A Family

Almost ONE

2008-08-12T13:16:00.004+01:00

One year on.
Where have all the days gone to? My friends often say she's growing so big! Oh yes. Bethany Hope is almost one, and we have filled our days with playing, chattering, eating, drinking, walking, shopping, phoning, singing and watching.
On 15th June, Father's Day, Bethany started to walk! She is practically running now - across the room, up the stairs, under the chairs, into the boxes, around the piano, under the stool: and all as fast as she can.

There's so much that this year has been full of that it has been hard to keep up. A book of firsts, of moments that I hope I will always remember. Of sleepless nights - too many to mention, but we are now through that phase and LOVE twelve hour nights. We have travelled by car, plane - oh yeah - the 12 hour to SA was entertaining. Our princess decided that to sleep was too boring and after 11.5 hours of scowls from other passengers, Bethany became the cutest girl in the world, and smiled at EVERYONE for the final 30 minutes of the flight. Phew we thought, she restored the peace!

Our Summer Holiday was full of sun, sea and sand, that we keep on finding! She built sandcastles, grew confident to RUN into the waves and splash for hours and hours. Grew fond of wearing her hat, then hated it! She is a toddler now and all that she does and is is so delightful. To think she is who she is [somewhat] because of what we have poured into her, every single day. Through the nights where, while she didn't sleep we prayed, sang, hummed, cooed and talked. Through the days where we read, talked, shopped, laughed, played, built towers, made animal noises, ate.

Her personality is adorable. This year, we have grown as people, as parents, as husband and wife. We know we have a lot more to grow in and give to. As each September comes round, I feel it's like a new beginning. New hopes and dreams, new journeys. Maybe because I was at Uni for a while and then school for a bit...! I don't know what it is I hope for this year just yet, but I am beginning to think about it, to dream and wonder.

xxx

Family

2008-01-06T08:53:00.001Z

2008: day six.

We have had a fantastic Christmas, New Year and every day since!!
Bethany had such wonderful presents, such beautiful smiles and it was so enjoyable being three this year! Ryan has since returned to work, and now me and Beth are adjusting to lighter fun, awaiting 5pm for Daddy to return with fun and games. That sounds like we are so chilled when we're home alone. Not so. We, me and Bethany are doing so well, we even ventured out to the sales - quite a task when I finally got there and realised I had left my wallet at home! Well, we bake, chat, read, play, walk, meet other mummies, see our families and chatter, chatter, giggle, laugh, chuckle, roll, play baby gym, do ballet moves, clean and do the washing. Oh and we spend a little while each day leaning how to fall asleep with out any 'props' as the Baby Whisperer so kindly advises. The less about that the better!

Just wanted to put a tiny blog in as it has been almost forever since I last wrote, we are having the time of our life, loving the best bits and learning, every day learning, and loving. I can hear the baby. My baby. Wow. This time last year we had a bean of a baby - you should see the scan!!! And now, today she is almost TWENTY ONE weeks old, and almost 21 pounds. She eats (food) three times a day like a real person. She brings us so much joy, this is one incredible journey, and we are delighted that God has blessed us with so much.

Love, and hope your 2008 is full of wonder.

Anna, Ryan and beautiful Bethany xoxo

Seven Weeks

2007-10-03T08:49:00.000+01:00

Seven weeks, 49 days, 1176 hours. How quickly it has passed, and how full of memories! We are loving our family life, everyday is so full. Bethany is taking her first morning nap in her whole life! She has grown so much and added love, laughter and well more fun to our lives. She loves noise. The adventure of finding out what she does and doesn't like, what makes her smile, what makes her stop. What causes her to snuggle up and how she responds to new faces is all part of the delight!

She loves meeting new people and being cuddled, and she is particularly enjoying her African friends. We do tell her that she is half African, she coos to that. I cannot wait to take her to Africa, we have found out that we can go next Feb/March to be part of a Missions Trip to Cape Town! How exciting. It took me 23 years before I finally made it to the continent and I feel like it asks for a piece of your heart. I gave it. And cannot wait to return next year! Who's have thought I'd have married an African? Okay a Zimbabwean (and no, that's not a small town in South Africa wink wink!).

