TheBleghHousewife

The Deets: So I recently found this gem of a restaurant called The Fat Mermaid. A friend of mine recommended a play date there, and honestly in a two week period I’ve been back three times (whaaat!?). Find it at 4 Jasmine Road, Bedfordview: Open 7.30am – 5.30pm The road actually looks like a long, pan-handle drive-way (so don’t be alarmed) and it’s in a face-brick house that has been converted. On the same premises you’ll also find a hairdresser (Panthea) and a boutique (because who doesn’t like shopping). The restaurant boasts an outdoor eating area, as well as an indoor area. There is a pool (with a bar stretching across the width of the pool), with cabana beds that one can lounge on. The pool area is a function area and is closed off to the children unless booked out for them. Think a ‘a day in mykonos’ and you’ll completely understand the venue’s vibe. The food: The menu is decidedly Greek, with all of your favourites from traditional Yiros to English farm...

I sat in the music class with my normally very busy little boy sitting quietly in my lap. He watched as the teacher pulled out all the different musical instruments. He watched as she sang and danced. He watched as the other children shouldered, pushed and crawled their way to the box at the centre of the carpet for each of them to help themselves to an instrument. He sat and watched. My son, who is normally a walking, talking busy-body, sat and watched. The class was an hour long, and for a good 45 minutes, he just watched. He watched with interest, but refused to do any of the activities available. I tried to encourage him, but eventually I just sat behind him and rubbed his back, comforting him as we both just watched. You see, while I want him to learn and grow through experiences, I think this is his way. And that's okay. While I'm an extravert, he doesn't have to be. While I would dive into the activities straight away - he doesn't have to do the sam...

Eyelashes flutter against his cheek He breathes deep A moan A Groan A Toss And a Turn I sit quietly And watch Today I'm an observer In these moments I stare at his lips His eyes And his cheeks In this moment, I know that I'm giving up my sleep But I can't help it Because he's perfectly imperfect In every way He's stubborn Mischievous - A toddling tornado, In the calm before the storm I get to really examine him And understand how much he has grown. As his eyelids move, I wonder Does he dream of me like I dream of him? When we're apart does he miss me like I miss him? During the day my mind often wanders to the dimple on his cheek his three new teeth The way he moans when it's time to sleep And how he gives the puppy a treat, To his smile as he plays in a puddle of mud And the hesitant look he gets when he's encouraged with a shove. In those moments I even miss the mini-tantrums. They say that the night's are lo...

It's been storming on and off in Joburg this past week, which has made getting out the house with a baby a tad impossible. Being home confined hasn't been all bad, and in truth it got me thinking: what makes a childhood? Now the obvious answer here is a child. Yes, I suppose a child is imperative to having a childhood, but I mean what makes a childhood good? How do you create those awesome childhood memories? The memories that forge friendships and have you talking about them way into adulthood. I have been so focussed on going out to create great playdates, to let me son have wonderful experiences and explore new places, that somewhere along the line I have forgotten that fun happens at home too. And so, on these rainy days I've been thinking that maybe we place too much emphasis on going out and not enough emphasis on making the ordinary fun. These memories that we're creating need to start at home - from running in garden to baking in the kitchen, to even build...

I'm having all the feels. This week my little boy is 11 months old and somehow in this period he has morphed from a baby to a little boy. I don't know when that exactly happened, in fact I feel like I just blinked and there you go, my colicky little baby has become a strong-willed, smiley little boy. And so we have begun planning his first birthday party. Family only? Friends and Family? Or Everyone? Each one of these has their pros and cons, but more importantly why is turning one such a big deal to us? I mean, it's not as if my little tyke is even going to remember this, so what gives? Many other cultures watch the first birthday come and go without batting an eyelash. So, for real, when did it become such a production? Cakes| Balloons| Jumping Castle| Soft Play| Baby Pools| Ball Pits| Ice Cream Trucks| Photographer| Streamers| Themed Plates| Themed Napkins| Party Packs| Adult Party Packs| Messy Play area| And the list goes on. So what gives? Now this is diffi...