Sunday, June 26, 2011

Caravan baby.

I know this may sound ridiculous, but sometimes this impending caravan adventure feels like an impending birth.

I think it feels like about week 37 of a pregnancy.

We live in a small town and every where we go that's all anybody wants to talk about: When is the date? Have you got a plan? How do the girls feel about it? Have you packed your bags? Are you excited/nervous/ready?

There are lists upon lists upon lists of things to prepare.

Lots of specialised equipment to buy and borrow.

A new car to fit us and all the gear in.

As usual, my nesting is not of the cleaning variety but of the sewing variety.

I'm having doubts.

We can't agree on a name.

I'm sick of listening to everyone else's stories and I am ready to start our own.

It keeps me up at night.

I'm starting to fill the freezer with meals and snacks.

Despite the obvious, I'm in denial.

We have a special relationship with those about to embark on the same journey.

I could probably go on and on but you get the picture.

The truth is though that I'm surprisingly glad we are going off on this kind of adventure and not that. That I don't have swollen ankles and leaky boobs. That the biggest plan we'll have is no plan at all.

I've been struggling under the weight of all that I have to do over the last few days, but just now we took in some of the vintage sheety bedding and strung up some of the trims I've been crocheting and I liked what I saw. It looks like I wanted it to look. My vision is becoming a reality. It feels homey.

So over the next few days I'll start and hopefully finish nine curtains, sew three pillow slips and two fitted sheets and then I'll start packing. Possibly two weeks and we're outta here.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppp!!!!!!!

48 comments:

  1. OH!! YAY for exciting new adventures!! Double YAY for the finalising of long dreamed of plans!

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  2. So exciting! I'd love to just pack up and drive. Bliss... (oh, except for the pre-planning and packing of course)!

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  3. Natural to feel nervous but what fun!!! I am so jealous we did it when we only had 3 kids and loved it.I would so love a gypsy van to do it again with all my family including the grandies.
    Cant wait to follow your adventures.xxx

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  4. Thank god you don't have to actually squeeze the caravan out of your vagina!! lordy!!
    I reckon the caravan is a little womb like- everything you need in one place!

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  5. Sounds like a grand adventure. I'm sure you will get it all sorted out and once you are on the road, it'll all be good. Enjoy! Tammy

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  6. Well, it's just like giving birth really, once you're on the way you'll forget all the pain that came before... :o)
    Lizzie
    xxx

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  7. I just love the look of anticipation and excitement on your children's faces. How fabulous for all of you!

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  8. Oh, I know, this excitement for a new adventure and yet the anxiety for the change and the unkown.
    If you had the time to write down your feelings, it will be good to 'cleanse' your soul and also it would be a lovely souvenir of this important family moment in the years to come.

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  9. Oh Kate, it is going to be the most beautiful caravan ever.

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  10. So exciting! This adventure will be life-changing for all of you..
    Good luck with all the prep. It will so be worth it.
    Xx

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  11. I want my own caravan adventure too! waaaaahhhh!!!
    Post lots and lots and lots pics won't you? Pleeeease :-)
    xxxCate

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  12. eeeeep indeed! Look at those little girl bunks. How cute and cozy and how unbelievably exciting for you. I'm dead envious! It's uncanny how all those questions could absolutely be about an impending birth. And hilarious that you can't agree on a name!

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  13. This must be beyond exciting for you all! Your van looks brilliant so far, and those goregous quilt covers, your lovely trimmings, it's just amazing. It's going to be awesome!!

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  14. perfect. the GIBB RIVER rd has just fully opened..there are still lots of repairs going on up past cape leveque, queen's face , way. happy travels!

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  15. Dear Kate,

    Sorry that the overlocker has not been working and changing the needle did not help. I used to prayer to St.Clara (Patron Saint of sewers and needleworkers) when I had a line of 25 Year 7's waiting in line to use the over locker. (No offence to patron saints and Christians). I needed all the help I could get.

    All the best on your adventures

    Jude

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  16. Happy caravaning Kate! My auntie and uncle and Paul's mum used to go on adventures in their caravan all over Australia and they absolutely loved it. I am sure yours will be one of excitement and meeting lots of wonderful people and making life long friends too, just like in blogland, lol! Your caravan is looking great. Have fun packing for your big adventure xxx

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  17. I'm feeling the need for a big bow or some sort of "christening/naming gown" for the new baby!

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  18. It's looking so nice! Are you also getting suggestions and advice from everyone in the street??
    so exciting!