I have been photographing Bethany pretty much everyday and here are some recent shots of her, she is smiling so beautifully, but often those photos can't be taken as she changes her pose way too quickly - are we sure she’s a Baker girl!? The time me and my sister have spent trying to have 'decent' pictures of us smiling and looking equally beautiful has so far been in vain. But one day that picture will be taken!! [ okay so will have to get Ryan to help me with this, first time on my new white MacBook! It is another great addition to our family.. but I am still learning the language of 'apple', sorry about that, the pictures are really lovely!]

Life is so exciting, we are thanking God for His provision and abundance for our lives. We are out with family today. Bethany and I and my Mum (is that Grandma, Granny, Nanny...? Not sure what fits quite yet, and as Bethany isn't quite pronouncing her name very clearly, we've got a few more days to decide!!) are meeting up with my aunty, cousin and her two little ones. One was born on Beth's due date, so that will be a lot of fun,

Okay so I can hear baby B now... Time for cuddles! Axxx

~Bethay Hope.... smiled~

2007-09-23T10:06:00.000+01:00

Yes! We had a smile on wednesday, she was five weeks old! And last night we had a chuckle sound! So there we are, our little girl beat the poll!! She makes such cute sounds when you touch her nose, play with her, blow on her.... so pretty much all the time. Trying to catch her on video but often have my hands full and no room for a video camera!!

This week, Bethany has been out for two meals: she loved the chocolate fountain at the chinese buffet on thursday night! And the lunch at halfpenny green airport was, well a dream for her. Just about ready for Church, she's usually awake for worship and sleeps through the message!

Thanks for reading our blog and voting.
Axx

-Bethany Hope-

2007-09-13T17:00:00.001+01:00

Just had to remind mummy to put my picture on here. She seems so busy playing with me, feeding me and taking me on walks, that maybe she forgot. Well, yep, that's me in my bouncer chair, thanks Aunt Elle. Cute, aren't I?

Bethany Hope xxx

~One Month on~

2007-09-12T20:21:00.000+01:00

So here we are.
Bethany was born almost four weeks ago-in two hours that is correct.

We have had such a fantastic four weeks. She is learning how to smile. We are learning to time our meal times for when she is sleeping, but somehow, she always awakes in time to sit down with us when we're eating. Clever, or what!

Ryan has been back at work. I have been settling into my 'career'. Each day is so different, and full. We have had so many visitors - which is great! And we have been on a variety of different walks.

Four weeks on. It seems like forever, and at the same time so short! We went back to the hospital to give the midwives thank-you cards today. As we waked past, so many memories came back to me. Wow. Too many words...

Apart from Bethany gazing, we have also found a great TV program: Jamie at Home. Yes it's the new Jamie Oliver show. He grows all kinds of veg in his garden. After watching it, Ryan offered to buy me an allotment for Christmas (only £10). Well, can you imagine? I don't think so, but I'd love to grow some veg at home. We'll see. I still have the runner bean, tomato, cabbage seeds somewhere. I must find where I 'planted' them!!

Axx

~A Day in the Life of Bethany Hope, aged 23 days~

2007-09-07T11:10:00.000+01:00

So, this is my life.

I wake up after an 8 or 9 hour sleep at 5.30 am(every day) and I chatter away to myself. Then Daddy comes and picks me out of the cot, checks I look okay and takes me to the bathroom if he's a teeny bit unsure about my nappy. Even though he whispers, I hear him when he talks to me in the dark! Then I get some cuddles with mummy, who always tells me she loves me! And then I open my mouth and Mummy remembers why I woke up, so I have some milk.

