a few more pics as promised...

I'm not going to post a pic of just myself uhm, just because this bump is massive...and I didn't realize how massive till I saw the pic...eeeek!! But I'm sure you'll enjoy the few here that I've put up. :) I also will put up a clip of tonight, but that might have to wait till monday (can't bombard you with everything at once!).

Tomorrow we are hoping to go up to Dunfermline and visit the Norris family - I look forward to that.

At long last...our camera is back!

I suppose it has been high time for this kind of post with pictures! Not sure if you really will enjoy them much, but I do hope to post some more later today or if not today at least I'll try tomorrow...oh wait we might be gone tomorrow...okay, I'll try today! :) Wish we could have had the cam when we were in N.I. amazing that the ground is still quite green there in Dec!

So first a few pics of snow that came down yesterday - it was gorgeous to see! All day it was on and off snowing, then a bit of rain and then more snow. I'm afraid not much is left tho this morning!



And now a few pics of Amy Jane and Jett (haha, guess who he is talking to!). Will try to get some of me I suppose up not sure how grand I look just now...lol I'm just kidding! 37 weeks today eek! 37+5 Amy was born...wonder when this wee one plans on appearing!




Well, I'm in the process of being what I usually am a "mom" in other words I'm a: secretary, organizer, cook, cleaner, child care giver, wife, financial adviser (LOL), laundry person (what would you call them?) and anything else you can think of (not quite a teacher yet in respects to proper schooling). Ahhh my child just brought in a mouse trap from the kitchen!! Don't worry it wasn't in "action" mode. Poor thing she had no idea why I was going histerical. Okay, I had better get a move on the day, I have yet to make another meal for the freezer (for after the baby is born) I only have two in there at the moment and that really isn't going to get me far at all. Hmm, its Jan 4 it sounds like a nice date to have a baby...ho hum more waiting yet to endure I'm sure!

Happy New Year!

Wow! The year is already over and another is starting! Time flies doesn't?

Jett and I arrived safely home after a long journey of almost (if not) 5 hours of traveling! After being in Northern Ireland for about a week and a half it feels rather good to get back to your usual routine/homelife again.

I don't know how wise (as it would be extremely lengthy) it would be to make a list of things that have happened to us in the past 2007 year but maybe a few things could be mentioned that I can remember that is!

- Jett's graduation from the University of Houston in May (on his birthday believe it or not!)
- I got pregnant again this year!
- Trip to Canada in the summer
- Amelia's first birthday July
- Renew Jett's and Evelyn's Passport
- Get Amelia's passport
- Apply for visas for the UK
- Sell all our things and/or pack it up
- Move to Edinburgh, Scotland
- Acquire necessary things for the new apartment and/or every day living
- Travel to Northern Ireland to supply there

Hmm...enough said I think! :) Much to be thankful for! The past year proved somewhat trying in many respects, but we have yet much to be thanking the Lord for (how often we omit this great duty!).

I wasn't able to make it to the morning service as the traveling from N.Ireland yesterday was rather tiring, but at least Jett did and he was able to tell me a bit about it which was good.

Well, Amy needs some attention - food (in other words). So I had best be off for now - I know for a fact my camera is sitting in a delivery depot here in Edinburgh sooo pictures will come soon all being well! :)

preparations

It is 9:55 this morning and I thought I would post to start the day off (well, literally it isn't the first thing I did this morning!!). My routine in the morning is not going very well. I mean, due to being sooo exhausted/sleepy/tired so I don't really get up till...shhh, 8:20 or 8:30! Hmm, breakfast is supposed to be 8:20...lol. Anyways, this morning was not too bad I actually got up at 8! :P I was able to read some before making breakfast, have worship and then see Jett off. After all that I have a few minutes (hopefully if Amy hasn't awoken) to get myself ready for the day. And then when Amy wakes up the routine of getting her breakfast, diaper change, get her dressed etc. But I suppose these details aren't that interesting! :)

Well, since I haven't done much at all (other then put a load of laundry on) you would think what is there to post? Well, I suppose I should inform you all (if you haven't read our wee calendar to the right of this) that we are supposed to be in Larne this weekend and the next, and therefore you probably won't hear much from us. So, this week I'm busy packing and getting ready for Friday. I've been meaning to bake and cook meals etc for the freezer...but still haven't done a single thing. I'm trying to have something in there for when the baby is born so that we still can eat something tasty and nutritious (to some degree).

Every morning part of Amelia's routine is to get her teddy, and monkey and say hi a thousand times (okay not a thousand) to them, give them lots of hugs and sometimes give them to mom to say hi to as well. It is quite cute but it makes me sad when she places one of the teddies in front of herself and tries to play as if teddy was a real person... :'( poor thing! She needs somebody to play with!

Anyways, I don't know if I will be able to post again this week so I suppose this is good bye for now!

Yes we're still around :)

I'm typing or trying to type with Amelia on my lap so we'll see how far I get. The camera is still in the state of being repaired...or so I hope! We still have mice, and lots of them ;) don't worry, Jett just bought lots of mouse traps and poison so hopefully they will simmer down a bit. I thought you might like to view a clip of Amelia again, seeing I haven't been able to post pics or and new clips up...but then again this one is new to most of you anyways! It was taken a few weeks ago, and I think I can tell that Amelia's hair has grown since then (she also stacks blocks together a whole lot more and makes very interesting towers!). Next week we're supposed to go to Larne already! Time is just vanishing by! I feel like I'm draggin behind in everything. Just so tired I guess. Anyways enough said, and Amelia is already fussing for attention. Enjoy :)

our lovely mousie

I figured you might want to know what we’ve been up to this week, but of course, no pics to show so it will be probably rather boring.

