Sunday in Durban Botanical Gardens

Last Sunday we had a little family outing and picnic in the Durban Botanical Gardens.

Thanda investigating the Orchid House...


...and investigating it with Mum.


Pelicans are a common sight in the gardens.....


...as are Monkeys. This little fellow was only too happy to pose for a picture.


It is also a popular venue for wedding photographers....


...and even if you don't have a wedding to shoot there is plenty of material for photographing.

Some more pictures of Thanda's first week with us

Thanda trying out one of the swings that is in the children's playground behind our house.


Diesel is still unsure about this newcomer to the household. Here he makes an exploratory sniff of his rival for parental attention.


Her favourite toy is Kroc (I chose this particular spelling in honour of Ray Kroc)


Looks like she's trying to pull Tracy's face off here?


Nodding off to sleep in Mums arms.


Meeting 'Honorary' grandparents Colin & Allyson for the first time.




Watching her first NASCAR race on ESPN, the Kobalt Tools 400 from Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Thanda meets the grandparents

Fortunately Tracy's parents live only a 15 minute walk away from our home so the first day Thanda was home we took her up to visit.

Walking through the park that separates our houses.


Tracy's Mum and her first grandchild.




In Tracy's parents garden. Casey, their Lab getting in on the action.


Grandpa making a closer inspection.

Thanda's first day with us at home

Thanda and Tracy shortly after we arrived at our house from picking Thanda up at Sheperds Keep on Monday morning.


Having a bottle.


She is teething at the moment which means she tries to eat everything, including herself!


Mummy feeding.


Always something in her mouth.

Bringing Siyathanda Home

Bringing Siyathanda Home
Originally uploaded by Chris Bloom

Today we bought Siyathanda home. Here is Tracy and I picking her up from Shepherds Keep which has been her home for the first five months of her life.

More Siyathanda

A few more shots of Siyathanda taken at Shepherds Keep.

Introducing Siyathanda

Siyathanda is a five month old little girl Tracy and I are in the process of adopting. At the moment she is in the care of Shepherds Keep, a wonderful place on the Bluff where they care for abandoned babies. The adoption process in South Africa is a lengthy and bureaucratic procedure, we started the process in August 2010 and finally two weeks ago we were matched with Siyathanda.

We have been to see her several times and we are due to bring her home on Monday 28th February. Here are a few pictures of her taken at Shepherds Keep.

Tracy and Siyathanda in front of Shepherds Keep, her current home.


Tracy bathing Siyathanda at Shepherds Keep.


Me feeding Siyathanda.


Siyathanda means Loved One in Zulu.


The staff at Shepherds Keep also use her shortened name Thanda.




Better get used to the camera young lady.




Her bed for 5 more nights.


Hopefully there should soon be some pictures of Thanda in her new home.