I do try to fall back to sleep after my drink...But if mum and dad think they can put me back in the cot they must be kidding! Do they realise I've slept all that time, alone? Now I'm the one who wants to snuggle up. Which means I miss saying bye to daddy when he goes to work at 9am. But I have a nap til about 9.30. I can tell it's time to wake up cos mummy starts making a lot of noise, she probably wants me to wake up so I can play with her in case she's bored or something...

Then I'm awake and I have more milk! I sit with mummy in my bouncer chair while she tells me how to make breakfast and cups of tea. That makes me yawn sometimes, but anyways I just watch her move so fast around the room they call the 'kitchen'. And yes mummy, I love the tiles!

After mummy's breakfast we go upstairs so I can get dressed. I try and chose my own outfits, but sometimes I ask for a baby grow so I can have a pyjama day - I don't often get my own way as mummy says I have lots of clothes that I have to wear before I grow too big for them, sigh!

So, by now I'm just about starving. It's probably about 10.30am. We sometimes sit in the lounge for this drink and mummy sings along to her music. Of course I would sing along too as I remember them from when I was in mummy's tummy. I try and fall asleep, but then remind myself, no it's daytime I need to keep my eyes open!

By 12.00 I really am tired. So sometimes I fall asleep on mummy, or go for a ride in my pram, or for a walk around the house in my pouch, or we go out in the car if there's this thing called 'rain'. Don't know why they fuss, it hasn't affected me.

I can sleep for about four hours, but mummy doesn't let me go for more than two in the day. Which is good cos I can't understand 'time' yet. So I have more milk and finish off my nap. I think we see daddy about this time. I hear his voice but try and keep sleeping so I'm awake when he gets back from work! Or we go to the shops, I reckon mummy really likes that! Or mummy's friends come round and they look at me for ages and mummy shows me off and says what a contented little baby I am- oh yeah I am!

It's coming up to four o clock and mummy and I make tea and tidy the house, she can make quite a mess!!! I ask for more milk but don't want to interrupt my focused and busy mummy too much and then wait for daddy.

When daddy comes home, it's crazy play time. We do lots of exploring and mummy talks about me for such a long time!! Then it's just me and daddy. Then I fall asleep. And soon it's bath time. Daddy usually gives me a bath, as we have so much more fun. We sing in the bath and talk about all the scientific names for our bones. Mummy wouldn't have a clue about this so it's much better that I learn properly from daddy!!! To think she used to teach science aswell...

So now it's probably about 5 or 6 pm. And I am ready for my BIG feed. I surprised mum and dad on day nine when I politely requested about 3 hours of feeding. They gave in - of course! And now this is my night routine, and it is not flexible like the rest of my day. I need a very big feed, it takes about 2 and a half hours now as I am a lot quicker. Sometimes I fall asleep during that time and as soon as I awake I continue feeding. I get really sleepy during this time. I hear mum and dad talking about their day and it feels so lovely to be the centre of attention. When it's about 8 o clock I start getting really floppy and my limbs can't hold themselves up. Yawn... So now is about a good time for me to be taken to my bed, and then I sleep for a long, long time. I think mummy and daddy eat their dinner now and then sit down to chat again or watch a movie or whatever grown-ups do.

So now it is night, and I sleep until about 4 or 5 am. My parents tell me how proud they are that I sleep so long, but it's so natural to me now. I have been doing it for 11 days and I feel great for it, my complexion looks so much better for the beauty sleep!

My days might change, I think mummy tries to get me to nap during the day, but there's really so much going on that I find it hard, plus if they think I will sleep in a cot or a pram when it's daylight.... hahaa. I like being with people and love being cuddled and the isolation of the cot is not fun, especially when there's so much to see and do.

With Love, from Bethany Hope xxooxx

~Accomplished!~

2007-09-05T19:00:00.000+01:00

Today I got a phonecall. Yes I know, I'm forever getting them! It was Ryan. Yes, nothing new, we must phone/contact each other a million times a day - well you know. When Bethany was in her bouncer and was watching the washing machine bubble up I phoned him and that was pretty much it for the day...

