The Scheepers ~ 30 June 2012
At the beginning of May I read an article over at Hands Free Momma on How to Miss a Childhood. In this world full of smart phones, laptops, iPads and 400 TV channels, most of us are missing out on our children’s childhoods.
That’s me. I am guilty, guilty as charged. I have been addicted to the internet since our first introduction in the early 90s and my Blackberry and iPad only add fuel to the fire. I keep my phone with me 24/7. I couldn’t even imagine a life without an iPad in it. Every second I am zoned in on something else, I am missing the life going on around me.
So, I decided to make a change. I took Hands Free Momma’s advice and during the past two months, I left my computer at work, put down my phone and left the iPad beside my bed. Well, at least until Ava was asleep.
Did it happen every day? No, but I’ve tried my very best to be present. And you know what? I didn’t miss being sooo connected all the time. I felt like I got to know Ava a little more, talked to Johan more and just enjoyed our little family, a whole lot more.
However, I did miss Blairadise and capturing our stories to share with you and for us to read in the years to come. So here I am, back at it, after both Johan and Ava are asleep of course…
Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to lately.
In the last two months Johan turned a year older. Little Ava is now, closer to two than one.
And in a month, I’ll be thirty…
In less than nine months, our little family of three will become four!!
That’s right, I’m pregnant and we couldn’t be happier. Our first doctor’s appointment is in the beginning of August, and then we’ll get a due date. Right now, we are guessing 4-5 weeks. So stay tuned.
my 1st purchase for the new baby!
It’s winter in South Africa, and the winter here does strange things to me. Considering, they (South Africans) all believe that winter only last three months, when in reality, it lasts five. Five cold months, April thru August, with no central heating, cool wind blowing and ice cold tile floors.
It is actually five months of torture, and it sends my body and mind into hibernation mode. Nights in front of the TV sharing our stories with you, has evolved into snuggling up on the couch in front of the heater, with a blanket almost covering my face, trying to stay warm. Have you ever tried typing with frozen hands? It’s not nice, not nice at all. Thankfully the end is near!
We’ve been cooking and baking up a storm to keep the house warm.
Ava helping Mommy bake macadamia nut chocolate cookies.
Ava helping Mommy make her 1st Creme Brulee. It was a disaster!
My parents have moved to a macadamia nut farm. It’s absolutely gorgeous there. A perfect Grandma’s house.
Last weekend we went up for Amanda’s birthday and Johan’s parents came with. It’s also the weekend we found out I was pregnant. I never get car sick, but I did and when I still felt sick on Saturday, I knew something was up. Off to the pharmacy we went.
As we pulled up the driveway my parents were holding the American flag. I loved this. Even though we choose to live in South Africa, we are still proud to be Americans.
Amanda and the girls, snuggled up on the couch.
Love watching the sun come up over the mountain.
Her kisses are so sweet!
Loving her daddy!
On one of our early morning hikes with Ma.
Ava greeting me on my return from said hike.
Celebrating Amanda’s birthday!
Our little girls.
Ava with her Grandma and Grandpa.
Ava and I doing a little exploring and picking up rocks.
Della Mae, Isabella and Ava
Sunset on the farm.
On weekends we like to get out of the house and do a little exploring in our garden, not too exciting in winter, until the day we found a frog…
The Princess and the Frog – she chased this poor guy around the yard for about an hour.
Too cute not to include…
I’m a little tea cup…
Pigtails, enough said.
String Art – May Craft Party – Every time I see this sign, I hear Phillip Phillips song Home in my head. Love it.
It’s been an eventful two months. There’s lots I’ve left out, but will catch you up eventually.
Count down to America, 5 months. Rough countdown to new baby, 8 months. YAY!
Love,
Blair
Love it!! Miss you…
Thanks sis! Can’t wait to shop our little feet off in December!
Great news. Congratulations to you and hubby.
Thanks Lanthie! Johan and I are really excited!!
That is very cool the last time I saw you you were just a little thing when your mom and dad moved from Gibsonville. I think they called me to come over and stay with Jimmy, Natalie and Amanda the night they went to the hospital to have you. We had some really special times and I have really missed them alot ofver the years and am so glad we can keep in touch now. Not too much when they were in the USA but the internet has made it possible to keep in touch now. You are a beautiful young woman with an on growing beautiful family!
Nancy
Wow Nancy! It’s been a long time and I know my parents have missed you as well. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Love when the Internet connects old friends!!
I was so excited that you are back!!!! Okay, yes you need to be unconnected to the internet but take five minutes and keep the USA informed. I miss the pictures, laughs and besides it is like you are in the next town – so to speak. Congrats to all in the family. Please have Amanda start a blog. Would love to keep up with her and the family. Miss all of you and can’t wait to see all of you here. We need to plan so Laura will be here
You are always so sweet Mrs. Boger!! We can’t wait to see you guys in December. Just got a quote for the flights yesterday and will buy them soon.
Love your writing! So proud of you! You are a great Mommy!
Thanks Mom!
Congrats! Missed you and your updates, but I totally think that you are doing great! Excited to follow along on another pregnant mama’s journey!
Thanks Angie, going to some this week and catch up on all my favorite blogs! Feel so out of the loop. Can’t wait to see where you are with your basement renovation.
I miss you guys so much and reading this makes me miss y’all even more. It’s like being homesick to a place you’ve never been if that’s possible. Five months can’t come faster!!! And I’m going to college!!! Ahh crazy! I miss you like crazy!
Yay – congratulations on the new baby!!! How exciting for you guys!
Blair, I love this post! I agree about missing our lives. I try hard when I am out in the world, particularly with friends, not to spend all my time on my blackberry. I am so excited for you about your new addition. That is going to be wonderful!
Congrats!!! Guess what? Me too! (Shh!) Monday’s appmt says we’re due March 19th! When’s your EDD?