And so it begins...

I have been nappy free for the past six months but alas it is soon to come to an end. I had started stocking up on newborn nappies but after reading Lisa's post, I am ready to convert.......... well just half and half to begin with. Half disposable, half bumgenius and see how I go. I actually enjoy laundry (don't roll your eyes siblings :)) so maybe it won't take long to fully convert.

These gorgeous little Bonds suits and singlets are from Oma. Thankyou so much. I could not live without these little suits. They are so practical and my babies live in them for the first three to six months. Plus they are just so darn cuddly in them.

At the moment with just over 3 wks to go I am swinging on a pendulum from utter exhaustion to almost manic energy. I am sure my RS counsellors think I am going crazy as I try to fit in board meetings, presidency meetings and other things before D-Day.

I have an ante-natal to-do list that Toni would be so proud of. Here are some of the things I have done or plan to do before Nov7.

1. clean windows inside and out. See that sounds sane enough except I found myself cleaning the aluminium frames with an old toothbrush.

2. upgrade life insurance - preparing for the worst case scenario during child birth - no I decided I wanted to be worth a bit more. :)

3. re-evaluate food storage - just incase the world comes to an end after Nov 7

4. get a full leg wax, haircut and Sarra to paint my toe nails - don't want to scare the midwife anymore than is necessary.

And the list goes on.

The other thing I have planned is that I have invited my sisters to the birth. I consulted Simon and he said, 'why not, it's the last one might as well make it a party". Some of you may be horrified that I would have other people there but after going to Mel's birth back in Feb, I thought I would at least give my sisters the option if they wanted to.

Now as the organiser freak of the family, I have already allocated jobs for them.

1. Simon - is my guardian angel who never leaves my side, holds my hand and gives me sips of water. It is his eyes I turn to when I can't cope anymore and in them I draw the strength I need to go on. I could never do this without him and in the end as long as he is with me, that is all that matters.

2. Lisa - time keeper. I am a clock watcher during labour. I remember when contractions start, what time they speed up, when pushing starts and so on and for some reason, it helps me get through.

3. Collette - half-time entertainment. Collettie reckons she might faint. Have you heard the story of how she went with a friend to give blood and she fainted and the blood nurse asked how long ago she had given blood and she replied, "I haven't, I'm just here with my friend". Her humour will keep us all laughing - or it might be my sisters have stolen the gas.... !!

4. Jessica - photographer. Not of me of course, I am strictly a restricted area but of everyone else doing their jobs and so I can journal it all later.

5. Last but not least - Mum. - liasion officer. When I was having Oliver, Mum was very calm and helped the midwife talk the doctor into giving me an epidural (I think using her teacher voice helped) so thumbs-up for Mum.

Oh and no changing jobs around on me either. I will try and stay home as long as possible to get most of the hard yards out of the way. The girls were straight forward but Oliver was long, long, long so we'll see.

Oh and we can't forget that once the baby makes his appearance I have asked blogger queen Lisa to enter stage right to take pictures on her SLR as we all agree how awesome she is at taking shots and I have not one photo of any of the others right after birth. (and because we know Lisa sits around all day doing absolutely nothing right!! :) (only if it is convenient though Lisa - I will put an order in for a day birth on a Sat - that way we can get good car parks too). Last but certainly not least, when it is all over, the kids can make an appearance to meet their new brother. Oh the midwives are gonna love me!!

Ah the best laid plans of mice and men..... it will be interesting to see what actually happens as opposed to the plan.