Okay so at 4.30 pm Ryan phoned to say he was getting... WAIT FOR IT:
A Silver, 15 inch, Mac Book Pro, THE creative power!!!![oh for you non-apple people, like me, it's not actually a 'creative power' sub-brand]

That means that FINALLY, the blog that I wrote in January has been accomplished. Bethany has slept through Daddy's phone call, didn't even stir on his return thus, the information of the Pro Book Apple has not had any major effects on her life - this far! Perhaps this two hour nap is going to last a lot longer, thanks Apple for the sleep-power, but I'm about ready to play with Bethany again!

Blog from January 25th 2007:-
We are e-announcing our pregnancy on Myspace!

Ryan and I will be the very proud parents of a healthy baby boy or girl in August.

We had our 12 week scan yesterday and it was such a joy/thrill/incredible moment to see our tiny little baby dancing for joy and spinning around in my tummy! We love you baby b! I might add, it could have been Ryan & I dancing for joy and spinning around, that's how delighted we were to see our babe.

We are soooooooooooooooooooooo(forever) grateful to God for this tiny little gift He has given to us and we are beginning to prepare for baby's arrival. First we will get a brand new kitchen (Mummy realises baby's smiling with glee at this news) and Daddy is going to buy lots of new furniture for the baby room - and probably an I laptop[apple notebook i think] to educate the baby on, wink wink! (baby is now the happiest in the world with this news).
----

I KNOW that Bethany loves the kitchen, I saw her eyes focus on the lovely tiles, and wow, she's never seen anything like it in her whole life!

Reading what I wrote about her (not that we knew what 'it' was) at 12 weeks. She continues to make me want to twirl, dance and sing with joy. She is our incredible gift from God. I will never forget that. I love my new career. I love my baby girl. Our family is so delightful. We are blessed.

R, A and Baby Bx

~Day seventeen~

2007-09-01T14:01:00.000+01:00

Today Bethany is seventeen days old. What a small amount of time but what a huge difference to our lives.

We adore her. We value her, treasure her, encourage her and, well, LOVE her!

Since she has been born we have thanked God every day for this wonderful bundle of joy. She really is exactly what we hoped for! During our pregnancy we prayed every day for her, and we told the bump that 'it' would be peaceful, enjoy company, be a good sleeper and love life! All of these things are so true for baby Bethany. Each day and night are a real joy as she fulfils the things that we prayed over her little life.

A quick update(although you know I could talk forever about her!)
Feeding: Like a dream, loves milk.....
Awake: Loves being with people, talked to, cuddled, sung to, danced with, played with, creating surreal worlds to invade with daddy, clothes shopping with mummy(oh wait, she slept through that!)
Sleep: Fantastic at present she is sleeping. She has started to like to sleeping at night only, however I am NOT complaining. She sleeps for 7-9 hours and if we all time it right then she can do 10pm-7pm. My baby girl is perfect! Note, I would love her all the same if she awoke more often, then I'd get more cuddles!

We have had a very busy week. Ryan went back to work on Thursday and I had so many visitors. Although I did manage to bake some delicious cupcakes for them while Aunt Elle had Bethany sleeping on her lap. sweet! We went on a mummy and baby outing in the car(first one!) and we both came back fine, laden with beautiful bedding for the new, hand crafted, solid oak cotbed that Oupie made[Ryan's Dad]. It has been a great week, I cannot imagine life without her or even going back to work - as the teachers are doing on Monday.

I was reading this the other day, and all I could think about is, this is for Bethany: Psalm 71,

O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.

A very happy mummy xxxx

~NINE~

2007-08-24T08:15:00.000+01:00

Bethany Hope is nine days old today.

She just slept for nine hours and she weighs over nine pounds.

I am loving the number nine! I think my little girl must have read 'Contented Little Baby' as she is following a good proportion of the Gina Ford - all by herself! She has found herself a little routine, it's still flexible, she eats- plays- sleeps and repeats at varying intervals throughout the day and then eats and sleeps at night.

