So it's mid-May, and that means we're pretty much in the clear in Kansas City to plant outside and not worry too much about too-cold nights.
Last weekend I ran to the local nursery and picked up some beautiful geraniums for my back deck. Our deck gets zero shade and it's elevated and I swear it gets to 115 degrees out there in the summer. Clearly, we're fairly limited as to what we can put out there. Usually I try to mix it up, but this year I am going all-red-geraniums in every pot and calling it done. I'm fairly certain we can remember to water these easy-to-please plants nightly before bringing in the dog.
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I have to be honest; I'm pretty tired and achy these days. We've got about 4 weeks left until baby is here and I'm feeling every bit that far along. My normal 200 mph daily speed has slipped considerably. I'm still keeping up with housework and laundry and cooking and the kids, but at the end of the day there isn't much left.
And this slower pace is oh-so-frustrating. I'm in a funky mood because of it. I'm frustrated with my inability to tackle everything and get stuff done. And then I'm mad because the funk is obvious, and you know what happens when momma isn't feeling as happy as she should. Everyone picks up on it and then it's just a household pandemic. Crankiness abounds.
Maybe this is a long way of saying I need to step back and readjust my expectations from here on in. Maybe I shouldn't let my list stare at me the way it seems to. Maybe I should exhale, put my feet up and read a little more. Maybe I should accept that, yes, for a long while after this sweet baby is born, I won't be able to tackle all the projects that are swimming in my head. But, no, that doesn't mean I have to get them all done now.
Yes, maybe that is it. Maybe what I need is to simplify my lists, my expectations, and my attitude, just like the pots on my deck.
I think that sounds like a wonderful plan. Kick those shoes off, put your feet up, and relax when you can.
I love red geraniums-so pretty!
Posted by: mary | May 19, 2009 at 05:32 PM
That sounds like a wonderful idea! You don't have to be Wonder Woman! At least, not all the time (since you already are most of the time!) :) Enjoy these last few moments of a quiet(er) household. And get ready of the all of the endless joy to come! :)
Posted by: Erin | May 19, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Sounds good sis!! Love ya
Posted by: aunt fashionista | May 19, 2009 at 08:50 PM
good plan girlfriend! Thanks for the kind words for me today - I needed them.
Put those feet up and relax while you can - that baby's coming and you will be running at 300 mph then.kiss that list goodbye for now and just be happy if everyone is in clean underwear and has some kind of food to eat.
Posted by: mary | May 19, 2009 at 09:10 PM
ah darn. I was just thinking I should facebook you and see how the heck you're feeling -- since I forgot to ask earlier. I think you must slow down. Take it from me. I did. I loved it. I don't think I've picked up speed yet - and my "baby" is now 15 months old. :) he.
Posted by: stacy | May 19, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Yeah, perhaps you should take things slow for now. Then things will fall into place and all will be well! Yay! -happy dance-
Posted by: Puva | May 19, 2009 at 10:55 PM
You can grow things when it's 115! That is a pretty average tempertature for us for about 3-4 months here; it is 105 here during the day already. It can easily get up to 122.
I have no luck with geraniums here, though, so I hope it doesn't get that hot for you!
Vincas last all summer here in the full sun and don't mind it even getting a little dry; they do fine in pots. They look like impatiens but they're for the sun.
Posted by: The Prudent Homemaker | May 19, 2009 at 11:24 PM
The geraniums look oh-so-pretty.
Go easy on yourself, lady. OK?
Posted by: Alicia A. | May 20, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I think the reason we get so miserable at the end is so we are forced to take it easy and rest while we still can.
Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I am still in my high-energy-feeling-good stage!
Hang in there Momma!
~Love ya~
Posted by: Katie | May 20, 2009 at 10:45 AM
PS- I bet the red geraniums look pretty and really pop against the new house color!
Posted by: Katie | May 20, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I can only imagine the list you have created in your head...it is twice as long as the list you have written down. Make a note to self on that list-- to continue to relax.......and smile. The chaos will organize itself.
Posted by: Dee Dee | May 20, 2009 at 12:55 PM
keeping it simple sounds great... love your red geraniums!
Posted by: julie | May 20, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Oh, we're already at the cranky-mama stage around here. Congrats to you on holding it off for this long. :) I totally have a list in my head of stuff I want to do before the cranky AND incapacitated stage sets in. It's hard to let go of the list.
Posted by: amy h | May 20, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Hang in there! I'm sure that 4 months or so from now sounds like an eternity (considering a month till the baby comes and a few months of adjustment)....but it wont be too long till your back at your normal speed.
But uh yea, this is entirely why I don't want to get pregnant again :).
Hmmm....one day I'll change my mind....
Posted by: dana | May 20, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Sounds wise - you know what's important, and its not any of the projects.
Posted by: Cara | May 21, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Those last few weeks are so HARD! Ugh. I am feeling for you. That 'list' is a hard one to toss away. I hope you get to put your feet up and relax soon. :)
Posted by: Crystal | May 21, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I agree -- slow is so hard when you're used to going full speed. I think the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy is pure torture. Good luck. ;o)
I agree with the comment about the vinca. They can be hard to find, but they do WONDERFUL in the sun.
Posted by: nikko | May 21, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Definitely take it easy. We moved house and I spent the last month of my first pregnancy up a ladder plastering and painting (at least my son waited until the final bit was painted before breaking my water). Now I look back and wonder why on earth I didn't spend that time sleeping. at. every. opportunity. while. I. still. had. the. chance...
Posted by: UK lass in US | May 21, 2009 at 03:41 PM
oh yes...you could not have put it any better. I have been there. I have a 2 yr old, 4 yr old, and 6 yr old. I have to stop and tell myself that if everything does not get done...it's ok. Good luck. Hope you get lots of rest before the new little bundle comes! Blessings,
Heather
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Posted by: Heather | May 21, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Hang in there, girl. Remember how much I was complaining in January and February? And then, quite suddenly, she was here. You can make it!!
Posted by: Grace | May 22, 2009 at 12:01 PM
The last month can be tough. I can't wait to see the photos of your baby!!
Posted by: mary smith | May 23, 2009 at 10:58 PM
I just found your site and am so inspired by your creativity. I look forward to reading you more!
Posted by: Rhonda | May 24, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Although I am not expecting a baby, I have had to send my husband to Kuwait for a year, so I know what you mean by slowing down the pace. The funny thing is that I have actually come to enjoy it. Now I have more time for the things I truly love. Don't get me wrong, I still feel frustration, but instead of trying to live on less sleep, I try to get to the core of the problem. Then I fix it. If my house is a mess, I make it my #1 priority. If I need to sew, then I concentrate on that. I find myself actually reading books again. WOW, I think it has been 5 years since I read the last book. LOL. Relax and enjoy. When and wherever you blog, we will still be here admiring your life and your work.
Posted by: Jeannine | May 26, 2009 at 01:24 PM
sounds good. hang in there. how is the nasal congestion? hope it is better.
that salad dressing recipe sounds so yum! i am starving now!
Posted by: katie | May 29, 2009 at 08:02 PM