Hi all,

Wow, what a busy week we’ve had! But before I go into the details of this week’s stories, I must wish you all a . . .

. . .South African style, with some help from South African artist James Durno. Here goes . . .

 

And because I have so many fans all over the world, I figured I should greet everyone in some other languages, so here goes (or click here and go directly to the meat of the blog and to miss all the foreign translations of ‘Merry Christmas’) . . .

Afrikaans:    Geseënde Kersfees

Afrikander:    Een Plesierige Kerfees

African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja:    Rehus-Beal-Ledeats

Albanian:    Gezur Krislinjden

Arabic:    Milad Majid

Argentine:    Feliz Navidad

Armenian:    Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand

Azeri:    Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun

Bahasa Malaysia:    Selamat Hari Natal

Basque:    Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!

Bohemian:    Vesele Vanoce

Brazilian:    Feliz Natal

Bengali:    Shubho borodin

Breton:    Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat

Bulgarian:    Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo

Catalan:    Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!

Chile:    Feliz Navidad

Chinese (Cantonese):    Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun

Chinese (Mandarin):    Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan

Choctaw:    Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito

Columbia:    Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo

Cornish:    Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth

Corsian:    Pace e salute

Crazanian:    Rot Yikji Dol La Roo

Cree:    Mitho Makosi Kesikansi

Croatian:    Sretan Bozic

Czech:    Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok

Danish:    Glædelig Jul

Duri:    Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak

Dutch:    Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast

English:    Merry Christmas

Eskimo:    (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!

Esperanto:    Gajan Kristnaskon

Estonian:    Ruumsaid juulup|hi

Ethiopian (Amharic):    Melkin Yelidet Beaal

Eritfean/ Tigrinja:    Rehus- Beal- Ledeats

Faeroese:    Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!

Farsi:    Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad

Finnish:    Hyvaa joulua

Flemish:    Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar

French:    Joyeux Noel

Frisian:    Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!

Faeroese:    Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!

Galician:    Bo Nada

Gaelic:    Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!

German:    Froehliche Weihnachten

Greek:    Kala Christouyenna!

Greenlandic:    Juullimi Pilluaritsi!

German:    Froehliche Weihnachten

Haiti (Creole):     Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri’cho o Rish D’Shato Brichto

Hausa:    Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!

Hawaiian:    Mele Kalikimaka

Hebrew:    Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova

Hindi:    Baradin ki shubh kamnaaye

Hausa:    Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!

Hawaian:    Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Hungarian:    Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket

Icelandic:    Gledileg Jol

Indonesian:    Selamat Hari Natal

Iraqi:    Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah

Irish:    Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat

Iroquois:    Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.

Italian:    Buone Feste Natalizie

Japanese:    Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto

Jiberish:    Mithag Crithagsigathmithags

Korean:    Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Lao:    souksan van Christmas

Latin:    Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!

Latvian:    Prieci’gus Ziemsve’tkus un Laimi’gu Jauno Gadu!

Lausitzian:    Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto

Lettish:    Priecigus Ziemassvetkus

Lithuanian:    Linksmu Kaledu

Low Saxon:    Heughliche Winachten un ‘n moi Nijaar

Macedonian:    Sreken Bozhik

Maltese:    IL-Milied It-tajjeb

Manx:    Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa

Maori:    Meri Kirihimete

Marathi:    Shub Naya Varsh

Navajo:    Merry Keshmish

Norwegian:    God Jul, or Gledelig Jul

Occitan:    Pulit nadal e bona annado

Papiamento:    Bon Pasco

Papua New Guinea:    Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu

Pennsylvania German:    En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!

Peru:    Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo

Philipines:    Maligayang Pasko!

Polish:    Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie

Portuguese:    Feliz Natal

Pushto:    Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha

None!

Rapa-Nui (Easter Island):    Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua

Rhetian:    Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn

Romanche (sursilvan dialect):    Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!

Romanian:     Craciun Fericit

Russian:    Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Sami:    Buorrit Juovllat

Samoan:    La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou

Sardinian:    Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou

Serbian:    Hristos se rodi

Slovakian:    Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce

Samoan:    La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou

Scots Gaelic:    Nollaig chridheil huibh

Serbian:    Hristos se rodi.

