Less than 8 weeks to go!

Here we are, 32 weeks along.

My back went out on Christmas Eve, sending me to the ER, multiple doctors' appointments, and eventually driving to South Africa in search of a Chiropractor knowledgeable of working with very pregnant women. Thankfully we found one, I was adjusted, and I am on my way to complete recovery.

With my previous back problems and at this point in pregnancy my muscles beginning to relax in preparation for labor, it made it easy for my spine to sort of slip 'out-of-whack'. Looks like for the next 8 weeks I will need to be a little more cautious. =/

Maybe my 60 hours of constant pain was good practice for labor without pain medication, allowing me to discover "comfortable" positions for this big ol' pregnant bod of mine. Hot showers and the exercise ball were some of the only relief.


Other than that lovely experience the only other ailment has been my big fat swollen feet at the end of the days. I've never had swollen feet/cankles in my life. It's not that I find them hurting as much as just creepy looking.

Anaya has moved herself more on top of my bladder. Lovely. I have already had one little accident sneezing. I looked at Jon and said, "I have to go change; I think I peed myself!" Isn't that just one of the nice perks of this journey? I have lost all confidence in myself being able to hold it in, so I tend to frequent the toilet, I am sure well before the need. Nights are full of me trying to roll this whale of a self out of bed, waddle to the bathroom in the dark, and then climb back in bed, adjusting the 50 million pillows surround me.

Oh! (I guess I lied when I said swollen feet were the only ailment... they keep coming to me!) I no longer have room for food. Indigestion is a regular part of life now, and the desire for food is quickly diminishing. Small meals will be key I suppose. Maybe it will help the weight slow down.

I think I've gained somewhere between 22 and 25 pounds. I am not positive because this morning I was down. I think the holidays coming to a close and my lack of desire for food has balanced me out. We'll see where I end up. I'd love to stay at 30 or below, but since I still have 8 weeks, I'm not sure that's going to happen. =)

Anaya is active, what seems like all day every day. Sometimes I think she'll push right out of there! My tummy looks like rolling waves, all to the right one second and then to left the next. Nice thing was, even with all my back pain, she kept up her movements, allowing me peace of mind for her safety.

We are getting closer to being finished in her room. I am anxious to have it all ready for her. I'll post pictures when it's completed. I still need to sew curtains, but I'm waiting until my back feels up to sitting in front of a sewing machine for an hour or two.

Well, I've written a lot. Hope you feel updated! Can't wait to meet my baby girl.

4 People to Pray For

Joanna -

Joanna is 26, the same age as me. Young. Her mom has died and so has her only daughter. "Bad luck," she told me. She only has her sister, who is as poor as she is, and works a lot, not allowing her to visit much, and even then is unable to bring much comfort food or drink.

I met her about 5 months ago. She had just had her right arm amputated, due to cancer. Since then her health has been deteriorating. She's back in Oncology right now. She is terribly thin. The wound where her arm was cut off has never healed. You can smell the rotting flesh. Now she has more wounds on her body; they are so deep I can see her muscles. It amazes me how the human body can keep on.

She is unable sit on her own, so when I come, she likes to sit up. It wears her out.

Fruit. Fruit juice, fresh juice... it is all she wants. It's not much, but that I can do. For her last few days, I can bring her a few comforts.

Pray for Joanna. For her pain. For her approaching death. For peace. For her soul.

Jonathan -

Jon's friend. He lived in Zimbabwe for some time, so he speaks better English than Portuguese. He loves chatting with Jon about the Lord. Jon gave him an English Bible. Jonathan hasn't seen his wife and children in a year. Before coming to Oncology he was at another clinic.

Jonathan has tumors all over his body. Recently, they seem to be growing at an amazing pace. From week to week, Jon can see the difference; they are bigger. He's having a second surgery soon.

At this point, Jon and I believe the cancer has spread too much to contain.

Pray for Jonathan. For his pain. For wisdom on when to go home and see his family... even if only for his last days. For acceptance. For his soul.

