Steve and I decided to try and live on some Kiwi money we'd moved over.  We had to stay strong and learn how to budget for the last few weeks.  June sees us in the best financial position we've ever been in and sadly this has brought talk of plasma screen tvs, new lounge suites and living on takeout.  We decided that learning how to budget now should help us when it comes to financial matters next month.  I HATE IT!  Whoever said money can't buy happiness is just stupid.  We have been really good about the whole thing, prioritising bills AND being late on rent to make sure there is enough in the pot.  We've not had takeout for an entire month - oh actually we did have fish and chips and Mcdonalds once but that's cheap!  I've learnt how to drive economically, this is a huge learning curve for me and I'm really proud of myself.  Driving at the speed limit means I'm not constantly looking out for snakes in the grass, I can actually relax and filling up is occuring a lot less.  There is this 'trip' button on Steve's car and it lets me know how well I'm driving.  Can't explain - don't understand it, but basically I know to keep the figure below 12 at best below 10.  We've not had day trips out, instead opting to head to the local park to kick a football around.  I'm really aware of the cost of things and buying the less expensive option - NOT homebrand of course, not matter how desperate things get I would rather not buy something that says BUDGET all over it.  Its been really stressful and Steve and I have argued a lot about money, where to spend it and how to spend it.  I've been really frustrated at not being able to do things during the day or weekends.  However, I think it has been a worthwhile experience.  I've taken more interest in bills and I've made a real effort to watch the amount of electricity we use including making sure the telly isn't in standby and lights aren't left on.  Its scared me so much to think that people have to live like this, its encouraged me make sure we are never in this position.  My Dad would be proud! 

Anyway, apart of those major changes, I'm still awaiting confirmation of my start at uni.  I'm really excited about it and keen to get that official welcome letter, then I'll be really happy.  Moons has been offered a place at the montessori preschool, we are so happy. She starts in a couple of weeks.  She loved the school in Auckland, its more structured and there is a greater emphasis on respect and manners in this school.  Her manners have slipped terribly since she started at this school.  We're really battling it out at home.  She went to a party on Saturday and on hearing the other kids talk, it was no wonder her standards have slipped.  It amazes me that parents don't remind their kids to say please and thank you as force of habit.  I would be mortified if Moons demanded something like a drink from another adult and didn't use basic manners. 

We heard that the live in has had to postpone until September.  There was this natural assumption that that would suit us.  Its really annoying because the baby comes then!  I haven't got time to settle someone in and worry about them, if the baby hasn't arrived yet I'll be barreling around and be far too frumpy and tired to welcome anyone into our home. I had a big melt down and worried how would I cope with two kids, one on the way AND study.  Also, what if I went into labour?  Who would look after the girls?  What contingency plan would we have?  Worst case scenerio - I'd have to go in a ambulance and Steve would have to stay home.  Best case scenerio - Karonious and/or JacnAdie get a call in the middle of the night - if they're reading this - just so they know!  I have found out that the local Nanny college needs host families for accomodation and to practice their skills.  We pay their course fees and supervise some work, giving feedback to the college and they look after the kids.  Live in positions are hard to get, so I'm reassured that we might stand a chance.  Placements start in July until December, giving us plenty of time to look for someone longer term or have this other girl start in the new year.  I've also advertised for a cleaner on trademe.  I've had three responses in one day!  Part time work is obviously pretty sought after.  I really want to get someone good and trustworthy in the house so that its one less thing to worry about.  Eek, realistically I've got two months to get everything into plan so that I can relax and wait to pop!  Pippy is sick again.  Really ill this time.  Fortunately she's sleeping a lot.  Well, we can't do much anyway without free cash!  Takes my mind off my boredom. 

I can feel the baby move a lot now.  Sometimes there are some fair old whacks!  Its a relief to know that everything is alright in there.  Still not terribly excited about the whole thing.  Steve tells me its because its the third, its so sad that the scans and listening to the heartbeat don't get me as excited. The uni course, although extramural does require some attendance in order to pass and as the papers aren't local, I'll be trying to plan whether driving to Palmy North is too risky as I reach the bitter end of pregnancy.  Steve will most likely have to take time off work to drive me.  As my last labour was half an hour, we can pretty much rest assured that this will be a backseat baby - I would just rather be closer to home/hospital then on a backroad on the back from uni!