection Day." Compromising the commandments of God with the comfort of the world is as old as the nation of Israel itself. Actually, American history teaches us that Easter was dismissed as a pagan holiday by the nation's founding Puritans and did not begin to be widely observed until just after the Civil War. Those interested in a Christian view of American history and the gradual compromise of America's Biblical foundations may wish to read books such as The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and David Manuel.

Family Visit

This week my family from the UK came to visit, and it was awesome to see them again, after so many years.  The last time we saw each other was... I can't remember the year, about 15 years ago I am sure.

I have attached the family picture - the fun one.  It's been fun to see them, and they really are an amazing family.  Only one of my cousins came out this time, and Sheryl was very helpful with Chloe, as well as Uncle Jaap and Aunty Sheila.  They wanted to surprise my mother at the coffee shop and they did, my mother didn't even recognise them originally, and then when the penny dropped I imagine it was a moment of comic relief.  I know that Mom enjoyed their visit completely.  Some of the stories that were coming out from when they were young were interesting as well. 

We had a braai with them last night and it was fun, Uncle Jaap did the cooking, and we all just relaxed (except for me, trying to get Chloe to settle down) and visited. 

Today they have left to go to St Lucia for a few days, and then they will pop up to Ermelo to visit my gran, and other aunt and uncle, and then it's back to the UK.  I'd like to think that they really enjoyed thier trip here and that the holiday wasn't so much of a whirlwind that they didn't get a chance to relax.

 

I love you Aunty Sheil and Uncle Jaap.

 

Of cats and monkeys

Well, this week seemed to be a week of throughfare for animals in my house.  The first time a huge male Vervet Monkey, hopped past me, as if I wasn't there, and proceeded to walk through the lounge as if he owned the place. Well, I lost my temper, and all sense of fear of long, sharp, possibly diseased teeth, and chased the creature through the house. The worst part was that my chasing did nothing to scare the animal. The sheers I was carrying (I was gardening at the time of the trespassing) were lobbed at him, which only slightly increased the arrogant speed that he was moving. Amazing how protective one becomes when you're little angel is in a room, and there is the potential of attack on her. It was only after the fact that I realised what I had done. The most annoying part was that the animal tried another two times to come back inside, like he owns the place. Paul's blow pipe (aka monkey deterrent) seemed to get rid of him. I didn't use it, but they know what it is, as he uses it to shoot them with blunt "darts", which makes them think twice about coming around our spot.

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There are a whole lot of cats in our complex. Now, our neighbours have a beautiful cat called Mitsy. (Pictured above) According to Mitsy apart from their garden being her territory, our garden is part of her greater territory. However, the cat from Unit 18 feels that it is his duty to antagonise Mitsy and encroach on her territory. Mitsy is a gentle cat (till the claws and teeth come out, when she is suffering from some form of cat PMS, in which case she can deliver quite some pain) and doesn't like to fight. But, on the fateful day, she chased Cat 18 (so named due to its home) right through my lounge. Now, again I'm not usually one who will get involved in fights, especially when there are some very sharp claws involved, but, they were getting a bit close to my baby. Anyway, my just standing up, made Mitsy stay one one side of the lounge, and then back out slowly, while Cat 18 stared at her through our back door, as if saying "I dare you!", so to solve that problem and calm my dear Mitsy down, I closed the back door, instantly ending the rivalry. Thank goodness, I have never seen Mitsy so riled up. I have chased Cat 18 away a number of times. Just this morning it was in Pat's garden tormenting Emma, her cat. The problem I have with all the cat fighting, is that when they are howling at each other, it sounds very much like a baby crying, and unless I am right by Chloe, there are moments when I think that she is crying so I bolt through to her, and it's the stupid cats!

