Room for One More...

A Moments Rest

 Time marches ever onwards and already we are well into spring, which this year really does signal the start of new life for us.  Amy only has 5 more weeks until the official due date of junior and we are as ready as we will ever be (which is to say probably not ready at all but at least we have bought lots of stuff!).  Over the last few months we have been keeping a watchful eye on trademe for any second hand bargains to be had.  People have been very generous about handing down their unwanted clothes and several trips to the bright lights of Christchurch have seen us loaded up with the must have items for new parents.  As an added bonus Mum has even sent over my old bassinet which at 30 years old is still looking in top nick and will (hopefully) provide the perfect environment for nights full of sleep!

Otago Surf

 Preparations aside, we have also been trying to maximise our use of free time and managed to head down to the Otago Peninsular for a lovely weekend catching up with Keara and Jude.  A few drinks, reminiscing about uni days and UK friends, hearing all the latest stories and enjoying the fantastic beaches made for a great weekend.  The peninsular has to have some of the best views around and even Sandfly bay excelled itself this trip with 12-15 sea lions making for a real nature experience.  Keara even managed a short surf which made me a little jealous!

Meal Prep

Last minute jobs are numerous and one idea we though of was to make full use of our chest freezer and prepare big batches of meals to freeze.  5 portions of Moroccan Chicken a la Delia made their way into the freezer tonight which must bring the total up to at least 30 and hopefully mean we do not end up resorting to Ashburton's newly opened Burger King on too many occasions.  We have just had a public holiday weekend and headed up to Tekapo for a night, stopping off at Lake Opuha for a picnic lunch.  Gordon has just been put back on the road after a winters rest in the garage and while we did not use him for this trip we are hoping that, as well as providing an extra vehicle in general, we will be able to try a night camping close to home by March.  Opuha at an hour from home is a great spot with some great camping spots and even the luxury of flushing toilets!

Opuha Outing

In a few days Leah, Amy's sister, is coming to visit as part of her global travels.  The plan is to show her Akaroa and the surrounding area if the weather plays ball before she heads off around the south island for a more extensive look around.  If events come around a bit earlier than expected then she may even be around for the birth which I'm sure would provide added excitement to the trip!  I printed off a book of the blog after arriving in New Zealand, which I called "The Asia Adventure".  This is my last post of book number two; "New Zealand Escapades".   I hope that I'll be able to keep up some semblance of a record of parenthood and life after the big arrival, though it may take the form of a few photos and sleep deprived ramblings initially.  One thing is for sure, my next post will be the start of a new chapter!

Room for One More