She sleeps so soundly and as she is a nice weight she feeds up before bed and then surprised her mummy and daddy! What a blessing. Can you tell we delight in her every moment?

We're off out for a trip today taking her out in the pram and a car journey. I'm really looking forward to it, we just haven't yet decided where to go, so much to show her!

Axx

-Voting-

2007-08-23T19:54:00.000+01:00

And I almost forgot!
You were right when you voted, 'baby b-b' was ,overwhelmingly, a girl!

Birth of a Baby

2007-08-23T19:47:00.000+01:00

Introducing:

Bethany Hope

Our beautiful baby girl was born on Wednesday 15th August 2007 at 22.17pm

Weighing a lovely 9 pounds and 5 ounces.

God blessed the labour, it was all we had been praying for during the pregnancy. She was born within 32 minutes and all the way through I (Anna ) remained completely at peace, awaiting the moment I would hear her first sounds! Our lives definitely changed, for the better, in ways we couldn't have ever imagined that night! I didn't sleep at all that first night, the thrill of giving birth to a baby and the joy I felt was overwhelming! I watched her pretty much all night long, then finally she awoke at 4am and I got to hold and play with her for a bit!

The rest of the week has been fantastic. She loves to eat, sleep and play. In varying orders throughout the day. We are really enjoying being a family and each day, no, each minute brings a new adventure! What a gift from God. We are privileged that He has given us such a precious gift, we treasure her and well, adore her!

We are all healthy. And another thing is that she sleeps during the night in 4 to 5 hour slots! Obviously we don't let her go that long in the day, we can't resist seeing her awake, cooing, making music with Daddy and having long cuddles with mummy(and the grandparents!).

With love and thankfulness for your thoughts and prayers over the past week,

Ryan, Anna and Bethany xxx

-Zimbabwe-

2007-08-22T17:42:00.000+01:00

Just saw this on BBC news today.... Quite incredible that $200,000 still won't buy you much. Considering that Ryan's first guitar was $24,000 back in 2000. And a family friend sold their lovely big house set in 3 acres for $3 million! hmmmm...

Zimbabwe inflation hits new high

Zimbabwe's annual rate of inflation jumped to 7,638% in July according to the first official figures to be published for three months.

It is the first time that the Central Statistical Office (CSO) has released official inflation rate figures since May, when it stood at 3,714%.

The Zimbabwean government has called inflation its number one enemy.

Last week, the International Monetary Fund warned annual inflation could reach 100,000% by the end of the year.

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has said the real year-on-year inflation is far higher than the official rate - 13,000% in June.

Parenthood!

2007-08-19T13:40:00.000+01:00

I love reading all that Anna has to say here. You know what its like: talk is important to ladies and even though Anna and I talk alot I can always get a little more insight by reading her blog first! Its like doing my relational homework, virtual reality and all that.

I am so pleased right now with this awesome news that was enevitable, but now that the day has arrived it is still SO amazing! So I will risk breaking the style of this blog for the seer joy of saying...

I am a Daddy!

Man, I'm gonna get one of those T-Shirts!

Baby Bethany Hope Baker-Barnes was born on Wednesday night at 10.17pm, weighing a huge 9lbs 5. Anna did so well, I am so proud of her - she grew our beautiful daughter in her for 9 months and then brought her into our lives with a strong, quiet confidence and laughing with joy at the thought that we would soon meet the kicking bump within.

Love is a hard thing to explain when it is real. I cannot yet explain how i felt and feel. I am in love again - renewed for Anna and awoken for my daughter. I got to hold Bethany, all wrapped up for the first hour of her life, and she was so contended just to be in Daddy's arms. I see that picture whenever I close my eyes now, her little face looking at me. The mid-wife informed me that babies are not able to focus their eyes for the first few weeks; but that did not distract my though that she was gazing back at me.