Alexandre -

A young
boy, I believe to be 11 years old. He has the best smile... seriously it is contagious, beautiful, sweet, bright, etc. He holds a dear place in our hearts; we love him. He is having his last Chemo treatment at the end of this month, and he and his mother believe he is going home to live a normal full life. We unfortunately know otherwise. A nurse told our friend that the doctors have decided there is nothing else they can do for him.

Pray for a miracle. Pray for healing. Pray for time with his brothers. For his precious soul.

Lucia -

Lucia is 13. When she first arrived at the hospital, I thought she was pregnant. She is/was not. She has a massive tumor in her stomach. Lucia is precious to me. She give great hugs and kisses on my cheeks. Her nails are frequently painted. She a regular teen... other than this ugly sickness.

From what we know and have experienced, her tumor is too far progressed for the Chemo to help. She is now having new pains. They are thinking about operating.
Her sweet father has grown more and more worried, as have her mother and sisters back home.

Pray for wisdom for her father. Pray for wisdom for her doctors. For her pain. For hope. For her young soul.

Choosing Thanks

Sometimes we have to choose thanks. Sometimes we have to choose praise.

So this Thanksgiving the choice is a little more difficult, yet I will... I will choose thanks.

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I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to know a 13 year old boy named Marcelino. Marcelino was a different boy; he was gentle and kind, willing to share and help others, without the prodding of adults. It was natural to him, who he was.

Sure he was 13, so he had his moody days, but he was sick and not feeling well, so I couldn't blame him. Sometimes I would leave the hospital giggling at his little 'moods', asking Jon if he had been the same with him... usually yes. But I loved that boy, moods and all.

He started his time in Oncology so shy, embarrassed by the large tumor growing over eye. Jon set out, determined to get through to him. Through soccer and Jon's usual craziness, Marcelino was quickly won over. He even chose to join Jon's Bible study, though his dad was uninterested. I remember Jon telling me how well he read. I could see his admiration of Jon, the way he loved him and respected him. It was special to me.

One day there was a woman that was extremely sick, and I frantically wanted to get her some juice. She had requested a certain kind, and I didn't know where to go. Marcelino graciously walked me to the store across the street. He seemed a bit embarrassed to be walking with me, a white lady, and offered to wait outside while I went in the store. I smiled inside... tempted to grab his hand to make it more awkward. Ha! We chit chatted about life, what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said a doctor. I explained that it was difficult, but I thought he could do it; he was smart! I told him about Paul, Jon's brother, who is currently in pursuit of becoming a doctor.

I remember taking our first ultrasound picture of Anaya to the hospital. In his usual shy way, he didn't push to the front to see the picture like the other kids. He almost seemed uninterested... until he saw her. He couldn't hide his fascination. Each month we'd tell them what day we'd bring a new photo, and Marcelino would smile. Seeing her would automatically brighten his day, even on his moody days. Almost each visit he'd ask how she was doing, and I'd pat my belly and tell him she was growing. Marcelino loved my daughter. Today I'll write Anaya about him... tell her how before she was born she was impacting lives, and as Jon says, she is already changing the world.

Just two weeks ago, or so, Marcelino's mood turned, a little more permanently. His tumor had grown, what seemed like overnight. He had a few rough rounds of chemo. Jon and I would talk between ourselves about how he seemed depressed, and we tried figure out how to lift his spirits. Nothing seemed to work.

This past weekend Marcelino health took a turn for the worse. When I saw him on Monday I couldn't believe my eyes. How quickly death had come upon him. I climbed in bed with him, trying comfort him, to be close to him. In his pain, he had bit his tongue, causing a fairly steady flow of saliva and blood to flow out of his mouth. His breath screamed death... it was the same smell as Jose Manuel; Jon and I know that smell too well.

The past two nights ended in bed with many tears.

This boy, who had only one week before been playing outside, now lay unable to control any bodily functions, unable to swallow, unable to talk, to make sense. He would come in and out of delirium, suddenly reminded of his pain... crying out and moaning. His heart rate remained elevated, as if he were running, even in his sleep. At that point I knew his heart couldn't last long.

