my heart sings with joy

I received the most incredible news last night. A lady in Johannesburg came across my blog toward the end of last year and read my testimony about my infertility struggle, my journey and the miraculous news of my pregnancy. She herself was going through a similar struggle, many failed infertility treatments and at her wits end. My story inspired her and she made contact with me. I spoke her through my journey, how I changed my mind set, how I managed to let go of that control and hand it all over to our all powerful healer, Jesus and how I kept up the faith despite what doctors, friends and family said. We kept regular contact, I would check up on her and her progress, and her with me.

My hearts SINGS with joy to hear that she is PREGNANT! Naturally! After handing everything over to God. So incredibly happy for you Dale! I know that your story will now inspire many! Praise God for your miracle.

introducing Olivia Rose de Lange

She is here.

Our precious baby girl, Olivia Rose was born on 20 February 2014 at 09:05 weighing 3.2 KG's. She arrived two weeks early- I had to have a C-section as at our last scan her cord was wrapped around her little head twice. Natural birth was possible, but not recommended. We opted for a C-section as all I wanted was for the safe delivery of our precious miracle and thank God we did, because when they took her out the cord was wrapped four times around her head!? Our doctor said its a first, never seen that before! So thank God for modern technology. And thank God for the safe arrival of our darling Olivia Rose.

It is so true what moms say, you cannot describe the love you have for your baby, no words could possibly express it. You have to experience it. And it is so true! I am so incredibly grateful that I get to experience this beautiful, overflowing, all powerful love. It is magical. All consuming! Beautiful!

Here she is, our beautiful miracle.

Olivia Rose de Lange

Our happy family. From left, my mom, Grants mom, my dad, my gorgeous baby daddy, me and our precious baby girl

Got her daddy wrapped around her every finger and toe already! 

Milk drunk ;) 4 Days old

Saying her prayers. She always sleeps holding her little hands together like this. It is too precious. 

our baby girls nursery

Finally, I have finished putting together our sweet baby girls nursery. Oh what fun I had decorating this small space for her. I had ALLOT of help from my incredibly talented mom who made her gorgeous cot bumpers, cot quilt, nappy changer mat cover and feeding chair cushions, aren't they beautiful!? 

I am not a fan of winnie the pooh or princess/ fairy room themes, I wanted to keep her room white with touches of pink and LOTS of bunnies!

Here are some pics! Would love to know your thoughts :)

+- 4 weeks till she arrives! Just CANNOT WAIT!

She has a large collection of toys already! Spoilty! :)

reflecting back on this year

 2013 has been the most incredible year for me.

BEST year of my life so far!

I wanted to share some of its highlights with you.

 

- The birth of my gorgeous nephew, Ryan on the 12 February 2013. This sweet boy has been such an incredible blessing in my life. And the things I have learned from him and his beautiful momma, my sister, have been truly invaluable.

 

- Our infertility struggle ... I put this here as at the time I hated the struggle, hated this journey we had been given but looking back, I wouldn't want to change it for anything. If you had asked me if I had wanted this struggle when I was given it, I would have begged and pleaded for you to please replace it with ANYTHING else! I knew, I have always known, that I wanted to be a mom so to have this taken away from me was the worst possible thing that could ever happen. But, in reflection, it was probably one of the best things I have ever been given. This struggle taught me so much about myself, I formed an incredible relationship with God, my faith grew to a place I never thought possible, the relationship with my husband also grew to another level, we learned so much about each other, our families and support structures, most importantly we learned how strong we are, and how much stronger we are with God as our centre. We learned and it was proved to us, that faith can literally move mountains.

 

- Finding out I was pregnant on 01 July 2013. A day I will NEVER forget!!

 The BIGGEST, most incredible blessing in my life!  

 

- My pregnancy experience. Oh, how I dreamed of this experience. Dreamed of how I would look, how I would feel, and how I would want to walk around in a bikini showing my growing bump off to the whole world. Ha ha. There were (many) a time where I was told this dream would never become a reality. How there would be a great chance of me not being able to carry my own baby,  and having to rather go through a surrogate or adoption. Also the thought of not being able to use my own eggs with their 'poor quality' so possibly not having a baby that has MY DNA. How that thought killed me every time I had to think about it. I longed to be able to carry my OWN baby with OUR DNA. 

