Michelle's Journey

The wind chimes clang as the fortnight of showers and blizzards continue. The winter days have introduced dark 3.30’s and chilly mornings.  We look over the Avon Valley from our new bedroom window. The flooded plains harbour 23 brilliant swans, and numerous geese. It’s lovely living out in a village. James and I sleep better. Something to do with the true pitch nights glitering with stars and long road away from the continuous hum.

 Sage is celebrating his two front teeth a little sooner then Christmas, he crawls with flare and determination – finding himself unattended for seconds that lead to climbing the stairs. He has reached such an adorable age, and loves cuddles and acting coy. We can’t seem to keep his mind occupied. He masters puzzles, and games – and seems to seek chaos by digging in pot plants and the like. We fall in love with him every day.

       

There is so much going on at the moment. As little projects come to an end, new ones begin. The flat is almost ready to boast it’s new decor, the invites are printed, Christmas wish lists are being written and cards designed. In the back of our minds is the warmth of the Durban beaches, the sticky foreheads and feeling of home. The time for our return is near, and we cant stop thinking about it!

Last Thursday all packed and ready to go, our little family of three jumped onto a plane at the bouremouth airport and headed off to the Preswick Airport just outside of Glasgow. We had been rather excited about the trip for ages, as James used the credit from his South African Return Air Ticket to plan this, and were happy to be able to take our Little Sage off on his first air flight.

We arrived after five, and met up with Simon who flew from Stansted. Sage was so good, and even fell asleep during the landing which impressed many on lookers. Getting on the road after some procrastination was fun, we had hired a 2006 model of the Vauxel Vectra, and I was the named driver <grin>. We decided to stop off at the WEE CURRY SHOP for some late dinner, and then climbed the Scotish Highlands towards our destination. After midnight we parked quietly at our accomodation. A 4 star guest house in Granton on spey, with a luxurious family ensuite room that lent Sage a room of his own ( much to our delight).

Friday morning, 7.30am. James frumped around thinking he was keeping quiet. Sage was still asleep ( hadn’t heard him all night so was a bit on edge) – the morning was fresh and I prepared myself for the rated full breakfast.

We were soon on the road to the Cairngorm Nation Park, and travelled to the central funicular train that transported us 1000 meters above sea level. We were very lucky to be able to see a 100 mile view, and indulged in a hot chocolate away from the 7 degree temperature without the cutting winds.

Saturday was the BIG DRIVE. We headed out early, and arrived home late – passing through the Glenlivet Distillery , a ruined castle, Elgin ( where there was a Cashmere Mill that was closed because it was October and boasted cardigans that were being sold for 180 GBP), the FindHorn Community ( which is an ecovillage that had James and Simon intrigued with delight! It was filled with houses that they had only ever seen in books; such as a straw bale house and ones with state of the art design to be of minimal impact to the environment and with reduced use of energy), Inverness and finally the Loch Ness. Simon promised to go for a dip, so stripped down despite the twilight and chills. James and I practised our Tai Chi and Sage quivered.

Sunday was a disaster. Simon knocked on our door at 8.30am ( we had agreed to be at breakfast packed and ready by 8.00pm). James and I rushed downstairs, quickly ate our breatkfast packed, but were only able to leave at 10:15am. Doing the Math should create some concern. Out gates to check in closed at 13:15pm and we had 300km to travel on a single laned motorway and then through a city. I had to bite the bullet, driving upto 100miles an hour at times. James and Simon chatted nervously, but we all knew there was very little chance of making it. To cut a long story short – Sage started screaming, James grabbed his essentials ticket and passport. we arrived at 13:14pm. He ran in forgeting Sage, Simon ran after him. I took the car to the parking lot. Simon helped me unload our bags. James came running saying that the manger was waiting. I checked in. We were escourted to the Security check. James couldnt find his passport. James ran around looking for it. I repacked our hand luggage, and found the passport. We made it to our departure gate, faced by a surprised flight attendent we climbed a flight of stairs with our buggy and ran onto the runway. We made it. Our little Sage had been flirting his way through all the gates, breaking all the rules. His patiences and stability kept us sane.

So, We had a great time and make it home. Our 10 year goal is to make it back to Scotland, but to make it our home. Both James and I found a certain peace there.

Oh yes!!! And Sages first tooth broke through on Saturday! YEAY! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The days are getting shorter and shorter as the leaves carpet the ground. There is a dampness about that helps the wind take your breath away. And it is through the development of my Son that I notice this changing season.

Sipping a cup of coffee, reading the paper. You look up and then suddenly he is doing something new. There were only a couple of days between pushing himself into a seated position, and crawling! Now he is ‘jumping’ to strengthen his little legs, getting ready to pull up on the precarious furniture. James wants to look into a miniture crash helmet, I don’t even know if there is such a thing. Every single new object is spotted, and if left, makes it’s way into the cave of slobber and tender gums. Some of the boys have already ‘broken’ through a couple teeth. Grandpa thinks we still have some time to go ( and I am not complaining as I am not too keen to have my boob used as a teething ring!)