Rubbing his legs, I noticed the scars on his knees. I couldn't help but think what a normal boy this was. A boy with stories of his childhood, stories of falling, of being silly, of running with his brothers. So normal...

Running my hand over his hair, I prayed for a quick passing. I prayed for visions of Jesus' face, visions of heaven amidst his delirium. I prayed for God to look at him through the blood of Jesus, for God to save his soul. I prayed for the eyes of the Lord to look upon Marcelino and for Him to have mercy.

This morning at 6:45am, we got the phone call from his dad. Marcelino's suffering had ended. Jon and I laid in bed for a few moments, thanking the Lord, sighing in relief. And then we got up. We put on clothes, as our prayers and comfort shifted from Marcelino, to his grieving father.

After some time at the hospital, Jon and I drove home. We cried a bit, remembering our friend... for me, remembering his love for our daughter. We got home and made coffee, still talking about our time with him... the good moments and the horrific ones at the end.

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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

I choose thanks.

For Marcelino's life, for the opportunity to know him, for my hope in the redemptive power of Christ, for my husband who loves deeply, for my daughter, for our health, for my family, for friends, for support, for my home, for my bed, for worship music, and on and on...

Christmas Cards - Plan Ahead!

Who does not like getting Christmas cards in the mail? And even better, a photo card filled with the lovely faces of your friends and family. I remember my Mom having a red weaved basket sitting near the front door, where each new arrival would go. I would check daily for new ones. Throughout the holiday I would look through the basket multiple times, sometimes skipping the ‘plain’ cards and hurrying to the colorful picture ones. How fun to watch kids grow and families age, year by year, all because of a little tradition we call the Christmas card. I love this time of year!


This year I am hoping to use http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/photo-christmas-cards to order my cards. Living in Africa, it makes it easier that everything can be done online. (Can we have a ‘Hallelujah!’?) Currently there are hundreds of options and layouts to choose from, making it difficult for this indecisive girl. You can have one picture, two, three… five! You can have the traditional red and green, or throw in a fun mix of light snowy blue and other vibrant colors. And for those of you who are having a rough year… maybe a bad haircut or too many holiday sweets and want to pass of the photos, you can still enjoy the online convenience here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery . And for grandma and grandpa, who doesn’t enjoy the classic photo mug? Check those out here: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs


Here’s to planning in November!

14 weeks to go!


Well, 14 or so weeks until I meet my precious little girl. It still feels a little unreal to me. She is moving so much these days! A lot in the morning and at night. I cannot help but hold my belly when she moves; I love to feel her, even if it does make me look strange in public. Last night her aerobics were almost sickening; as if my tummy was doing flip flops on a roller coaster. I could feel all her little body parts pushing this way and that.

My tummy is taking over. Someone said to me the other day, "I feel like we should say, 'Hello Anaya!' since she is all out there." =)

Bending over is becoming more of a chore, usually accompanied by groans. Thankfully I can still paint my own toes, thanks to a bit of flexibility; however, Jon will be learning soon. I want pink toes for delivery. Ha!

I have gained right at about 16lb, which I am quite happy with.

I still try to exercise, though it doesn't happen as consistently as it should. Arm weights, crunches on the ball, and legs lifts/pilates stuff are included. As I near my due date and delivery, I want to be as physically ready as possible. Here's to more consistency!

We continue to pray over our sweet girl... for her future, her salvation, her soul. We love her so much! 100 days (or so) to wait to hold and kiss her. Yay!

A Year Ago... Family Times

A Year Ago

Heller girls (Evie's shower!)

Cold Stone Creamery for dinner. Yes...

Sayin' 'bye' =(

The "Red Cup" with the girls. Yay pumpkin spice!

Pedicures... haven't had one since!

Pretty ladies

Morning playtime

Chillin' outside (umm... where was Gauge? Not sitting!)

Elf night! Christmas tree and snickerdoodles to accompany!

Sistas sistas

Silly Dad!

Cute Mom!

Playing before bedtime. She loved the light switch. =)

Bedtime stories

Dan and Vicki came!