Singhalese:    Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa

Slovak:    Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok

Slovene:    Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto

Spanish:    Feliz Navidad

Swedish:    God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År

Tagalog:    Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon

Tami:    Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal

Trukeese (Micronesian):     Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!

Thai:    Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas

Turkish:    Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun

Ukrainian:    Srozhdestvom Kristovym or Z RIZDVOM HRYSTOVYM

Urdu:    Naya Saal Mubarak Ho

Vietnamese:    Chuc Mung Giang Sinh

Welsh:    Nadolig Llawen

Nada!

Yoruba:    E ku odun, e ku iye’dun!

Yugoslavian:    Cestitamo Bozic

None, again!

 

Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s begin! Tuesday Mom and I spent the day at home, doing exercises, reading some stories, watching Cartoon Network and generally just hanging around. Once Dad was home Mom headed out to Sandton City as she had received an SMS that Crabtree & Evelyn had marked everything down by 50% – this was not something Mom was prepared to miss out on! Dad and I stayed at home, and once my cares were done we headed into the garden. My Jolly Jumper was attached to the roof of the back patio, and Dad sat nearby with his camera at the ready, wanting to get some photos of the local birds. The evidence of these photos can be seen below!

The week was spent doing some last minute Christmas shopping, which I guess everyone tries to avoid, but can never dodge, pretty much like taxes, or so I’ve heard. So on Wednesday afternoon, after Dad finished work, we headed off for some last minute items, and to run some errands. First there was the return of some DVD’s that Mom and Dad had watched the night before. It seemed, while I was sleeping on Tuesday evening, there wasn’t much on TV, so Dad hopped on his bike and headed off to the video store. I heard the next morning that after four frustrating detours to the local video stores, he’d discovered that clearly there wasn’t much money in video rentals over the festive season, as they were all closed! He then opted to go to the 24/7 Woolworths, where one could also rent videos, after a quick touch screen registration. Apparently the billing there is done based on when you bring the video back, or if you never bring it back its assumed that you want to own the video, and you get billed for the cost of the DVD. Pretty innovative and convenient. I expect though, that by the time I’ve grown up I will simply be able to demand any movie ever made in the world, via a persvice (personal device, mobile is so outdated), reassigned (downloaded is so 2008ish) in 2 microseconds, and I’ll be billed on usage through airtime or travel miles, and not hard currency, which will only be used for large asset based purchases.

I digress, thinking of my future, so back to the errands – the first stop was at Woolies to return the two DVD’s that Mom and Dad watched (viz Wanted and The Happening). We also stopped off at the post office to collect some final mail before Christmas and then headed off to the Pick ‘n Pay at Brightwatercommons. Well, talk about hectic! It was enormously crowded, but Dad, cool as a cucumber, gracefully negotiated his way around the store, and before long the shopping trolley was full. Our next stop was at the hardware store, which is always a favourite of Dad’s. I too am beginning to feel the excitement of hardware stores, DIY, garden equipment, and other power tools. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to use some of these power tools, although, once again I expect drills will be replaced with defabricators that make holes simply by dematerialising the atomic structure of the item you’re drilling through. Before long we were back home to find Mom cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

By early evening I was bundled in the car, along with some roasts, presents and enough kit for me to make it through the desert. We were heading off to Aunty Kim’s place to celebrate Christmas. Like my Dad, Aunty Kim’s late husband was also European, so Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. Wow, and what a celebration is was. After a hearty meal and lots of drink we tucked into some serious present opening. I think everyone was so overjoyed at my first Christmas that pretty soon my presents and I took up the whole sofa! Much to my Mom and Dad’s horror, there where a whole bunch of battery operated gadgets and toys that made sounds and noise. I sensed their fear at being woken by these at some point in the future! With Granny’s help I managed to get in some gifts to Mom and Dad as well, two of the highlights being fridge magnets, one for Mom that reads “If Mothers were flowers I’d pick you” and one for Dad that reads “Anyone can be a Father, it takes someone special to be a Daddy”! They seemed very touched by these little phrases.

