Friday

Margaret Rose (or Maggie as she has quickly become known around here).  Ten days old and we simply couldn't imagine her not being a part of our family. Yesterday David and I were talking and said we wanted to enjoy every second of this, without a moment passing too quickly. Not rushing a thing. We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to experience all of this again. Looking at Nicholas and Audrey we know children grow too quickly.

I am grateful that David has been home for these two weeks.  With family and friends helping with meals, laundry and school runs we have stayed at home, not venturing out except as necessary. Needless to say Nicholas and Audrey adore their little sister.  It is lovely to cocoon ourselves away.
 

Sunday

I am still here, waiting  technically, my due date is on Tuesday, so I am definitely counting down.  I probably did myself a disservice in thinking I would be early this time.  I am ready, so shouldn't she be?

 

Meanwhile, I am trying to spend a little special time with Nicholas and Audrey.  Stopping at the park on the way home from school for afternoon tea, making pancakes.  making homework an enjoyable experience with hot chocolate and lots of praise!  I am still apprehensive about doing school pick up, homework, dinner, bath and bed when David is at work (at least doing it without becoming grumpy mum).  I guess all we can do is go with the flow. ;)

 

And am attempting to navigate a new parenting phase.  8 year old boys.  For the best part, Nicholas is his caring self, but a bit of attitude has snuck in and my own not so mature responses have not helped the situation.  Anyway, I put it all down to needing to acknowledge his growing up and perhaps giving him the trust and responsibility to go with it! I love this kid and am proud of him!

 

Thursday

Is this nesting?

Walking Nicholas to school I notice magpies busily collecting twigs and grass so I suspect it is.  ;)

We have chosen to have a student midwife at the birth of this baby as a way of giving back to people we have valued so much at the birth of our children.  My student midwife came for coffee today and ended up staying 2 1/2 hours!  She is lovely ad grateful for the opportunity to get to know us and to be involved in such a momentous event in our lives.

I officially still have over a week before my due date, but each night I go to bed and wonder if this will be the night.  Each morning I wake and hope this could be the day.  I probably should focus on rest!

Sunday

I had a lovely day yesterday with some women - family and friends celebrating birth, and motherhood.  Each day I come closer to giving birth for the third time - a blessing I am looking forward to!

And it was good to be reminded of this clip, this morning.  I want the next little while, home, routines, children, to be to be intentionally focused on gratitude...

Sunday

Be warned, lots of photos here... Yesterday Audrey went to her cousin's 7th birthday party - a vintage tea party.  Right up my alley!  I think I was more excited than the birthday girl!  It contained everything - beautiful china tea cups, sugar cubes, fairy cakes, honey joys, fairy bread and cucumber sandwiches.  Dress ups, pearls and old fashioned games.  So much fun!

Friday

One more week at work.  Then three more weeks until my due date.  I feel so desperate for long nights of sleep (still living on six hours a night) and wonder if I went into labour anytime soon whether I would have any energy at all!

I'm looking forward to days without commitments and more times like this.

Tuesday

I love that David is spontaneous (in spite of the fact the organised, planned me at times stresses...).  He thinks of something fun to do and then does it.
Yesterday he took the kids ice skating and I met them all after work at Koko Black for hot chocolate, even if it is too rich for me - it is simply lovely to just be together.