Daily life in New Zealand

Dear Friends and Family,
I know it has been some time since I've updated our blog, so I thought I'd put something together while I had the time.

Dale is in the living room watching a nature show while marking papers for the week. We just put Lorri to sleep, which was easy because she was worn out. Our nightly routine for putting her to sleep is reading her a chapter from the Bible, praying together, then tucking her into her bed at 8:00. Usually we give her a sippy cup with warm milk as we read to her. Almost every night she is asleep before we get to the prayer time.
We went to the Papatoetoe public pools before dinner and swam for a couple of hours. Dale and I took turns playing with her in the toddler pool, so we could each swim for exercise. Lorri loves to swim and she played really hard. I think that's why she was so ready for bed.

Dale and I have joined a birthing class, which is three hours in the evening on Thursdays. I'm dragging him to them because I want a refresher course on all the coping with pain techniques. It's nice because we don't have to pay a fee and we get to meet other couples. I think it runs for six weeks.
We have eight weeks left before Corin is due to arrive, but we are praying that he comes earlier. Dale says that we should shoot for the 24th of October and shoot for a short labor. He's helping me stay motivated with walking, swimming, and yoga. It makes me feel alive and not so drowsy when I'm up and active. If I'm not active all I want to do is close my eyes and melt into the bed for hours. Anytime Lorri is sleeping I'm with her. I keep her awake until 11 or 12 then we both sleep together for two hours or so. I'm getting to the point where I can't go without a nap. Corin and Lorri are a team in wearing me out.

On Mondays Lorri and I go to a mothers coffee group. I met a couple of women at playgroup that invited me to join them. They just get together at each others homes and let the kids play as they talk. I have really enjoyed their company and Lorri loves all the toys the other kids have.
Tuesdays we have just started another playgroup. A mother I met at the Wednesday playgroup invited me to go with her to a smaller one. I will still attend on Wednesdays even if I decide to keep going to the Tuesday one.
Wednesday is our original playgroup day, then in the evening we go grocery shopping as a family.
Thursday is a "free" day, which means I do laundry and deep cleaning to catch up with being out during the first half of the week. Fridays are free as well and I usually take Lorri to a park and feed the ducks. We go visit Dale at the school most of the time too. All the teachers hang out together at the end of the day and Dale likes it when I come and join them. We let Lorri run around while we talk and drink hot chocolate.
On Saturdays and Sundays we try and explore as much of New Zealand as we can. We love to go on tramps in the bush, but lately we've been staying close to the city attractions. Two weekends ago it was the Zoo, then we went to the Hamilton Gardens, then this week it was rainy so we hung out at the pool. We hope to go out in the bush this coming weekend though.

We have had our share of sickness in the past month. Dale and I both got the stomach flu and Lorri has had an ear infection and a wheezy cough. We are thankful to the Lord for getting us through. All seems back to normal now.

God has continued to take care of us and provide for us every step of the way. Our love for him and our desire to be obedient to his will is very strong. If you think to pray for us, pray that God will continue to guide us in all our decision making.

We miss you all very much!