Many Blessings...

Candace and I have been overwhelmed with love and thankfulness in this new season of our life. Many friends and family have been visiting, bringing meals, and offering baby-sitting services for us. Candace's Bible Study group showered us recently with lots of nappies and wet wipes for Eliza, as well as some toys for Riaan. We are very thankful, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who has been praying, helping and encouraging us during this new transition! :)

We felt incredibly loved!

Lesser Scaup...

A family of lesser scaup ducks visited the pond recently. There were four drakes and one hen in this gathering. They spent the rainy morning paddling around the pond, looking for tasty treats under the surface.

 Paddling along the surface.

The whole group on a rainy day.

Medical Helicopters...

I've blogged before about air ambulances, both here in Indiana and in South Africa. While we were at the hospital for Eliza's birth, four helicopters landed outside our window during the course of one day. There had been an accident nearby (thankfully, no fatalities) and the helicopters were ferrying the wounded to Daviess Community Hospital and picking up other patients to ferry to larger, more specialised, facilities. It was quite interesting to watch the helicopters landing and taking off again, and I have huge respect for the pilots and medical crews that serve in this important role.

 St. Vincent StatFlight Helicopter landing.

 Airbus EC 135 helicopter.

 Air Evac LifeTeam helicopter landing.

Bell 206 helicopter.

Introducing Eliza...

Nine days ago our little lady made her appearance in the outside world. Eliza Lucy was born at 08h21 in the morning of the 8th of February via a scheduled caesarean section. We are so excited to welcome her to our little family and have been so blessed by this little baby! God is good and we are so thankful! :)

 Shortly after being admitted for surgery at Daviess Community Hospital.

 Surgeons performing the c-section.

 Candace snuggling our little girl.

 First family photo together. :)

 Little cutie!

 Striking my famous pose. :)

 Carrying her inside after arriving back home.

Riaan spending time with his little sister. He's an awesome big brother! :)

My 34th Birthday...

I celebrated my 34th birthday last Monday, the 5th of February. I worked most of the day and then came home to a lovely supper that Candace had prepared. She had also made a lovely rainbow cake and it was a very special evening with my little family. Riaan fell asleep on me as I read him his bed-time stories, and that added to the special day. :)

 The lovely pasta dish.

 With my birthday cake and balloons from my Pharmacy colleagues.

Riaan sleeping on me during story-time. :)

Cherry Ghost Music Fun...

The Cherry Ghost Coffee House is one of our favourite haunts - if you'll excuse the pun - in Washington, Indiana. :) We love hanging out in this chilled atmosphere, enjoying their fresh, organic coffee, and listening to relaxing live music. Our friend Dan and his son shared the music stage several weeks back. It was a really lovely evening!

 Riaan and I enjoy the live music.

 Riaan with Candace.

Watching Uncle Dan play his music. :)