Soon you meet her; soon you will hear more praise about her; and sooner still Anna will write another amazingly insighful blog.

- Nine months and counting-

2007-08-08T18:21:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pictures from the week of the 'due date'

Ryan at 40 weeks!

Anna at 40 weeks!

Bump from Anna's view point.... Looking at it now it does look a bit round but honestly, when I look down it looks so perfect and as if my little baby is very comfortable.

Walking, walking, walking.

-Education-

2007-08-07T11:56:00.001+01:00

I know I'm on maternity leave. I know that I am probably the least test focused teacher in, well about a mile's radius from my house. I know that I care more about the children than about how well they do.
But when the new Minister of Education announces that only 0.14% of primary school time is taken up with SATS. And only 5 hours in the last few weeks of primary is dedicated to the 'test'.

I somehow can't believe it.

He honestly thinks that Year 6 is a year of teaching and learning, completely disassociated from wait for it... SATS!? I think that, perhaps, he needs to spend time in school. Any school. Not just the one I taught at, where, even I got caught up in making sure 'my' children were well revised in all aspects of Literacy. I even tried with the Numeracy group (if you knew me while I was teaching, you'd understand how funny this is). But anyway bet you didn't know that 5-2=11 and that 5x5=50. Yes, that is what it was like.

Anyway. Testing is really big today. As I just got a letter inviting me to be a 'marker' for a pilot test that the primary children will be taking in December. Trying to work out exactly how old B-B will be, whether I will want to leave the house from 5-9pm to do group marking and how much it will pay... I think I preferred mystery shopping!

Life continues. I am trying to learn a few new skills. I wanted to make this:

But it was a little tricky. And, I am sorry to admit that I have given up. I wonder what new things the rest of the day has in store. Baby? Baking? Well, I'm definitely having a (double) vanilla latte at King Cup later on. That is if Lumi doesn't mind giving me caffeine! Axx

~It is perfect~ or coffee

2007-08-06T09:36:00.000+01:00

I think it's important that I am having such a blissful and relaxing time as I prepare for our baby. My days have been perfect and at the end of each one, I think to myself
"today would have been a perfect day for the baby to be born..."

On Thursday, Elle took me out for a Starbucks she had an iced Caramel Macchiato and I had a delicious Caramel Macchiato:

A signature Starbucks® beverage.
Vanilla and steamed milk are permeated with intense
Starbucks® espresso and topped with velvety foam
and our own proprietary buttery caramel

Who'd have thought my sister would drink coffee. No really. Brought up in a family of coffee drinkers, whose parents regularly upgraded coffee machines, who when on holiday could turn anything into a coffee percolator with a paper filter, who might possibly have been the first people to purchase an at home espresso making with latte frothing properties machine(which we have inherited, yes it is old-fashioned, but it is a perfectly sized latte maker!) I mean, there is still room for you to have a food processor, microwave, scales, kettle etc filling up your work surface not just a professional sized coffee machine with ALL the functions! Can you guess who has one of those? Well, Elle didn't like coffee, but the iced coffee is altogether different! I'm so proud of her changing taste buds!

Then we went back home and wished for the sun to shine! As soon as it did, we went for a walk, yes I was am nine months pregnant. And the walk was so lovely. The amount of stares we got from the fishermen at the lake was hilarious. Yes I am pregnant, yes I am walking.... Fun times!

The rest of the weekend was filled with
meals out we found the most beautiful restaurant on the way to Wolverhampton. Only last Sunday, Ryan was taking one of our Canadian friends out for dinner and he asked the barman for a Vanilla Latte. Although, you can imagine the answer was 'no'. We have now found a lovely place that not only serves delicious food, but also real lattes and coffee. Well, just a week too late for Samuel, but next time...
brisk walks (!) need I say more.

And today. I will be resting, reading and cooking a roast leg of lamb.

