So much going on...

Life has been very busy for us; too busy, which is both good and bad at the same time. Either way, I've been neglecting my blog and my camera - I'm trying to sort that out, but it's tough. OK?

So, where to start. I'll start off with my dad. As some of you will know, he's been having huge problems with his eyesight over the last few months. Actually, the first problems he had were just before we went to Greece, 2 years ago. Basically, I think it's due to the high doses of chemo and radiation he had when he was treated for (and cured from) leukemia. Traditionally, when one has a tumor that needs treatment with radiation, they'll get a couple of seconds isolated treatment, in my dad's case, he was getting total body radiation for 2 hours a day! Put simply, they kinda cooked him, but we were grateful. Now, obviously because of all this treatment, he's starting to have problems with his eyes (his hearing's not to great either). So, what's actually up with his eyes? Basically, in one eye, the actual eyeball is swollen and is pressing down on his optic nerve. It can be an extremely painful condition and treatment is via extensive chemo, even though it's not cancerous. At this stage, after all previous treatments, this isn't an option. For now though, my dad's not experiencing any pain, so we're just leaving it be. The other eye has a shingles virus (that's what started the problems when we went to Greece) that they just can't get rid of. He's also had glaucoma, so all in all, not great either. Under his ophthalmologist's recommendations, he's applied to be bordered from work because the air conditioning and computer work is going to further deteriorate his eyesight. He's been at home since March and it's been an on-going battle through mountains of paperwork. At this stage, he still isn't sure whether or not the application is going to be approved. I feel so sorry for him when I see him struggling with his thick specs and magnifying glass to read the newspaper, but he's got a wonderful, contented personality and is doing really well. It's been a huge adjustment around the house, especially since my mom's working from home, but they're settling down into new routines.

On a happier note (for some), Joanne went back to work last Monday and she and Paul just couldn't face leaving Connor with a nanny during the day, so they're bringing him through to our house early (they're there by 6:30) every morning. Jo is only working till 2:30 now, so she pops past on her way home to collect him again. It's a huge detour for them, but I think that ultimately, they will be rewarded for this sacrifice! We're all loving having a baby in the house and it's so special to have this extra time to get to know him so well. He's a very contented little thing and only cries when he's hungry or tired (and sometimes when he wants a cuddle). Jake absolutely adores him and has been overheard telling people that he's Connor's big brother. Jake's forever talking to him and I think it's a wonderful substitute to a sibling for Jake. Likewise, Connor is full of smiles for Jake and the two of them are really sweet together!!

(They were watching TV)

Besides that, August seems to be the month of travel for Jake and I. This weekend is a long one and we're going to Augrabies, in the Northern Cape, to visit our friends up there for a few days. We're travelling by overnight bus, which I hate, but we couldn't afford to fly up. Jake's really excited and hasn't stopped talking about what he's going to pack to eat on the bus. Also, at the end of the month (from 27 August - 7 September), we'll be going to the Kruger National Park. We've been planning the trip, along with my parents and some family friends for ages and ages and it's so exciting that it's finally coming through now. Jake is very excited, I can't wait to share it with him. He's going to absolutely love looking for animals, while I can't wait for the peace and quiet that only the bush can offer. Those early mornings and bedtimes do wonders for your soul. Not to mention the wildlife sounds that can be heard from around the fireside. We've got 8 nights in the park and, while it's the perfect break for grown-ups and kids alike, I am a little worried that it'll be a bit too long for Jake. I have bought tons of trashy toys (that lie flat in my bag) to amuse him with and will be taking my new laptop (yes, I finally bought one!!) along. I might even blog along the way, if I get time and can find Internet access. But mainly, I'm taking it with so that Jake can watch the odd DVD or play the odd computer game. I have issues with him doing either while we're on holiday, but let's face it, sometimes they just need to switch off too, especially when they get all wound up from lack of sleep. We'll try not to use it though! I CANNOT wait though and just want to get on that plane already!!

Other big news is that Jake and I are planning on moving into our own house at the end of the year (yes, I know some of you know that already). I have to give tenants notice (yuck), but will plan it so that we have December holidays to move in and get settled down. There are a few things I need to do to the house and lots of furniture I need to buy (any shopping assistants are welcome!). I am nervous, it's going to be a huge change for us and I am always a very security-conscious person, so living alone with my child is going to be quite a thing. We've been so lucky to have had my parents to help as much as they have. They're loving and gentle (most of the time) with Jake and they've really just put their lives on hold to help us get back up on our feet. We've lived with them ever since Jacques died (more then 5 years!) and I just feel like this is the final step I need to take. I need to know who I am on my own with Jake. We've really enjoyed staying with my parents, but it's time for us to move on now. I know that the change is going to be tough on them too, especially with Rosanne also moving out in October. They'll probably still see us on a daily basis though, so they're luckier then most. And I'm still hoping they'll help out with baby-sitting sometimes...

Last, but not least, the wedding looms. Rose and Gareth have less then 13 weeks to go and things are really starting to come together for them. Rose is having her dress made by a wonderful woman in Goodwood (she's really good if you ever need a dress made). She's got a fitting next week and the whole thing should be nearly finished by then. Rose is working really hard at losing a few kgs before the big day and is doing so well. She's looking gorgeous. The invites should be ready this weekend, so we can get those into envelopes to post off soon too. They've really just got final bits and bobs to sort out now and the days are going to fly by. I can't wait!!

OK. I hope I haven't bored you all and scared you all away. I could've done this post over 5 or 6, but I'm not sure when I'll get time to write again. I feel so much better now that I've updated!! And if you don't like spiders, stop reading now (there are more photos though, so don't stop!)!!

They have these huge, hairy tarantulas at the new Cape Union Mart at Canal Walk. On Sundays they take them out their boxes so that people can hold them. Jake was very disappointed that we visited on a Tuesday and he wasn't allowed to hold them, guess we'll have to go back then...

After the spiders, we went to the Science Centre. We've never been before, so it was heaps of fun and we'll definitely be back. A lot of the stuff was way over Jake's head, but he enjoyed running around, looking at everything. Plus, did you know it's National Science week, so we got in a little cheaper. If you go on Saturday this week, because of National Science week, you can get in free of charge. Here's Jake with Table Mountain. The little cable cars actually do run up and down and there are trains running around in the front too...

For those with younger kids, they've got sandpits and Lego, foam building blocks (that the kids can use to build a full sized house - the frame is already up, they just have to build) and little boats in water. Jake played with everything, but this was definitely a highlight for him. And it only cost me R5.00 (that's not even a loaf of bread)...

In amongst the madness, we have also managed to find time to stop and enjoy some amazing, sunny winter days. I love sunny, crisp winter days, although I don't like being cold. I'm really looking forward to spring arriving next month and I can't wait for my fingers and toes to defrost. Jake loves braai'ing, so we do that whenever we can. It's a good excuse to have a glass of wine out in the garden and to toast some marshmallows. Jake and Gareth made some braai breads on the fire, they were delicious...

Thanks for taking some pictures of Jake and I together Rose, pity about the sun spot. I still love them though...

Lots of Love, as always,

Sue xxx