And I almost forgot!
You were right when you voted, 'baby b-b' was ,overwhelmingly, a girl!
Thursday, 23 August 2007
*Birth of a Baby*
Introducing:
Bethany Hope
Our beautiful baby girl was born on Wednesday 15th August 2007 at 22.17pm
Weighing a lovely 9 pounds and 5 ounces.
God blessed the labour, it was all we had been praying for during the pregnancy. She was born within 32 minutes and all the way through I (Anna ) remained completely at peace, awaiting the moment I would hear her first sounds! Our lives definitely changed, for the better, in ways we couldn't have ever imagined that night! I didn't sleep at all that first night, the thrill of giving birth to a baby and the joy I felt was overwhelming! I watched her pretty much all night long, then finally she awoke at 4am and I got to hold and play with her for a bit!
The rest of the week has been fantastic. She loves to eat, sleep and play. In varying orders throughout the day. We are really enjoying being a family and each day, no, each minute brings a new adventure! What a gift from God. We are privileged that He has given us such a precious gift, we treasure her and well, adore her!
We are all healthy. And another thing is that she sleeps during the night in 4 to 5 hour slots! Obviously we don't let her go that long in the day, we can't resist seeing her awake, cooing, making music with Daddy and having long cuddles with mummy(and the grandparents!).
With love and thankfulness for your thoughts and prayers over the past week,
Ryan, Anna and Bethany xxx
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
-Zimbabwe-
Just saw this on BBC news today.... Quite incredible that $200,000 still won't buy you much. Considering that Ryan's first guitar was $24,000 back in 2000. And a family friend sold their lovely big house set in 3 acres for $3 million! hmmmm...
Zimbabwe inflation hits new high
Zimbabwe inflation hits new high
 |
It is the first time that the Central Statistical Office (CSO) has released official inflation rate figures since May, when it stood at 3,714%.
The Zimbabwean government has called inflation its number one enemy.
Last week, the International Monetary Fund warned annual inflation could reach 100,000% by the end of the year.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has said the real year-on-year inflation is far higher than the official rate - 13,000% in June.Sunday, 19 August 2007
*Parenthood!*
I love reading all that Anna has to say here. You know what its like: talk is important to ladies and even though Anna and I talk alot I can always get a little more insight by reading her blog first! Its like doing my relational homework, virtual reality and all that.
I am so pleased right now with this awesome news that was enevitable, but now that the day has arrived it is still SO amazing! So I will risk breaking the style of this blog for the seer joy of saying...
I am a Daddy!
Man, I'm gonna get one of those T-Shirts!
Baby Bethany Hope Baker-Barnes was born on Wednesday night at 10.17pm, weighing a huge 9lbs 5. Anna did so well, I am so proud of her - she grew our beautiful daughter in her for 9 months and then brought her into our lives with a strong, quiet confidence and laughing with joy at the thought that we would soon meet the kicking bump within.
Love is a hard thing to explain when it is real. I cannot yet explain how i felt and feel. I am in love again - renewed for Anna and awoken for my daughter. I got to hold Bethany, all wrapped up for the first hour of her life, and she was so contended just to be in Daddy's arms. I see that picture whenever I close my eyes now, her little face looking at me. The mid-wife informed me that babies are not able to focus their eyes for the first few weeks; but that did not distract my though that she was gazing back at me.
Soon you meet her; soon you will hear more praise about her; and sooner still Anna will write another amazingly insighful blog.
I am so pleased right now with this awesome news that was enevitable, but now that the day has arrived it is still SO amazing! So I will risk breaking the style of this blog for the seer joy of saying...
I am a Daddy!
Man, I'm gonna get one of those T-Shirts!
Baby Bethany Hope Baker-Barnes was born on Wednesday night at 10.17pm, weighing a huge 9lbs 5. Anna did so well, I am so proud of her - she grew our beautiful daughter in her for 9 months and then brought her into our lives with a strong, quiet confidence and laughing with joy at the thought that we would soon meet the kicking bump within.
Love is a hard thing to explain when it is real. I cannot yet explain how i felt and feel. I am in love again - renewed for Anna and awoken for my daughter. I got to hold Bethany, all wrapped up for the first hour of her life, and she was so contended just to be in Daddy's arms. I see that picture whenever I close my eyes now, her little face looking at me. The mid-wife informed me that babies are not able to focus their eyes for the first few weeks; but that did not distract my though that she was gazing back at me.
Soon you meet her; soon you will hear more praise about her; and sooner still Anna will write another amazingly insighful blog.
