Category Archives: birthday

Blog Birthday

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Last year on the 6th of January, Blairadise came alive.

My friend Graylyn over at The Rodrigues Family gave me the idea. Her beautiful blog captures all the wonderful moments of her family’s journey through life. The ups and the downs. Watching sweet James grow from afar has been such a wonderful treat and I love looking back at her posts to see where James was and where Ava is now. Not to compare, just to relate. So, I would just like to say thank you to Graylyn, for your inspiration.

In the beginning, the blog was just for fun as I only told my sister Amanda and Johan about it. Then one day in March, I got brave and posted a link to Facebook. Since then I get surprised every time someone likes a link or posts a comment. I appreciate everyone of you who are following along on our little journey. Watching me figuring out life in a different county, while learning to be a wife and mother.

Blairadise is a place where I come and share all my thoughts and our photos with friends and family all around the world. Tell a bigger story than what I can offer in weekly emails or Facebook posts.

Again, thanks for following along with us and we hope there are lots of exciting things happening in 2012… Like Ava’s first birthday!

Here is a look back at the few of the first posts of Blairadise. Most importantly, the Foreword…

Foreword

As a fore warning to anyone who will read or follow this blog, I would like to inform you that I am not a writer. Therefore, you may encounter poor grammar every now and again. With lot’s of misplaced commas and run on sentences. Although, I am not too worried about it. This is my space to share my thoughts with whomever cares enough to read them… Hence the title, Blairadise.

Over the past few months I have become absolutely obsessed with reading blogs. If I had to pin point the exact date I would say it was the 3rd of June. The day after I found out I was pregnant. Since that date I have been scouring the internet looking for pregnancy and parenting advice. Seeking out what is the best stroller, car seat, birthing method, sleep routine, etc. that is best for my new arrival. Upon doing this, I have stumbled across many mommy blogs. Mommy’s that have inspired me to start my very own blog.

So I have created this blog as a journal for my daughter to have when she gets older. It is for our family and friends around the world that may not get to experience all her 1st’s with us. Or maybe even her 2nd’s and 3rd’s. Plus, keep them up to date with all the other crazy things happening in our lives.

This blog is told looking through rose colored glasses out onto the world that is know as Blairadise.

Nommer Een

Skip and I are about to start 2011 off with a huge BANG! Like a really HUGE BANG! Any day now our first baby will take Blairadise by storm. These past 8 months have flown by so quickly, if only the last 4 weeks would hurry up and also pass by. We can’t wait to meet our Little Miss Ava.

It’s summer here in South Africa and getting hotter every day. As am I. Larger and hotter, everyday. And I am so over being pregnant. Some women bask in the glow that is pregnancy. I’ve never had that “glow”. At first my face broke out like a 15 year old boy. Oh and the things I would do for a nice cold lemonade. One that I didn’t have to squeeze the lemons myself and add sugar, water and ice to. A nice super sized Lemonade from Chic-fil-a. On the other hand I am quite glad I am not back in the US of A. At this moment there is no way I could pull up to that window and just order a large Lemonade. With that would come a #5 super sized, please. And this tiny little, excuse me, this once tiny little behind, would be 10x larger instead of the 8x larger it is right now. I am not doing fat well.

So please Miss Ava, please grace us with your presence soon. We really can’t wait to meet you.

Here is a photo of Miss Ava on Monday, 3rd Jan.
Unfortunately she was misbehaving the two times we went for her 4D photo shoot. So this will just have to do.

Yay! My first post on my blog!

-Happy Birthday Blairadise!

Blair

It’s My Birthday!!

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Today is my birthday! Woo hoo! Normally, I am not a birthday person. The thought of organizing a birthday party for myself, fills me with anxiety. What if no one shows? Depressing! The thought of growing older? Depressing! This week leading up to my birthday, was just that. Monday I woke up with a horrible cold, which I still have. Cut my thumb at work, a fingernail broke below the quick and my hair is falling out. Becoming ill, clumsiness and a deteriorating body? All signs of old age. Depressing.


Thankfully, my birthday has been anything but, depressing. 


This weekend, I celebrated two new lives. The birth of my brother’s baby boy, Lucien. The other, a baby shower for one of my best girlfriends Mitzi’s unborn baby boy, Ruben. I am so excited to watch both of these little boys grow and flourish. One day, they will be handsome young gentleman, ready to steal the hearts of all the girls around them.


Chatted on the phone to my brother and older sister, both in America.


Skyped with Stacy for about an hour. 


Chatted to my sister in law in New Zealand.


Had a braai with some friends. Johan’s best friend and his wife, who is also my sister’s brother in law. Basically the link that brought Johan and I together. 


Johan and Ava bought me the biggest bouquet of flowers. Really, it’s so big we can’t even get a proper photo. I asked him what he is going to do for my 30th to top this gorgeous and gigantic arrangement. He hadn’t thought about that… Hehe.


