Now I am ONE!

There was quite a bit of excitement this morning of Zara's FIRST birthday! We had all her presents on the bed when she came up for her morning milk. Having had a practice run about a month ago for Daddy's birthday, Zara seemed to know just what to do with presents. She even (politely) read all her cards before the paper "ripping" began. Its really hard to believe that a whole year has past since our little cherub entered the world...

Happy FIRST Birthday little girl!!!

Front teeth

all I want for my birthday are my two front teeth...

Having cut her first teeth at 5mths, which is rather early...there has been no more action. I was starting to wonder if Zara would ever get any more teeth. Then low and behold, shortly after her 11 month birthday out they "popped". We have been very lucky with teething so far, she seems to drool a lot and gets a little bit grumpy with an over-active tummy, and, before you know it the teeth are out. I have certainly put my faith in her Amber necklace that she has been wearing since she was 3 months old and am not about to try any more teeth without it. As she is so much older and willful, it has been a little more difficult to get into her mouth to see the new teeth. They have already had about 10 days growing time, so ,tonight in the bath, she was more than happy to show off her new pearly whites - well done little girl, you'll now be able to enjoy your birthday cake two teeth richer!

Tour de Emmarentia

Just before we went on holiday, Chris bought me a new bicycle and I have been dying to go riding with Chris again, but am often not able to leave Zara, so Phil & Cheryl very kindly gave me their bicycle baby carrier... which I added to Chris' birthday presents ;~)

The next challenge was to find a helmet small enough to fit our little girl. So armed with bike, baby carrier and helmet we set off to Emmarentia for a test drive.... Zara was as pleased as punch and babbled up a storm while Dad did some extra peddling on the bike. We looking forward to our trip to Wakkerstroom next weekend so we can all enjoy a family ride out in the country.

Zara and friends

Zara and Samuel - these two are going to be a handful when they both running around - Samuel, we going to be counting on you to keep an eye on Zara in the years ahead...

Zara and Jazmine - Zara playing "peek-a-boo" with Jazzy at Moyo

Zara, Jazmine and Alex - they managed to get themselves into this mini circle, Alex having a taste of Zara's dummy, Jazzy poking his cheek as if she is telling him off about the dummy and Zara tast testing my keys...

(we Moms, met through anti-natal classes-Zara was due last but was born first, then Jazmine 2 days after Zara and Alex 4 weeks later)

as you can see, Zara has been having a wonderful time catching up with all her friends ;~)

Rebekah comes to Jozi

It has been quite a while since we have seen Chris' cousins - Zara's 2nd cousins, but we were ecstatic when Lauren phoned to say they were coming to Joburg. Zara & I collected Lauren & Rebekah from the airport and we spent a lovely day together at Mike & Laura's (Dave had to go to work). The kids got on famously and even gave us some time for "adult" chat. Just as anticipated the last time we were together, no more lying down/calm photos - and this will certainly be the last time we get together with "stationary" babies....

Daddy's Birthday

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADA- HIP HIP HOORAY!!"

There was much excitement and intrigue this morning for Daddy's first birthday as a Dad. With just over a month to go till Zara's birthday, she got a good practice run in opening presents! Dad was not even ready to start opening and Zara was making a go for the card. Seems like she will have fun ripping papers and with her "quizzie-lizzie" nature she is just as intrigued by what comes out of the paper.

We had a lovely day together... we went out to breakfast, then took a trip to the zoo and lazed around on the grass before going off to look at a few animals. To finish off a perfect day, we had a delicious prawn braai at the Katz's. (thanks guys!!!)

all in reverse

Since we have been home, Zara has been making a huge effort to get "mobile". She pushes herself along the floor on her tummy, the only obstical seems to be her reverse skills are over powering forward motion. She has however figured out, that if she aims her bum in the general direction she wants to go, by hook or by crook, she'll get there.

Then again... sometimes.... the aim just gets her backed up in a corner!

She is so determined to get it right - that its happening in her sleep as well ;~)
(note how she is still "hedging dummies" - just like Daddy and the markets)

Zara meets the "Odies"

How lucky we were today, to have a visit from Brian & Lisa! Knowing that we were in London, they made a special trip from Zurich. As it coincided with Tom's summer holidays, he could also spend some time with family. As usual it was absolutely divine to see the Odies again, all relaxed after their holiday in Spain ;~) We are so very grateful for the tremendous effort - Thanks a zillion!

Hampton Court Palace

Even though Chris & Brett had to do some work today, we manged to squeeze in a trip to Hampton Court Palace. With only one car and decidedly dicey weather, we thought it would be a nice idea to catch the ferry to the Palace. After lunch we set off and on arrival we discovered that we had just missed he ferry and would have to wait for approx 30 mins for the next one... The next best idea was to walk into Kingston along the Thames which should make us in time fr the one that leaves from there. This would also give the kids a chance to have a much needed nap. We literally only just made it in time and then enjoyed a delightful ride along the Thames. On approaching the Palace, Brett pointed out that this was indeed the way the Royal family would have arrived. We then went for tea and cake before walking back to Teddington. The weather was very kind to us and we got home dry in time for Leo and Zara's dinner.

The Welton's

With our brief stay in London, today we were lucky to see Serife & Teo - unfortunately Chris W had to work. We met in Wimbledon and spent a lovely day together catching up on life. Teo is already walking - unlike his "lazy" friend Zara who has yet to learn to crawl (we have been (selfishly) wanting her to hold out on the crawling whilst we are on holiday). When it was time to go, Zara just wanted to him loves & kisses and in typical boy fashion he just wanted her out his face ;~). Hopefully the Welton's will make a trip back to SA sometime???

Korcula - WOW WOW WOW!

After much procrastination, we finally managed to get ourselves organised enough to venture of fto Korcula (pronounced Korchula). Having come so close to not making the trip, I have to admit that this was the hi-light of my holiday. This ancient medieval city is apparently where Marco Polo was born. Having been to the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik, I was far more taken by Korcula. I suppose you colud say there was more atmosphere - Although it was still busy and "touristy" I felt I was able to enjoy the architecuture, scenery & "vibe" far more than in Dubrovnik. We had a lovely picnic lunch on the pebble beach with a spectacular view of the city to one side, as well as luxury cruise liners going by. After we meandered through the ancient cobbled streets, there was so much to see and appreciate but time was limit. We certainly would love to visit the island again one day!

The "other" Loviste Beach

We have been going to the "other" beach in Loviste. Its a bit further away from our apartment and rocky but well worth the trek. Emma has been loving the rock pools and she, Brett & Chris have also manage to get in some snorkeling. Note the one huge sea urchin that Zara was introduced to...

The water is clear and warm and Zara has loved her swimming!! Unfortunately with the heat she has quite a bad heat/prickle rash on her arms. The sun cream also appears to aggravate the rash so we have had to keep her in the shade as much as possible - It seems to be soothed after a swim and is significantly better in the mornings. She hasn't moaned at all, and I must say it does look rather nasty.