What's in a name?

...a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet.

I tend to overthink about some things. Naming babies is one of them. My darling husband thinks I'm crazy sometimes, which I blame on the current instability of my hormones.

I have two idea routes for baby names. The first is alphabetical. I have an A, skipped B, have a C, so if I skip D, I need an "E" name. The second is literary. I have two names from the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyers, so I should just look for the next one from there....

One or two syllable names tend to be better with our last name...and names that end in "n" tend to be awkward. Also, I have sort of old-fashioned names so far, so something trendy won't really fit with the family.

Names I can't/won't use: (some of these we really like, I just don't like with our last name, for various reasons that I could explain if you really wanted.....but they're overthought and boring and/or silly according to some people who shall remain nameless.)

Cooper
Christian
Christopher
Dave/David
Harrison
Emmett
Hudson
Tanner
Treydon

Anybody have any suggestions? (Oh, and Scott may be the middle name.)

Cycle Time!

Yesterday daddy asked A if she wanted to take the training wheels off her bike and learn to ride it without them. Her face lit up with excited apprehension. Off came the wheels. On came many trips up and down the driveway with daddy coaching and holding onto the back of the seat. I was amazed that after an hour of practice she could start the bike herself and ride up and down the driveway. She was so determined and never gave up. I think this was the first time in her life (that she could remember) experiencing this type of success. We were so proud of her! And of course, we spent the evening cheering and clapping and not taking picturs. I'll have to get one later.

drumroll please.......

....it's a boy! =)

(no, I'm not posting pictures!)

Sharing the Joy

As the belly grows, so does the frequency and intensity of the kicks and wiggles from my little "renter". I really love this part of pregnancy. I marvel at the miracle taking place and feel reassured that things are on the right track with every bump. I could be happy just to sit all day and watch and feel my belly move. This is also when my sweetheart can feel the baby and be more a part of what is happening.

This is a new experience for my kids too. Sweet A has been so excited and anxious to feel the baby move, she keeps asking if it's big enough. Well, today she got to feel the baby for the first time. She placed her hand on my belly and her sweet little pixie face lit up when she felt the wiggles under her hand. So cute! She tried to get her brother over for a similar experience, but he was too interested in trying to convince me that he needed cookies for dinner to pay attention. Not to worry, little man, there's still plenty of time left to capture an experience. =)

Tent vs. Sausage

Who designs maternity clothes anyway?!?

I don't want to look like a circus tent or a breakfast sausage. Those seem to be my current choices. Are those models even pregnant? Who keeps the same hips and bust and only grows in the belly?

I went the rounds with my old clothes...I cannot believe how high the waists are on those pants!! The pockets were in the least flattering spot possible--my waist. (How did we do it, people?!) The shirt fabric is soooo heavy.

Anyway. I'll bust out the sewing machine and see what I can come up with.

Cinco de Mayo

I know I'm a little late with this post, but better late than never.

Last Monday my sweetheart came home with a dozen red roses for me!

(I was thinking of that commercial where the guy says that he "thought about it" when his girl asks if he remembers what the day is...)

The kids were real excited to see the flowers and asked why?

Scott replied, "Because 8 years ago your mom agreed to marry me."

Awwh! He remembered the night when he proposed, and he had roses for me then too. It was such a sweet, unexpected, thoughtful time to bring flowers. They've made me so happy all week!

(Yeah, they lasted through Mother's Day (convenient) and he commented on how much more flower you can get for your buck when it's not Valentine's Day (not his favorite)... Still, the romance was there...more than just a thinking about it!)

Boy or Girl?

Yes, folks, this is the week where we find the gender of our wee bundle of joy. Provided, of course, that Jr. cooperates! Gone are the days of waiting for 9 months to find out. Just to make things fun, I've posted a poll on the side for your best estimated guess.

A few things to keep in mind: We waited for birth to find out with our first baby--girl, we used the ultrasound to find out with the second baby--boy. There are 3 new baby girls on my side of the family already this year. Both of the kids want a baby sister.

Happy guessing. I'll let y'all know next Sunday the results!

(Thanks for all your comments and well wishes!)