Harvard Cafe

Today, Xenia invited us to celebrate my birthday (in advance) at the Hardvard Cafe in Germiston. The food was good and Christina really enjoyed herself. It was a bit windy but that didn't stop the little one playing and jumping around.

It's been a long time since we've blogged something and so much has happended. Gill, Christina and I have only just started to recovere from the 'flu. As a parent you feel so helpless when a little child cries from pain/fever and can't understand what is going on.

Christina is really developing into a well matured and beautiful little girl. She has already figured out that Daddy allows her onto counters even though she is not allowed there. She also likes to climb on anything. One of the pictures show Christina sitting in a pot drawer after pulling everything out and then climbing in.

Her favourite words currently are: up, light, oh oh, dat (that), dis/this, woof (meaning dog), cat, memee (meaning daddy/mommy), and other grunts.

Fun in the Sun - Sun City

I attended a conference at Sun City this week and decided to bring Gillian and the little one along. We had a good routine; we would go to breakfast together and then split up until the evening when the conference was over. Marie and Roger joined Gillian on the Monday at the Valley of the Waves. On Tuesday G&C spent the day at the Cabanas Pool, and on Wednesday at the warmer Cascades heated pool. They had such a good time enjoying the facilities without me, so we decided to extend our stay by two nights so that I could also have a bit of a break. On the Thursday, I had to experience the heated pool. It was great and so was the pool lunch. Sun City is such a great family venue. On the Friday, we checked out and then went back to the Cascades for a quick swim. Poor C was stung by a bee, but she was a real trooper and didn't complain. Once she is older she will be able to enjoy more of the kiddie facilities. Z

Human Rights Day 21/03/2007

Today is Human Rights Day in SA so it's an excellent opportunity to spend some time with the little one and Gillian. We went out for some breakfast and then went shopping. In the afternoon, the little one spent some time in her favourite place: the garden. I love this photo which I took in the early evening. The expression on Christina's face is priceless. Her back teeth have started to appear and cause her some discomfort, but she is still so happy. Z 

These boots were made for walking....

Christina has started to walk with confidence. Before she would take a few steps and fall, but now she is walking a lot better. She likes to take objects from one place and put them in another. Her hair might not seem shorter but Gillian took the little one for her first haircut three weeks ago. Z 

My 1st Birthday Celebration

Today we celebrated little Christina's first birthday. We had family over for lunch, and some friends with younger babies later on for tea. I can't believe one year has gone by. Time is really flying. Yesterday she stood unassisted for the first time, and everyday she interacts with us more and more. She claps her hands when you clap, and waves her hand when someone leaves or says hello. The little one loves to grab balloons. This photo shows her excitement when she sees balloons. Z

Reaching this significant milestone in our lives affords me the opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed. What a significant year it has been. I think Zoltan and I have changed so much. I hope that I dont ever forget the special moments that I have had with Christina while I was at home with her this past year. Waking up in the morning to her gorgeous face, the sound of her laughter, the smell of baby powder on her little body and cuddling her to sleep at night. The difficulties with breasfeeding her and all the initial fears of becoming a parent have melted away. All that is left in my heart is an overwhelming love and desire to do my best to make her happy. Going back to work has been difficult and I just hope that I can hold on to those treasured memories in my heart. G 

Christmas day

Today we celebrated Christina's first Christmas. The day went off well but I think we all over-indulged on food. My Aunt (Xenia) never stops talking, and the funniest comment was when George C (Gill's dad) suggested we give her Christina's dummy! I couldn't stop laughing. It's the second year without my dad, Laci, but he is always in my thoughts. Z

Our lounge floor was covered with reams of wrapping paper, piles of brand new toys and what seemed like millions of Christmas crackers. Christina loved playing with the Christmas crackers and it kept us entertained watching her throw them around. There is something so magical about enjoying Christmas through the eyes of a child! G