WITH her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes, Alina Janse van Rensburg from Jeffreys Bay, often referred to by her parents as their “answered prayers”, is this year’s Kouga Express Christmas Bay competition winner.
After Alina’s mother, Alicia Landman, and her father, Jacques Janse van Rensburg, earnestly prayed for a baby of their own, they received the thrilling news in July 2023 that they were pregnant with their first bundle of joy.
Shortly after the pregnancy was confirmed, the new parents relocated from Gqeberha to Jeffreys Bay.
During her pregnancy, Alicia mentioned that Alina was a very active baby, and as she grew rapidly, her doctor suggested inducing labour at the Mercantile Hospital in Gqeberha on March 19.
Finally, after a 24-hour labour, Alina was born on March 20, just a few days after Jacques’ birthday.
“Alina was a healthy little girl weighing 3.7kg and measuring 53cm in length,” said Alicia.
Nicknamed “Lea”, and Jacques’ personal favourite “Sussie”, Alicia explained that when choosing a name for their baby, they looked for unique names beginning with the letter “A” and decided on Alina, which means “little noble one” and “bright, beautiful, and fair.”
Alicia noted that being at home with Alina during the first four months of her life was challenging, as she was a colicky baby and cried extensively for the first two months. Despite this, she expressed that forming a bond with Alina was her greatest blessing, and she could not envision her life without her beloved daughter.
“I am so thankful to God for blessing me with this perfect little human,” said Alicia.
Now, nearly nine months after Alina’s birth, Alicia described her daughter as the kindest baby, always smiling even when she is under the weather.
“Alina is a very intelligent baby with a friendly and loving personality,” said Alicia.
With Alina’s two new “pearly whites” shining brightly each time she smiles, Alicia mentioned that her daughter loves eating Purity, bananas, Flings, Oreos, strawberries, blueberries, and fries.
She described how Alina enjoys navigating around in her walker and beams with joy when playing with her light-up Mommy Shark plush toy that sings the Baby Shark song. With the added mobility from her walking ring, Alina delights in chasing her fluffy companion, Bailey, and giggles while sharing her snacks with him.
Alina enjoys playing in her miniature pool with her vibrant collection of plastic balls, watching her favourite cartoons, and taking strolls in her pram.
Alicia shared that her daughter amusingly snorts like a piglet, scrunching her nose with a broad smile.
Alina also calls out for “Mamma” and “Papa” to pick her up and pats them on the shoulder to express gratitude.
Despite loving bath time, Alicia admitted that Alina is not fond of seawater during beach visits.
With Alina’s first Christmas just a few days away, Alicia shared their excitement in celebrating their first Christmas in Jeffreys Bay with family and friends visiting.
“Alina can look forward to discovering a new Daddy Shark plush toy and several activity toys under her Christmas tree,” said Alicia.
Familiar with Alina’s friendly personality and cute appearance, Alicia said her friends inspired her to enter the Christmas baby competition, which she is glad she did.
With her radiant smile and beautiful eyes, Alina has won the competition and been chosen to feature on the front page of the Kouga Express.
“My fiancé, Jacques, and I are over the moon and feel so blessed that Alina won the Christmas baby competition. She is truly such a special little girl,” said Alicia.
