Week 35

In the last two weeks I have fulfilled my need to over prepare for this baby's arrival. The sleepers and blankets are washed, the diapers bought, and the sewing finished. The house is clean and organized, and the freezer full of "emergency" casseroles. I have 3 more Christmas presents to buy and we need more toilet paper, but otherwise we are ready. I understand that no matter how much I prepare now, my house will still spiral out of control eventually, but at least this gives me a fighting chance to keep my sanity. 5 more weeks to due date! I am so excited. Oh, and I think we have decided on some baby names.

Trev has been busy with youth and fundraising for the missions trip on spring break. Things are starting to come together and he has been encouraged by the involvement of a lot of parents and youth. He is also looking forward to Christmas and taking a little time off when the baby arrives. He has been extra helpful around the house lately and I am so thankful for a husband that see's my needs and does something about it. (Hopefully he can deal with my emotional instability over the next few weeks:)

The baby is health and happy (as far as we can tell) At my last apointment Dr Nell figured he or she was not going to be a big baby, but everything seemed to be normal. I am getting lots of kicks and wiggles that keep me company during the day and awake at night. It's all good. I remember after Brook was born feeling alone at times, no longer having the company of a baby kicking me. I would rather hold my baby in my arms than be pregnant forever.

Brook is growing up so much.
A story to illustrate my point: Trev is making me a headboard for our bed for christmas. We were standing at the foot of our bed looking at a piece of wood proped up against the wall and Trev said "I think I need to cut it". Without a word Brook took off and returned a moment later with her plastic toy sissors. She walked over to the board with her sissors and said "cut", went to the other end and did the same. Smart girl. Her understanding and communication are blossoming right now and I find it amazing how much she absorbs in a day.

These are some random pictures from the last few weeks. Brook has been doing puzzles lately. She is getting the idea, but she still has a bit to learn yet:)

Trev and Brook playing in the tent. Sunday afternoons are so much fun around here.

I was quite proud of my playdough creations so I thought I would share them with you all. Shadow (the horse) Sam (the dog) and Milo (the cat). The all died a terrible death when Brook squished them all together, then said "where's the cat?"

Every time I pull out the camera Brook tries to smile for me, and she always ends up with this funny face. It is cute, but her real smile is so much better. I almost have to sneek up on her to get a decent picture. Argh.

Week 33 of 40

Ya, we got a bit of snow this week.

November 1st. I have been waiting for November 1st for a long time. Back in September when I was feeling the "nesting" urge to fill my freezer with casseroles and baking I decided to wait until today. I didn't think there was any point in eating freezer-burnt food in February because I couldn't control myself, so I made November 1st my "start organizing and planning for baby to come" start date.

I have to admit that I have been cheating the last few weeks. OK, I have been cheating since September. I have done more sewing, cleaning and list making than ever before. When I was expecting Brook there were so many other things to fill my time. There was summer camp, Trevor was candidating here in Boisssevain, we were house shopping, and getting our first mortgage. Sure, I was preparing for Brooklyn, but I knew there was another big change coming several weeks after her arrival, so preparing for her did not become all consuming like it has this time. Some days I feel like I am gonna lose my mind. I spend a lot of time praying for God to keep my mind directed, otherwise it feels like it is going off in 10 different thoughts at once.

So now it is time to cook, bake, clean and shop. Oh, and pick a baby name. Why are we having so much trouble this time?


Brook has learned to ride her stick horse "Charlie". It's the first toy she looks for in the morning.