He is so determined and strong. Little body builder arms and attached to a Lager Louts belly! <grin> His skin so soft and silky, worn only by the millions of kisses and tickles! Here are some photo’s to mark his Six month Birthday!

 

 

     

     

   

 

 

   

 

For those of you who don’t know – James and I have finally set a date for a wedding! It’s going to be held on the 20th March 2007 in Durban South Africa! It has been crazy trying to get the ball rolling, but planning is moving ahead. The great news is that people from all over the world are committing to be there. Peter, Ava and Christina (Taiwan), Flo (Geneva), Simon (London), Sarah (London), Brenda (somewhere sailing on an ocean), Sean (Malaysia), Gavin, Taryn and Dad (Bournemouth) and possibly Caren and Andrew (London!)

I can’t believe the excitement and general ‘chatter’ that’s been going on! It’s great – I just have to find the time….. err. 

So if anyone knows anyone that may have some sort of talent, 

facility that may be of use -please email me

Otherwise – Sage has grown SO much lately!!! In just the last couple of weeks he has managed to roll onto his tummy and can now form the perfect crawling position! Sean bets that by next week he will be on the move ( I think I better baby proof the house!)

Grandpa returns on monday, so we are looking forward to that. He hasn’t been very well of late – so having him home under my watch will be a relief!

Here are some more photo’s!

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sage is four months already!!!

He has been waking up 3 times a night lately, and has been very interested in what we are eating – so James and I decided to try him out with his first solids! It went surprisingly well, he gobbled down the baby rice, and really loved making a complete mess! Sage has been pracising moving about and can roll onto his side rather easily – It makes change times rather interesting!!!Here are some recent pics.

 

 

 

 

 

Sages first Solids

     

 

I haven’t done this for a while, so i thought I would bombard you with a few of our latest pics. Double click to get a closer view ( I hope Sage is twinkling from all of your desk tops )…. the good news is that we received the Home Office letter today, so we are sending off for his passport tomorrow!!! Lets hold thumbs.

  

  

      

                 

 

 

We have had So many visitors lately. Gary and Sarah arrived on Monday the 19th of june. Gary’s sister had a little girl at the end of last month, so they decided to fly over and visit…. It was great catching up, and hearing about how everyone in SA are getting on.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

A great thing about being a mum is indulging in baby accessories! Whilst causing James much angst,  I have been ‘investing’ in stimultating baby toys and goodies…. It seems that as the time passes so grows my ability to pick out the items that suit Sage as an individual, and us ofcourse!!

Here are some pics of him watching the World Cup football!

The bumbo was designed in South Africa!!! Funny enough it has ’saved’ our lives! Now Sage doesnt have to be held all the time! Here are pictures that I just took with Sage and his new dinosaur/dragon! 

Please keep the comments coming, It’s good to hear from all of you browsers, and the tips on motherhood are fantastic!

Our little Sage is now 3 months!!! We can’t believe how much he has changed and grown! He is cooing alot, and chats with his Nana and FaFa on the phone. It’s rather funny seeing him listening to voices that have no faces.

Sage has a new little cousin Christina – born on the 27th of may, 200g heavier then him!!! I don’t know if he will ever live that one down,  it seems that the Stewarts have passed on a ’stocky’ gene. Congratulation Peter and Ava!

 

We have been really busy over the last couple of weeks. Andrew and Les have been over from South Africa -and treated us to the first BBQ ( or should I say Braai) of the season. Then James, Sage and I drove up to Richmond last weekend and stayed with Caren and Andrew. We met up with Simon and Sarah on friday night, who enjoyed many smiles.

Then on Saturday we walked Kew gardens, picnicing under trees and enjoying ‘tropical’ climates. It has been really hot, so the weather was just perfect.James especially enjoyed the vegetable gardens. On Saturday Evening we took Sage to Angela’s house where he met his other cousins Dante and Nairobi. It was great eating Boerewors and sadza (spell?)

Sage has been fantastic through it all. Unfortunately he started teething 5 days ago, so times are tough at the moment. He doesn’t have hand control, so battles to hold any of the soothing rings that we give him. It seems that only our finger will do. He’s such a good boy though, and calms down when we give him cuddles. ( he may be taking advantage of us!) James has formed a special bond with him, and flies him about like superman. James has taken a few days off, so it has been great being together as a new little family.

 

Here are some pics…

   

 

   

* Sage laughed for the first time today

* Sage has had his 1st immunisations

* We found Sage’s name in a ‘New age’ Name book – and it means ” One who is wise” Or “One who is fit and healthy” …. Strange, I received his name in a dream!

*Sage weighs 7.02kgs