Even though the last post I wrote was only just over a week ago, in many ways it feels like ages ago! There have been days when we can't believe our sweet Ollie has been in our family for only a few weeks, and then days when we wake up and think, "Oh my goodness, we really have a son!"
Both last weekend and this weekend have been pretty full, soaking up some of what this beautiful area has to offer, and the week in between had plenty of ups and downs as we checked off a number of the required immigration medical appointments, excitedly welcomed Nana to our home-away-from-home, and started the "real life" work of learning how to parent and care for this precious child with a delicate past.
Ollie handled the multiple appointments like a champ for the most part, but there were some tears, which was of course difficult for him, but also for Steve and me! The girls very sweetly fasted with him three mornings in a row when he couldn't eat until after his appointments, and they've remained very concerned whenever he's having a hard time. He's got two very protective little girls looking out for him! :) We were all glad to be done with this week.
We also started seeing a new side to our boy! A trickier side to navigate... The upside is that Ollie is definitely feeling more comfortable with us, but that means he's begun "testing" us. Adding to that challenge is learning how to handle him as he handles being told no! He has a tendency to shut down quite a bit in these situations so we are all figuring it out together. These are the times when all the training becomes worth it and PRAYER is everything. But just like with any kiddo (especially with our girls!), parenting isn't easy all the time (or even half the time, ha!) and we know there will always be new phases to work through!
One of the biggest moments of the past week was Nana's arrival!!! We are so grateful to have my mom here and given how this past week has been with appointments and adjusting to new behaviors, her presence has been particularly helpful! Maelee and Lilee spontaneously tell her they love her throughout the day and have been so thrilled to have her here, and Ollie has done incredibly well with the transition! He even gave her a hug with no prompting when he first saw her. :)
In the past 10 days, we've hit three wineries, all with very kid-friendly features, gone to a gorgeous white sand beach, eaten really good food, found great play spots for the kiddos, and had multiple AMAZING encounters with animals. So all in all, we are still just so grateful for this adventure, so blown away by the beauty and experiences Cape Town has to offer, and so in love with our precious son.
Onto the pictures!
Both last weekend and this weekend have been pretty full, soaking up some of what this beautiful area has to offer, and the week in between had plenty of ups and downs as we checked off a number of the required immigration medical appointments, excitedly welcomed Nana to our home-away-from-home, and started the "real life" work of learning how to parent and care for this precious child with a delicate past.
Ollie handled the multiple appointments like a champ for the most part, but there were some tears, which was of course difficult for him, but also for Steve and me! The girls very sweetly fasted with him three mornings in a row when he couldn't eat until after his appointments, and they've remained very concerned whenever he's having a hard time. He's got two very protective little girls looking out for him! :) We were all glad to be done with this week.
We also started seeing a new side to our boy! A trickier side to navigate... The upside is that Ollie is definitely feeling more comfortable with us, but that means he's begun "testing" us. Adding to that challenge is learning how to handle him as he handles being told no! He has a tendency to shut down quite a bit in these situations so we are all figuring it out together. These are the times when all the training becomes worth it and PRAYER is everything. But just like with any kiddo (especially with our girls!), parenting isn't easy all the time (or even half the time, ha!) and we know there will always be new phases to work through!
One of the biggest moments of the past week was Nana's arrival!!! We are so grateful to have my mom here and given how this past week has been with appointments and adjusting to new behaviors, her presence has been particularly helpful! Maelee and Lilee spontaneously tell her they love her throughout the day and have been so thrilled to have her here, and Ollie has done incredibly well with the transition! He even gave her a hug with no prompting when he first saw her. :)
In the past 10 days, we've hit three wineries, all with very kid-friendly features, gone to a gorgeous white sand beach, eaten really good food, found great play spots for the kiddos, and had multiple AMAZING encounters with animals. So all in all, we are still just so grateful for this adventure, so blown away by the beauty and experiences Cape Town has to offer, and so in love with our precious son.
Onto the pictures!
Last Friday, we all enjoyed this sanctuary space for previously captive, mistreated lions. Definitely a good learning experience and also amazing to be so close to these beautiful, majestic creatures!