 

And now, 7 and a half months along, reflecting back on this incredible miraculous experience. How us women are so blessed to be able to experience it. The gift of life growing in your belly. What a privilege. One I will never take for granted. 

 

I have loved every moment of pregnancy. I embraced the morning sickness, the 'fat' days, the pubescent skin and the extreme tiredness. I just love feeling my baby girl moving and grooving inside, kicking and pushing, it's the best feeling in the world, knowing she is there. Right there. How incredibly grateful I am for this blessing.

- Celebrating our three year wedding anniversary. G and I have now been together for a solid (almost) 11 years. It is crazy how the time has flown! We had a very relaxed celebration. My hubby treated me to dinner at the gorgeous Oyster Box hotel- What a spoil.
We spent most of the evening reflecting back on our 11 years of being together. From where we started; I was 17 years old, he was 18 years old ... Young, naïve, with SO much yet to learn and experience but yet so much love for each other. Completing school, then our University degrees, celebrating our 21st birthdays, getting our first 'real' jobs and seconds (and in my case, my third and fourth), all the while just growing more and more in love with each other. I am truly grateful to have so much history with one person. My person. My soul mate. We often think back on days gone by and smile. I am so grateful for this man. He was a FANTASTIC investment! ;) And now, three amazing years into marriage, more in love than ever before, and expecting our first baby, oh how much we still have to look forward to. I am so excited for our future.
 

- My beautiful baby shower organised by my mom and my three sisters. What a day. It felt so surreal. I have attended so many baby showers and always dreamed of what mine would be like one day. I honestly couldn't of imagined it to be ANY better than it was. Me and our baby girl were so spoilt, spoilt with SO MANY thoughtful and beautiful gifts but more so, spoilt with so much love. The love was tangible. It was a day I will always treasure.

 

What an amazing year this 2013 has been- Filled with so many momentous moments. I am so grateful for this year, for this life. For everything and everybody that is a part of it. It is so easy to become complacent, stuck in our ways and routines, that we forget to appreciate the small things in our everyday lives. We all do it. We tend to focus on the little 'negatives' and overlook the million little positives. I am doing my best to become allot more conscious of the positives, more appreciative, more patient and humble. It truly goes a long way. Our lives are filled with so much beauty and blessings.

 

So here's to 2013 (and the few days left of it). I am so excited for next year, I just cannot WAIT to meet our precious baby girl. I cannot wait to kiss her sweet face and little toes, just hold her and breathe her in. I thank God everyday for our miracle. He is so good.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing Christmas and New Year. We are off to St Francis Bay on Sunday. Gearing up for the long 13 hour drive (blah) but looking forward to a full 10 days of sun, family and festive feasting! Look after yourselves and I'll see you in the New Year.

   

secret santa surprise

A good friend of mine, Kel from the blog {sunflowers and spears} organised (for the second year in a row) a blogger Secret Santa. Who doesn't love secret Santa surprises!?

I have just received my amazing package from {hello pretty} and oh how it was filled with SO MANY special surprises!!! I was spoilty delux!!

GORGEOUS wrapping!!

Oooooh la la!

Yankee Vanilla cupcake candle- ALWAYS wanted one of these- Such a spoil! How gorgeous is the swan jar!? Amazing! And filled with vinyl to decorate your own jars! Stunning clips from Bow Peep, beautiful brooch AND to top it off a R 50.00 voucher to spend on the Hello Pretty website! YIPEEEEE!!

Was I spoilt or what!?
Thanks again to Lee at {hello pretty} for the stunning spoils, and for the special 'congrats on the little girl' spoil- very naughty of you! And  thanks to Kel for organising such a fun event!

a very special day

I had my baby shower this past Sunday morning. And oh what a beautiful, perfect baby shower it was. To have a room filled with all my nearest and dearest friends and family, who have all been there in their own special way throughout this incredible journey to laugh and share in this day- A day that I have been dreaming, hoping and wishing for, for a VERY long time, and at times (many a time) there was a chance that it would never be a reality. I was spoilt beyond belief with gifts and love. It was such a lovely day!

