Hi all,

The past week was a mix of great happiness and sadness all rolled into one. Sadly my Opa passed away on Thursday after a ten week stay in hospital from suffering a massive stroke. I know my Opa really adored me, and I will really miss him.

On a very happy note, my godparents Sharon (Shazza) and Mark welcomed their little son, Matthew, into the world. I am so extremely thrilled with this news and although they are thousands and thousands of miles away in Australia, I’m really hoping I can meet him soon. Welcome to the world Matthew!!! Of course the other celebration is that we ushered in a new year during the week.

The week was peppered with visits to the Haahoo Park (Delta Park), some shopping and playing at home. On the days that it wasn’t raining it was really hot. One of the things that really stands out for me during the week is meeting Sharon of Life Images Photography to do an outdoor photo shoot. The chosen venue was the National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria. There Sharon, Mom, Dad and I had a nice chat and then the shoot began. It was such absolute fun – I got to play in the water at the bottom of the waterfall as Sharon fired off shoots of me. Once I was done with that a run around on the lawn with various toys was on the cards. I loved it.

During the photo shoot I was presented with a little red dragon that was especially made for me by Tamiya of Felt So Good, who read my blog. She felt that since I was such a brave little man I needed a dragon to accompany me, because dragons represent bravery. I was extremely thrilled with my new toy and its meaning.

The week ended off being somewhat hectic as Mom and Dad needed to make the necessary arrangements for Opa’s funeral, so Granny came to look after me. To celebrate the New Year, we spent New Year’s Eve with Nina and Jaco where I got to play with Gene and Emma and some of their friends. It was such fun. Being a special evening we all stayed awake really late but later during my snooze on the sofa outside I vaguely remember hearing champagne corks popping in celebration.

I’m feeling excited about next week too, as I will be seeing Uncle Oliver again, whom I’ve only met once. To boot, I will also meet Aunty Gillian for the first time ever, as they both arrive in South Africa from America for Opa’s funeral.

Well, that’s it for this week. I wish everyone a really super-dee-duper New Year (as Barney would say) and that the year brings many rewards and opportunities.

Hugs and love,

Jarrod

Photo 1 Watching Cbeebies with Sonic

Photo 2 Peek-a-boo through the cats’ window

Photo 3 Pot lids make great cymbals

Photo 4 Snoozing bunny

Photo 5 Roxy and I suspiciously watch one of my Christmas presents

Photo 6 Save yourself Roxy – Dad has just turned on the water

Photo 7 Cautiously checking things out

Photo 8 Time to go!

Photo 9 Mommy and I

Photo 10 Looking cool

Photo 11 I discovered some Nivea cream in the lounge – it’s important to moisturise, right?

Photo 12 At the photo shoot! (See below for more pics)

Photo 13 Playing at the Haahoo Park

Photo 14 Climbing

Photo 15 Bootcamp

Photo 16 Play is interrupted for giggles

Photo 17 Teaching Roxy to drive!

Photo 18 New Year’s Eve giggles

Photo 19 Picking home-grown tomatoes at Nina’s place

Photo 20 Yum!

Photo 21 Starting the New Year by making my own breakfast

A Selection of the Life Images Photography pics

Click here for 37 more pics from Life Images on Flickr