Family of five white lions.
Our comical family of five portrait.
(Notice it was our girls who couldn't look AT the camera! Lol)
Various primates nearby!
The next day we went to the nearby winery, Vergenoegd, which is known for their "duck parades!"
A
few times throughout the day, an army of hundreds of ducks come
marching through the courtyard into the vineyards to eat up the snails
and insects that would otherwise eat up the vines!
These two. :)
Hilarious and awesome.
Video of the ducks going to work!
Breathtaking views.
And a great little play area for the kids!
My sore throat kept me from doing any wine tasting but Steve got to try some and we had a great morning there.
Finally made it to the nearby Strand beach last Sunday!
Too chilly and windy for suits and swimming, but it was gorgeous and the kiddos had a blast.
Ollie was a little unsure at first, but loved playing in the sand!
We didn't get any pictures from last Sunday evening, but the church we've been visiting had a "bring and share" (aka potluck) after the service, so that was a fun time being social with others (!) and Maelee was tickled to make some friends.
This milkshake was more than deserved after the first medical appointment last Monday!
Tried to enjoy a little bit of the Waterfront during our quick trip for appointments!
We were very grateful for this playspace at a nearby restaurant this week- we went once for lunch and once for dinner after Nana flew in!
Scarfing down a delicious breakfast after another appointment!
This charming place was filled with very mature customers, and we were pleasantly surprised at the sweet smiles and positive attention our little family got!
Happy boy on car ride home from another appointment!
And happy to meet Nana on Thursday morning!
Tickled to meet "Mrs. Bear!"
More playground fun- so grateful for this little spot across the street!
Trip #2 to Indigo Spurs, the combo restaurant/playground!
Celebrating Nana's arrival :)
Yum!
Major highlight of the week- Cheetah Outreach!
We visited this past Friday, and Maelee loved all of the animals there, but...
THIS was hands down the favorite for all of us!
These "ambassador cheetahs" are hand-reared and specifically trained for these incredible encounters. Both Lilee & Ollie did great petting this awesome cat, Goliath!
These "ambassador cheetahs" are hand-reared and specifically trained for these incredible encounters. Both Lilee & Ollie did great petting this awesome cat, Goliath!
Video of our time with Goliath!
Maelee was a riot the whole time- very nervous before hand and talking about needing her "inhaler" (whaaa?!), then loving every minute petting this guy asking questions a mile a minute!
So beautiful!
This experience will definitely be one of the highlights of our trip.
This experience will definitely be one of the highlights of our trip.
Yesterday, we went to a winery, Spier Wine Farm, that had more animal encounters!
It was another amazing educational facility that gave us opportunities to pet, and even hold (!) soft, gorgeous owls. We just melted over the little piglets above!
Maelee was pretty tickled to hold this beautiful corn snake!
So soft and so sweet!
Ollie was a bit apprehensive here but got a kick out of the talking crows.
And worked up the nerve to pet one of the owls that was perched on Steve's hand!
Lilee wasn't sure what to think!
Neither was Nana!
Quite an experience!
(Ollie was back with Nana at this point.)
(Ollie was back with Nana at this point.)
Video of Maelee holding the owl:
Enjoying the walk to one of the winery's restaurants.
Enjoying every last bit of the drumstick!
It was a delicious lunch and a great visit.
Later on Saturday evening, we had a another family over for a traditional South African "braai!" (aka bbq). We met them through our agency and it was great to have them join us for dinner!
Unfortunately, Maelee woke up not feeling great so Steve stayed home with her this morning while my mom and I took the younger kiddos to another nearby winery, Vergelegen!
We didn't get to do any wine tasting and sadly weren't able to eat at the restaurant (didn't realize it was reservations only!), but it was gorgeous and had another fun playground for Lilee and Ollie to enjoy!
Lots going on in these past several days! And it should be another big week ahead, starting with our appointment tomorrow to apply for Ollie's passport! We are thrilled to be at this stage and are hoping and praying we will get his passport quickly. It is the last step needed before we can travel to Joburg for the visa interview! One step closer!
More pics of the week below!
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