Family Braai

Marcus and I are incredibly blessed to have amazing family in the Philippines, the US/Canada, the UK, and of course in South Africa. The best part about being on holiday in Cape Town right now is getting to spend time with Marcus’ mom, Angela, step-dad, Brian, sibs Sharon and her husband Bryan, and Andy and his wife Kristen, and our nieces Meghan and Lara, and nephew Angus.

Yesterday we had a family braai (braai is the Afrikaans word for barbecue or grill, and is South Africa’s favorite social pastime) at Andy and Kristen’s gorgeous home on the beach in Kommetjie. It was so wonderful to hang out and spend time with our family. Luke had already met his granny and grandpa in Palawan last year but this was his first time meeting his uncles, aunts and cousins. We all had a fantastic time, plus a ridiculously delicious dinner. So thankful for our wonderful family! :)

The glorious view from Andy and Kristen's porch

Hanging out

Luke with his cousins Angus and Meghan

Andy manning the braai

Marcus with his mom, Angela

Luke loved meeting all his South African family but Meggy was his clear favorite

Sibling love -- Andy and Sharon

 The whole family minus my niece Lara who unfortunately couldn't 

join us because of a dance performance

Gorgeous light as the sun was setting

Marcus playing cricket with Angus. Look at that form!

Kristen, Meghan, Andy and Angus

Sharon and Bryan

My beautiful sisters- and mother- in law, Kristen, Angela and Sharon

 

Luke being fed by Uncle Andy

Amazing spread, courtesy of Kristen and Andy

The Best Toys

Our family and friends are super generous with Luke so he’s got lots of fantastic toys. He loves playing with his blocks and reading books and hugging stuffed animals. But for the most part, his favorite toys are, well, not toys at all. Lately his most-favored possessions are a couple of empty water bottles. It’s true. These bottles keep him entertained for hours. He bats at them, throws them around, walks around the house with them and eats them. I took a photo of him playing a little while ago and was reminded of an article I saw once that lists the 5 best toys of all time. Included in this list are: a stick, a box, string, cardboard tube and dirt. Love it. What other free toys do your little people love?

Who knew a water bottle could be so fun?! 

Two water bottles!! Fun overload.

Mama Abuse

This morning Luke and I were cuddling on our bed.  He was humoring me but he really wanted to get off the bed and walk around so he was being fidgety and flopping around. He dropped his head forward just as I angled my face towards him, and our heads banged together pretty hard. I felt an intense pain above my left eye, and as I was wiping involuntary tears from my eyes, I looked at Luke and saw that his face had crumpled up as well. I tried to cheer him up as we both cried, but it was clear we were both in pain. After a couple minutes I calmed him down and a few minutes after that, he was giggling again. I, however, had developed a headache that still hasn’t gone away now, a few hours later. I looked in the mirror minutes after our head collision and saw a bruise developing. Hours later it is a full-fledged black eye. Or black eyebrow anyway, because it is only above my eye. My boy sure has a hard head!!

My mom says when I was his age I (accidentally) broke her nose. My friend Joanna commiserated that she’s suffered a bruised lip, and a head butt to her teeth (ouch!). My friend Chi warned me that bite marks would soon come, although biting actually started a few weeks ago. (Luke has broken the skin on both Marcus’ arms and mine!) Parental Abuse!! 

What abuse have all of you endured from your little ones?

Belly-Powered!

This afternoon while sitting out on our deck, Luke started playing with my iPad case and soon fished out my earphones. He began playing with them and we were pretty amazed when he started putting them into his ears. We hardly ever use our earphones but clearly the few times that we have, Luke was watching. Pretty cool, although also a bit scary to realize how much babies pick up from the people around them. After repeatedly putting the earphones into his ears and then putting them into his dad’s ears, Luke started to focus on the other end of the earphones. He lifted up his shirt and started plugging the cord end into his belly button!! If only electronics could be powered by belly ;-)

Little Man Milestones

My youngest nephew Joshua is 5 years old today. I still remember so clearly being in the US in the middle of a security training on what to do if you’re working in the field and civil war breaks out, or you’re kidnapped or a typhoon wipes out the village. My sister Sara texted that despite it being a month before her expected due date, they were heading to the hospital because there was no stopping the little boy from coming out! Joshua Mark was born a few hours later, and I cannot believe he’s now 5 years old. Josh is such a great kid. He is so smart  and has the most amazing imagination. He is funny too and is constantly coming up with hysterical oneliners. Last month when we were in Manila Josh was looking for his cousin and said, "Hey, where's blondie?!" Haha. Love you Josh! Happy birthday little man!!

Joshua with his mom, my sister Sara

One of Luke's first photos with his cousin Joshua

Taken on Joshua's 4th birthday - love this photo!

Josh is an amazing kuya to his baby cousin

Another major milestone recently accomplished is that Luke is a full-fledged walker now. He’s been sort of walking for months but never for very great distances without having someone or something to hold on to. But he’s let go of his fear and is now toddling around everywhere. So excited that my little man is walking!!

Can I really do this walking thing??

 Why yes, I can!!