Miracles or Just Africa Time?

It was today ~ 9 months ago that I took myself off to the Dept of Home Affairs to submit my applications for my new ID, Passport, Unabridged Marriage Certificate, and both Chris and my Unabridged Birth Certificates. On the day, I thought I would just sit in the various ques and patiently wait my turn to make each application. After TWO hours and still not having made headway I decided to use the "agent" Chris had used a few months previously to get his passport. He had found the woman very efficient and assured me this was the best option!! So, with my pride in my pocket I agreed and called Daphne and did the necessary through her. These agents all have caravans outside Home Affairs and take quite a wack to "Q 4 U" I patiently waited and eventually in April decided to follow up the progress. To my horror I discovered that NONE of the applications had been made and according to her our marriage was not registered. Further investigation revealed that our marriage had in fact been registered mid January. Many unpleasant words flew between us ~ both pregnant beings and I left feeling robbed! Again, I left it to her to get her act together but have been once again disappointed. Today, miracles of all miracles, I managed to collect my passport and ID with my new name. But in the meantime have learned that she still has not even applied for the unabridged certificates. Threats are all that seem to be working and her last chance is that she has TWO weeks to get the certificates delivered to me at home or face "fraud charges" been laid against her. So, I may now be an Atkinson but still clearly have the "van G" genes deeply rooted in me. Who knows baby A may well be here before I get my certificates and have to start the whole process again to get his/her unabridged birth certificate, passport and ID........

For the times they are a changing.....

In the words of Bob Dylan "for the times they are a changing" as well as in the word of Bread "a picture paints a thousand words......." just about sums it all up

The excitement is definitely mounting as we work through the to do list

Getting Stuck In

As you can see slow progress is being made in Baby Atkinson's room.

I have got as far as sorting clothes into age piles (which will in fact have been futile once washing starts) towels in another pile, nappies and wet wipes together and then toys together.

The furniture is not set out as I intended but as I am unable to move it myself, I have been waiting for my handyman team to finalise a date to do the chores required. As luck would have it, they are due to start tomorrow (but this will be in Miriam's room first. She has patiently been waiting for her wardrobe and bathroom door and kitchen counter since she moved in 3 weeks ago).

While I was sorting the clothes etc, Chris got stuck in in the garage and finished off "sanding & sealing" the cubes that will go above the compactum. We started staining them about 6 weeks ago..... My intention is to have these hung along side the window where the wall is angled backing the lounge fireplace, but will have to see when the furniture is moved if it all fits how I want it to. I then ideally would like the cot across the other corner, with the feeding chair between them. Again we, will have to see how it all fits together. Although there are blinds in the room, we have decided to put curtains up too ~ just to "soften" the room for baby! There is a new bug light fitting to be hung as well as the bug wallpaper border to be stuck on.

So, hopefully by the end of the week our little treasure's room will be ready and waiting for his/ her imminent arrival.

Showered Again

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,
how we wonder who you are,
be you a girl or be you a boy
we know you'll bring us so much joy!!!!

With this in mind and having had an awesome baby shower last weekend we are still constantly reminded of how much this little baby is already loved and SPOILT.

Eleanor very kindly offered to organise our baby shower for us, and what a magnificent job she did!!!! Thanks Ella! We decided to host it at home and have a combined affair as this little one is our baby and we should therefore all celebrate together. With spring in the air and the start of the world cup rugby, the "fever" was set for a fabulous day. The weather was perfect and while the adults all got to have a good ol catch up, the 20+ kids ran a mock through our garden. I suppose that was a good test for what our future holds before us and luckily the our home with stood the test. (bar the surprising blocked drains I had to deal with last week)

As you can see from the pics attached, our little one looks set for the foreseeable future! Thanks to everyone for all the spoiling and for supporting us through the ever changing path of life. We look forward to introducing baby Atkinson to you all soon ~ its hard to believe that its just around the corner now!