Today, we took the Gautrain into Rosebank. It was such a pleasant experience. The staff was so friendly and helpful, the other passengers, also friendly and just as excited to ride the train. The train and train station was so clean, it felt like we were in a first world country. Plus, I got to shop in Joburg, something that NEVER happens. 


Quality time with Johan and Ava, exploring our world. It was perfect in every way. 


Did I mention I got a ghd hair straightener? AMAZING! You will see in the pics below. I didn’t even ask for it! I guess the husband does listen to me!


How about all the Facebook love on your birthday, it’s awesome!


My brother in law and his family came for a visit this afternoon and brought delicious treats and a BIG surprise that I will share at a later date. 

Lucien Chandler Kernodle

At the Pretoria Station

So cute

Love this one.

Look at the big girl, in her own seat!

Our first family trip on the Gautrain!

She shopped til she dropped!

A sign of the times, I go shopping on my birthday, and all I buy is toys for Ava.



Drumroll, please! 


The winner of the lucylucybangbang “Vintage Lights” kitchen towel is… Dee Stephens of Dee’s Adventures! Congratulations!! I’ll put you in touch with Jacy to receive your towel. Thanks to everyone who entered and to all my new followers on here and Twitter!


Like Jacy said, every one here is a winner, and she has been kind enough to extend her offer of 10% off any order with the coupon code “blairadise”. Recently, she has added a few more gorgeous collections like “Vintage Oilily” and “Orla Kiely”, go check them out here and buy a few!


Happy birthday to ME!


Blair

The Ice Cream Man

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As the sun slowly sets on this relaxing Sunday, I find myself quite disappointed. All day I have been straining my ears to hear the ice cream man. The familiar jingle that would give me all the confirmation I need, that summer is on it’s way.  The ice cream man is like my ground hog. If I hear him, then winter-like weather is nearing an end. Hopefully next weekend he will surface.

Funny thing is I have never even seen the ice cream man here in South Africa. I hear the jingle, then search for my wallet and keys, rush to open the gate on our door, then one at the front of the house and lastly, the gate on the street, by then Mr. Ice Cream man is at least two blocks away. It’s not too terrible, as you all know how I feel about South Africa and their ice cream, which I wrote about here. I was still a bit shocked the first time I heard that the ice cream man only sells soft serve?!?! How boring is that?!?! No ice cream baseball glove, with the bubble gum ball? Unimaginable.

Note to Self: Ava MUST experience an American summer, chasing after the ice cream man, for an ice cream baseball glove, with a bubble gum ball.

Friday night was Johan and I’s first night out without Ava. It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated, however, I did check my phone a bit more than usual. In my defense, both our phones were on silent so I was a bit paranoid something would happen and no one would be able to reach us.

The night was wonderful. A glass of wine at this swanky new restaurant, then a hilarious comedy show that had us all in tears, and then a nice snack and glass of wine at another swanky restaurant. Felt young again, until I realized the only people I was younger than were my friends. Everyone else around us looked like they were still in matric!! Thank goodness we don’t get out much these days. I don’t think my confidence can handle it. Honestly, I don’t think I ever wore my skirts as short as the girls these days.

Happy Half Birthday, Ava! Here is a look back at the first half of her life:

Don’t forget to enter my Birthday Giveaway here! It’s easy, just leave a comment saying which lucylucybangbang print you like the most and WIN! The winner will be announced next Sunday, on my birthday!

Goodbye July, hello August!!

Blair

It’s My Birthday Giveaway!

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In just a few short days, 11 to be exact, I will be one year away from THIRTY! Where have all the years gone?

To celebrate the last year of my 20’s, one of Blairadise’s lucky readers will WIN a kitchen towel from lucylucybangbang’s NEW “Vintage Lights” collection.

No matter where you are in the world, you can WIN!

Here is a short message from one of my oldest friends and the mastermind behind these beautiful kitchen towels.

visit the Etsy store here
“First of all, I want to say a BIG “thank you!” to Blair for this opportunity! I am so excited to have exposure from the US all the way to South Africa! My name is Jacy and lucylucybangbang is my little Etsy shop where I sell some super fun and very practical kitchen towels. Made from lint-free flour sack towels and embellished with fun fabrics to brighten your kitchen (and your day), they snap onto appliances so they stay put. Created to stop my little girl, Lucy, from running off with my towels, but they’re super functional and cute in any kitchen!
This giveaway is for one towel of your choice from the NEW “Vintage Lights” collection. Go look around my shop and comment here with your favorite print…maybe you’ll win it! Don’t worry, though, we’re all winners here, so I also want to offer 10% off any order with coupon code “blairadise”…happy shopping friends!”
Gorgeous, uh? Who wouldn’t want one of these? They make great gifts as well.
In cased you missed it. To enter you must:
  1. Go to lucylucybangbang’s Etsy shop here
  2. Post a comment below telling us which print is your favorite
    • Don’t have a Google account? Post as anonymous, then sign your name under your comment

For another entry:

  • Complete the above and be a follower of this blog
  • Complete the above and Re-Tweet this post
  • Complete the above and post this link on Facebook

Tell all your friends and check back on the 7th of August to see if you won! Random.org will be used to chose the winner.