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
- Nine months and counting-
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
-Education-
I know I'm on maternity leave. I know that I am probably the least test focused teacher in, well about a mile's radius from my house. I know that I care more about the children than about how well they do.
But when the new Minister of Education announces that only 0.14% of primary school time is taken up with SATS. And only 5 hours in the last few weeks of primary is dedicated to the 'test'.
I somehow can't believe it.
He honestly thinks that Year 6 is a year of teaching and learning, completely disassociated from wait for it... SATS!? I think that, perhaps, he needs to spend time in school. Any school. Not just the one I taught at, where, even I got caught up in making sure 'my' children were well revised in all aspects of Literacy. I even tried with the Numeracy group (if you knew me while I was teaching, you'd understand how funny this is). But anyway bet you didn't know that 5-2=11 and that 5x5=50. Yes, that is what it was like.
Anyway. Testing is really big today. As I just got a letter inviting me to be a 'marker' for a pilot test that the primary children will be taking in December. Trying to work out exactly how old B-B will be, whether I will want to leave the house from 5-9pm to do group marking and how much it will pay... I think I preferred mystery shopping!
But when the new Minister of Education announces that only 0.14% of primary school time is taken up with SATS. And only 5 hours in the last few weeks of primary is dedicated to the 'test'.
I somehow can't believe it.
He honestly thinks that Year 6 is a year of teaching and learning, completely disassociated from wait for it... SATS!? I think that, perhaps, he needs to spend time in school. Any school. Not just the one I taught at, where, even I got caught up in making sure 'my' children were well revised in all aspects of Literacy. I even tried with the Numeracy group (if you knew me while I was teaching, you'd understand how funny this is). But anyway bet you didn't know that 5-2=11 and that 5x5=50. Yes, that is what it was like.
Anyway. Testing is really big today. As I just got a letter inviting me to be a 'marker' for a pilot test that the primary children will be taking in December. Trying to work out exactly how old B-B will be, whether I will want to leave the house from 5-9pm to do group marking and how much it will pay... I think I preferred mystery shopping!
Life continues. I am trying to learn a few new skills. I wanted to make this:
But it was a little tricky. And, I am sorry to admit that I have given up. I wonder what new things the rest of the day has in store. Baby? Baking? Well, I'm definitely having a (double) vanilla latte at King Cup later on. That is if Lumi doesn't mind giving me caffeine! Axx
Monday, 6 August 2007
~It is perfect~ or coffee
I think it's important that I am having such a blissful and relaxing time as I prepare for our baby. My days have been perfect and at the end of each one, I think to myself
"today would have been a perfect day for the baby to be born..."
On Thursday, Elle took me out for a Starbucks she had an iced Caramel Macchiato and I had a delicious Caramel Macchiato:
Who'd have thought my sister would drink coffee. No really. Brought up in a family of coffee drinkers, whose parents regularly upgraded coffee machines, who when on holiday could turn anything into a coffee percolator with a paper filter, who might possibly have been the first people to purchase an at home espresso making with latte frothing properties machine(which we have inherited, yes it is old-fashioned, but it is a perfectly sized latte maker!) I mean, there is still room for you to have a food processor, microwave, scales, kettle etc filling up your work surface not just a professional sized coffee machine with ALL the functions! Can you guess who has one of those? Well, Elle didn't like coffee, but the iced coffee is altogether different! I'm so proud of her changing taste buds!
Then we went back home and wished for the sun to shine! As soon as it did, we went for a walk, yes I was am nine months pregnant. And the walk was so lovely. The amount of stares we got from the fishermen at the lake was hilarious. Yes I am pregnant, yes I am walking.... Fun times!
The rest of the weekend was filled with
meals out we found the most beautiful restaurant on the way to Wolverhampton. Only last Sunday, Ryan was taking one of our Canadian friends out for dinner and he asked the barman for a Vanilla Latte. Although, you can imagine the answer was 'no'. We have now found a lovely place that not only serves delicious food, but also real lattes and coffee. Well, just a week too late for Samuel, but next time...
brisk walks (!) need I say more.
And today. I will be resting, reading and cooking a roast leg of lamb.
Axx
"today would have been a perfect day for the baby to be born..."
On Thursday, Elle took me out for a Starbucks she had an iced Caramel Macchiato and I had a delicious Caramel Macchiato:
A signature Starbucks® beverage.
