Part 1: Final months in George and our new baby. Welcome to our crazy family Joel Daniel Bertrand.

Happy Birthday to me! I got to watch LJ play a real rugby game, and then we went out to Rocco Mama's with Daniela, Paige and Chloe to celebrate. We have such special friends. I wouldn't have coped without them and all their emotional and practical support!

Jojo was in Knysna for the weekend so we popped through to have breakfast with her, special cousin bonding time and always a treat for me too.

Hooray! Daddy came home. The travelling was especially hard on Lils. She has become such a daddy's girl and her little heart broke every time he had to leave. It was harder as we got closer to the due date too.

We were completely spoilt at our semi surprise baby showers. Claire surprised me with her presence which was so special, and the love we were shown by everyone at our baby shower meant so much to me. We actually had 3 baby showers! My friends at Options threw one for me, then we had a surprise one at church on Mothers day, and finally a potjie one with our friends.

Amazing cake made by my friend Kath.

Our special friends Johno and Yuri offered to have our kids over so that we could go on a date night before the baby arrived. The kids absolutely love them, and had a blast making sushi, corn and chicken soup and apple crumble! Friends with benefits haha!

Daddy's last trip to malawi was a bit stressful! I really didn't want to give birth while he was away.

Lils chilling in the birth pool!

Twinsies- LOVE this sweet girl.

Granny arrived to help me during the last stint with Tim in Malawi, just in case baby came early.

Ok, daddy is back so you can come now baby!

Lils and I getting impatient as we went 4 days over my due date...

And then on the 1st of July at 11pm my labour started. I tried to get some sleep but by 1am it was getting more intense, so I called my midwife. It was definitely happening! She arrived at 3am and my second midwife arrived at 5am.

At 7:47am on Sunday 2 July 2023 our darling little boy Joel Daniel entered the world. He was born in the water and as I picked him up his eyes were wide open and he looked straight at me. It was an incredible moment. Tim went and called granny and the kids. They were very excited and Lou wanted to know if we would still make it in time for church. Haha.

My midwife gave me strict instructions to spend the first week horizontal and bond with my baby. Having so much to do, Tim leaving again, and all the packing and organising l knew needed to get done, made it hard for me to do but I knew it was important. My mom was an absolute champion and sergeant major in ensuring I followed the rules. We were blessed with meals from friends.

Granny superstar!

When Joel was only 10 days old we went to home affairs to apply for a passport for him, and to renew Lily's.

My blue eyed boy.

Pure Love.

While Tim was in Malawi this superstar little man of the house made a braai and a salad for us. Future masterchef!

2 weeks after Joel was born I managed to hurt my knee again and ended up needing another operation. In some ways I am glad it happened while I was in George but seriously...I had SO much to do and this set me back another week. It also happened to be while Tim was in Malawi. My poor mom! As I was wheeled into theatre I could hear my baby crying, I think I had the easier part of things. Granny really had to hold the fort while I was incapacitated.

My friend Meg was such a rockstar during that time, she had my kids for a sleepover the night before my op and she fetched them for school in the mornings.

A few days after my op some reinforcements arrived.

Crazy kid. Don't know where she gets it from! haha

My extra special friend with her Godson.

LJ had his last Holy Cross hockey tournament and he was an absolute star. He has improved so much since last year! Sad time to be leaving from a sport perspective.

Sweet moment with Aunty Jane. Joel gave her one of his first smiles!

Saying good bye is never easy, but this one has been really hard. We have felt so loved and supported, and encouraged during our time in George. We have met some of the loveliest people we have ever known.

Louie's school was so sweet. His teacher baked brownies for his farewell and got everyone in the class to say one thing they liked about him. They even mentioned that he was leaving in assembly!

Poor Lou got tonsillitis a few days before we had to leave.

We had a lovely little visit from Luke and Hilly.

Farewell wonderful George and all the people who are so dear to us. We will miss you tremendously but we take comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows better than we do and He has paved the way even when we cant see it properly. Here we go...

I flew with my mom, sister, nephew and my 3 kids- with our 14 checked bags, 6 hand luggage bags, a car seat and a pram! NEVER AGAIN!

We very nearly missed our connection- we ploughed through Joburg airport and ended up in the wrong line at the wrong terminal! After queue jumping and a long run with a wailing newborn we JUST made it onto our flight by the skin of our teeth. I have never been so tired in my life, mentally, emotionally and physically!