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Then, just to vent!  The children from our neighbours (next door, not below us) have it in their minds that I like having them staring at me, and trying to come into my house, while I am trying to settle Chloe down, during her grizzly time of the day. They think that it is a big game. The other day, I thought, I'll close the door so they get the message that I don't want them around, so they start banging on the door. I was very annoyed. Paul was here as well, and he was also getting irritated, and was going to sort them out when they decided that the game was over and moved off. Some days I don't know what to do, you're stressed out because your child is crying and there is no consoling her, and then you have a 2 year old and a 9month old trying to invade your territory, and make a game of it. Every time you look at them, they run away laughing, thinking that it is a big game. Argh!

More Snippets

Again, the blog update is more snippets than one long story, but I guess it's better than being bored with a long story about nothing! Much has happened since my last post, although being so busy with Chloe, it has been too blurred to remember half of it... So here goes.

Aviary Update

Paul has finished the aviary, but not without injury. He got blood poisoning from the mesh that he was using to build it. He must have stabbed himself with it about 20 times, but one particular wound went septic, and he got mild blood poisoning, so it was off to the doctor for him. It is still looking a little sore, and infected, but the antibiotics are helping sort it out.

I released the budgies into the aviary yesterday, and they still haven't quite figured out that they have vast amounts of place to fly, and they seem not to know what to do with their wings. Although, Greenie and Mammy Blue have discovered the art of flying around more and are using the freedom. Cyan is less mobile though, as his wings are still clipped, and he is looking a little under the weather. I am keeping a close eye on him though to make sure that he is alright.

This morning the whole troupe of monkeys came through our yard, and decided to test whether they are able to get into the aviary, especially since there are yummy birds waiting to be eaten. (Argh) Paul and I have decided that we are going to get some fake snakes and are hoping it will deter them from coming anywhere near the birds again. One monkey was jumping on the aviary to see if it could get through. Really cheeky!

Chloe Update

As I type, my little cherub is squirming where she lies sleeping, although I am not so sure she is still sleeping. Chloe is growing fast, and when I weighed her yesterday she was 4.3kg. I can't believe it, although my arms have been telling me that she is getting heavier. Her last length measurement was 51cm, and that was last week Tuesday, but I am sure that she has grown longer as well. After fighting with her and breastfeeding, I have with the genius of my husband, to express milk all the time now and then bottle feed her rather. She seems to be taking to that much better, and she is getting more food / milk which is great. She feeds less often, sleeps better, and generally is in a better frame of mind. I was right though, she woke up, so now I'm typing with one hand, and Chloe in the other arm.

It is so good that Paul is behind the expressing milk option. Being able to feed her with a bottle is much more relaxing for the both of us. I have added another pic as well for you.

The 70^th Birthday photo shoot

Saturday 23^rd February was an exciting evening for me. I was able to photograph a 70^th birthday party at uShaka, in the aquarium and it was stunning. They really went all out to make it look great there, and I think that they enjoyed the party.

It was the first time since Chloe was born that I was not with her for more than 5 minutes, and it was quite a daunting thing to leave her, but my mother and Paul were stars and apparently Chloe was an angel. Slept, ate and made her nappies dirty, making Dad change them twice. I must admit most of the evening I didn't miss her, as I was too busy to think about it, but when my milk started to come through and I was getting sore because of it, I figured that I was missing her lots. My plan was to express some milk during the evening, so that there wouldn't be any engorgement, but that opportunity never presented itself, so I was pretty sore, and the milk that came out when I did eventually get a chance was more like water than milk, so I ditched that.

"Kim Swan – Pet Photographer"

So, now you are probably wondering what this is all about. Well, you have heard of Ace Ventura – Pet Detective, well I was asked to take some pictures of a friends little dogs, who are some of the most hyper active creatures I have come across. It took about an hour of sitting outside with them, and Berrie, for them to calm down enough to get some beautiful pictures. Needless to say of the 30+ pictures that I took 4 were worthy of printing (in my opinion) and I can't wait to give them to her. I had them printed with the photo's from uShaka, so I got to see them in print for the first time again. I must say that printing photo's is very satisfying. The computer screen does very little justice to the pictures, but when they are printed they are amazing.

Well, that is about all the news I have for the time being. I will post again soon!

 

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http://www.kimswanphotography.co.za/