Vanilla and steamed milk are permeated with intense
Starbucks® espresso and topped with velvety foam
and our own proprietary buttery caramel
Vanilla and steamed milk are permeated with intense
Starbucks® espresso and topped with velvety foam
and our own proprietary buttery caramel
Who'd have thought my sister would drink coffee. No really. Brought up in a family of coffee drinkers, whose parents regularly upgraded coffee machines, who when on holiday could turn anything into a coffee percolator with a paper filter, who might possibly have been the first people to purchase an at home espresso making with latte frothing properties machine(which we have inherited, yes it is old-fashioned, but it is a perfectly sized latte maker!) I mean, there is still room for you to have a food processor, microwave, scales, kettle etc filling up your work surface not just a professional sized coffee machine with ALL the functions! Can you guess who has one of those? Well, Elle didn't like coffee, but the iced coffee is altogether different! I'm so proud of her changing taste buds!
Then we went back home and wished for the sun to shine! As soon as it did, we went for a walk, yes I was am nine months pregnant. And the walk was so lovely. The amount of stares we got from the fishermen at the lake was hilarious. Yes I am pregnant, yes I am walking.... Fun times!
The rest of the weekend was filled with
meals out we found the most beautiful restaurant on the way to Wolverhampton. Only last Sunday, Ryan was taking one of our Canadian friends out for dinner and he asked the barman for a Vanilla Latte. Although, you can imagine the answer was 'no'. We have now found a lovely place that not only serves delicious food, but also real lattes and coffee. Well, just a week too late for Samuel, but next time...
brisk walks (!) need I say more.
And today. I will be resting, reading and cooking a roast leg of lamb.
Axx
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
-The First of August 2007-
So, here it is, the 1st August 2007. We have been waiting for this month, well, for nine months! As we drove home last night we were like August is almost here. That means that baby is almost here..... big smiles!
The baby is doing really well, his/her heart beat was so loud yesterday at the appointment and, personally, I think that he/she is ready to be born. I know that it could be another 2 weeks MAX! But deep down, B-B can't wait another two weeks and would quite like to enter the world, well, anytime really.
Yesterday we went to a really nice BBQ at Farmer James' farm. We, that is me and Elle, asked if we could see the new-born calves, and he gave us a whole tour of the dairy and the baby cows. To think they are four days old and that BIG. Wow. James said that he has to separate the calves from their mums after 12 hours.
He doesn't think that they miss their mums. But he did say he has never asked them... He probably thinks I'm a town girl with no cattle skills! I know they were calves, but still seeing twenty perfect little calves made me want our perfect little B-B to arrive.
We'll be three soon. Until then I'll keep baking, ironing and washing, oh and while it's here - enjoying the sunshine xx
The baby is doing really well, his/her heart beat was so loud yesterday at the appointment and, personally, I think that he/she is ready to be born. I know that it could be another 2 weeks MAX! But deep down, B-B can't wait another two weeks and would quite like to enter the world, well, anytime really.
Yesterday we went to a really nice BBQ at Farmer James' farm. We, that is me and Elle, asked if we could see the new-born calves, and he gave us a whole tour of the dairy and the baby cows. To think they are four days old and that BIG. Wow. James said that he has to separate the calves from their mums after 12 hours.
We'll be three soon. Until then I'll keep baking, ironing and washing, oh and while it's here - enjoying the sunshine xx
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
*Baby Wishes*
The 'official' due date is fast approaching, and I think it's only right to count down. We have a maximum of 22 days before B-B will be born. That includes the 2 weeks they allow you before suggesting baby is 'overdue'! Wait that's like 3 weeks and a day.
I am getting sooooo excited. Apart from the daily, and, almost hourly( I know.... ) thoughts of will baby be born today, now even?
Nope, not yet.
I am loving this time, I get to do so many things with Ryan that I wouldn't usually have done, like go off for 'lunch' with him while he gets his hair cut. Oh the normal things, but it's fantastic not to be working! It is a bit different, like there's no REAL excuse for me to not load the dishwasher, or do the laundry, or run out of milk. But believe me, I've found some.... Like can't do the washing because the sun's not shining and it won't dry - the tumble drier is upstairs though! hmmmm.
As we wait for B-B I am so full of anticipation, the good kind, where you just can't help but think "when baby's here then I will...." or " instead of doing this all day, when baby is here I will..." B-B has done a really good job at staying put while my sister has been to Canada, she would have been sooooooo sad had we had the baby and she wasn't here to meet him/her!
Vote if you like on what you think the babe will be. We have absolutely NO IDEA! honestly. We have names for both (hush hush!) and will be absolutely delighted with our precious little gift... Who actually won't be that little, almost outgrowing the newborn sizes I think - and that was last week at the 'measuring'!
