Especially for you...

 Jo and Paul that is.  We had a bit of a mad morning today.  Jake and I overslept.  Our alarm goes off at 6:25 for the first time, we usually actually only surface at 6:40.  Then it's a mad scramble to get dressed, make beds, let the dog out for a wee, feed the dog, open blinds, pack bags and dash out the door for breakfast at Nini & Pa.  Today we got up at 6:56.  We still made it to my folks by 7:09 and Jake managed to inhale his fried egg on toast, go to the loo and we still got to school with time to spare!  Bearing in mind that the bell rings at 7:47, this is no small feat!  And I still remembered to take some pictures of Corks and Bi for Jo & Paul. 

Today's gift were Jack in the bean stalk colouring in and activity books.  Connor was thrilled.  He was in a much better mood this morning and only too happy to smile for photos for his mommy & daddy.  There are just 2 presents left in his bag, which means Jo and Paul's holiday has nearly come to an end.  They leave Greece on Saturday and will be back in Cape Town on Sunday morning.  I asked Corky this morning if he's excited to see his mommy and he said "YEEEEESSS!!" (very loudly) and his daddy? "YES, YES, YES!".  He is hoping that they're going to bring him home a present, but told Jake that he's not getting one.  Hahaha...

 Bi's had a little cold and I didn't think to wipe her nose before I snapped this pic.  It's too cute not to post though.  Beautiful Bi...

 My mom nicked my camera and after promising not to get disheveled me in the picture, there I am, feeding Bi her fried eggie...

 Bi keeps stealing my mom's big broom and trying to sweep around the house, so my mom and dad took them shopping at Canal Walk yesterday and she got her very own little broom.  It's all downhill from here Bi, throw it away while you still can...

 Corky and Jake both ate like stars this morning, both went to school warm and full and ready to face the day.  I was hoping to take Corky to McDonald's today for lunch, but Jake has a class with his Auntie from 2:15 and there just won't be enough time, so McDonald's will have to wait until tomorrow.  I'll pop in and see them while Jake's busy in any case...

Jo and Pauly-wauly, I hope that you're basking in the sun and enjoying the R&R.  Jo, make sure you try each and every cocktail before you come home and Paul, don't put Mythos out of business!  Dying to see your pictures and to hear all about your wonderful adventure.  I am feeling even more desperate for a holiday now, but I'm not as brave as you to travel without my boys, so more saving is needed...

Sue XXX

PS.  Surgery's scheduled for 25th June, I get 2 days sick leave and plan to take the rest of the week off work.  Heck, working in an office full of me, all I have to do is walk into work funny and they'll send me home anyway.  Will be nice to get some time off with Jake during his school holidays.

I freaking Smurf you...

Despite a bumpy start to his day yesterday, Corky's day had brightened up a whole lot and by the time we popped in to visit yesterday afternoon, he was all smiles and busy colouring in with Pa at the dining room table.  Jake had packed sweets for them, blue ones that stain their teeth and tongues and makes their mouths totally blue.  Corky thought they were super cool and loved sticking out his blue tongue for us all to see...

 Jake really knows how to work the sweets and Corks was more fascinated by Jake's blue tongue than his own...

 It was too messy for Bi, although I thought she'd have looked quite cute with a Smurf tongue too.  The afternoon ended with Jake and Corky both playing with his trains on the coffee table and they both had a fabulous time.

This morning, we popped in again for breakfast.  Nini made the kids flapjacks as a treat.  Jake had about 6.  It's become heaps of fun watching Corky opening his presents from his mommy and daddy.  This morning he got two new Thomas books - Harold's bad day and Toby had a lamb - and some heart sweets.  He was thrilled with his new books!

So thrilled that he even let me take a photo of his cross face... 

 It was all done in good humour though and, for those of you who know Corky well, will know that he boarders on obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine.  Train number 4, Gordon, is his favourite though and it's hysterical how close his expression comes to the generally happy engine's cross face...

As for little Bi, well, she's just a little doll, isn't she??  Jo, yes, it was a little bruise on her forehead yesterday, but look, today it's already gone...