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  19. How exciting. How long are you planning on being away for and where are you going?

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  20. Oh Kate...it's looking quite amazing...and farmer Bren is the treasure hanging up some granny goodness...Isn't he...

    I could envision farmer Bren and my man sitting on some old chairs out the back...knees crossed and cuppa in hand debating how many metres of crocheted granny goodness it takes to cover a caravan...

    We are very lucky ladies indeed...

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  21. Yay indeed, you know you will get it all done and the day you set off on your new chapter in life you will be able to take a deep breath and let it out and just enjoy the ride. Wheeehooooo.
    I am loving all your colorful magic you are creating for your wee home on wheels.
    x Sandi

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  22. Yay it's almost time! Me and my parents set off on just such an adventure when I was 5. Lots of great memories to be made good luck to you.

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  23. Beds are looking ACE ... so patchworky!!!!

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  24. YAY for it looking how you wanted/visioned it ( which is pretty gorgeous if these sneak peaks are a indicator )xo

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  25. Sounds like the nesting is going well. The kidlets all look pretty pleased with their digs. Can you give us a grand tour of the baby before you leave? melx

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  26. Wow, I love this caravan. I am also here for the first time so about to go nosy about some of your posts and have a read.

    We are at the very begining of starting to plan a trip. Not sure where or how! If you are back in three years and need to sell the caravan, let me know!

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  27. I was telling a friend about your adventure, as her family is also embarking on one. They are moving to NZ for a year from the US! She is a doctor and will be working an hour out of Auckland...I am so jealous! I told her I'd give her all the blog addys of the ones I read in NZ...

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  28. So, so pleased none of that huff and puffery malarkey will be required come D day. It's going to be fabulous. Imagine how BORING life would seem without this count down!

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  29. I feel so excited for you and totally envious at the same time, sending lots of happy caravaning vibes and I do hope we hear from you from time to time or else I shall I miss you xx

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  30. WOW WOW WOW Kate! It's all coming together, how exciting! I am quietly envious of your amazing trip already. To just pack up and have no plan at all, sounds BRILLIANT! You'll get there, just keep smiling xo

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  31. The journey wouldn't be even half as meaningful and enjoyable if you weren't stressing about it before hand. I have NO experience, but I'm imagining that being pregnant and giving birth is similar.
    By the way - Yay for your farmer boy hanging gorgeous crotchet trim - think you have a good one there.

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  32. Yipeeee can you please pick me up on the way through?
    Oh Kate it looks fabulous. I'm so ecstatically happy for you All ... whooop-de-doo. ♥♥♥♥♥

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  33. What Joy ... thank you for doing what so many of us would love to do too ... but for whatever reason, just can't!

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  34. How exciting for you alll. I am looking forward to finding out where those no plans are going to take you. I know something for sure. The five of you are going to have a blast.

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  35. I would love to caravan if I could snuggle under gorgeous coloured quilts and gaze out through my window at the landscape! :)

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  36. wow kate, the gypsy van is looking stunning. i hear you about the scary planning. we are yet to formulate a plan. the packing, the preparation for mishaps, OMG it all gets a bit much. i'm hanging for the day we pull out of the driveway

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  37. i love your caravan posts. so much crochet and vintage sheet prettiness that i can't help smiling! good luck on your final preparations.

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  38. How totally exciting! All your beautiful creations look fabulous in your gorgeous caravan. Have a lovely week!

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  39. Your van is looking quite stunning Kate, it's coming together beautifully. Good luck getting all the last minute bits and pieces done.

    x

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  40. I am still chuckling over Cath's comment. That crocheted trim is divine. Oh it will be fabulous to get on the road!

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  41. I'm so excited for you. Best of luck with finishing everything, packing and starting your adventure

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  42. oh i am so excited for you and your family this sounds so exciting. i love the curtains in the above post too. but the pics in this post make me want a cute homey caravan and this adventure too someday in my life too. have fun x

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  43. eeeep times a gazzilion! your adventure looks like sooo much fun.
    hope you are coping with the cold.
    sending you some sunshine lovely ♥

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  44. Holy crap your caravan rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  45. How wonderful! I'm so excited for you!! So great to see all the hard work you've done too - the caravan is looking fantastic Kate :) Kx

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Thanks so much for stopping by...

I do read every single comment you leave and appreciate it very much, but I should let you know that I can be a wee bit on the useless side when replying to comments, that's just me, everyday life sometimes gets in the way....so I'll apologise now, just in case.

Kate XX

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