“life is too short for boring dish towels!” – lucylucybangbang

Good luck!

Blair

Happy Birthday, Stacy!

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I just wanted to give a quick shout out to my best friend in the whole world. Today is her birthday.  

Oh Sally, 

This is the last year of our 20’s and I hate I am not there to celebrate with you. 

Wish I had photos from our joint birthday party many moons ago, but it’s probably a good thing I don’t. They are some where in storage waiting on Ava to find and question. 
Ava: Mom, why are you covered in cake?
Me: Well, um. See. Aunt Stacy thought it would be funny to slam it in my face…
 That’s all I will say. The details will never be shared. At least not with Ava…

Cheers to you old pal! May this year bring you lots of smiles.

These two photos make me smile. Always good times.

Love, 
Betty



Day Dreaming

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I spend a lot of my time day dreaming, a trait I picked up from my older sister Amanda. She is the Grande Dame of day dreaming. I love listening to her day dreams and hope, for all of our sake, that one day, at least one of hers will come true.

Lately I’ve been dreaming about moving back to America. Dreams about Sundays at my grandmothers house, eating fresh veggies from the garden, fried chicken and homemade biscuits, maybe even some gravy. Chatting about the good old days, when the house was filled with people, young and old and laughter could be heard all around. When there was someone pounding away at the piano and horns honking as my grandfather’s milk trucks passed by the house. The days when the whole family sat sipping sweet tea on the back porch.

I dream about a little house in Charlotte. Something with hardwood floors and a Harris Teeter close by. Eating sushi with Bailey, after watching her play volleyball. Of play dates with old friends and gossiping over wine with Stacy. Weekend trips to the beach. Many dreams about our old house on Lake Wateree. Shopping trips with Natalie. Day dreams of Ava as a high school cheerleader and later attending Duke. Honestly, I don’t know why Duke, but Duke it is. They don’t have cheerleaders here.

Johan and I have talked about moving to America. It’s definitely a possibility for us. Then we have a weekend like this one and I can’t imagine ever leaving this place. A weekend full of beautiful weather and wonderful friends. Great food and lots of laughter. I love Pretoria and the home we’ve built here. I love the friends I’ve made here and the family we have close by. I love the life we’ve built here. But, there is no denying that I miss America and the life we could have there. 

My favorite day dream to dream, is where both my lives are combined. All my friends and family in one place. Somewhere near the sea, with a Target close by…

I cut my hair this weekend!! It feels so weird. Johan likes it, I am still on the fence. Ava still recognizes me and that is all that matters. I was going for Drew Barrymore in Going the Distance hair.

Before

After

The Hazel Food Market is the place to be in Pretoria on Saturday mornings. The yummiest food and greatest place to people watch. Grannies dressed better than you.

My sweetheart

 

The best pork dumplings ever! I get them every time,

Waited in line almost 10 minutes for that cappuccino. Yes, it was well worth the wait!

The Man

Day dreaming about sitting at that fancy table and people watching while drinking champagne.

Me and the birthday girl

Ava had her first taste of food this weekend! Steamed sweet potato with breast milk. Here’s what she thought about it…
 

A pictures worth a thousand words!

Keep it real.

B

Scratch that off the "Mommy Fail" list

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It’s taken me five months to come to the realization that no matter how often I trim Ava’s nails or how short, she will inevitably scratch her face. And scratch it a lot. This week she has a scratch coming out of the corner of her eye. How she didn’t cause serious damage to her eye ball, I have no idea. But, I am officially taking face scratching off of the “Mommy Fail” list, as there is nothing I can do to prevent her from said bodily harm.

Yes, I said five months. Ava turns five months tomorrow! I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. Last year at this time, the notion of being pregnant was only starting to sink in. My diet had changed to 95% crackers and 5% fruit. I could not stomach the idea of any meat and yearned only for sushi. And American fast food, of course. During my pregnancy I gained a total of 23 kgs, which is 50.7 lbs. Way over the recommended limit. I cannot imagine how fat I would have been if we lived in the US during my pregnancy. I’ve got 6 more kgs, 13.22 lbs to loose before I am back to my normal weight. With only two months until bathing suit season…

Yesterday my Aunt hosted a baby shower for my brother and his girlfriend, who is due in August. Missing special moments like these really make me miss home. But if we lived in America then we would have missed Johan’s nephew’s 1st birthday party this morning. Unfortunately, we will always be in a lose, lose situation.

