Where most people have the nesting instinct, my brain is obviously thinking, give this girl some bloody endorphines so she relaxes for once.  A couple of days ago, despite all this crap with the Nanny, I felt a strange sense of peace come over me.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the sea shimmered a beautiful greeney-blue.  I realised I had once again got myself whipped up into such a frenzy I was guilty of not seeing the wood for the trees.  I'm about to have a baby for goodnessake!  Although pregnancy is tough on the old body, I never forget how lucky I am.  We didn't think we'd be able to have children without some medical intervention (Steve's spina bifida) but we've been blessed.  And right now, I need all of my energies to focus on the imminent birth.  I caught up with a friend of mine who said she knew a tutor who was keen for some extra work and would love to help us out for a few hours a day and I called an agency to book an urgent, temp Nanny to help over the Friday and weekend after the induction.  They sound hopeful that while a longer term option might not be available, they'll be able to come up with someone for those key days.  Yesterday was another beautiful day, so I surprised Steve by booking him for his first flying lesson.  On the way there, my big, brave husband admitted he was actually quite nervous.  Its something he's always wanted to do, what if now, finally getting to do it, he wouldn't like it afterall.  It doesn't matter, I said.  He'll get the experience and there's plenty of other things to try out afterwards.

My Aviator....

Steve thoroughly enjoyed his trip, all hats off to the Kapiti Aero Club for making it such a fantastic experience.  Suffice to say, he's keen to persue this hobby!  The day couldn't have been more perfect for it.

Later on in the evening the Nanny arrived back.  We've obviously made her and the college aware that her placement has come to an end.  I did feel a bit sorry for her.  We told her and the college that she was welcome to stay until a new family had been found, we didn't want to turf her out on the street.  But her services were not 'required' and she would effectively be a 'guest.'  When she got home she excitedly informed us that she'd met another family who she's keen to start with.  Although she was keen to tell us that they had really ugly kids with squashed up faces.  She was excited because they were leaving her in the house alone for four days while they holidayed.  More fool them then!  We were happy for her of course, depsite the stupidity, she does have a warm heart.  I think.  This morning, I was in the bath with a really bad back ache - NOT NOW!!  The timing is well off!  Steve was taking Moons to school.  I didn't hear anything.  When I got out of the bath, the cleaner had arrived (early for once!) and asked me what she was meant do with all the people downstairs.  I had no idea what she was on about!  Turns out Sugarbag's family had arrived.  Her Mum and brother and they were sat downstairs at the table with Pip.  Basically, the long and short of it is that she's lost her car keys and managed to park in a way that has blocked Steve and I in.  Despite realising that the keys must be somewhere between the car and her bedroom (she'd locked it). they called the AA to unlock it.  Her Mum is waifer thin, ravaged teeth, decorated in cheap jewellerly and her brother is missing teeth, and when I stuck out my hand to shake his in greeting he seemed to wonder what the hell I was doing.  Its like being in a movie, these are the token trailer trash that sit around cleaning guns.  I explained that we had to move our cars and the Mum slowly drawled that they would roll the car once its unlocked.  What about the power steering/lock I asked?  Blank looks all round.  No apology, no nothing.  Just blank faces.  I actually had this schoolgirl urge to giggle.  If people like this really do exist, then of course, they're going to be in my house!  I explained that we'd like to leave within half an hour, hoping to take some control of the situation with a time frame.  Sugarbag asked her Mum to look in her room for her keys.  Some discussion took place about directions to her room.  Our is home quite large, but not large and complicated enough that you have to draw treasure maps to nagivate around.  Having been told it was 'right' up the stairs and down the hall, I followed shortly after with the intention of hiding in my room until the house restored itself.  I found Sugarbag's Mum hanging out at the top, looking like her battery had run out and she'd shut down.  'Just down there' I offered pointing helpfully down the corridor (a corridor that doesn't have any rooms off it!).  It was just too painful to watch.    I'm actually not up here seething with unrepentent anger (for once!), I just find the whole thing rather comical.  Now, my contractions are making me feel very uncomfortable, so I'll go and lie down for a minute.