Wasn't my cake gorgeous!?

Nom nom!

Delish food!



My sisters who put so much effort into this special occasion.

Me, my bump and my gorgeous baby daddy

Bunny thank you cookies

a bump pic

Yep! I have swallowed a soccer ball! Ha!

I am now officially in the third trimester! 6 and a half months pregnant. Only 13 weeks to go until we meet our little miracle. Cannot believe how time has flown!

Her little nursery is coming along nicely too. I have her nursing chair, and compactum/ changing table and her block out curtains have been installed. We are taking delivery of her cot and some shelves this Friday and once those are in that's all the big stuff done and dusted. Next job is 'pretty-fying' everything and adding colour. I have BIG plans. And going to keep you all in suspense. Only once it is all done will I be posting pics :) Hehe. I want you to see the finished product. Can't wait for you to see what we have been working on.  

one month till christmaaaaaas

One month until the best day of the year!

A day I look forward to ALL year!

CHRISTMAS!!

We are driving to St Francis Bay on the 23 December, its a loooong 13 hour drive but will most definitely be worth it as we will be meeting our family there at my parents beautiful beach house for a full 10 days of sun, swimming, family and feasting! Last three week push at work until relax time! Bring it on!

What are your plans?

one year ago ...

I downloaded this awesome app on my iPhone called "time hop". It shows you what you posted onto any social network site, on that day in history, going as far back as 6 years! Its so much fun checking in what you uploaded- All the pictures, events, tweets and 'immature' Facebook status's. They are rather embarrassing but fun to see nonetheless.

I was reminded today that one year ago I posted this status on Facebook, "where there is great love, there are always miracles ..."

It took me straight back to that moment in my life where I was so uncertain of the future. Having just recovered from my laparoscopy operation and having also recently decided to leave behind the medical/ scientific fertility route, and focus on getting my body healthy, detoxed and more importantly to turn back to Jesus, after being so angry at Him for so long. 

I remember feeling so uncertain. Uncertain how long the journey would be ... How long would I have to wait on God ... Where would this journey take me ... Where will it end ... How will it end ... All these questions and ALLOT of doubt consumed me daily.

When I saw this quote a year ago it struck me and I had to share it on Facebook. I remember thinking, gosh my hubby and I have SO MUCH love, so much love for each other, so much love for God and so much love for this child that we have been promised. I remember feeling so comforted, knowing with all my heart that I can trust in God. That I have nothing to worry about. I had handed everything over to Him, and I just knew that He was going to bless us.

Seeing this quote again this morning reminded me of that time, but made my heart JUMP for joy and BURST with gratitude for this incredibly precious little miracle, this beautiful gift that God has given to us, growing stronger by the day in my (growing bigger by the day) tummy.

I was reminded how awesome our God is. How He will never give you empty dreams.
He is so faithful. He is merciful. He is kind and He loves us so much.

In reflection, if you had given me a range of 'issues' to deal with in my life a couple years ago, I would have NEVER ever picked an infertility struggle. Never! I would have begged and pleaded for something else. And struggling through it too, I hated the fact that THIS had to be MY struggle. Out of all the other struggles in life. Why THIS!? My God given right as a woman is to be able to re-produce and be fruitful. I wished, hoped and prayed for it be different. But now looking back, I am so GRATEFUL for MY story. I am so grateful for what it taught me, about life, about myself, about patience, humility but more importantly, what it taught me about my God. It showed me how amazing my support system is. It bought my husband and I so much closer together, together in faith. It grew my faith to a place that I never thought possible. It made me develop a relationship with God, something that I never really understood before. It proved to me how GREAT our God is! How much he LOVES us, no matter your past, what you do or have done. I am thankful for my story and I wouldn't change it for anything.

trim women of health challenge 2014

Yes, we all know that adapting to a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge! Especially after you have had a baba! (That's going to be me end of Feb '14- EISH!). But what I find makes it easier is help, guidance and support. Especially when you know someone is checking up on you! Makes it that much harder to 'cheat' doesn't it?