Axx

-The First of August 2007-

2007-08-01T10:11:00.000+01:00

So, here it is, the 1st August 2007. We have been waiting for this month, well, for nine months! As we drove home last night we were like August is almost here. That means that baby is almost here..... big smiles!

The baby is doing really well, his/her heart beat was so loud yesterday at the appointment and, personally, I think that he/she is ready to be born. I know that it could be another 2 weeks MAX! But deep down, B-B can't wait another two weeks and would quite like to enter the world, well, anytime really.

Yesterday we went to a really nice BBQ at Farmer James' farm. We, that is me and Elle, asked if we could see the new-born calves, and he gave us a whole tour of the dairy and the baby cows. To think they are four days old and that BIG. Wow. James said that he has to separate the calves from their mums after 12 hours.

He doesn't think that they miss their mums. But he did say he has never asked them... He probably thinks I'm a town girl with no cattle skills! I know they were calves, but still seeing twenty perfect little calves made me want our perfect little B-B to arrive.

We'll be three soon. Until then I'll keep baking, ironing and washing, oh and while it's here - enjoying the sunshine xx

Baby Wishes

2007-07-25T09:23:00.000+01:00

The 'official' due date is fast approaching, and I think it's only right to count down. We have a maximum of 22 days before B-B will be born. That includes the 2 weeks they allow you before suggesting baby is 'overdue'! Wait that's like 3 weeks and a day.
I am getting sooooo excited. Apart from the daily, and, almost hourly( I know.... ) thoughts of will baby be born today, now even?

Nope, not yet.

I am loving this time, I get to do so many things with Ryan that I wouldn't usually have done, like go off for 'lunch' with him while he gets his hair cut. Oh the normal things, but it's fantastic not to be working! It is a bit different, like there's no REAL excuse for me to not load the dishwasher, or do the laundry, or run out of milk. But believe me, I've found some.... Like can't do the washing because the sun's not shining and it won't dry - the tumble drier is upstairs though! hmmmm.

As we wait for B-B I am so full of anticipation, the good kind, where you just can't help but think "when baby's here then I will...." or " instead of doing this all day, when baby is here I will..." B-B has done a really good job at staying put while my sister has been to Canada, she would have been sooooooo sad had we had the baby and she wasn't here to meet him/her!

Vote if you like on what you think the babe will be. We have absolutely NO IDEA! honestly. We have names for both (hush hush!) and will be absolutely delighted with our precious little gift... Who actually won't be that little, almost outgrowing the newborn sizes I think - and that was last week at the 'measuring'!

Waiting and wishing
Axxxx and bigggggggg bump xx

note from a child

2007-07-19T15:54:00.000+01:00

Here are some of the memories that the children wrote about me before I left school. [Copied correctly from the originals]

"Mrs Barnes is nice to all of us. She always helps us with our work and sometimes she gives us the answers" Chanelle aged 7

"I like mrs Barren beause she is the best teahcer I like mrs barens and she ever lett us play ething we won at golde time we get haf an ower" Thomas aged 9(well, I assumed he was referring to me!)

"I Love my teacher. My teacher is kind and helpful. She all ways makes me laugh and makes Jokes" Temeikha aged 9

"Mrs Barnes is the Best teacher in the hole wild world. And she lookes after people well and she is kind" Chloe aged 9

"Mrs Barnes is haveing a baby it is going to be nice." Jordan aged 8

And last of all...

" I like Mrs Barnes a lot because she is very nice and she hardeley shouts. she has lovely brown hair and is realy pretty" Megan aged 7

Today is the end of term, they are all moving classes and growing up. Even though I haven't been in school it really does feel like the 'end' of something. I am really ready for our little B-B to arrive and have cleaned through the entire house in preparation: is that nesting?! That was how I found those precious little notes about me from MB - what a class!

Finally: This card was hand made for another teacher one wet playtime, they obviously got a fresh idea to write to me...