By about 10:00pm my tiredness got the better of me, and I passed out on Ryan’s bed, but not before I had a nice long look at all the FHM posters on his walls. At some point in the evening I felt myself being lifted in strong arms and placed in the car. I sensed lots of kisses on my face as everyone said goodbye and pretty soon we were on the road. The next thing I remember was waking up on Christmas morning in my own cot. After lots of hugs and kisses from my Mommy and Daddy, and some much needed food, we headed off to the big decorated tree that had adorned our lounge for the past few days. There under the tree were more presents! I couldn’t believe that after being spoilt rotten last night by Aunty Kim, Shannon, Ryan, Tamsin, Garth and Ronnie, there were still more goodies for me. As I began opening these presents I discovered that they were from people that had been stopping by for days and weeks before today, dropping off pressies. I was overwhelmed and almost brought to tears at the generosity of my friends, my Mom and Dad’s friends, and their colleagues! There is just too much stuff to mention in the blog, so I’ve committed to send everyone a personal foot printed Thank You card!

I lulled around the house during the morning, while Dad frantically dressed the table and Mom did some final preparations for lunch. Just after midday Opa arrived for lunch. It was very sad that Oma wasn’t there to share in my first Christmas, but we all knew she was there in spirit. Mom, Dad and Opa had a leisurely lunch while I bounced around in my Jolly Jumper, keeping them entertained during their meal. I was also treated to some Christmas lunch, in the form of pureed peas and carrots, that were taken off the lunch table! I was so excited, as normally I get specially prepared food and the adults eat other stuff. I guess this means I’m getting bigger and older. After feasting some more, and trying to keep cool in the mid afternoon Highveld heat, it was back to the Christmas tree where I noticed some new pressies – these must be from my Opa. I encouraged Dad to eagerly rip these open and before long I was surrounded with lovely new outfits and a fluffy new dog, whom I’ve christened Fluffy! Sadly the day was drawing to an end, and Opa headed off home.

We spent the afternoon chilling in and around the house, but I must admit that I wasn’t feeling too great. I had been throwing up a few times in the past day or so, but by Thursday evening (Christmas) it had gotten worse. The night was terrible for all three of us, and by Friday afternoon Mom and Dad were nervous wrecks. I was bundled off to Morningside Medi Clinic for a check-up, as I really was feeling very bad. Upon arriving we were directed straight to the triage nurse who did a basic but thorough examination of me. Soon afterward we were directed to a casualty room where a nice doctor, called Dr Golden, examined me from head to toe. During the examination, Mom and Dad took turns to update him on my very extensive medical history! It was a fortunate coincidence that Dr Golden is an ENT, and since my ears have been bothering me, he did a detailed check of my right ear which has been bothering me for a while, and for which I’ve been taking some medication.

After the initial examination it was agreed to have some chest x-rays done, as my chest is very phlegmy at the moment, and the throwing up has largely been due to phlegm. While the x-rays were being captured Dr Enrico Maraschin was summonsed to do a full top-to-toe examination of me. I was excited to see Dr Enrico again, as he last saw me when I was discharged from hospital in October, and even in my current condition I couldn’t wait to show-off how much stronger I’d gotten and how much I’d grown. As he is also Dr Nicoletta’s partner, I expect the news of my visit would reach her very swiftly. The detailed examination took about an hour. Fortunately there is nothing severely wrong with me, other than that I’m just a little under the weather at the moment, but given my medical history, everyone agreed that it is not worth taking any chances. Scripts were written out for me, and pretty soon we were going to the pharmacy for some more muti for me (muti is the South African slang for medicine, which comes from the Zulu umuthi). As I saw these new medicines being dispensed I knew I wasn’t going to like them, and this was proven the next morning when I tasted these meds and promptly threw them up again! Thankfully I still have a MIC-Key in my tummy through which horrid tasting meds can be administered without my having to taste them.

