Rupiepupie, I’ve probably never given you a birthday gift, but for this one…
My fellow last man standing, lag oor kak buddy, karaoke partner, talking absolute nonsense one minute and then somehow solving all the world’s problems the next. Some of my happiest memories have you in them. And by that I don’t mean I remember them, just how I felt in them.
What always made those moments so special was that it never took anything extravagant, no big plans, no crowd, no occasion. Just us, lekker music, ons praatjies en my lag vir jou kama jokes. That kind of connection is rare, and I’ve never taken it for granted.
I want you to know something, especially today: to me, you have always mattered far more than you probably realise.
Life has a way of being unbelievably heavy sometimes, and I know the road hasn’t been easy. But none of that changes how I see you. Not then, not now, not ever.
I still see the same person I’ve always known: kind, funny, intelligent, deeply human, and someone whose presence makes life lighter for the people lucky enough to know him.
You are also the father of (dare I say it!) one of my absolute favourite nieces, and the husband to my sister. That alone is part of a legacy bigger than you may give yourself credit for. But beyond any title, husband, father, provider, any of it, you matter simply because you are you.
I love you.
Know that your place in my heart is secure.
Happy birthday. I hope this year is gentler to you, kinder to you, and reminds you of just how deeply appreciated you are.
Watching you @lynnfromnamibia with Lizy reminds me that being a mother is not about big moments everyone sees. It’s in the patience, the love, the listening, the worrying, the teaching, and still somehow showing up with strength every single day. You are an amazing mother. All our girls are growing up with someone who loves deeply, teaches them how to be a woman, and gives them a safe place to be themselves. That matters more than anything. Thank you my babes!
Sleep training - natures way! Because no baby needs to be trained to sleep. We can introduce them slowly to light and dark, but sleeping with and on mama is the most natural things. It’s what their nervous system, bodies, souls, mind and heart needs. They’ve just been inside you for however long… and I wish someone told me this sooner. But when my instinct kicked in, I followed it and still enjoy my now ‘big girl’ cuddles.
#unfilteredmotherhood #sleeptraining #newborntips #naturalparenting #newborn
28.02.26
In the year leading up to Lizy’s 4th birthday, I’m struck by the beautiful, **”determined”** spirit the world is starting to see.
This year, she’s grown from the little girl who sometimes just wanted to rest and observe, into a big girl who leads, helping colleagues, cousins, and family do things **”the right way”** and navigating the world with such specific, sensorial curiosity.
Lizy, you are a master of your own systems already, with absolute intent. You still have those **”cautious”** moments, but then I see your absolute confidence in others and your growing independence, and I know you’re building a strong foundation.
My daughter, you are as expressive as you are **strong-willed**. May your fourth year be full of **”imaginative games,”** discovery, and all the **”thank yous”** that show your kind heart.
Happy 4th Birthday, my punkus, princess, nankie, nini, monkey, babes, bestie, my girl, my Lizy. Keep building your world, one **”biggest-to-smallest”** block at a time.
📸 @lerikedrotschephotography
#LizyTurnsFour #MontessoriKid #Girlmom #4thbirthday #MotherhoodUnfiltered