Fun times on the Wii

Jon and Nini's explosion!

Family pics!

The whole clan

Some lovin'

Mom and Dad Heller!

Dan is havin' fun!

In some ways it feels like yesterday... in other ways, so much longer. We love family!

Some days seem like too much.

Some days it seems like too much...

The lady whose tumor has taken over her neck and cheek, perhaps worse than I've ever seen. Her skin looks ready to burst, tight, shiny and red. There is no 'comfortable' for her. She cannot talk or eat. Because she cannot eat, she is starving. She is like a skeleton with a thin layer of skin and remnant of deflated breasts.

There is the lady whose legs are so swollen, I don't believe she can walk. She wants to sit, but her body doesn't have the strength, so she shakes until she falls over... and then sits up again. Her breathing is labored, as she comes in and out of sleeping, without much awareness. There is blood on the sheets, but I'm not sure from where. Her husband died two days ago, but no one has told her. They want to wait until she gets home, if she ever does.

Then there is the lady whose breast is now an open gaping wound, swollen and leaking, causing constant pain. No one in the hospital speaks her first language so she tries to communicate in Portuguese, leaving her quite confused and alone.

Moving to the men...

Marcelino, who is only 13, seems to have taken a turn for the worse. He moaned from stomach pains, and his tumor on his eye seems like it grew over the weekend. This was supposed to be his final treatment. His usual sweet face was so swollen.

And then there was the albino man who couldn't easily talk, but began crying loudly because of his pain. His wails could be heard down the halls.


That is only the worst of today. Like I said, some days seem like too much.

Lord come quickly.

17 weeks left... or 23 weeks along =)

Biggest news on little Anaya is her frequent activity in my belly. (I know, I know, she's been moving all along, but I am just now feeling her.) I love it! Her movements ease my mind and get me daydreaming about who she is and what she'll look like. It definitely helps it feel more real. She responds to her Daddy's voice when he talks to her, which is precious to me. Since her kicks are so new to me, I find myself trying to wake her up and feel a kick here and there... Jon tells me I should let her sleep. =)

As for me, I am growing! I am about 14lbs up and rounding nicely. I still feel really, really good. Yay for the 2nd trimester! Most days, besides big belly and a creature moving inside, I hardly know I am pregnant. Jon and I have been trying to go on consistent walks with our dog, which is good for keeping me moving and active. No extra hunger and no cravings thus far.

When Jon and I sing and pray before going to the hospital, Jon usually ends up praying for Anaya as well. Lately I find myself crying as we pray over her. Sometimes it is probably just hormones gone wild, but sometimes it is thinking about this precious life to be used by the Lord, which we already hand over to Him.

I'm ready for the holidays. My calendar is filling up and I am counting down until February. I think it will be here before I know it, and I'll have my baby girl in my arms!

Rosina

Please pray for my friend Rosina.

She is a patient in the oncology ward, who has wounds/tumors which are not healing on one of her legs. She was informed a couple days ago that they would be amputating. As you can imagine, this was news she was taking quite difficultly. Her facial expressions shouted pain in every moment, so I tried to hope alongside her that the pain would end with the amputation. Still, I left her sad in her bed.

Today when I visited Rosina, the surgery had still not been done. She was hunched over in pain, having difficulty breathing, her eyes rolling back as she came in and out of sleep. She told me she couldn't talk today. I don't mind not talking. She needed her back scratched, water held to her mouth to drink, a shoulder to lean on, prayers to be said over her.

My prayer was and is that Rosina felt the arms of Jesus supporting and loving her this afternoon.

Please pray that her pain would diminish, that she would breath easily, that she would rest well, and that she would know the close presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.

A Song, A Prayer

The following are lyrics to a song by Kendall Payne. May it minister to you, like it does me.

I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I could not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strength all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet
May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride
What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see
May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak
As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me


Approaching the Half Way Mark

As many, if not most, of you know, I am having a baby girl. Miss Anaya Hosanna is already so dearly loved. It is such a different and wonderful feeling being able to call her by name. I love imagining our life with her!