Sometimes I day dream that Johan is American and his family all live in Charlotte. Or that I am South African and my grandmothers are only a few hours away. But then I guess we wouldn’t be the people we are. And maybe those people wouldn’t have fallen in love like we have. Life is all about tough choices and our toughest choice is being away from the ones we love. Right now it is mine and maybe one day, it’s his.

We got Ava’s mid-term report on Friday. The additional comments read:

Ava is ‘n baie oulike dogtertjie. Sy het gou aangepas en geniet die skool. Sy is ‘n plesier in die klas.

I know enough Afrikaans to understand what it says, but for those of you who don’t, Google’s translation is:

Ava is a very cute girl. She quickly adjusted and enjoys school. She is a joy in class.

So Google’s translation isn’t so great. Here is mine:

Ava is the cutest little girl in class. She has adapted well and is a pleasure to have in class.

Keep makin’ Mommy proud little one, so I can keep my “Mommy Fail” list short!

Here are some photos from the weekend:

The Birthday Boy and his Mommy

 Sweetie Pies, some chocolate log thingys, strawberries and white chocolate! Yum.

Again, Ava drank way too much and was the first to pass out at the party…

5 Months old! Yay for Ava! She is laying on top of one of my baby blankets, almost 29 years old…

Modeling is hard work, Mom…

 My mom and sister, along with her girls are coming to visit Ava and I next weekend. The Skipper will be out of town for work, so it is perfect timing. And we will get to celebrate Amanda’s 32nd birthday!! Man we are getting old! Well, she is.

Be on the look out for more pictures of beautiful babies coming next week!

-Blair

Our Next Thirty Years

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The Skipper turned 30 on Wednesday, hard to believe but true. When he woke up I played him Tim McGraw’s song, In My Next Thirty Years. He’d never heard it before and I’d been waiting for this day to play it for him. I was definitely more emotional about his birthday then he was. I started crying when Tim sang,

“My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years”

Raise a little family and hang out with my wife, that’s what we’ll be doing these next thirty years. I am so proud to be his wife and we are really enjoying watching our little family grow. Ava’s personality has really begun to take shape and shine. She is becoming such a friendly little girl. At the moment, I can’t imagine having another little baby, but I know the day will come.

I always find it ironic that the day after my husband turns a year older, is Youth Day. The day might not be meant for him, but at least we get the day off work. Being the lucky guy that Johan is, it’s only fitting for him to have a public holiday the day after his birthday. And from this year on, he will also get to celebrate Father’s day in the same week. An entire week celebrating him, lucky duck! Good thing he’s worth it.

For his birthday I got him an Xbox and we went out to dinner at The Spur with some friends and family. The Spur is like the American version of Outback Steakhouse, but instead of an Australian theme, it’s a Native American theme. Not very fancy, I know, and I don’t think the Skipper was too happy with me when he heard where I had made the reservation for his 30th. But, in my defense we had 10 children in attendance and with the chaos that many children stir up, we would have been kicked out of any other restaurant. All in all, the night was a huge success. Johan got to spend time with his nearest and dearest, who were all there to celebrate him. He was given some wonderful gifts which he really appreciated and did not expect.

A recap of the nights best photos:

The Birthday Boy!
Skip’s parents and Ava

Three of my favorite girls!
Gorgeous!
Tyron and his mini me.
The De Jager’s
Big boy!
Isn’t my sister in law so beautiful? Her youngest is going to be a heart breaker for sure!
Johan’s oldest brother and family, minus one.
 See, The Spur is a fun place!
Too cute!
The newest addition!
The Dad’s.
Little Angel and her daddy!
Love this photo! Little Miss D is too cute for words.
Jokester!
M squared.
Opa love’s his Ava!
Precious!
The Smith’s.
This little guy will actually pose for a picture unlike most little ones. Which works out well because he is so photogenic.

The Kolver’s – Troopers who helped us celebrate Johan’s b-day well into the next morning!

Today is a school holiday so I am working from home. Little Miss Ava is a full time job on her own! It’s hard to get any work done with this gorgeous little thing around.

Don’t forget to click on the Top Baby Blog button and vote for me. I don’t win anything, it’s just for fun. But I would still appreciate it.

Love,
Johan’s wife and Ava’s mother, sometimes referred to as Blair.

Ava at 2 Months

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We are entering week three at the grandparents, so I thought it was imperative that I take Ava’s two month birthday photo here in their garden. Ferns have always graced my parents and grandmother’s houses. Inside and out. They even played a big part in the decorations for Della Mae’s Tinkerbell birthday party yesterday. So here’s Ava in the shade of the ferns in my parents front yard. I can’t believe how fast time is flying by.