Waiting and wishing
Axxxx and bigggggggg bump xx
I am getting sooooo excited. Apart from the daily, and, almost hourly( I know.... ) thoughts of will baby be born today, now even?
Nope, not yet.
I am loving this time, I get to do so many things with Ryan that I wouldn't usually have done, like go off for 'lunch' with him while he gets his hair cut. Oh the normal things, but it's fantastic not to be working! It is a bit different, like there's no REAL excuse for me to not load the dishwasher, or do the laundry, or run out of milk. But believe me, I've found some.... Like can't do the washing because the sun's not shining and it won't dry - the tumble drier is upstairs though! hmmmm.
As we wait for B-B I am so full of anticipation, the good kind, where you just can't help but think "when baby's here then I will...." or " instead of doing this all day, when baby is here I will..." B-B has done a really good job at staying put while my sister has been to Canada, she would have been sooooooo sad had we had the baby and she wasn't here to meet him/her!
Vote if you like on what you think the babe will be. We have absolutely NO IDEA! honestly. We have names for both (hush hush!) and will be absolutely delighted with our precious little gift... Who actually won't be that little, almost outgrowing the newborn sizes I think - and that was last week at the 'measuring'!
Axxxx and bigggggggg bump xx
Thursday, 19 July 2007
*note from a child*
Here are some of the memories that the children wrote about me before I left school. [Copied correctly from the originals]
"Mrs Barnes is nice to all of us. She always helps us with our work and sometimes she gives us the answers" Chanelle aged 7
"I like mrs Barren beause she is the best teahcer I like mrs barens and she ever lett us play ething we won at golde time we get haf an ower" Thomas aged 9(well, I assumed he was referring to me!)
"I Love my teacher. My teacher is kind and helpful. She all ways makes me laugh and makes Jokes" Temeikha aged 9
"Mrs Barnes is the Best teacher in the hole wild world. And she lookes after people well and she is kind" Chloe aged 9
"Mrs Barnes is haveing a baby it is going to be nice." Jordan aged 8
And last of all...
" I like Mrs Barnes a lot because she is very nice and she hardeley shouts. she has lovely brown hair and is realy pretty" Megan aged 7
Today is the end of term, they are all moving classes and growing up. Even though I haven't been in school it really does feel like the 'end' of something. I am really ready for our little B-B to arrive and have cleaned through the entire house in preparation: is that nesting?! That was how I found those precious little notes about me from MB - what a class!
Finally: This card was hand made for another teacher one wet playtime, they obviously got a fresh idea to write to me...
To miss Bares
I hope you have a girl. Dont wory you will be ok when you are Having the baBy. I can Bet you eney money. when the Baby older when it gowes to sleep say sweet Dreams to here. She will be a wonduful BaBy, if it is ever un well Just tell me and I will get some madesone for it.
Lots of love CS
good look miss Barnes
and if it is a BOY it will Be all the same
"Mrs Barnes is nice to all of us. She always helps us with our work and sometimes she gives us the answers" Chanelle aged 7
"I like mrs Barren beause she is the best teahcer I like mrs barens and she ever lett us play ething we won at golde time we get haf an ower" Thomas aged 9(well, I assumed he was referring to me!)
"I Love my teacher. My teacher is kind and helpful. She all ways makes me laugh and makes Jokes" Temeikha aged 9
"Mrs Barnes is the Best teacher in the hole wild world. And she lookes after people well and she is kind" Chloe aged 9
"Mrs Barnes is haveing a baby it is going to be nice." Jordan aged 8
And last of all...
" I like Mrs Barnes a lot because she is very nice and she hardeley shouts. she has lovely brown hair and is realy pretty" Megan aged 7
Today is the end of term, they are all moving classes and growing up. Even though I haven't been in school it really does feel like the 'end' of something. I am really ready for our little B-B to arrive and have cleaned through the entire house in preparation: is that nesting?! That was how I found those precious little notes about me from MB - what a class!
Finally: This card was hand made for another teacher one wet playtime, they obviously got a fresh idea to write to me...
To miss Bares
I hope you have a girl. Dont wory you will be ok when you are Having the baBy. I can Bet you eney money. when the Baby older when it gowes to sleep say sweet Dreams to here. She will be a wonduful BaBy, if it is ever un well Just tell me and I will get some madesone for it.
Lots of love CS
good look miss Barnes
and if it is a BOY it will Be all the same
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