She currently about the length of a bell pepper, or 5 1/2 inches long. She is likely able to hear my heartbeat and possibly our voices at this stage. Many prayers and songs are in order!

I have felt her moving a bit these days. It is still not consistent and not very strong, but "flutters" is a good way people describe it. I cannot wait for more definite kicks and for Jon to be able to join the fun of feeling her in there.

I've gained about 8-9 pounds, which according to charts is pretty on schedule for gaining between 25-35lbs total. I've noticed that I have gained in two little spurts so far, each of about 4-5 pounds, and each over a 1 week period. It will be interesting to watch and figure out my "norm". I haven't really had the urge to eat more than usual.

I keep posting these morning pictures with no make-up, but I figure these bummy gaucho pants give you a good look at my growing belly. =) I am still able to wear my old clothes with my belly-band on or a rubber band around the button. I am trying to enjoy it while I can, because I have a feeling those days are coming to an end soon.

I told Jon the other day, "I feel like I've been pregnant for such a long time!" Ha. I laugh thinking about it, but it's the truth. I keep thinking to myself how good I'm doing to be able to wear my old clothes still, and how I don't feel like my tummy is that big. But then I was hit with the realization that I still have 4 and a half to five months... aka FOREVER. Anyways, I am going to focus on the 20 week mark for now, since that one is only a week and a half or so away. Downhill from there, right? ;)

Where are Your Thoughts?

I just started a Bible study with a group of women here, made up of other moms and missionaries. They are the same women that I did my Beth Moore study with. I really enjoy group Bible study and discussion; it really helps sink things in.

This Bible study is called 'Me, Myself, and Lies' by Jennifer Rothschild. Thanks Quiettime Ministries for your generous donation, making it possible for us to do this study!

Throughout this Bible study we focus on what she likes to call our "thought closet". How interesting it is to be aware of what you spend your time thinking about... from heavenly things to pointless things and even at times destructive things.

I would like to encourage you to take a day and purposefully be aware of what you think about, or for that matter, talk to yourself about! (I tend to have lots of full out conversations in my head.)

While I was not necessarily alarmed by "bad" thoughts or "negative" thoughts, as some others are, I was alarmed at the amount of time I spend thinking about useless things, things that will never happen, conversation I will never have.

One way I have decided to combat this wasting of time is by keeping worship music on as much as possible. Every time I am in the kitchen, making breakfast, lunch, or dinner, doing dishes, etc. I turn on praise music. It directs my thoughts to things above, heavenly things. Not only that, I tend to have a worship song lingering in my head the whole day.

The other way she suggested and I am trying to implement is purposefully trying to think of one or two wonders of the Lord each day. For example today, I decided to dwell on the miracle it is to have this baby growing in my tummy. I also have taken special note of how beautiful the weather is and what a blessing it is to have the cool wind blowing through my house. I find that when we purposefully take note of wonders, miracles, provisions of the Lord, we have a hard time dwelling on the negative.

So maybe this week, like me, you can purposefully be aware of the things running through your head and then take one or two purposeful step to directing those thoughts to eternal things.

Baby Heller Update

Baby Heller is growing!

Here 'it' is at 14wks.
Our little one is measuring a little ahead of schedule, putting me close to 15wks, and moving my due date to the 19th of February.

I ate Hot Tamales candies before going (not thinking) and he/she kept bouncing all around. We could hardly hear the heartbeat or get a pic, as we only had seconds to capture a position.

I did get a little wave, showing me all the fingers!


And Mama is growing too!

And this is me currently 14-15wks. I haven't needed maternity clothes yet, though I do wear the shirts my sister gave me, mainly because they are too cute and a fun addition to my wardrobe.

I feel great! I told my doctor yesterday, "I don't feel pregnant anymore!" She responded, "It's not that you don't feel pregnant, you don't feel nauseous!" That's true. I don't feel tired anymore either.

Ah... second trimester bliss. =)

I haven't been extra hungry, or really having any cravings yet. I hope to stay that way a little while longer. I am about 5lbs up, and all from my lovely vacation. Ha! Revisit my food post, and you'll see why! I don't mind though, as long as I keep a handle on it.