Saturday was really laid back; Dad went out fairly early in the morning to do some shopping, and was back home, after midday. With the weather still being so awesome, we all went into the garden and spent some quality time grabbing the rays. Jake and Roxy also made an appearance, and pretty soon I was fighting them for my doughnut. To avoid too much sun (and to get out of the heat of the day) we didn’t stay out too long. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, until this morning, when I opted to wake my Mom at 1am in the morning owing to feeling a little under the weather. I managed to keep her up until the early hours, when Dad took over. Mom went back to bed for some zzz’s and Dad and I watched TV. At about mid morning we all headed off to Wimpy for breakfast. Mom and Dad bravely fought through their greasy breakfasts, and I even savoured a French fry (my first to date) – I can see why these are a favourite of Mom and Dad. Afterward we did some much needed shopping at the pharmacy for herbal meds and vitamins, followed by a disappointing visit to the hardware store where Dad didn’t find what he needed. Looks like tomorrow we’ll be heading to an even bigger hardware store (oooo, exciting)!

As I write this blog, the heat has finally been broken by a huge downpour, but no thunder. The drops are huge and make a massive splatting sound as they hit the paving outside. Another really awesome thing that I have experienced this week is that Mom is now making my food herself. She’s got a whole bunch of organic vegetables and fruit, cooked these up, and pureed them for me. I must say that Mom’s butternut is a zillion times nicer than the bought stuff. She also made some fresh pureed mango for me, which is definitely my current favourite.

Well, that’s about it for now. This is my last blog for 2008 – the next time I will be writing will be in the New Year. In many ways I’m glad to see the tail-end of 2008, as it was a difficult year for me and my dear Mommy and Daddy.

I must thank everyone for the special contribution that they’ve made to my short little life so far. To the doctors and professors who fought to keep me alive and to help me on my road to recovery, to all the hospital staff for looking after me and tending so lovingly to my every need, to those in the companies that in whatever small or big way provided the technology, articles and items to make my recovery possible, to the medical aid in supporting my Mom and Dad with the enormous medical bills they have faced, to my Mom and Dad’s family, friends and colleagues, who continuously supported them in big ways and small, and lastly to all those people that neither I nor my Mom or Dad have ever met, but still offer support from a distance, be it by SMS, email or even the odd phone call. I cannot reiterate enough how wonderful and special you all have been, and how much your support and help, however small or insignificant, has been to our three lives.

Obviously, amidst all the trials and tribulations of 2008 there was also a huge celebration, which was my arrival! Looking back over the past 6 months I’m really loving being my Mommy and Daddy’s little boy, as they have been so wonderful and positive over the past few months – I couldn’t have picked better parents!

Love, hugs, and mistletoe kisses,

Jarrod

Figure 1 In the back garden with Dad, photographing the birdlife

Figure 2 A crimson breasted barbet spies out an apple that Dad put out, while its partner chirps in the background

Figure 3 And then a white-eye arrived to nibble on the apple

Figure 4 A female finch pops in for some seed

Figure 5 In my Christmas kit from Aunty Gillian – ready for Santa to arrive

Figure 6 Ryan busks for us on arrival at Anuty Kim’s place

Figure 7 A close-up of Ryan strumming it

Figure 8 Christmas hugs from Shannon

Figure 9 In Tamsin’s arms

Figure 10 Having a pretzel at the bar

Figure 11 Santa (aka Ryan) arrives signing ‘Jingle Bombs’, his own version of ‘Jingle Bells’

Figure 12 Getting to grips with some guitar work of my own

Figure 13 Scheming to do a solo

Figure 14 A toast to Christmas 2008

Figure 15 As if Santa needed any encouragement

Figure 16 Dad seems to be more excited about my pressies than me!

Figure 17 Good times


Figure 18 Somewhat overwhelmed

Figure 19 Christmas Eve comes to an end for me

Figure 20 Christmas morning at home

Figure 21 My Christmas sock

Figure 22 With Opa on Christmas Day

Figure 23 Getting my own Christmas lunch

Figure 24 Catching some rays with Mom, Roxy and Jake

Figure 25 A cool dude

Figure 26 I decided to scan my foot print!

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