First Winter Snow...

We had our first dusting of snow back on Sunday, 10th January. While it wasn't much in terms of accumulation, the snow and the strong wind made driving a bit hazardous. Here are some photos of our first snow of the New Year.

Christmas with the Maleys...

We have been blessed with some really close friends here in Daviess County. The Maley family are one of those many blessings to us. Dan and I have struck up a solid friendship since we met back in August of 2014. I had just landed in Indiana and was struggling to find my feet. I needed someone from a similar culture to help me transition. Dan and I are both expats living outside of our own culture. We both went through a similar visa process. And we both enjoy cricket and rugby, drinking tea, nature-spotting, and being challenged by God.

Since then Candace and I have formed a close relationship with the whole family, and we have enjoyed hosting them here or spending time with them where they live. The Maleys were just one of many families who supported us, prayed for us, and encouraged us in the aftermath of Riaan's arrival and Candace's emergency. (Thank you to everyone who has helped! We love you all!) So when they brought us round delicious fisherman's pie and some veggies, we decided to have a Christmas dinner - complete with crackers and the corny jokes therein. :) We had a lovely evening of fun and fellowship. God is very good, and we are thankful for all our friends and family around the globe.

 Table set and ready for our friends. Spot Rusty in the photo! :)

 This little man has stolen many hearts in this community.

Playing a fun game of Bird Bingo. :)

Red-headed Woodpecker...

I spotted this red-headed woodpecker from our downstairs window earlier this week. He was clinging to the trees, sheltering out of the icy wind. It made for a couple of good photo opportunities! :)

 View of the woodpecker clinging to the tree.

A close-up of this beautiful creature.

Introducing Riaan...

Today (7th January) marks one month since our son, Riaan Tristan, entered the world. :) His arrival was anything but smooth. Candace had contractions, with some bleeding during the last few hours, for about thirty hours. She then pushed for two more hours, but Riaan wasn't coming out that way. We had to have an emergency caesarean section, and that is how our little man entered the world at 12h10 on Monday, 7th December 2015. I was so excited to hold him and call him my son!

Candace was an absolute hero and I was so proud of her. She had some health issues after the birth and had to have two units of blood to strengthen her, but we were eventually discharged and went home with our little blessing on Thursday, 10th December.

A week after Riaan was born, Candace was back in the hospital fighting for her life. But I'll leave that story for another day. For now, know that we are very thankful to have this little blessing here! :)

 Candace in hospital the night before Riaan's birth.

 My gift from Candace. :)

 Hannah, Candace's sister, came and helped during the labour. She was an absolute champion!

 Ready to begin pushing!

 First proper view of our son after he was born via c-section.

 Seven minutes old and already striking my famous pose.

 Holding my boy for the first time!

 First family photo. :)

 Signs on the wall of our hospital room.

 Candace celebrated her birthday in hospital on the 9th December.

Bringing home our noisy bundle of joy. :)

Christmas decorations...

Here are some of our Christmas decorations put up around our little home this year. :)

 Our beautiful Christmas wreath.

 Christmas flower display thanks to the Flower Basket girls at my work.

 All our Christmas, birthday, and new baby cards hanging up. :)

 Our multicultural Christmas tree. It features ornaments from South Africa, Germany, USA, and countries from our Mercy Ships days in West Africa. :)

 Matchbox Christmas scene from Germany. :)

 Pretty holiday bow.

 Mini wire Christmas tree from Cape Town, South Africa.

Beautiful wooden Nativity scene from Germany.