To miss Bares
I hope you have a girl. Dont wory you will be ok when you are Having the baBy. I can Bet you eney money. when the Baby older when it gowes to sleep say sweet Dreams to here. She will be a wonduful BaBy, if it is ever un well Just tell me and I will get some madesone for it.
Lots of love CS

good look miss Barnes
and if it is a BOY it will Be all the same

-I forgot-

2007-07-17T15:46:00.000+01:00

Ryan and I have been looking for almost 9 months, and we FINALLY found it. There are no more words to describe it. It is perfect. See for yourself! Although, we have learned that the only feature it doesn't come with is the baby and without that we can't use it.

Holidays

2007-07-17T15:11:00.000+01:00

We have just come back from our relaxing, beautiful week away. Last Sunday(8th July) was baby Isaac's dedication and from Church we started our hols. We drove south fro a night in a splendid hotel for our THIRD anniversary. It was bliss, a proper luxury hotel, with the added bonus from devere hotels that they have a latte machine that makes real lattes with hot milk that you can take and drink anywhere you like - so that is why we have stayed in devere hotels a few times ;) Then on Monday we caught the ferry to France and stayed in the exquisite Chateau de Anges. Yes there were really angels everywhere, even above the bed, classy though.

We relaxed, read, shopped (at Euro Cite!), walked, talked and ate: as much and as often as we could! When we were shopping, Ryan was overcome with creative ability and kept on taking photos. I left him for just a second and what should I find on my return, a security guard conversing with him. I kept my distance. That was until I thought the guard had our camera......... No, he didn't BUT he didn't permit photos to be taken in the mall. Fortunately we already had this one: The Cars Ane and Ry how cute! They were even parked next to each other. Unfortunately 'my' one was only a Fiesta but anyway.

So bump is great. And the doctor looked at me and with his discerning professionalism exclaimed 'this one is a good sized baby'! He hadn't even measured me or done a scan. Hmmm this babe will be quite something. But didn't we already know that! So there we are only a few weeks to go and baby is weighing in - if it can do that at 7lb and 4 oz, and according to the baby book(s) these last few days/weeks are the time that baby grows the most. Well it goes a little of the way to explaining my hunger. Axx

Baby room

2007-07-08T09:18:00.001+01:00

Yeah! Here are the most recent pictures of the baby room. Although these were taken on thursday a lot has changed in baby world since then! But I think it looks really cosy! The baby box is full of realy nappies too, something you really can't tell from the picture. And Crumble the bear is keeping the Moses Basket warm for B-B. Off for a weeks holiday, and our anniversary. Axx

Baby Shower Day

2007-07-04T13:02:00.001+01:00

Today is so exciting. I have made all the cakes, and iced them for the Baby Shower. Half are blue, and half are pink and are delicately sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. I am so excited that we're going to have a beautiful time with the girls at mum's house. Elle will hopefully make some music and then dance like an Egyptian (wink) Will post pictures later. Axx

Firstly

2007-07-03T13:51:00.000+01:00

So here we are. 1 month to go until the arrival of our baby!
Our house was upside-down. The baby room is in the bathroom, the kitchen has been outside, the front room has been the storage space for everything. Yes. We are now complete!
The house is now the right-way-up! The rooms are re-carpeted, the kitchen has been redone, the bathroom has had a face lift, and the flowers are blooming in the garden. Phew! It all started in December, when I came home from work wanting a new kitchen and 6 months later we now have almost(!) a new everything.

Including a baby room. I have really enjoyed making our baby room ready today. The carpet makes it so cosy. The Moses Basket is just the sweetest and the toy box is beginning to get filled up. What more do we need for our baby? Oh yes, a cot. We are having a cot made by Ryan's Dad and Grandpa. Our baby Barnes will have its very own personalised cot. What a babe!

I am preparing myself to get baking I have a baby shower tomorrow evening and as I am on maternity leave, I wanted to bake some lovelies for everyone to enjoy. I am waiting til Ryan pops home for lunch before I start... otherwise I could be covered in cake when he returns - yum-

Axx