 In the mornings, the two of them stand at the window to wave good bye to us.  They get super excited when we reverse and then come back up the drive way to wave again...

Other than that, Jake has a rugby match this afternoon and is totally amped to get on the field for a run about with the boys.  He was quite disappointed at the last match when he only got to play half the game.  Unfortunately, there are a few too many boys for the team, but not enough for a second team.  At this stage, they keep the top players on the field for the whole game and rotate the others.  Some times you have a good day and some times not, but everyone needs a turn.  Try explaining that to a competitive 8 year old boy though!  Today he's going on that field psyched up to do his best.

In other news, probably not for the guys, I have to have a small op done some time soonish.  Nothing major, but after my regular check ups at the lady doctor, they're continuously picking up abnormal cells on my test results.  Detailed tests show that I have a low grade lesion on my cervix and we've decided to do a little laser procedure, called Conization, to basically remove the affected part of my cervix.  It's that or have a baby, which often helps to clear these things up, but I don't think Danie would be keen to help me out on that.

So, basically, you can have a clear pap test result, then you get one with atypical cells, which is fairly common and can be caused by whole range of different things. Then you get one with a result of a low grade lesion, which is what I have, then you get a high grade lesion and only then does this whole thing become cancerous. So, mine's a low grade lesion and if left completely unattended, it'd take something like 10 years to develop into cancer, but I'd rather not take the chance, thanks.

While I'm really not looking forward to the invasive surgery (I would rather push out another kid), I'll feel a whole lot happier knowing that I don't have any pre-cancerous cells growing anywhere in my body.   I have already got my hospital pre-authorisation sorted out with my medical aid and need to sort out a date that suits everyone best; I'll probably try get it booked for during the school holidays though.  Will make things simpler with Jake.  It's a day procedure, so the bonus is that I don't have to stay over, but I don't like waking up after an anesthetic (it's not pretty) and won't be able to drive myself.

Most importantly, what I'd like to say here is:  please make sure you ladies all go for regular check ups!!  I'm the last one to say that I'm excited about any of this, but seriously, cancer?  Is it worth the risk?

With lots of love,
Sue XXX

Family cuties...

We're getting to spend lots of time with Jake's little cousins while his mom and dad are away.  We popped in for a quick bite to eat with them early yesterday evening.  They were both bathed and in their jammies early and happy to play a bit before their dinner.  Bianca is just too sweet.  She's so soft and gentle next to the two boisterous boys.  She doesn't like getting into trouble though and as soon as she's upset her chin starts to wobble.  Makes you just want to cuddle her forever.  She had a wobbly moment looking at pictures on the wall of mommy and daddy.  She is the picture of innocence and it's hard to believe that one day she'll grow up and be a teenage girl.  Poor Paul...

Once we'd got him clean and in his jammies and he realised that it really wasn't bed time, Corky was happy to play a bit longer.  He's super possessive over his toys at the moment, we can hardly look at them without getting into trouble.  He let Jake help him open his new plane and Jake put it together for him.  While he would smile beautifully for the camera this time, he couldn't take his eyes off his new DVD...

 Jake has been super good with his cousins.  It's funny how I always worried that he'd be very jealous of his cousins taking over my parents home since it was his home for so long, but absolutely loves having his cousins there.  Silly boys realised that they could both do the same thing with their tongues...

 Jake loves Bi too, but she doesn't make as much noise as Connor, so she tends to be a little left out of their boyish games.  He speaks so gently to her though (most of the time) and he really does adore her.  Since he's never experienced siblings, I'm so glad for him that he is so close to his cousins..

 My mom made us yummy fish for supper and Bi LOVED it.  She wasn't even keen on her fruit after the fish...

 I love babies chubby, dimpled hands, even when they're grubby...

 Turns out that Bi wanted to feed herself.  After about 8 pieces of fish, she tackled the fruit... 

 After which she had cottage pie.  This girl doesn't have an appetite problem. See ma?  I'm happy!!

