Monday, 23 April 2012

Easter frolicks


I am beginning to realise how precious time is and how little spare time I have as it has been a month since I was last able to sit and type something to you all. Better for me as it gives me more news for you guys and ensures you aren’t bored with me waffling on and on about our charmed life.

So the sis-in-law, hubby and little niece (Natalia is a year older than our fella) came for a two week visit and it went by far too fast for our liking, but we made the most of it, as did they, taking advantage of the good weather by the pool, eating great food in various hot stops, Sam and I got a night out which was bliss (who knew a burger and wine could taste so good when you don’t have to rush). Most evenings were spent with good wine, each in their respective spots on the sofa watching Downtown Abbey. Perfect.



Laith loved having his cousin here, not sure she could quite fgure out this screaming little critter glued to her side, picking her hairclips out her hair, eating her cheerios at breakfast, but by the end of the trip they were buddies, which is as much heartwarming as it is gut wrenching as I knew the tears were bound to ensue at their goodbye. Which it did. Laiths screams could be heard all the way to the car park I am told, my tears followed soon after. As wonderful as life is here it certainly leaves you feeling very down when our family visit for short periods at a time. But so glad to say my parents-in-law arrive in a week or so and will be with us for a few weeks. By us I mean Laith and I as Sam has somehow managed to wriggle his way into a stag-do in Las Vegas. I told him it was going to cost him, and I don’t mean financially going on the trip; I mean revenge shopping, so a few designer dresses later I am only just warming up. Cheeky little sod, although bless him it is only for a few days followed by a hectic week of working meetings!
Laith is loving nursery and I am enjoying the new taste in freedom. It is quite incredible how a few hours alone can rejuvenate the soul, as well as the continued asskicking at boot camp. I am lucky to have formed such lovely friendships with the small handful of ladies I have met, and I think I will be taking advantage whilst grandpa and gran ma visit to have a few nights out….it would be rude not to.
Winter is approaching and I am sitting here in ajumper and uggs (yes really) listening to the howling wind beating at the windows. There was a spectacular lightning storm the other night and now I love the sound of the crashing waves on these blustery nights.
We are getting Laith used to the sea and as a result we have awakened the future surfer within. He adores the waves lapping up against his little feet, approaches a little closer as the tide ebbs away and then with a mixture of fear and such bold curiosity wades deeper into the waves before it comes back, only to sweep him off his feet, upon which he screams with such delight , and a hint of nervousness. It is really something special to watch a child experience something for the first time. Sam is proud that he has taught the boy how to dribble. A ball, not saliva. He has also bought him a mini cricket bat and ball, but as with most impulse purchases it remains in the drawer.
As for me, I am happy and well, looking forward to what the new days bring to us and especially looking forward to Granma Ahlam and some mama love cooking!

Until next time...
















Sunday, 18 March 2012

Skool Days


London seems like a distant memory and I had not realise how long it has been since I last spoke to my friends via my little blog! The critter has grown up and gotten over the separation anxiety (me not him) and started going to nursery. I cried more than him the first week (yes I am patheticly weak when it comes to him and he knows it and I can only see the future when it comes to the 'I want' phase
Weather has been hot and humid (sorry my london pals), and I spend the few hours Laith is driving his teacher nuts by going to Bootcamp. An hour a day with Zennon the trainer is what every woman needs - no, not because of his body girls (although, yes he has graced  Men's Health mags) but he really kicks your ass into shape. Literally. The only thing that gets me through is the fact I survived 23hours of labour. The lifestyle here and gorgeous SA mob force you to endure this hellish workout to try to look at least half as good!
The village has a gorgeous new cafe run by three brothers and we have become mates. Today on our daily visit for Laith's butter rolls I see my gynie there with his wife and their baby. Polite introductions were made all round, I walked away dying of embarassment knowing the wife knew her husband had seen parts of me never known to man. OMG!!
Have made some wonderful friends, beautiful ladies, incredibly supportive little network and who like a drink or three. What more does a gal need. Have started sharing the bbq lifestyle here, night and daytime ones, the best part of which is that the men do all the cooking!!! I just need to tempt my friends to come and visit this amazing beautiful country. Excited the sis-in-law and and family are heading over soon.
We have taken up tennis on Sundays and officially bought out racquets. Sam thinks if he buys the same one as Nadal he will play like him. His arms are certainly just as buff :) He opted for the one made by Head. Say no more. He had a boys night out which consisted of two hours of tennis followed by a few beers and home by 11. Where is the guy that used to hit Wellies til 4am?! I am sure things would be different if his boys were here (yes Mak, Nima et al)
Moi on the other hand has arranged a ladies cocktail night at the lighthouse bar next week...
Have attached a few pics of the little man's first day at school.
Will update with a bit more excitment as soon as I have a bit more time and a few more adventures to report
Hugs

Until next time...