The Natural Desire for Touch

Returning from vacation I was tired and lazy, having a hard time gettin' going. You've probably experienced this whole coming home from vacation tired. Why is that? Seems to be common. Anyways, I think it was the 7 hour drive with a new puppy and the hours of playing he demands.

Nonetheless, Friday rolled around and it was time to go to the hospital. I got dressed at the last minute, kind of hoping for some reason not to go. None came.

Off we went.

I walked into the room of women in the Oncology department and looked around. I didn't think I knew anyone. Inside my heart sank. Not only was Anna not there, my friend I hoped to check on, I was going to have to start from square one... with everybody. Honestly, I had a fleeting thought of waving and leaving; however, Jon was having Bible study with some guys, so I was stuck, and I might as well be chatting with some women.

I mustered some energy and walked over to some beds. The television seemed to be extra loud this day, and the women seemed extra interested in the program, and not so interested in me. Just dandy. I breezed through 3 beds so quick I thought I might just run out of people to talk to.

And then I saw her.

Selena, a woman I had previously visited with was there receiving treatment. And she looked awful. Her breathing was so labored. I noticed she was sitting in order to obtain more air, but she was too tired to stay awake. She would nod off, nearly falling over until she woke herself up, many times noticing she had been drooling and quickly tried to wipe her mouth.

I went.

I could hardly understand her words. She has cancer somewhere in the throat area, which seems to have permanently impaired her speech, and with the lack of air combined, I could hardly make anything out. It didn't matter though, she didn't have energy to be talking.

I started by praying and placing my hand on her leg. But then I realized what I could do. I could try to help support her so she might get a little rest.

I hopped up onto the bed, remembering Emilia and how she liked to put her head on my shoulder as I faced her, giving her support for her weak body, which in the same way could not lay down comfortably.

So I positioned myself, put my knee up for her to rest her arm, propped my arm on the other side of her body across her legs, and I patted my shoulder, telling her to put her head there.

There was no hesitation. No thinking to herself, "I hardly know this strange white girl." She only knew she was tired and weak and she needed someone... anyone. I wrapped one arm around her, trying to help her feel secure, while marveling in my mind how she could be so skinny. I could feel every rib.

The nurses tried to tell her to lay down, looking a me like I shouldn't be doing that. I explained that it was hard for her to breathe laying down, so we were fine. The women in the room stared and people walking through turned their heads.

I didn't care. And neither did she.

At one point she decided for herself to try and lay down. While laying there, she reached out her hand without the IV. After a second I realized she wanted me to hold her hand, so there we sat hand in hand.

When I left, I kissed her face and promised my return the next day and my prayers through the night. I honestly was unsure if she would make it until my return. But I prayed.

The next day Selena was miraculously improved, eating and talking. We enjoyed our visit as I shared with her my fear the previous day and gave thanks to the Lord for helping.
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So this experience got me thinking just how natural it is to desire touch and the nearness of people during our moments of suffering and pain. Culture doesn't really seem to matter. Our humanness reaches out and grabs for someone.

I am thankful that the Lord has allowed this stubborn, many times lazy, girl to be that "someone" for a few people here. I am humbled.

Welcome to My Little Food Tour

Five pounds and a fabulous vacation later...
here's a look at the delicious food along the w
ay.

George, South Africa

We started with breakfast at this little french place I found in a magazine on the airplane. And boy we were glad when it was over!

We actually ate there on day 2 as well, though I missed a picture of that cream and chocolate filled pastry... it looked and tasted so good I forgot the camera hanging on my chair!






Because of the phenomenal weather, we chose an outdoor table in the garden area.

Jon had a yummy latte, and my still cautious tummy opted for...









Fresh strawberry juice! Yum!










And for the main course we had basil infused scrambled eggs, back bacon, and a homemade croissant.

Even Jon was left saying, "Wow."





Because of our late big breakfast, we decided to pass on lunch and opt for a late afternoon dessert at the not-so-original Mugg and Bean. Let me tell ya, as you see in this picture, again getting carried away eat and not photo taking... this caramel cheesecake was heavenly.














