Peanut & Family

Opa and Savta

There is just nothing like being surrounded by your loving family. Aunts and uncles, grandparents and even great-grandparents, all clapping with delight at each move and sound the little Peanut makes.

Uncle Chrischie and Auntie Su

With that sort of encouragement Lia was prompted to acquire many new skills and talents, like winking (with both eyes), sticking out her tongue, and even (and I'm a bit embarrassed to say this) fart on purpose. No wonder if the grandparents cheer encouringly, even when the wind is blowing from the South. Also, Lia has developed a great appetite (ok, an even greatER appetite). Not only for the world at large, but for large and larger portions of food. Well, with three more teeth having emerged, it goes without saying that all you want to do is EAT. (When the lower right lateral incissor (yes, that one) came in, we thought it was tooth # seven. But Lia had been secretly growing her first two molars. So when one day Lia lay on her back giggling, we noticed two shiny teeth in the upper arch, her secret chompers!)

Every time Lia talks on the phone with .... err ... who ever picks up at the other end, like for example the fire department (oh yes, Lia dialed 112), her broad smile reveals her oh so cute gapped teeth. Nine teeth make a very sophisticated smile. Now that we are back in the States, we will make sure that Lia will call her grandparents instead of the fire department. Talking on the phone has become Lia's second favorite thing (right after eating), and she can talk forever in Afrikaans (or some other African language with lots of glottal and tongue clicking sounds.) We are not educated enough to figure out which language it is that Lia is speaking. Maybe you know?

Listen to this: Lia the African entertainer (video).

Meanwhile we are making an international call. Pick up, Opa!