At the moment Jett is in Glasgow attending the Theological Conference, while I’ve been home getting lonely, but hopefully putting time into profitable things.

Two noteworthy things that have happened in the past two days…

Our pet mouse (as I’m calling him now) decided to make his appearance for the second time. Of course it had to happen when Jett was still away, and Amelia was sleeping, so everything was very quiet. “Ah, they must be away,” says mouse, “I wonder if they left me any food…” So out comes little mouse and sits under our dining room table, facing me! I was reading so I didn’t see him at first, but then on looking up I saw him…I stomped my foot and he ran, as fast as he could, under the fridge. On seeing that, I figured he wouldn’t come out until I had gone… but no sooner had a few minutes past I saw him again just exiting his hiding spot under the fridge. The nerve of the pest! I figured he would be a little more hesitant to come out, but obviously not! Anyways, we set up traps last night in hopes of catching the thing. And I figured that we would be rid of him by this morning. Hmm, well, it soo happens to be that yes he likes peanut butter, but for some reason he is brilliant at not making the traps go off...and yet getting his peanut butter!! I’m rather disappointed. :S

The midwife came today for the homebirth meeting thing and a check up. It all went fine, baby is head down already (as it had been for the past 2 weeks at least) and I measuring what I should be 32weeks. Interestingly enough though, the babies head seems to be quite low – no need for concern as the midwife told me… but it still makes me wonder!

One more thing, we sent off the camera, but I doubt I will hear word of it for a wee bit, anybody know how long it takes for you to receive word about an estimate for the repair or if they received the camera? I was a bit nervous sending it the way I did (by mail) but I guess it was the only option at the moment for us.

Rick Bouman is in Scotland for the week, so hopefully we’ll be seeing him at some point in Edinburgh. It must have been ages since he has been over here…just wish he could have brought one or two of his daughters with him!

Okay that was two more things I mentioned! I guess I’ve said enough!

things i did today (if your that interested)

as this will probably be just a rambling post, I don't expect even half of you to even read it! But I'll be brief...lol.

Hmm, Well, I was busy doing the little things today, things you don't like doing and things that take up a lot of time or so it seems. SO... I was cancelling an appointment, changing appointment date, buying mouse traps (yes the mouse is still alive and well), figuring out bits of information for Jett, and hmm, oh yes working on the Camera deal. I called Nikon. I filled out the repair form, now I just need to package the camera and send it off. How I wish I didn't throw out the Camera Box!! Sounds like I didn't do much eh? Well, add to the above a shower, fold laundry, and take care of Amelia who has been fussy most of the day, and talk on the phone with my mom (who plans on coming late Feb but is worried about when Joe and Care plan on coming over).

Anyways, that is all for now, I suppose I should get off now and finish dinner preparations or read etc. :)

Five Little Monkeys jumped on the bed!

I still don't have the camera sent off... and in fact I don't have any details of when or where it will be fixed yet. I'm supposed to be working hard at this... but as you can see, I feel sometimes doing laundry or tydying somewhat more important at the time. I know, I need to call and get details, estimates etc, so that this can be all sorted out. Ugh. :) Anyways, to comfort y'all, I did find something on the computer that you might like to see - I was going to post it eventually, but forgot completely about it since the camera broke. So try to enjoy Amelia playing with her Monkey... My mom might be trying to get Amelia a dolly...heehee, I'm thinking of giving it to her when the baby is born so that Mommy would have a dolly (uhm, or rather a real baby!) and Amelia would have a dolly. Maybe it will help make the transition a little easier on her...or maybe not just depends I suppose! :) Oh yes, this Monkey was from Miss Naomi Clemence. I actually didn't think Amelia would take to any stuffed animal (as we have a few) but lol, she takes to her monkey quite well...and boy does she love the story about the 5 little Monkeys jumping on the bed (probably cause mommy looks hilarious when telling it!). Enjoy!

our luxury shower

If I had my camera working I could show you our homemade shower! It isn't quite complete as we need to somehow figure out how to keep the hose where we want it in the shower, so that we don't have to hold it and try to wash our hair at the same time! Anyways it is made up primarily of this...

Yes, a garden hose! It came with my birth-pool-in-a-box that I bought off of Ebay (for a reallly good price) excellent for labour and delivery! Anyways, so we cut off a piece of the hose to a better size then 15metres. We attached it to a faucet with a tap connector/adapter and there we go a homemade shower! Of course, there is supposed to be a shower coming in our bathroom sometime, but this could take place after we leave. Anyways, I was finally able to wash my hair with something more constant than a bucket going over my head every few seconds or so! Showers are such a time saver (even if it is homemade!!). LOL, on to my next luxury of the day...

Yes...chocolate fingers...mmm, these are very addicting, and with a cup of tea it hits the spot. I just need to make sure I don't overeat on them!

We did find a place near us that fixes cameras but we have yet to get an estimate...eek. Ach well, nothing is very child proof in my home so I suppose I can expect some accidents if certain objects are too close to Amelia's reach!

I am just having a urge to be in Texas for the Friday get-together thing...there is something to be said for family, they are special! :)

bad news :(

Did you know that when you put adult toys plus baby together they do not mix very well? Well, today, Amelia dropped our digital camera... Meaning it is broken, however I don't think it is unrepairable (is that even a word?). Sooo... no pictures until we can have it fixed. Anybody know of a shop in Edinburgh that fixes digital cameras (uhm, a Nikon Coolpix L3 to be exact?).

Anyways, it is thanksgiving...and our family in Texas will be "feasting" on turkey, and stuffing/dressing, various dishes of veggies, and delicious pies of all sorts...followed by either a cup of hot tea or coffee (mainly coffee...) We definitely wish we could be there to enjoy the family aspect of it and are missing you all very much.

I had better get going though, if I am to find any information about this camera thing....ugh, another hassle. :( I suppose this does remind me that these material things do not last and will not last.

There is much to be thankful for.

it is 11:30ish

Well, with some hesitancy I'm posting another pic of meself up here... I don't think it really shows how much I've grown since the last pic, but maybe you can tell! Anyways my waist is measuring a lovely 39inches all around - heehee, bigger then my hubby :) Supposedly I'll be 31 weeks this Friday all being well. My the time seems to go fast and then again at other times it seems to drag.




And of course a pic of my husband reading a book one of the books that he has to have read by next week! We've been partly reading it together which has been nice. He is resuming his classes, 2nd term, today - and I'm afraid got to the manse late this morning due to traffic!

Last night we had some company over. I felt so scatterbrained though...so things to me seemed so unorganized and last minute - but maybe not so much to others.

Anyways, there isn't much else thats new here, or my mind just decided to quit working properly for the day... :) I think its been like that for ooh, 7 months now? ;) Better give Amelia a nap soon so I'll end this for now.

Breakfast time :)

Sorry that this is not interesting but it is all I could get of her lately! Dinner time just now so I have to be off! On to Perth tomorrow, all being well. :)

a yesterday note

I would have posted something up yesterday but time would not allow. Jett got a surprise phone call from Mr. Watkins who just so happens to be in Scotland! So, we met at a Starbucks just a minutes walk away from Mr. Cartwright's. A very nice visit indeed, and I'm so glad Amelia behaved herself!! Jett and I were going to get pics of us all...but that still didn't happen...sorry just another pic of Amelia I guess! Now...I need to start my huge pile of ironing...6 of Jett's dress shirts, one normal...one or two or three of mine...and etc. :) And I've decided on Caesar salad stuffed pitas for lunch...mmmm :) Oh, and we have a mouse in the house. At least it is NOT a rat!! :)

one more note...

The ministers that were at the communion were Rev Cartwright and Rev Angus Smith... It was so good to see Mr. Smith again as it had been already 4 years since I saw him last. I can't help but think of him as a special preacher. We have fond memories of him and his wife being with us in Chesley and then in Texas.

The Rev. Donald Maclean, who is currently living now in Inverness, came for the Sabbath communion service. Being 92 years of age, and a communicant for 70 years...it was very nice to see him as well. He took the evening prayer meeting and he still seems, though frail now, pretty much the same as I saw him 4 years ago.

Okay, enough of me rambling on...

:) yes we are back again! :)

We are home now and trying to get back into our ordinary routine again. Of course there is always a ton to do when you’ve been gone for awhile, or are coming and going and have no time to clean etc. So this morning, I’ve been busy doing laundry and discovered that tomorrow will be a lovely big ironing day…how I dislike ironing! Monday, Jett and I went first to the book room in Glasgow and bought books etc. They have a nice section for children and Amelia of course came home with a new book – I didn’t know that Bible board books were even available but they are and they have a nice variety too. We bought one on Ruth for her. The cost was £2.50, for anyone wanting to know. I was eyeing everything on that shelf thinking to myself, ooh, that one is nice, and so is that and… well you get the picture! But Amelia doesn’t need all of them all at once (as I was telling myself) and that I can buy as she grows. Anyways, Jett has wanted a pocket bible with a zipper for quite awhile now so I let him get it (I’m saying I let him, because he asked if he could…lol!!) He bought for me a devotional, Evening Thoughts by O. Winslow, I have Morning Thoughts but I left it in Texas as it is a heavy big book. Anyways, enough about our purchases!! We went to Mrs. Dunbar’s for dinner – it was very nice. I do think Amelia liked it there (as Mrs. Dunbar had toys and lots of special snacks for her). Then off we went to the last service of the communion season which went very well. I wanted to mention that the Sabbath services were exceptionally good, and the table addresses I felt were very good as well. Johan Campbell was so kind to keep Amelia so that I could go to the table – I was expecting that I might not be able to but I was very glad I could go! And Amelia was very good for her as she was for Sarah during Edinburgh communion – another relief for me.

Ach well, Jett is very busy studying now (even though he has time off from classes) for the presbytery exam. He has two books that need to be read, one is the autobiography on Paton, and the other is Guthrie’s The Christian’s Great Interest (I hope I have that right). It is very nice that we have the “extra” room for his study!

By the way, I cannot seem to find Amelia’s toothbrush anywhere… I am afraid she threw it in the trash but I can’t be certain! Last week Jett was going to call me after his classes so I was to make sure I had my cell phone near by… well, the morning went and I still couldn’t find it. Then I heard it start to ring. I felt funny being a woman with this huge bump attached to me running around the house trying to find this silly ringing cell phone… ahhh, it was in the kitchen… but where?? It was still ringing… okay…it was by the coffee maker I thought, no…I don’t see it, then I realized the ringing was coming from the trash bin…… Ohhhhh bother!! Amelia had my cell phone last, and I guess she must have thought it to be trash!! It was funny digging in the trash to get my cell phone but kind of yucky too as it wasn’t on the top but somewheres in the middle… yuck! :P

All right, I’ve lost track how far along I am…:P I need to check my notes I think I’m 29 weeks but maybe I’m 30 now…ach well, I had better not get ahead of myself!

All right enough writing from me! Pictures will have to wait for another time as I'm still trying to get some of us all... will be back hopefully tomorrow at least with something! :)

reason for not posting

I suppose I should have let you all know that we were planning on going to the Glasgow communion this weekend, and that is why there hasn't been any movement here in the past few days. Today I decided to stay at home due to feeling utterly exhausted...last night I was feeling quite ill, so Jett figured I needed to rest more. Whether I'm really resting...well, I have been doing laundry and tydying up around here as it has been needing it badly and I guess trying to relax a wee bit. It has been kind of hard traveling back and forth for services, but I think I am feeling it more because I'm pregnant and have Amelia to deal with. I don't have any pictures to post, but hopefully once we get settled again after the communion this blog will be up and running again. So hold on and we will be back, all being well, shortly. :)

really good muffins

I tried a recipe that I got through Mercy and boy are they ever delicious! I suggest you try them too! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Crumb-Muffins/Detail.aspx

Sorry dont know how to do the link thing. :)

obstacles, rhogam/anti d shot

Hmm, too interesting of a title isn't? Well, my first obstacle is this washer/dryer in the way...we had to disconnect it and have it ready for today (as our new one is arriving) but the problem is how am I supposed to wash the dishes?? I decided instead of being lazy and using this an excuse to having a messy kitchen I took all my dishes into the bathroom and washed them in the tub...heehee, worked well and Amelia thought it was neat to be able to watch me.

Well, Jett and I have been discussing the Rhogam shot (over here they call it anti d) we have never heard that it was an optional shot and never heard of any risks involved with it. But I had just recently discovered that it is optional, and that there are risks... of course Doctors won't tell you that - they never do. Anyways, thanks to a message group I've been subscribed to dealing with homebirths and stuff associated with that I found out that it was optional and it took me a while to research a little bit more to find out that it isn't really necessary during pregnancy. I hope I'm not going to confuse anybody with tidbits of our recent discovery. I did have a shot during my pregnancy with Amelia BUT I didn't need it as she turned out to be the same blood type as me. And actually the shot given 'during' pregnancy is a "just in case" shot - but not necessary. So we are opting for no shots during pregnancy as there are risks involved with the actual shot as it is a blood product, I of course will get a shot within 72 hours after baby is born but only if the baby is rh+ve. Hmm, have I bored you yet? Or confused you? :) I'm happy, because that shot hurts... and I'm not good at getting any sort of injection whatsoever. Anyways here is a pic of Amelia smiling under her binky/pacifier.

Bouncing Amy

Thought you might like to see a little of Amelia bouncing on the bed. Every time she sees this clip of herself she starts to laugh. :)

laundrettes and chiropractors

My house is a catastrophe, and it isn't getting any better. I'm tired at the moment and don't feel up to much at all - although I need to get a good dinner for tonight. I have a whole chicken in the oven, so that is one big step, the rest (veggies and potatoes) are easy. Had to go to a laundromat today because we we're running very very low on clothes (and me being pregnant I dont have 'that' many maternity clothes although much better than last time). How was I supposed to know it was going to cost me £3 a load?? I couldn't believe it!! Jett couldn't either! In America/Canada its around a $1 or $1.25 (could be closer to $2 in Canada). but £3?? I ended up only doing three loads and that doesn't include drying...so I decided I would hand dry even my diapers this time. Can you imagine spending $18 on three loads of washing?? I'm sure my family can't believe this cost. Well, our new washer/dryer is supposed to arrive Tuesday. Just up the road from the laundrette was the chiropractors office that I had called yesterday - so we decided to stop in and just check out the place. It just so happens that the female chiro that is there, is American...heehee, and from California! :) There is a male there too and it happens to be he is from Calgary (Alberta Canada). LOL, I thoguht that kind of funny. :) So, I have an appointment with her Wednesday afternoon. Finally a female! Jett still is studying hard for exams which start Monday and last till Wednesday. Oh, and Amelia? She is busy whining a lot...I can't seem to make out what she wants but obviously she has the essentials (clean diaper, water, food, toys etc) but she just complains about me being busy with other things other than her. Wait till she has her brother/sister here, then she will have to learn to be content with what she has. Better be off! :)

sorry here are the pics

The first pic is a classic photo of Amy with her daddy, obviously shes very tired in the pic, and probably had just stopped crying and was being soothed by daddy. The next one I was surprised I got...heehee, she looks cute. :)

 

 

 

broken washing machine

Yep, it is broken...it will not spin. So, now we are getting a new one next Tuesday and in the mean time I'll be visiting our nearest laundromat (called laundrettes here). Not very wonderful when your a clothing diapering mama and have to wash them every other day. I'm beginning to wish I had a few more diapers but I need to be patient (because if I don't I'll end up spending money on cloth diapers that I don't want...I'm picky ya know!). I still find it interesting how I started doing cloth when I figured that was just an old-fashioned thing and I would never be doing that. I'm surprised how easy it is, and how economical it is for us. I need to figure out what I'm going to do about the next one coming...I'm thinking about doing disposable for a while with him/her before moving to cloth (partly to save me a wee bit of work, and also because motherease onesize diapers are pretty huge on newborns!).

The prayer meeting is tonight, I'm hoping Amelia will be good in the vestry.

health visitors, wash machine...etc

Well, it has been quite a while since I posted, and I thought I would have posted by now, but of course there is always something that can keep one from posting.

Uncle Lyle's family left yesterday morning, leaving our place very empty I'm afraid...except the toothpaste they forgot. I'm afraid I'm already trying to do things to keep me from getting lonely etc. It is a help that Jett is here though. His classes do not resume till next weeks exams are through. I didn't find this out till the communion season. So I have him around for a while...but not really since hes studying for the exams.

I got a letter in the mail stating that a health visitor was coming this afternoon at 2pm...well, it is now 4.08pm to be exact and no visitor yet. My wash machine is making horrible noises so I had to stop my wash...it was Amelia's diapers...grr, so I had to wash them by hand, and wring each one out and hang them up outside...not fun at all. I hope nothing serious is wrong with the machine, but I feared I would break it if I continued the cycle!

Pregnant me, I thought I was supposed to see the midwife today, but even though on my calendar it stated Tuesday not Wednesday, I missed it... :S Felt pretty dumb when the midwife called to see if I was all right, and why I didn't make my appointment... thankfully she is nice! :) Jett is concerned about me getting my Rhogam/Anti D shot, but as far as the midwives go, they aren't concerned yet.

Here are a few various pics - I thought I would have many many more but I forgot how busy communion seasons are.





This is where Gerrit slept... (just kidding)

Amelia's diaper rash is finally going away after going to the doctor and getting an anti fungal cream.

Well, I had best be off and go work on dinner...chicken tonight, potatoes...and a veggie. Very much the usual. :) Would do fried chicken, but they don't have Ranch dressing here...can you believe it? No ranch dressing?! :'(

Oh, and one more thing, it is Claire Marie's first birthday, so Happy Birthday Claire! Hope she had a lovely day. :) Here is a few hugs and kisses from Amelia and myself and probably Jett to if I asked him! XOXOXO! :)

preparations and more...

My, I feel so pregnant!! Okay, yes of course I've felt pregnant for the last 5 months but now as I'm entering the 3rd trimester I'm starting to really feel it. Lower back pain has gotten better, but it is still not very nice - I'm doing stretches to try to strengthen the muscles as my chiro says that women's lower backs weaken during pregnancy leading to back ache etc...welll, in my case I don't really consider that to be my only problem...I've always had a horrible lower back and falling on it several times really bad didn't help anything, it already is weak!! Anyways, I feel huge...although I probably am the envy of so many right now that are gaining so much due to pregnancy...well, it doesn't lessen the symptoms of pregnancy! Lately I've been feeling dizzy due to lack of food intake because eating seems to help it. And lots and lots of braxton hicks... For some reason I don't remember them being as intense but I'm sure they were with Amy. Hmm, I guess the guys reading this are probably bored to pieces...I'll get to other details don't worry. My feelings are that this baby is going to born in Feb close to my B-day...which means it will be overdue...I'm hoping that doesn't happen! :)

Well, I've been getting ready for company yesterday and today. Loads of laundry, ironing, tydying, organizing, cleaning all has to be done before this afternoon - when my cousins arrive. We're having Sarah, Anna and Gerrit stay with us - I'm looking forward to it very much. I also can't wait for Amelia to have some body to play with other then me! She really liked Gerrit when we were in Fort William. I'm hoping it's still the same.

Well, I really don't know what to do about pics right now, as I'm sure your wanting to see one at least. So one second as I go take one of Amelia and come back... Okay, I have one of her sleeping how is that? Hope to have lots of pics by the time communion is over, but until then don't expect to see much on here if anything at all.

Bye for now then!

jammed face :)

Literally with strawberry jam! :) I've been having an absolute horrible time with my daughter lately... Why? 1. She wakes up EVERY night now at around 1-2 in the morning, either from teething trouble or running on empty etc...and it takes her too long to settle down again. 2. She has decided she does not want to eat lunch or dinner. 3. Diaper rash still (could be from teething). So, today after her nap, I was looking at what I could possibly feed her. She seems to take yogurt no problem, and cereal (cheerios with milk) aren't a problem either, well I have neither of them right at the moment due to lack of groceries (waiting for the Asda man to come on Tuesday). So, I thought hmm...she wont eat a slice of bread with cheese...but she might if it has strawberry jam on it. Heehee, She has eaten almost a whole slice of bread with butter and a wee bit of jam on top...I can tell shes more satisfied (not whining for something etc). But she can't survive on jam and bread! What happened to my habits of veggie eating...she used to love her veggies especially carrots. I can't get her to eat anything. Any suggestions?

Nice pic of my daughter doing something we don't like her doing...obviously!

actually posting on Saturday!

I seem to not lately as Saturdays end up being spent largely, taking care of Amelia and tydying house etc for the Sabbath. Well, I really haven't gotten much done with regard to tydying house...oops! I suppose I'll have to catch up slightly. Next week is starts the communion season here in Edinburgh, so I have probably a lot to do before then at least to get somewhat ready. Don't expect too many posts from me next week - sorry! But heres a few pics for you...yes Amelia fell into the coffee table therefore a wee gash on her chin and obviously you can tell that Jett is in his study/office room. Ach well, better get going, bye for now!

and the outcome is...

MMMMMMM a success! A delicious moist plain cake/pound cake. I know Hayley would say food pictures don't look great but this one has more meaning to it. I finally got something besides cookies and a chocolate cake to bake properly in my oven!! Wish I could invite y'all over for a cup of tea and plain cake...oh, some of you like coffee? Well you'll have to bring over some Starbucks...the stuff here seems different - no breakfast blend - almost like it has been sitting on the shelf a long time...I dunno, maybe its only because it isn't what we are used to? Amelia is still napping...wow, a long one this time. Should call some peoples. :)

plain cake

Last night my poor daughter woke up around 2ish crying. I initially thought "oh boy another horrible night..." But since I thought her crying sounded more of pain then of just being plain fussy and tired I stuck my finger in her mouth feeling the bump (another molar) at my touch she cried all the more and I figured aha! She is teething and is in pain. So, I got out the equivalent of tylenol here 'Calpol' and gave her half a dosage (thats all she would take). Jett went to get the bottle from the fridge and after a good drink (or rather the whole bottle) and a few more tosses and turns she fell back to sleep. I ended up putting her back in her bed because being on a double mattress there really isn't much room for three people! So, my daughter is teething...how long is this supposed to last?? I'm so clueless as to when children approximately teeth (especially after one years of age). Ach well, I felt sorry for the poor thing, but she was cheerful as ever in the morning. I love those mornings when she wakes up and while we are having worship or I'm just reading in the other room she comes walking in smiling and wanting a hug. These moments seem precious to me.

Anyways, as you can tell, my subject is plain cake. I finally got a bundt pan...haha, it was supposed to be shipped from the UK but infact it came from Malaysia...oh boy. Would have boughten a GOOD bundt pan but since we're trying to cut costs right now I chose this one. I can already smell it...oh I hope it bakes just fine. I am having a hard time baking/cooking anything in that Creda oven! It cooks everything TOOO fast but then when you bake I find you need to leave it high or else it won't bake properly...ugh, I'll probably never figure it out. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out how to turn on the bottom oven, and still I'm afraid to use it much - seems to me I get more success with the top one.

Ach well, anyways as the plain cake is baking I can let you know what I've been up to. ................................ Well, that sounds pretty much it! Interesting isn't? ;) Okay, I'll stop being cheeky. This morning I was vacuuming, tydying, taking a bath etc. the house certainly looks cleaner now. Which is why you see a picture of Henry down below...oh below Amelia reading that is. Why people decide that vacuums should have faces and names I haven't a clue, but it certainly makes me wonder what Amelia thinks of him.

My tap in the kitchen is dripping again...I wasn't supposed to tighten it much (which I didn't) but its dripping again. A cup of tea sounds really good right now, but I want a piece of cake too...my I'm picky eh? Have to have tea with something.




I'm on the go again with finding shoes/boots or both for Amelia. When we were walking with Donna and Sheena Wednesday, Amelia ended up scuffing both shoes, they look not so nice now, but Jett thinks we can hide the scuffs for now with some black shoe polish...why didn't I think of that?

I've also been weighing my options for the birth. I'm 26 weeks now - a wee bit over three months to go. I've been thinking of a doula...but not sure because of cost, I've also been thinking what am I going to do with Amelia if the baby is born during the day...and what happens if I'm in labour when Jett is not here (like last time, only Hays didn't have work that day - that was providence). Hmm, anybody have any ideas? Sorry y'all might get quite tired of my blog if I keep talking about births and plans etc...but I can't help it!! I dream every night about something to deal with birth (I can remember this with my last one too). So you can well imagine it is on my mind a lot. I'll try to spare you all though. He/she is still growing and kicking tons, so I'm sure everything is all right as far as he's/she's concerned. Okay, better get a move on with the day, I need to call that health visitor and ask why they haven't gotten in touch with me about Amelia by now! Bye for now! :)

my fleecy sweater/coat

I forgot to tell sweet Sarah a very big thank you for the fleecy coat that I received for Amelia in the mail yesterday (hmm, I'm actually surprised it got here so quickly!). I can't believe it is for 9months! Is Amelia just a tiny thing or something?? Because she fits it quite well - mind you her wee belly is growing somewhat so we'll see how well it fits over the next few months (but I'm sure it will be fine). I thought I would post a few pics of her in her coat as it is very cute and better than the jacket I had for her (warmer too). A big thank you to Sarah! :)

Ahhh, Groceries!

Finally, the day has arrived when groceries come...we're making good use of the home delivery service - it saves Jett a lot of time that is precious for his studies/preparing, and it saves me a lot of energy if I was to walk to Morrisons and back, plus shop, plus take care of Amelia. So for now on until Jett says, we are currently doing home delivery. Which is wonderful for me, because I always dreaded going to the store by myself in Texas...ugh, the 10 minute drive to Walmart and 10 minutes back, plus an hour of shopping and walking...leaves one VERY tired - yes, and I only have one child well technically I have two now, just one is temporarily fastened inside me...so yes I get to carry the little man or womans weight around too. :) Anyways I mentioned the groceries because it never fails when I'm ordering something that I always get either something completely different from what I expected, or too little of that thing (I'll learn soon right?). The delivery man called early and asked whether it would be all right to come before 10 (they have delivery time slots and I was after 10), and of course thats fine with me...but then I realized I wanted to scrub the fridge first, but as it was too late to ask him to come a wee bit later, I hurried and scrubbed the fridge...surprisingly enough it took very little time (being a small fridge) and I was done before he even got here.

I suppose that you've already scrolled down to see the pics first...heehee, how did I guess? :) Probably cause I tend to do the same...well, lately I 'do' actually want to read the blog before I see the pics or whatever comes first in the post.

Tomorrow afternoon Sheena hopes to come get me so we can either go out or go to her place for coffee/tea. I look forward to it - I just hope people aren't feeling sorry for me that I'm not getting out much! I do tend to stay quite busy usually anyways, but yes, ever so often it is good to get out. Last Saturday I would have gotten out with Johan but the weather was not favourable, and also I couldn't get Jett to drive me there (because we were due to go to Perth the next day) but the main reason was because I wasn't feeling up to it (tired and worn out really). It was a good thing I didn't go either because from my previous post it is obvious that I didn't get much sleep Saturday night! Anyways, I had best be off. Enjoy the pics :) I'm sure you can tell I'm pregnant...yep he/she is 13 1/2 inches long about, and approximately a pound and a half in weight. But of course I'm carrying not just him, but his lovely water bag etc which is another few pounds of weight. Anyways, I'm 25 weeks plus 4 days (every Friday marks another week). I'm getting rather excited about the homebirth. All right enough of my rambling, on to work! :)

sorry no pics just now!

I suppose it is high time I give some news about our livings here. Saturday went like usual the only event that I took notice of was the discovery of a new tooth in Amelia’s mouth this time it is a molar! She is growing up more and more! The early morning hours of Sabbath were dreadful though…Amelia was up and wanting to play. I don’t know why she wasn’t sleepy! She didn’t have tooo many naps on Saturday…I suppose she could have been teething but then you would expect her to be fussy from the pain. My guess was she was hungry because she settled down after a bottle of milk (goats milk that is). But she still decided to wake up at 6:30…dear me, it was miserable but somehow we mothers manage things don’t we? I was worried about Jett, but I think he got on very well in Perth. The drive to Perth is actually quite pleasant, nice scenery and it is mostly highway driving instead of through towns/windy roads etc. There were about 15 people out this time, and of course the McCuish’s took us between the services (as they did last time). Mrs. McCuish I think really likes Amelia and Amelia is beginning to like almost anybody that gives her attention…and a toy or cookie (who wouldn’t right?). I looked greatly forward to this day off of cooking and of course she cooked a lovely meal. Amelia was being horrible though, probably due to lack of sleep during the night. After a good nap though she was cheerful as ever.

Well, this morning, I’ve been busy like usual, with laundry and tidying and washing dishes. I decided to hang the diapers out this morning instead of tumble dry. I also took Amelia out too, and she was thrilled to be outside in the yard with this wet grass around her. Every time she felt the grass she squealed with laughter – it was needless to say, very cute to watch. I feel rather bad for not taking her out more often! At least Saturday I did manage to take her for a ride in her stroller. I need to let her get outside as much as possible now, before the winter starts to come…oh and the baby!

I'm afraid it doesn't seem to work to blog videos on here lately - been having a lot of trouble with that. And I'm also sorry for no pics, but my camera batteries have to be recharged again! Will hopefully have something tomorrow. :)

my dirty laundry :)

Yes thats Amelia I'm speaking of. :)

Well another uneventful Friday, probably a good thing in a way cause I'm tired (how unusual is that?). I'm trying to cut back my sugar intake as its starting to make me feel sick again. There are tooo many good chocolates around here - I told Jett to take them away and not let me eat them.

Sabbath we are to be in Perth again. I look forward to being there, but not to the drive as it tends to have a draining effect. I hope Amelia will be good for church and the drive.

Missing my Friday nights in Texas...ho hum...

test

:D sorry!

more problems...

I was going to post a video of Amy today but the clip is 1. toooo long and 2. My computer shut down before it finished loading... Okay so now what do I do? I would like it if y'all could view it but I would rather not use Utube. Any ideas? Oh as well, I was trying to post a pic of Amelia again... but blogger wouldn't let me do that either. Ach well, a few words will have to do! Not much is going on today obviously. There is the prayer meeting to attend tonight - which we look forward to, but other than that nothing to report. Sorry for no pics or videos, will haveto try again tomorrow.

good afternoon :)

It has been a bright and sunny morning/afternoon so far, and I ought to be getting some laundry out on the line but I decided to post a few pics quickly. I'm planning on getting a video up of Amelia but I have nothing good yet - so we'll have to try again. Tonight we're having Alan and George over for dinner so I have lots to do yet before then. At least I have ideas...I do wish I had my Betty Crocker cookbook! But so far I'm surviving.

Been busy cleaning mainly today...it seems like our house never looks tydy! Hmm, I don't suppose it's going to get any better heehee! :)

messy monday

As I drink my cup of tea, and finish off my small sized mars bar...I'm thinking I should post something up of today. It is already 2pm and I still have much to do (of course) and feel like not much has been done (of course!).

It all started early this morning at 7:15 when...Amelia woke up (aww, I wanted to sleep in till 8!) I think the colds are going around Edinburgh and I'm preparing myself for a cold...so I eat a mars bar! :) I know its unhealthy! I'm treating myself just this once. I feel a slight sore throat coming on and Jett has been feeling low on energy lately too. The only thing I'm currently battling with Amy is another diaper rash - this time its bumpy!? I plan on going out to the store before my chiropractor's appointment (which is at 4:30...yes you really need to know the details eh?lol) hopefully I'll find a GOOD diaper rash cream. Poor thing she cries each time her diaper needs changed. I think it is quite sore.

Oh by the way does Amelia look like her grandmother?? I've been wondering more and more whether she looks like Grandmother Terry. Amelia has learned three words in the past week they being: God, Jesus and hot. We've been trying to get her to say words such as Bible as well but it doesn't sound as clear as the other two we've taught her. It is amazing how routines are so good for a child! Amy is used to sitting in between us for worship, and she knows what to do when we say pray (folds her hands).

Saturday, I got brave. Rachel Boyd and I went to Princes Street Gardens and walked for a while together. It was very nice. I'm beginning to see how small Edinburgh's City Centre is (which is good for me to learn streets and such). But I should get going, Jett wants me to figure out somethings with his cell phone. :) Enjoy the pics of Amelia!

Trying the Blogger way then...

Well me and my pregnant brain have figured out how to use the blogger video thingamajig. Why didn't I think of searching "help"? Anyways, hopefully this works all right, it is rather long, but I'm sure it will bring some smiles and maybe some laughs for the grandparents! I should be thankful we had some sort of video camera to take some of these moments. I can't imagine Amelia being this wee and with hardly any or no teeth!

Jett and I have more to be thankful for. I'm afraid I probably have complained about certain systems here...when really I should be thankful that we even have them in the first place. Yesterday we were getting so many deliveries! Our mattress came in, a fogless mirror for Jett, and yes a big box from Santa Fe Texas....oooh we felt like wee kids opening a big present! Amelia was very excited too. Thank you to those who packed it for us and shipped it! I didn't expect to see some of Jett's baby photos!! It will be so nice to have when the new one comes! We like to compare don't we? :) Amelia was also very excited to get those two books that we had left due to space etc. She was quite content to reading them for a good 15-20 minutes. Thanks to all again!

Last night Jett preached here in Edinburgh for the first time. I thought he did well - 1 Peter 3:18. Afterwards, we went to the Dickie's flat for a quick cup of tea and for worship - we were picking up a better cell phone from Alex for Jett. People have been very kind to us here. Johan also was there, and she brought a big bag full of winter clothes for Amelia she said her sister's daughter outgrew them...they are very cute! And I was just wondering what I was to do about Amelia's clothing situation! Yes, we are provided for. Catherine even lent us a picture to put up on our very bare walls...heehee, its a good thing it is only borrowed because the more we collect here the more we have to take to Harris next year, which could be a bit difficult. Anyways, Jett is probably doing an exam right now and I should be getting this house ready for guests (Janneke and Norman her boyfriend) tonight. Enjoy the video!

Video clips

I've been working on trying to get video clips up...however I saw on Rachel Reynold's that she was able to do it on blogger...this seems ideal as U Tube looks very worldly...however, here is a URL maybe you can view this old clip of Amelia and Hays...let me know if it works/doesn't. Perhaps somebody can tell me how to do it on blogger?

Oh sorry Hays heehee, but its a cute clip...not too embarrassing I don't think!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=p-x83nM2Wiw

Royal mail is NOT very royal!!

I just figured out that our lovely postal service here is due to have a few strikes in the next coming weeks...lovely! Now I can be sure to wait even longer for any packages recently purchased or from family. More waiting...hmm, I wonder what Jett's going to think about this?? I've never heard of a postal strike...I'm not real old either but obviously they weren't around in Canada/or the US for 22yrs? I need to get some laundry on the line but Amelia of course is wide awake...and fussy too! :)

Have been searching a wee bit this morning for boots for Amy Jane (online of course) and I'm not coming up with much that I like. I think I have expensive taste! A cute pair of robeez booties (brand new, because I can't find them second hand on Ebay) cost £31!! Heehee... wonder what Jett would think about spending $62 on a pair of baby boots? Of course I wouldn't spend that silly amount. But why is it so much? In the states on the very same Robeez website they cost roughly $38...uhm, this doesn't add up in my opinion. Will try ASDA probably the charity shops here seem to be hopeless finding things for babies. Have had more success getting free items off of Freecycle (Pack n Play and High chair).



Anyways heres a few pics of Amelia - never seem to get a good front view of her. This is one cupboard she IS allowed to go through makes quite a racket but keeps her content for a bit.

Jett went back to class today. It is still too early to know how it has gone seeing it is only 11am but I am wondering about it. Better put Amy to bed. :)

Ford Mondeo

I have been meaning to post a few pics up of our car, but never got time to really do it...and even now these photos were taken from the apartment looking down. But anywho, heres our car...

And spots on my window...they get pretty dirty here ya know!

And of course what is a post without a pic of my daughter? She looks like she needs a nap.

She really likes Daddy's psalter...after worship it is usually one of the first things she tries to get.

And in other news, we have broadband. And our groceries came this morning...just in time too cause I was running low. It is sooo nice when you can order your groceries online and have them delivered the next day to your apartment. Not that we do it every week, but it has saved us lots of time, and energy too. I've finally called the clinic again to ask when I would be hearing from the midwife as I haven't heard from her yet - and they forwarded me to the Leith midwives. The Leith mw's asked my information and said they didn't have any notes about me and to contact the clinic but they then decided to let me leave a message for a mw to call me back. How confusing at first!! But now I ahve an appointment to see the midwife tomorrow in Leith. I suppose them knowing that I'm actually almost 24 weeks along they need to get me seen soon! Heehee, 24 weeks already? If I was to have the baby the same time as Amelia...that would mean roughly 13 weeks and a few more days to go till delivery (but how likely is that?) I'm expecting an overdue baby this time. Amelia's fussing so I had better go!