The next meal was at a private golf course called Fancourt. Ultra fancy. Ultra scrumptious.





I started with the pumpkin soup, which was some of the best I've had.











Jon started with a spicy chicken salad.












I chose the salmon and mashed potatoes.












Jon went for the beef kabobs and rice.








Swellendam, South Africa





On the way to Montagu in a town called Swellendam we found a lovely outdoor cafe to enjoy a nice fresh lunch. The building had been there since sometime in the 1800's.

















I had a chicken avocado salad with sundried tomatoes and yummy veggies.













Jon had a sandwich... he loves good sandwiches.
















To wrap it up, hot chocolate cake... the best I've had in Africa, possibly anywhere.






Montagu, South Africa


For dinner in Montagu, after a bike ride, we wanted a medium priced semi-casual place, which we found at the Ye Olde Tavern. Since Fancourt was super fancy, and we wanted to scale down a bit. And face it, you like to say 'Ye Olde Tavern' too.












We both opted for the gourmet burgers. And look at those onion rings. Sigh.















On the way out of Montagu we stopped for breakfast at this cute little spot that had a precious gift shop with bunches of homemade goodies. (So typically South African)









We both got the full deal... and the sausage was the highlight. Almost American tasting.







Hermanus Bay, South Africa





After some awesome whale watching we went to an outdoor cafe called Cafe Europa. I got the fish and chips which was cooked is a butter garlic. Yum!










Jon went with the prawns and chips, or as Americans would say 'shrimp and fries'.






Stellenbosch, South Africa





That afternoon we arrived in Stellenbosch, and when I saw this, I had to go.










I chose the carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting and Jon had the espresso with meringue. Wish I could say they were better... not bad, but my cupcakes are better. And so are Sprinkles. =) Cute shop though, and cute idea.











And in Stellenbosch's hip/old downtown we found Cape to Cuba for a lovely night outside with good food.















I had chicken with a poblano (sp?) blue cheese sauce and creamed spinach and rice. Very enjoyable.












And Jon had this delicious stir-fry.















Walking around town we spotted this cake shop called 'Mila Cake Shop' that had breakfast... a must.













This doesn't even do justice to how cute the inside was... all pink and red. I LOVED it.












My orange spice rooibos tea. The sand timer told me when it was ready. How cool is that?











And two raspberry croissants, thank you!







Cape Town, South Africa





And while killing time before checking into our guest house, we picked-up Subway. Yes, I miss Subway.









Dinner at Quay-Four on the waterfront.

Starting with fish cakes, which is really their version of crab cakes, and tasted quite delightful.










I forget the type of fish this was, but it was yummy in a white wine garlic-y sauce and prawns on top.










Jon had a cajun crusted fish, which had a very nice flavor and a butter sauce to pour.












Afterwards we enjoyed coffee... yep we! I had my 1st coffee in some 2-3 months, and I enjoyed it.










My vanilla latte. Yay flavorings!












Sunday morning, lots of cafes closed, but we did manage to find Eco-cafe that had bagel breakfast sandwiches, and even a gingerbread latte for me!










Upon recommendation we went down to Sinnfull ice cream shop. It is actually the owner's last name, but almost feels sinful to eat. ;)















I had a toffee ice cream and a cookies'n'cream. I love ice cream.














Jon had what I had, plus a cookie dough scoop.










For dinner we went to an Eastern Bazaar, which was really cool. Each station had food from a different country. There was a busy vibrant feel inside and the food was really authentic.










Jon had butter chicken and I had chicken curry and we both had butter garlic naan. May not look tasty in the pic, but SO good.












A super cute spot called 'Bread Milk & Honey' that I read about in a magazine. Doesn't it just look like a place you want to go?















Homemade apple cinnamon muffins. Latte for Jon and a spice chai latte for me, before our hike up Table Mountain.











And our last meal in Cape Town, a super cute diner on Long Street... for me a bacon guacamole burger and fries.
















And to share, an oreo shake.