And that's that.  We saw them for fried eggies this morning.  Connor was up really early this morning though and definitely climbed out of the wrong side of his bed.  He was GRUMPY, but perked up a bit before we left and still demanded his hug and kiss on his forehead from Jake. 

Sue XXX

Jo & Paul...

 Are away on holiday.  Last week, they packed up, said goodbye to their two gorgeous little kiddies and headed off for the sunny shores of Santorini and Mykonos.  Lucky fishes, I am sick with envy!  Connor and Bianca are staying with my parents while theirs are away.  Means we are seeing lots and lots of them, which is always a treat.  I promised Jo I'd put pictures up every day that they're away and so far haven't put up any, so this post is especially for her.  I'm sure her and Paul are both starting to miss these little munchkins, but I hope that they are having the best holiday ever.  Just think - sleeping in late, afternoon naps, late night dinner and drinks, suntanning, shopping - what a life!!

I took these first pictures on Friday, the day after Jo and Paul left.  Bianca's so soft and gentle, but she knows how to make herself heard.  And like me, she's always game for a good laugh.  Actually, you just have to do a cheesy giggle and she'll join in.  Very cute.  Oh and thank goodness for her being in the family, she satisfies some of my broodiness...

 Connor had a pyjama day at school, so he was in his super cool Ben 10 jammies for that.  This was a special smile for the photo for his mommy and daddy...

 Bi's so much more obliging in the photo department though...

 Connor's very into Thomas the Tank Engine.  He has been for a while (check out his last 2 lots of party photos).  His favourite is Gordon and he can even make a cross face just like Gordon's.  It's amazing how well he knows all of the characters... 

 He's very possessive of his trains though and no body's allowed to touch them.  Especially not his sister (or his cousin)...

 The next batch of photos were taken this morning.  Coincidentally, Bi's wearing the same baby grow. Sure mom's washed it in between.  She'd only just woken up (just after 7am!0 and was full of smiles...

 Connor was happy, but playing hide-and-seek with me and not keen on smiling for my camera...

 He was happy to get another present though.  Jo and Paul have bought him a present for each day that they're away.  He's got some super cool presents and is loving getting something new each day.  Plus, he gets to actually see how many days he has to go till his mommy and daddy get home...

 Today's present was wrapped in Toy story paper and had a sparkly smurfette sticker on it.  Connor really liked the sticker and paper...

 And once he was over that, he couldn't wait to get the wrapping off to see what was hidden inside...

A new Thomas DVD - Toby's Triumph.  And a bag of Animal shaped jelly tots - he just loves sweeties.  Jake went to a birthday party yesterday afternoon and took his party box home for Connor, who scoffed the whole lot in about 0.3 seconds...

 Showing me, so I can show mommy and daddy what he got in his present.  Thanks mommy & daddy, it's fun when you're away...

Jo and Paul, I hope you're taking advantage of the well-deserved break!  I hope the weather's been amazing and that you are enjoying your special time together.  I'm sure it must be nice just to be the two of you again for a change.  Still, I'm sure that by next Saturday, you'll both be ready to get home for some serious cuddles from these two!  They're both happy and having fun with mom and dad though, so you have nothing to worry about.  They went by MyCiti Bus into town yesterday and had lunch in the gardens, then fed the squirrels.  They were in the Waterfront on Saturday and went on the Carousel.  Jake & I have promised Corky McDonalds sometime.  They are seeing and doing so much.  I will try put up more pictures tomorrow, but hope these suffice for now.

Sending you lots of love,
Sue XXX

Jake and the snake...

Jake's party was fantastic!  I was well prepared ahead of time and had plenty of time on Saturday morning, to relax and enjoy the final preparations with Jake and my family.  We even had time for a mini food-fight.

Jake was a star, he slept in a little and was very excited to help me get everything organised.  He especially enjoyed decorating the cake...

Working on our masterpiece...

Jake with the final result.  It turned out even better than we hoped...

At 2pm, Jake's friends arrived for the party.  The snake guy arrived in the middle of everything, but the kids were all super excited to see what he had hidden in the boxes for them...

As soon as everyone was there, we quickly sang happy birthday...

Blew out candles...

And got down to business...

