Litte B: The Name Game

What’s in a name?  

Nothing and Everything.

Naming our son was more difficult than I anticipated.  Neither of us had boy names in mind that just had to be used when we found out we were expecting our first child.  We knew we wanted our son to have a name that wasn’t overly popular (somewhere outside of the top 25 at least within the last several years) but wasn’t outlandish either and we wanted some part beyond his last name to have some significance.    We tossed names around for weeks, family names, more unique names, names that were popular in the early 1900’s, even before we knew the gender and nothing really stuck for a boy.  We had decided if we had a girl, her middle name would be Aaron’s first name (Erin) and if we had a boy, he would share Aaron’s middle name (Ray).  That was pretty simple.  Once we found out we were having a boy, Aaron found a few names he really liked that I didn’t care for and vice versa. 

When we had a few potentials in mind the nicknames came out.  If we put all of this effort into picking a name we (and when I say we I really mean I here) wanted to make sure we were aware of any name related nicknames we would be subjecting our son too as well. Crazy first time parents, I know.

Then we ran the risk of sharing potential name ideas with others.  No matter how hard sweet people try, I’ve learned it’s really hard to hide when you don’t like a name.  It was kind of funny actually, some people would sound like they liked a name but their face would give them away.  Others would have a look as if they liked it but then their tone was more skeptical.  Others would just flat out say they didn’t care for the name, wanted to know how to spell it, or said that it was an “interesting” choice.  I never really took any of it to heart because I wasn’t particularly attached to any of the potential names we had shared at this point either. 

One day, almost out of nowhere, we started calling him by a name that we had each suggested on separate occasions and it stuck. We shared it cautiously with close family, a few co-workers and close friends and it was warmly received by all.  Even if it hadn’t been warmly received I don’t think that would have made a difference because we like it and he is our son after all.

So,

E is for Evan.

Baby Beucus: 21.5 Weeks and Life Shenanigans

I know, I know, it's been for-EV-er.  I've just been busy living outside of the social media world for a bit, but I'm still here!

First things first: Little B

We are now 21.5 weeks and officially beyond the halfway point!

Sorry this is blurry, but it's late and sleep trumps photo editing tonight.

·       Name: Little B has a name.  It doesn’t start with an “A” or a “K” and is only 4 letters long.  We’ve been calling him by his name for a few weeks now which has helped the reality of things sink in even more.

·       
Movement: In each of our ultrasounds Little B was always all over the place and I’ve been able to notice his turns and rolls since about 17 weeks.  Within the last two weeks the movements have turned into more definitive kicks and punches although I can’t tell feet from hands from elbows and knees yet.  He’s most active in the morning and late afternoon but he really loves when I sing in the car on the way to and from work.  Concern number one: He may be tone deaf.

·       
Symptoms: Aching hips.  My left hip has been loose since I injured my IT band training for last January’s ½ marathon.  That, in combination with the pregnancy hormones loosening up my joints and ligaments even further, has made sleeping pretty tricky because the pain wakes me up.  I’ve tried physical therapy, sleeping with a pillow between my knees and ankles, switching sides and stretching.  I’m headed to a chiropractor on Friday for some additional help.  Wish me luck!


·       Food Favorites: Chocolate almond milk and frozen green grapes, but not together.


·      Weight: As of today I've gained 8 pounds.  Little B measured 7.5 inches and weighed 11 ounces at our     

anatomy ultrasound during week 19, right on target according to our doctor.

·        New Baby Items: My Aunt and Uncle sent us a Sophie the Giraffe!  It was their Grandson's first favorite toy and I'm sure our son will love his too.  She is so cute and soft and squeaky!  We have also received some really cute outfits and his first book from sweet family members and friends!  His room is almost empty and will be ready for his furniture (and all other things baby) soon :)

Sweet Sophie

Other Non-Baby Related Life Updates:

·       We finally have a front patio: We have lived in our house for a little over 2.5 years, with most of our time dedicated to remodeling the inside.  Now that those projects have come to a close we finally have time to dedicate to our front yard, something we’ve been looking forward to since day one.  In the last week we had our stamped and stained patio finished and we’re onto installing the sprinkler system for our lawn.  Maya and Marley love the grass at the park so I’m very excited for them to have their own lawn to run free and play on.

It's littered with leaves, see my thoughts on wind below, and hard to see the detail but it's done and usable and that makes me happy.

·       It’s still windy: I’m not kidding when I say I think San Diego should claim Chicago’s “Windy City” title.  It’s been windy here since last December and I am admittedly over it.  I’m so grateful we aren’t dealing with flooding and tornados but we’ve already had our fair share of fire and that too is scary, especially with wind.

·       Aaron got a detail:  It’s kind of like a mini promotion.  He’ll spend and extended period of time in that position and once that time is over he’ll be officially qualified to apply for any open spots specific to that position.  We don't like to make a big deal out of his work stuff but it's pretty neat and I’m pretty proud of him.  Along with the winds have come off forest assignments and lots of delta (extended overnight) shifts.  It’s safe to say Maya has taken up semi-permanent residence in the dining room waiting for her favorite human to come home. 

·       We spent a weekend with great friends in Idyllwild: I have only been to Idyllwild once when I was really little.  It was so much fun to explore the town, stay in a rustic old cabin with friends and play card games late into the night.

There was a really neat soda shop there with all sorts of old sodas.  We aren't soda drinkers but when an opportunity to try and old school style soda arises, how can you not?

·       My office is moving: There’s been rumor that my newly downsized space may or may not be very similar to Harry Potter’s closet under the stairs but I’d hate to get my hopes up.

We’ve had a lot more going on but this post is already long and my recent pregnancy brain deserves an entire write up of its own.  Until then friends…….