It’s official — my yogurt, cheese, and eggs all have expiration dates after my due date.
Things are FINALLY starting to feel ‘real’ — and yes, we still have to move Simon upstairs and get the nursery ready for the next baby. No rush, I still have 3 weeks to go!
Although our house still isn’t ready, my bags are not packed, and I have no birth plan… I DO have some sort of a plan for my blog over the next 12 weeks (which is when Dave heads back to school again in the fall).
Many of you know that over the past few years, I have taken anywhere from 2-5 weeks COMPLETELY off from blogging in the summer. Those weeks are a glorious opportunity for me to rest, recharge, spend quality time with my family, go on vacation, work on house and yard projects, and just enjoy a little change of pace for a bit.
Well, I’m sure it’s no surprise that with a new baby arriving smack in the middle of the summer, I’m planning to schedule some form of a “Summer Siesta” again. I’m still not 100% sure how it will all play out, but right now, my tentative plan is to have a handful of posts pre-written before the baby is born, and then to space those posts out over July and August (maybe 1 or 2 posts a week).
However, since I can’t just go and have a new baby without sharing the big news, cute pictures, and monthly updates with you, I’ll also be writing a few current posts during those months as well.
If everything goes smoothly, you can most likely expect anywhere from 1-3 new posts per week from MY “labor day” (early July) through our nation’s Labor Day (early September). 🙂 After that, I hope and plan to get back to my 5 posts per week schedule.
Of course, if there are complications or if things get too crazy around here, my blog just might be quiet for a few weeks… but I’m hoping that doesn’t happen. In any case, I’m just happy I at least have a tentative plan for my blog and business this summer!
YAY for a plan!
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And guess what????
I also have a REALLY fun week planned next week on the blog!
We’re having a Celebration Week!
Along with having a new baby, there is a lot to celebrate in our house right now — so I have a full week of fun and over $1500 of giveaways planned for next week! (read more details here)
Here’s a brief run-down of what and how we’re celebrating…
MONDAY June 15: 8 fabulous giveaways to kick off the week!
TUESDAY June 16: Celebrating my birthday — the BIG 30!
WEDNESDAY June 17: Celebrating all the house and yard projects we’ve finished so far!
THURSDAY June 18: Celebrating the new baby!
FRIDAY June 19: Celebrating the official start of summer and the fact that Dave is home for a couple months!
Many of the giveaways are geared towards baby and kid items — but there are a couple for everyone!
It should be a really fun week for me and (hopefully) for all of you — so I hope you plan to pop in several times next week to enter the giveaways and “celebrate” with us!
Kristen says
Waaah, I’ll miss you! Just joking, of course you deserve some time off 😉 (Even though I know you won’t be totally “off”!) Maybe you could do a post about blogs you like to read, to give us something to fill the void while you’re posting less. I think you did that once?? I thought that was how I found my way to Young House Love several years ago. (Sorry if it wasn’t you!)
Andrea says
Thanks Kristen 🙂
And yes, that WAS probably me who introduced you to Young House Love — I totally miss them. Also, you must have read my mind because I’m already planning a post about the blogs I currently read most!! That will give you plenty of reading material while I’m not around quite as much!
Georgia says
Getting so excited for you and the delivery of baby Dekker #3! Sounds like you have a flexible plan and will be putting yourself and family first, as you adjust to life as a family of five. Hope all goes well with your delivery and recovery. Take care and enjoy your weekend! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Georgia!
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
Good for you for having a plan – and for planning to be flexible! I am praying the transition from 2 to 3 babies is a smooth one. And happy early 30th birthday! I’m loving my 30s, and I trust you will too! 🙂
JJ says
So excited for you! =)
kerri says
Can’t wait!!
Deborah says
I am amazed how great you look pregnant even with a side few! Lol. You will be back in your jeans after delivery! You have a beautiful family and are such a great mom. Your home projects are done with great thought and timing. I enjoy reading your blog very much, keeping up with what’s new and I am still learning. God Bless you and your family with the upcoming delivery and next few months of settling. Enjoy your time off from blogging too.
Best,
Deborah
Andrea says
haha — thanks Deborah. Just remember, black is slimming — so that’s probably why I look smaller 🙂
April says
Hope you have a wonderful summer with your family. I would be lying if I said I won’t miss the five blogs per week, but so happy to learn of your plan to keep us updated. You are such an inspiring person. You will never regret putting your family first. Question for you: Where do you find so much wisdom at such a young age? Your kids are so lucky.
Andrea says
Thanks April. I’ll be back soon enough — and I’ll still be hanging out on Facebook quite a bit, so feel free to head on over there if you need an “Andrea Dekker fix” 🙂
Erin says
My bday is the day before yours!! I’ll be 35! Have a wonderful break!! Can’t wait to hear about new baby’s arrival!
Andrea says
well happy (almost) 35th birthday to you!
JoAnn C. says
Much love and prayers are sent your way. Here’s to a beautiful summer and the Dekker’s.
JoAnn C. says
Oops, should have read …a beautiful summer at the Dekkers.
Michelle says
So happy for you and your beautiful growing family! As much as I love reading your blog I am still glad you’ll be taking some time to enjoy your summer and adapt to a new member of the family. Sending prayers for blessings, good health and a peaceful summer. You’ve definitely earned some time off!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Michelle — I really appreciate it!
Julie Gosnell says
Looking forward to whatever we can get while you are resting and relaxing (If that actually happens LOL) with your new one!
Siobhan says
Aww! looking forward 🙂
Lisa says
I will be sure to enter as I’ll be celebrating 50 also while you celebrate 30 on Tuesday .hope i win ,and excited for the new baby but no worries lul momma Nora will be there to help you,she so sweet!
Andrea says
yay — happy 50th birthday to you!