Tick!

Remember how I mentioned that great big list on our wall with things to do in order for the move to happen?

Well, I'm very happy to report that I have no idea whether we did indeed fulfil all those tasks, but we are here, in Melbourne (tick!) all our worldly belongings (ie the ones we didn't sell / put in the brotherhood bins) are here, and safe in storage (tick!), decrepit rental house is cleaned, condition report done and keys returned (tickticktick!), beloved beasties are staying at their quasi-rural cattery/kennels (tick!). We made it to Melbourne in good time for the Grand Gathering of the Long-Faced Kin (aka my extended family "cousin's day"), and enjoyed huge amounts of kissing of cheeks and exclaiming over my huge belly, whilst devouring traditional meringues and egg sandwiches. Tick! And we survived a significant number of hours in a suburban shopping centre, managing to gather small material tokens of our love for the family. TICK!

Each time we hit one of these milestones, El Prima and I bumped headed with relief, and murmured "tick!" - each of these taking us a little closer to getting ready for Haloumi.

The girls are managing like champions - putting in a huge effort to help with the packing and moving (and the multiple trips to the brotherhood bin) - though Snazzy was a bit sad on cousin's day because she missed family.

We've also gone for a birthing centre appointment - and met the Best Midwife Ever. We are really really hoping she will be on duty when Haloumi decides to make an exit. She was very reassuring, and said it would be good if I could do lots of sitting on kitchen chairs backwards cowboy-style in order to get Haloumi wiggling around to a proper anterior position. At the moment (or at the time of the appointment at least), Haloumi had his/her back towards my left side - which is not bad but things will still be easier if she/he can turn a bit to have his/her back at my front. And on Wednesday, we had an ultrasound just to check that my placenta is not low-lying. In fact, it is a good 4cm away from my cervix (yay!) and the ultrasound tech said Haloumi's head was very "well applied" to my cervix - not quite sure what that means, but I'm sure it is good.

We're now installed at my dad & stepmum's house in traditional christmas mode - has been lovely. But after having Mum stay for nearly 3 weeks, I miss seeing her every day. At least, for Christmas Day we're having her over for lunch at Dad's - which will make it the first time we've had them both at the Christmas table since 1987!

Wishing everyone a fabulous festy season & hoping you get a good break from all the normal things. xxx