Today 14 years ago a cheeky little puppy was born. 6 weeks later she came home with us after choosing us by running towards us when we went to pick out a puppy. Moya is a legend in her own lifetime. The most amazing companion to us all.  Even at 14 she is always ready for a walk - maybe not so much a swim these days although she does still enjoy wading in the water. Although she is slowing down a bit she remains the loving special dog she has always been. Always ready for a cuddle and a talk with those soulful brown eyes. She has such character and her love for us all shines through. Happy birthday to our very first baby. 14 is very old for a Labrador and we feel very blessed that you have been with us for so long and to have had so many adventures together.

Way back and wordful Whensday - our first baby

Joining Cheryl for a Way back Wednesday.
Playing with Angie for Wordful Wednesday....

Today, exactly 8 years ago, this little furball became part of our family.

Through the years she has traveled far and wide with us.

Shared many magic moments.

Even played model.

And looked after me during each pregnancy. In fact, she acted weird and knew each time even before I knew. She even wore a pink cowboy hat for Tuesday's parade.
She welcomed each new addition to the family with enthusiasm. She is truly every body's friend and companion.




Now, the years are starting to show. Her muzzle is greying a bit and we can see she is slowing down slightly - which in her case just translates to being a normal dog and not over active.

Sweet Moya, we love you our first baby. You will always be our first little girl. Love, Mommy.

RIP Frankie

We had a death in the office family this morning. Trusty Frankie, named after the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright, passed away this morning early. The funeral was a solemn but brief affair in the ladies bathroom. He leaves his trusty friend Corbi (named after another architectural great Le Corbusier) behind and a office full of friends. (yes, go Wiki those names and learn something)

Corbi in orange, Frankie in black.

Did I mention before that we have a relatively pet friendly office policy? Baby puppy M spent about her first week in the office, so has several other varied types of puppies and kittens. Also 2 corn snakes (only one day - I almost died and refused outright to come to work if they came again), 3 parrots (as babies) and now, a budgie - which is driving me bonkers! It is my secretary's baby bird that she is hand rearing but the freaking thing sounds like a slipping fan-belt as it screams my ears off at feeding time.

Gosh, I hope it grows big enough soon to retire to it's own home. Have to go now - to buy a new fish and find some peace and quiet.

Oh yes, and I will schedule this to post tomorrow - Blogger lost my long answer post I wrote last night which was meant for Saturday. Bugger!

Two for Tuesday

I kept this one from The Boy's birthday party for this week's Two for Tuesday. The Little Miss and puppy M playing one of their favourite games. She tickles the poor pup until she turns on her back, paws in the air, begging for more. More like a wrestling match at times, they both love it. Go over to Deanna's to check who else is playing along.

Fun filled weekend

At 8 months The Boys are both sitting unsupported for long periods of time, C a little more steady than L. They both have one tooth and C has learned how to hold his own bottle. They have added prunes, baby marrows and oats porridge to their diet. They really enjoy tummy time and spend hours on their tummies playing with toys and rolling around. They are really sleeping well and C even replaces his own pacifier at night if he wakes up.

We spend Sunday at A's school's Family Fun Market Day. This is a yearly event which gives parents the chance to meet each other and spend some time with the teachers and the kids in a pleasant environment. It is also a fundraiser (this year we achieved a record high yeah!) and a chance to expose the kids to entrepreneurship. The smaller kids art is used to make items to sell, the slightly bigger ones like A makes craft items to sell like play dough, wrapping paper, fridge magnets etc. The grade 00 and R kids have to help at the stalls to sell stuff and also made craft items. Off course, the parents also helps out and the school also rents out stall space to local craft people and rent rides for the event. We had excellent weather - sunny and warm, one almost can not believe it is winter.
A loved the mechanical swings - the higher the better. Will have this kid at the bungi jumping by age 12!

Also loved the more sedate rides.

Our little princess - loves everything girly.
A loved the Tombola stall where you catch a "fish" - a playing card and then get the gift attached to the matching card. She was allowed to fish 3 times and on her third try got the Disney princesses watch that she wanted all along.

Just the best news!

At 6:30 this morning, Dubai time, I became an aunt! Little Madeleine was born after 7 hours of labour and mom and baby are doing excellent. This is such super news!

My brother and sister in law have had a huge struggle with infertility and have finally, successfully made it to the other side. I am so happy for them! It must be the best feeling in the world to hold your new born baby. We will see her in November when they come for a visit to South Africa. I can not wait to hold that little body.

Just this morning as I was feeding The Boys I had this bitter sweet feeling that I will never have a baby as big as they are right now, right here, at this very moment ever again. As The Boys are growing every day, the little bodies become bigger and stronger and they are not the tiny little babies they used to be. I just love the way they snuggle into you when you feed them, especially when they are still sleepy or on their way to fall asleep. This will also end soon. As I enjoy every moment of progress they make, I feel sad for the phase that have passed. I guess that is just part of being a mom.