Thanksgiving Thursday - fun with the Grandparents

Playing along with Nicole at What a trip! on Thursdays.

I have already mentioned on Monday all the practical little things that I am than thankful for resulting from my In-law's visit. But I am also thankful for the time the kids (and us) had to spend with them. Time to....

Dance...

Watch television....

Cuddle...

And read...

Quality time indeed.

Way back and wordful Whensday - belly shot at 27 weeks

Playing along on a Wednesday (as per usual) with Cheryl at Twinfatuation and Angie at 7 Clown Circus:

As I was "paging" through my digital archives for 2007 this week I saw this shot and realized that, off course, since I didn't have a public blog at this stage none of you have seen any belly shots. So this was me at 27 weeks, exactly 2 years ago today. A week later at my 28 week appointment, Little man L weighed 1,3 kg and Little manC 1,5 kg. Big for twins (well, for any baby at 28 weeks) which explains their big birth weights at 37 weeks, 1 day at 2,92kg and 3,02 kg respectively. And also explains why I looked like an elephant at this stage. At 28 weeks (picture below) by belly measurement was the same as with The Little Miss at 36 weeks.

I think I need to continue "The story of us" and tell more pregnancy stories.

Two for Tuesday - Kitty cat jersey.

Playing along with Debi and Deanna as per usual.

Regular readers know that my mom knits, although her hands are deformed with Rhumatoid Arthritis - she knits beautiful blankeys for the kids and whatever else she fancies at the time. I have several beautiful scarfs that she made through the years. The Little Miss has been the most recent recipient of one of Grannie's knitting projects. She got her jersey on Thursday and had to try it on immediately. It is still a bit big, but there is space to grow and wear it again next year.

And a closer view - off course, there is a kitty cat on it - she just adores cats - one of the reasons for my blogging name. And a pretty little scarf to match.

Makes my Monday - so many blessings.

Playing along with Cheryl - what a great way to start the week.

I have so many things making my Monday - I have to make a list!

• I have a freezer stacked with 35 meals, homemade by my MIL - one of the best cooks I know. Lasagne, Bobotie, fish cakes, meatballs, chicken dishes......
• We have a new BIC in our bedroom courtesy of my FIL - the doors are still being made, but it is functional. I actually have space to properly arrange my clothes and Hunter has twice the space he had.
• We had a great sunny and warm weekend. Cold weather on it's way, but still, it was great.
• My little artist painted this yesterday - I think it is particularly charming. The big face is she herself, singing (hence the round mouth - no, it's not a clown I am told), with bobbles and clips in her hair. The smaller face is puppy B, apparently also singing? Her creativity really makes my day.
  

• Oh yes, and what's this?
  

One nationwide health club membership - Hunter and I decided to spend the money and I am determined to make good use of it. Our medical insurance pay a large chunk of the money, so it is really worth it. So I did a good 20 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the bike yesterday.

• And Little man L has tonsilitus again! What makes my day is that I have a script ready given by the ENT specialist as he thought he might develop it over the next few days. Today the fever and swollen glands are there. And I do not have to face a doctor again - that really makes my day!
  

Debi's Baby Picture Sundays - Gimme some sugar.

I do not have a lot of time today, but when I saw Debi's theme this week, I knew I had one good one to share at least.

Having a cupcake on Daddy's birhtday this year. Just look at that face!

We have some answers!

Hectic day - but in short - Saw the ENT specialist - Middle ear slight infection but not enough to do grommets now, tonsils enlarged as are adenoids. Follow up appointment in a month's time when the allergies are under control.

Allergy tests came back with a 69 - even higher than Little man C! Acute allergic rhinitis - on allergy meds until we go to the allergy clinic.

Found this stunning little thing called a "Nose Frida" - made a huge difference last night. Already had a better night last night! Let's hope for the best.

Thanksgiving Thursday

Playing along with Nicole at What a trip! on Thursdays.

Last night I found myself trying to calm a crying baby for most of the night. Little man L is so congested he can hardly breathe and nothing seems to help. The Paediatrician couldn't find anything new that shows an obvious infection to explain the fever and the pain apart from an ordinary cold. She ran a battery of tests (leaving both of us sobbing) and called me last night at 8:30 to tell me that she will refer us this morning for an urgent appointment at an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. She will call again today if some of the other tests show results worth noting. One thing I an say about her - she is dedicated. She will call you back after urgent tests even if it is on a weekend or evening. So we have an appointment for 4 pm today. Please pray with me that we find some answers. It has been 6 weeks of crying, fever, very little sleep and desperation on my side.

While cuddling that little body, he eventually fell asleep on my chest while I sat up straight to help with the congestion - for the second night in a row and as I prayed for my little boy my thoughts turned to other parents that are not as fortunate as me to have their precious children cuddling on their chests. As a parent of multiples, off course, my thoughts turned to Jess and her family, still recovering (do you ever?, is that even the right word?) after Tuesday's death, the Martino family who has just lost little Matteo (a name we considered for one of the twins) and Brook and Jake who lost both their twin girls, Sydney and Carynne a few months ago.

So today, I am thankful for my children - thankful that they are alive and thriving. Just so thankful.

Way back and wordful Whensday - 70's fashion.

Playing along on a Wednesday (as per usual) with Cheryl at Twinfatuation and Angie at 7 Clown Circus:

Once again digging out Way backs in my mom's albums. My mom recalls this as being 1972, my age 3 going on 4.

So this is how we went to church in South Africa in the 70's - you had to have a hat on! No woman was allowed in church without a hat, or that went for the majority of them.

Now if we move in a bit closer - check out the details: little white gloves, white handbag, bobby socks and shoes. Never mind the dress is shamefully short - I guess that was the kiddie version of the mini-dress.

The Little Miss would not be seen dead in a dress this short! She will demand trousers under it. And they say the world is getting more liberal? Well, I guess in the hat department at least.
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In news from our little corner of the world - we are still having great fun with the In-laws. It is still freaking cold. And guess who is going to the paediatrician today, again, the 4th time is 6 weeks? Little man L off course who worked up a fever and a cough and spent the night sleeping on top of mommy. My lower back is killing me! May I please ask your prayers that this poor child can just have a tiny break from being constantly sick? Much appreciated!

Cat's Bookclub - review added.

Things without a name by Joanne Fedler.

January 2009 - Book 1

Things without a name by Joanne Fedler.

When I saw this book at the Bookclub I was immediately attracted to the cover (unfortunately no image available on Amazon) and that was the sole reason I chose it. The main character of the book works as a social worker with a woman's rescue centre and one is immediately struck by the sense of hopelessness that this type of work sometimes involve. Her personal and family life ill equipped her to deal with theses situations and at best, she is emotionally unstable herself.

However the book turns at a stage towards a positive message - as her personal life takes an upturn you spot the positive in her work as well. At the end of the book, a list of names used reflect real life abused people as a sort of eulogy which gives the book a new meaning. I found myself paging back and looking for the characters and reflecting on the connection with their real life counterparts.

This book really made me reflect on a subject that seems to only surface once in a while in a newspaper article or on the TV news. It makes these poor abused people so much more real in your mind.

In general, a good and provocative read. It does have the obligatory romance at the end, but in this case it serves well to turn towards the positive.

A solid 7/10