I got an awesome press pack from {crosseandblackwell} yesterday, they the ones that make that delish 'Trim' mayo. They are starting an awesome initiative to encourage us women to get back to being healthier (and happier.) They have put together this challenge which is designed to help you reach your New Year health and wellness goals by providing free workouts, free meal plans & expert advice from their newly appointed brand ambassador, health and fitness guru Lisa Raleigh. They will also be hosting FREE Sunfit workout classes Monday- Saturday in Durbs, JHB and CPT in February next year (just perfect planning for me). Sorry, did I mention that ALL the above is FREE!? Yes! So now you have nooooo excuses!!
         
All you have to do is {REGISTER HERE} to get started. Simple as that. 

 

You also stand the chance in winning awesome spot prizes which include luxurious escapes to health retreats (yes please), smart new gym equipment and the chance of winning the grand prize of R 50 000.00!

new cookbook

I have just taken delivery of this wonderfully delicious cookbook ordered from {kalahari.com}.I don't know what it is about pregnancy, but it just makes me a wanna bake! This recipe book is FULLED with the most delicious cakes, cupcakes, biccies, you have ever heard of! YUM!

 

baby girls nursery inspo

I have been collecting some nursery inspiration from Pinterest.

Thought I would share some of my favourites with you ...

We have started on our nursery- So much fun, but pricey! So we doing it slowly, one big item per month ... You will have to wait and see the finished product. But here's a clue: You can tell I like the soft, white and pink look ;)

 

LOVE the bunny plaques, the cute smiley cloud and bicycle print blankie

Love how these shelves have been decorated. WANT both those prints!! 

This has to be a FAVOURITE room! Love everything about it! The nursing chair, simple white cot with gorgeous princess style mozi net, the shelfs (and all the pretties on the shelf!) Can this room please come delivered?

Those fairy lights add a beautiful, soft light. Adore that wall paper!

I have been told by maaaaany moms to invest in a good nursing chair- Love the look of this one.

Those prints and that CUTE bambi clock!! WANT!

All images from {my Pinterest Baby de Lange board}

IT'S A ...

GIRL!!!

 

YES! Can you believe it!?

Our God heard our prayer loud and clear! He made us a promise and over delivered! Thank you Jesus for this precious 'pink' miracle.

 

We had our little ones gender reveal last night with our dear family and what an occasion it was!! We had our doctor confirm the sex- He wrote it down on a piece of paper and put it in a black envelope (so no peaking), we took it straight to a baker who baked us our gender reveal cake! The excitement leading up to this evening was UNBEARABLE to say the least! Haha.

 

Here are some pictures ...



The invite

Preparations ...

THE CAKE!

The table set up and ready for family to arrive

Cute 'boy or girl' cookies I made for the evening

Old Wive Tale predictions ... Pretty even Stevens!

Frankie, our first born girl ;) and I dressed in our guess!

Super excited soon to me momma and dad

Cutting the cake!!

PINK PINK PIIIIIIIIINK!!

Gorgeous tutu bought by her Aunty who just knew it would be a girl! We all laughed at the thought of it being a boy and then me opening this pressi! Haha.

The girls on my side! Adding ANOTHER one to this lot! Couldn't be happier! PS: Check out my 'bump' it has arrived!!



i heart market

I was super excited to hear that there will be TWO I heart markets in September. I haven't been for quite some time so definitely popping into these! Love the sound of the 'Kitchenalia Showcase'.

 

for the love of babushka dolls

I have a deeeeeep love for Babushka dolls. LOOK at these GORGEOUS Russian dolls goodies that have just arrived at {in good company}. WANT!


Russian Dolls carafe. Be still my beating heart!

Russian Doll Tuperwares! Have you ever!?

Measuring spoons! Too darn cute.

Measuring cups!

One of my very close friends, and fellow blogger, {Cals- Ellie Love Blog} is running an AWESOME compo where you can WIN an In Good Company voucher. Click {HERE} to enter!