We were super blessed with the weather.  It had been raining on and off for a few days ahead of the party, but the sun came out for a little while and we were able to have the snake show in the garden, rather than in the house...

We were definitely not disappointed by the show, Tim, our snake handler, brought every snake the kids could've hoped to have seen.  Here he's showing them how a boomslang (tree snake) can get itself out of a knot.  These highly venomous snakes have small mouths with fangs right at the back of their mouths and don't bite often.  Apparently, Tim tells us, in the olden days, people thought they were non-venomous and let kids play with them...

He brought along a fat, lazy puff adder...

Which he let loose just in front of me.  It didn't move an inch, which is what makes them so dangerous in nature...

Next up was the Cape Cobra. These are the babies my parents get in their garden from time to time.  Not in a while, but they've had something like 7 over the years.  They come in a variety of colours, but are always bright yellow underneath and are quick to strike.  The kids were lucky to see this one with his hood up...

See his yellow belly...

Finally, a chance for a volunteer.  Check Jake's face, it cracks me up every time I look at this picture - mememememepickmemememeeeee.... haha...

So, being the birthday boy, he kinda forced his way and was picked to go lend a hand...

He got handed this little corn snake, which is what he wanted me to get him for his birthday, but didn't get...

Tim's next subject was our common mole snake.  It's not venemous, but with 120 teeth in it's mouth, it can inflict a serious bite...

Tim's not scared though.  He was pretty funny and both the kids and adults enjoyed his show.  Come to think of it, so did he.  He's a pretty interesting guy to chat to.  And he loves snakes.  His dad was 4 years old when he caught his first puff adder.  He didn't tell his parents (Tim's grandparents), but kept it hidden in a shoe box under his bed for ages, giving it a goodnight kiss every night...

The kids were allowed to touch the mole snake, but Tim kept his head well away from them.  Thank you, Tim...

Corky was even brave enough to have a little feel...

Tim brought other things besides snakes to Jake's party.  Like this girdled lizard.  These guys are more endangered than the rhinos, so it was pretty special to see one up close...

They're pretty nifty too.  If you put your hands over them like this...

then flip them over like that...

And give them a little tickle on their tummies...

They go sound asleep and there's nothing you can do to wake them up...

Jake loved every moment of the party, it was totally his thing...

Next up was a black mamba.  It's one of the fastest snakes in the world and they get very long.  This guy was 2m!  They're grey-ish in colour and the inside of their mouths is black.  They're super deadly, if one of these bite you, you probably won't even make it to the hospital. 

I felt much better once he was back in his box...

Next up, Jake got to hold an iguana...

Happiness is...

Another funny photo from the day.  This was Jake learning that the iguana can give a serious bite and that it can hang onto it's victim for up to 3 hours...

Danie was very brave when he was forced to face his fears.  I'm sorry I did this to you Danie...

Actually, the boa was really pretty and his skin patterns were super fascinating.  Looks like little alien faces all along the length of him, especially along his tail end...

All the kids (well those that weren't bored, or frightened) in a line to help with the next one...

Jake got the head...

Meet Fluffy...

This was definitely a highlight, everyone got to help hold Fluffy up...

Then they got to put him on the ground and watch him move around. They got to put their hands on his body and feel his muscles working to help him slither along...

When the time came for Fluffy to go back into his box, Jake was there to make sure he was comfortable and get that last touch in...

But while Tim wasn't looking, Fluffy snuck back out...

And the kids all got another moment to experience this beautiful creature...

After that, it was photo time with the boa - Jake didn't want to let it go home...

I even had a turn...

Having another go, this time letting the boa wrap around his arm...

Kisses...

Even someone who doesn't like snakes, has to admit that nature is beautiful...

Once most of the kids had left, we managed to get Tim to let us have a shot at holding Fluffy.  Let me tell you, a 35kg snake, is no easy thing to lift off the ground...

All in all, it was a happy party and everyone seemed to have a good time.  Jake had fun and the kids all learnt something about the importance of snake conservation.  Jake was very well behaved the entire day and our evening braai with the family and a few friends was wonderful too!

Sue X