Precious Moments

Morne is an absolute music lover. He goes nowhere without his iPod and on business trips it’s his travel companion if I can’t accompany him.

Whom I kidding… Even if I’m with him he still prefers his iPod.

While running a few errands this weekend, Morne and Loïc worked through Morne’s playlist while driving around. They came across this song by Kylie Minogue and Loïc had an instant attraction to it. When they arrived home Morne called me to come see this. He put the song on… Loïc belted out the phrase “Higher, Higher, Higher” every time Kyle sang fire or higher. He even incorporated a little hand gesture with it by lifting his hands to the sky. It was so cute to see that I played the song at least three times thereafter just to see him perform.

It is amazing how much of our gestures our children pay attention to. Last week I walked in on Loïc where he was sitting at the kitchen counter in front of his Dad’s laptop talking on Morne’s cell phone. He was chatting away in his own little language. I even thought for a moment that it would be really funny if there was someone on the other side, but wasn’t too concerned as Morne had a lock on his phone. At one stage Loïc pulled the phone away from his ear and my eye caught a glimpse… There was a call in progress. I intervened… He was busy chatting to his Oupa and that conversation lasted for almost 10 minutes. Oupa had such a giggle and for him it was such a precious moment. Although he could not understand a word Loïc was saying he enjoyed their chat thoroughly.

 

 

Later that same week we gave Loïc the opportunity to make another call to his grandparents. This time he decided to talk to them while taking a stroll through the garden… Just like Morne and I do when on the phone. My heart melted.

Sunday was a hot and perfect day for ice-cream and what a perfect way to end a weekend. We went off to Smooch and filled our tubs to the brim. Loïc decided he had enough and found his Dad’s wallet more interesting than the ice-cream. With a bit of encouragement I said to him to go buy us more ice-cream. He knew exactly what to do… He took one of Morne’s cards out of the wallet and handed it to one of the gents behind the counter. He then proceeded to take out another card and hand it to someone else. I did not get more ice-cream, but the patrons in the store had a good laugh.

I absolutely love these precious moments!!

 

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois ...

 

 

 

 

Family Photo Shoot

Although we have accumulated a lot of photos of Loïc over the (almost) past two years, we never got around to do a family photo shoot. So about 2 weeks ago we made it happen.

Bronwyn from Heart & Soul Photography came highly recommended and we liked what we saw in her portfolio. Here are just a few of her amazing pieces of work.

We had such fun shooting these everlasting memories and because it was done in and around our home, it was stress free and the duration was just perfect. Nearing the end of the shoot Loïc made it very clear that he was done playing model for the day. He got on his scooter and rushed off to go do what boys do best... Cause havoc in the Bosch-Serfontein household.


Jusqu'à la prochaine fois ...

Your Baby Magazine

The Your Baby Magazine's September/October issue is featuring an article on adoption in South Africa, issues around it and advice for people wanting to adopt.

They have asked a few couples to share their story. The van Wyk's and us, together with other couples, had the privilege to be part of this feature.

The September/October issue will be available on shelves from the 28th of August 2013.

 

 

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois ...

 

 

 

Books Every Family Should Own

Families are made-up of many different shapes, sizes and colours and that is what we want to teach our son. There is no mould for the “perfect family”.

I started doing some research and came across these wonderful books that every family should own. They can be ordered from Kalahari, Amazon and Terri Lailvaux.

Needless to say… We own them all…

 

 

 

 

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois ...

 

 

 



Talk SA's Episode On Adoption

Our interview on our adoption journey aired sooner than we thought and on short notice.

On the 6th of August, just after 09:00, I received an email from the producer of Talk SA advising that their episode about adoption was airing the very same morning. It was very short notice and to make matters worse, I wasn't at home to set the recording function on our satellite decoder.

Thank goodness for a full-time domestic. With a few instructions and guidance we manage to set a recording. I had a few requests from friends and family to notify them on when the show was airing, so I jumped on Facebook and hoped for the best.

Here is the link to the Talk SA episode on adoption:

http://www.youtube.com/v/4zo3KOI5BSM?fs=1



Jusqu'à la prochaine fois ...

And Action!!

On Saturday we welcomed the television crew from Talk SA into our home. They are currently working on an insert about adoption that will be aired in the next 4 to 6 weeks on SABC2.

We got the opportunity to share our story and brag with our gorgeous son. They have promised to keep us posted on when this insert will air, so keep an eye out on Twitter for further details (@ManieBosch).


 Jusqu'à la prochaine fois...

How Wrong Was This Boertjie!!

We have been in isolation for a full week. Totally blocked off from the outside world. Just us and our son… Bonding and finding a routine that works for him.

Cabin fever was starting to set in and Morne and I were dying to get out for a cup of coffee and a meal. We haven’t been on the other side of the four walls surrounding our house for a full week. At the same time we were nervous. With a nappy bag packed with enough bottles, nappies and clothes to last our son a good couple of days, we set off to the mall.

Ever since we started the adoption process we were never fazed or concerned with the opinions of others, negative once mostly, but at the same time very aware that there were individuals with objections. We were in it for us and our baby only. Naturally, we were a bit anxious appearing in public after being sheltered in our home.

We made our way to the nearest restaurant and grabbed a seat. As we settled in, we saw out of the corner of our eye a lady approaching us. My heart sank to my shoes. This was really too early for this BS… She was a white female, late twenty to early thirties, Afrikaans speaking and her husband had joined her at the table behind us.

She came up to us, placed her hands on me and Morne’s shoulders, peeped into the pram and opened her mouth… My heart was racing, my fight mode was starting to kick in and I was about to utter: “It’s on bitch!!” when she said… “I have SO much appreciation and respect for what you have done. It is truly beautiful.” She turned on her heels and returned to her table to join her husband.

Morne and I sat there in awe for a minute. Completely taken aback on what just happened. She fitted the profile of the people that would generally run their mouths about adoption and or gays (in no particular order). How wrong was I? How wrong were my perceptions of the white, Afrikaans speaking population? Please don’t get me wrong… I’m one of them. A white male, Afrikaans speaking with a strong Free State boer (farmer) bloodline.

Morne and I finished our meal while Loïc was taking a nap. We asked for the bill and started preparing for the trip home. The same lady got up from her chair and walked over. “Sorry I could not wrap this. For your little boy.” and handed us a bag. In it was a bib and beanie from Naartjie. I was floored. As we looked over to their table, we mimicked the words "Thanks You" to her husband and he acknowledged us with a smile and a nod of the head. We were complete strangers, but they made us feel like we old friend that bumped into each other at the mall.

We left the mall and returned home with a restored faith in humanity.

To the lady that was so kind to us in Clearwater Mall… If you are reading this… THANK YOU!! Thank you for showing me that I was so wrong all this time. Thank you for the gift, but more so, thank you for your kindness, your respect and for your acceptance.

We have met so many people that have embraced us as a family. Although we are not sheltered from the mean people in this world, we choose to surround ourselves with the ones that have chosen to embrace the beautiful diversity of our country.

 

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois...