Just Around the Bend

So, we are about a week away from our actual due date--but we know that doesn't necessarily mean anything since a due date is just a number on a calendar! Alia was born this week (week 39) but that doesn't mean anything either since her pre-40 week arrival probably had more to do with how much fluid I had than my body's timing with babies!

Anyway, I'm feeling a little more uncomfortable since the baby dropped 1.5 weeks ago but still okay overall.

I thought I would give y'all an update on the goal list I post a while back so you aren't still wondering if we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off (soon we will have a few of those around here for real!).

The goals were/results are:
1. Getting completely moved in and settled--we're moved in...that's gonna have to do for now!
2. Getting the baby's things out and ready--we should have this completed by the end of the weekend.
3. Painting Alia's toddler bed/dresser--done except for decorative touches...that will have to wait for spring!
4. Insulating the chicken coop for winter--done!
5. Getting the last of our crop into the freezer (pumpkin & squash)--still in progress, but who knows how long that will continue!
6. Getting meals/baked goods into the freezer for post-baby eating ease--Paul is thankful that I have had the energy to keep up with this so we are looking good in this area too (as compared to the amount of things I had put up before Alia's arrival...zero)!

So, after this weekend, we are as ready as we can be. Thanks for your prayers! Any time that goes by beyond that just allows us to get more accomplished. The past three weekends we have had seriously LONG to-do lists....23, 29, 21 items respectively. This weekend looks like it will have closer to 15ish items...which will be nice!

So, more chores to get ready for winter, but most everything is as ready as it's gonna be for baby. Now, I am going to focus on relaxing and resting up! Sure sounds good to me!

The Countdown...sorta

Thank you to every one who gave advice and/or helped me to find the foam/crib bumpers I needed for the co-sleeper! We are all set and my mom is busily putting foam into the bumpers. Check!

Paul and I worked all day Saturday to accomplish a LONG to-do list and get about half of it completed. All of it needed attention though so it was a very productive day! One of the big things Paul got finished was insulating the chicken coop and putting their light/heat lamp on a timer. Yeah! So good to know they are taken care of. Check!

We have been moving things into the house almost every evening since I posted last and we think we are about 2/3 of the way unpacked. Progress is being made but definitely not finished. Can you consider good progress as half a check?

I have been working every day at getting a little more of the squash and pumpkin into the freezer...so, not accomplished, but in progress. Half a check?

I have also re-worked my meal planning menu to include days when I make double to allow for some to be put into the freezer for post baby eating. So, I think that is a half check as well!

All in all we are about 3 weeks away from Lil' Sprout's arrival and we have one thing completed from our list of 6 goals and 3 others that are half checks....not too bad. This week and next weekend will really tell the tale as to whether we will be able to get it all accomplished in time.

Thanks for your prayers and especially to those of you who have offered to help in different ways...we appreciate it! We had no idea it would come down to the wire like this but God's timing is best!

Fun Fall Fotos

I've updated our photos at our Flickr site...check it out!

Help Me Rhonda...or anyone else for that matter!

My mom and I were looking at the crib bumper that we are going to re-fashion to fit the co-sleeper Paul built for the baby and realizing that it will be a bigger project than we were thinking. UNLESS..I could find someone who has an old style bumper (the kind with 1/2" - 1" thick foam) they would be willing to give me either to use as-is or to take apart (if threadbare/stained/coming apart) to use the foam.

The bumper I currently have has the new style that has a thin layer of batting and I would much prefer to use the thicker foam in the co-sleeper bumper.

So, my plea goes out to all of you...if you have one or know of someone else who might...I would really appreciate the foam out of an old style crib bumper to finish getting the co-sleeper ready for Lil' Sprout's arrival (approx 4 weeks).

Just thought it never hurts to ask!

Thanks everyone!

Happy Days

Fall is so welcome!!! We Kortmans LOVE fall weather! The tree leaves in our swamp have already come down and we have been enjoying the gorgeous colors all around us. The temps are cooler and the breeze is invigorating.

My mom and dad are moved into their new house and we have begun to fully claim ours as well. The month of October is already filling up and the calendar is telling us we won't have much spare time this month.

Alia is using more words and putting them together. "Moe Pees" (More, please). It's so fun. Yesterday she patted my belly and said, "Baby" and then kissed it. So cute!

Paul has slowed his milking schedule to 2 days a week (instead of 3) to try and give us a little more time to get things done prior to baby's arrival.

We have about 4 weeks until Lil' Sprout will join us on the outside and although we have been busy unpacking and getting settled we still aren't ready for him/her just yet.

Our biggest challenges before the baby's arrival will be:
1. Getting completely moved in and settled
2. Getting the baby's things out and ready
3. Painting Alia's toddler bed/dresser before cold weather as we will need them in 3-5 months
4. Insulating the chicken coop for winter
5. Getting the last of our crop into the freezer (pumpkin & squash)
6. Getting meals/baked goods into the freezer for post-baby eating ease

Please pray that we can accomplish all that we need to in the time left.

So, 6 goals and 4 weeks...here we go! Thanks for coming along on this ride with us!