Remember a while back when I said "the summer looks pretty easy" or something of that nature? Well I was wrong. It's already halfway through and we've had something every week of June, will have of July and August, well August hopefully, maybe, should be, I want it to be, peaceful.
We had VBS early in June and my Aunt and Uncle from MI visited that same week. The next weekend we went camping, well we rented a cabin. This pregnant body does not do an air mattress in a tent. No way. We also received four black trash bags of baby boy clothes. Oh my. This kid is so well outfitted it's not even funny. Then I developed some sort of illness, from what, I do not know, but I made our bathroom a well used room in the house for 6 days. I lost six pounds and I am so sick of rice and potatoes.
The day I started feeling somewhat better, thursday, my in laws came for a visit, we were touch and go for a bit not knowing if I'd be well enough for them to come. But they came, stayed till Sunday and we celebrated the Fourth together. It was good. My mother in law, who I love, helped me to wash, dry, sort and pack up all the boy clothes we got. I cannot believe all the clothes we have for him. Saturday I went to visit a friend and raid her baby stash. I came home with an extra swing, pack n play, another sling, one of those car seat covers to keep baby warm and a whole pump and store bottle system. It was so wonderful to have those extra things. The swing and pack n play went home with my in laws so that stuff would be there and we wouldn't have to pack it in our little car.
Monday came, I had to go grocery shopping and made bread. Today, I finally got in the garden after a week and a half of no working in it. Boy did it need it. I've still got two gardens to hoe. But I discovered the deer and rabbits are making vittles of my garden. GRRRR. I am getting some sort of organic deterrent. I hope it works. But I know my potatoes are making little baby potatoes (don't ask me how I know that) and my tomatoes have these beautiful green orbs on them. Can't wait until they turn red.
Hubby has a board meeting tonight and I am going to surprise him with a blueberry pie. I bought 2 pints of blueberries yesterday, thinking I'd make blueberry buckle again, but then one of the ladies from the church brought me homegrown blueberries, like half a gallon bag worth and I was at a loss. So it's going to be a blueberry pie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I love to bless my husband. I ordered him not to eat dessert tonight. Nor could he look in the fridge. He knows something is up. That's ok, he doesn't know what.
This friday I meet with my midwife, I am looking forward to that. I need to buy my birth kit. I've already bought my wool breast pads, got them from
here. They are nice, however, I won't know the true test of them until after baby comes. Although I know they are already nicer than my cotton ones, as they are softer and wool is just better all around. Can't wait to use them. I've decided to forgo the cloth pads for the post pardum period. I am going to use
Seventh Generation. Can't use the Diva for this time. Bummer. But after I researched the Diva I found out that a lot of the typical pads are bleached and have hazardous chemicals in them. Ew.
Next tuesday I am going to a community choir practice, because on Sunday we are having a community dinner/church service. I want to get to know other people in the neighborhood and this is a good way. I'm sure everyone knows who I am, I don't have that same liberty. I am the pregnant pastors wife, how can you not know me? I walk to the post office, where people pick up the news ;) so most people know who I am, but I haven't a clue.
Next friday we are going to a picnic with Andrew's ministerium, so I'll get to see other pastors wives. I hope that isn't depressing. From working in the denominational head I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of pastors wives, a lot of them are very bitter. Oh man oh man. I know I can be a spit fire, but I was before we went in the ministry. I want some encouragement and laughter at this picnic, not a gripe fest. I guess that depends on me somewhat. Lord may I be a source of light.
Then at the beginning of August, my in laws are coming out again for someone's birthday. I am still trying to plan that. I want a small celebration, something for Nadia, just for her before the baby is born. So I'd like to have a few friends of hers and some play, maybe outside, maybe inside, for just a few hours. I am planning on butterfly cupcakes. I know she'll like that. Still haven't thought of a gift yet. Maybe we could move her room and set it up with some new things, like shades and kid friendly valances, with new throw pillows, as part of a gift. I know, there would need to be something for her to open, I don't think she'd understand a new 'room'.
Then, hopefully, the new windows will be in and we can set up the baby's room. I have ordered roller shades for the three back bedrooms, so they will be put in. I need to make a valance for the baby's room (I'm thinking pooh) and Nadia's room. The guest room already has something nice in it, it just needs a light blocking and privacy blind. I am hoping everything will be moved around and set up by September 1. Please pray with me to this end.
Pregnancy is going well. Baby is very active and strong! His movements hurt me. And shock me. Nadia was never this strong or vigorous. It is encouraging. My only complaints are my back and heartburn. I get heartburn on just about anything these days. But pickled beets have become a new companion. I love them! I think I love the sweet and sour taste of them, and they help with the heartburn. Plus a pickled egg in there is a good healthy protien. So far weight gain has been excellent. Not too much, not too little. I think I might actually be on track for this pregnancy. But it has been a struggle. I have to watch everything. And I'm having trouble sleeping, but like I said all of these things are so typical. I just make the best of it.
I will try to post a belly pic sometime later, it has gotten bigger, in just the past two days. It's amazing. Andrew and I have a real, true, bonafide date this thursday. Dinner and a movie. I told him I wouldn't go parking with him. I'm not that kinda girl. Besides, I'm already pregnant. *grin*
Gotta go, toddler alert. Time for bed.
I have been baking bread like it's going out of style. I have been baking about two loaves everyday. We go through one loaf about every three days, so that means a whole lot more are in the fridge. My freeze-meals-so-I-don't-have-to-cook idea is going ok, but at this rate, we'll have bread for three months after baby gets here. It's easier for me to bake two everyday, than to have to do six at once. This mama is just wearing out.
And these are my gardens. The first is the one side of the main garden, just beyond it you can see the corn. The second pic is the other half to the main garden, and beyond it you can see my potato patch. The third pic is my tomatoes and pepper garden. Did you know that if you plant peas close to onions, the peas will taste like onions? Not bad actually. 
These are pics of Nadia's new room. We got everything changed over. We installed roller shades, which work really well for cutting light, and I made some valances for her windows. I know they're short, but she liked them. You can see the horse pillows on her bed, she picked those too. Nothing spectacular, but it's hers and it's for her. I want her to feel that this is her spot. She can redecorate later. 
These are pics of hubby baking. Yes, my husband bakes. One thing. Seven layer, magic cookie bars. His specialty. He loves em, I love em, and everyone who eats em loves em. So he was taking a break from all the yard work he was doing (he doesn't normally look that grungy) and putting together a double batch for two picnics we have this weekend. They were a hit! We didn't take anything home except what we couldn't dislodge from the sides of the pan (but that's the best part!) I'll show you a pic along with the recipe tomorrow when he cuts the second batch. And this is my daughter. Isn't she just adorable!! I had to include her. I just want to squeeze those cheeks!! 
Incidentally, anyone notice how horrible purses are these days? I haven't bought a new one for a year. I'm in need of one. Anyone know of a good online WAHM who makes em?
