Still here

It has been a while, eh?! I feel as though I have nothing to discuss, rather, bore my last few standing readers with. I guess that’s a bit ironic considering we’ll become a family of four (+ mutt) in less than five weeks. WOO HOO!! As I told someone recently, I’m ready physically, but mentally we’re still processing what that exactly means, all the while, being very excited. We’re getting there. He does finally have a place to rest his head surrounded by walls painted “Anew Gray,” so that’s a major accomplishment.

In other “This Old House” news…it would appear that we’ve done very little, but that is hardly the case. My husband, bless him, has continued his tireless efforts in the areas of back-hoeing  (as in rented one for several days under the warning of ‘do not let me come home and find that thing upside down with you underneath’), re-grading our negatively graded yard, uprooting plants trees, re-sodding,  digging new stairs out of a hill of dirt and roots, stripping walls, sanding walls, repainting walls and trim, hanging new doors, installing a closet system and exchanging old hardware for new….and that was JUST in the nursery alone. SO… see, there IS progress. How does he do it? He’s wonderful. Me, you ask? EB and I spend our afternoons and weekends usually submerged in water that is only partially cooler than the current outside temp of 101. All in an effort to, “Keep her away while you work.” I did do some taping of 4234523 window panes.

I will say, these many hours poolside have made her a great swimmer, allowed her to perfect her underwater flip (this is a big deal for her), do a handstand and, as of recently, “walk on her hands,” as she PROUDLY reported to me over the weekend. I’m reconsidering a year-round swimming badge. 

Maybe we'll be back with a 34.5 week update soon. If not, you'll be seeing newborn pics, I'm afraid.

The name game

You've heard the famous question, "What's in a name?" Well, perhaps I should share what's in our name. I haven't intentionally been secretive. I just never mentioned it, did I?!

Some folks are all about what a name means. Some people like to create names. I hate to say, but I don't even know what "Holly" means (other than a prickly bush and that I’m a December baby) and I'm not creative enough to come up with anything worth repeating. So.... What's my vice, you ask?? Family names. They are important to us and high on our list.

P.S. I’m going to go ahead and say, if you’ve never had the pleasure, names are HARD! Very hard. Family names that already exist or not. HARD!

The eldest (who really needs no introduction) is Evelyn "Evie" (like heavy without the "h." in case you're late to this party) Virginia. She is named after Jason's mom who passed away and my grandmother.

So, in keeping with that, this babe's name originally was our boy name for EB (because I was VERY sure she was a boy). We couldn't turn away from it, so here we are…

John Baker will be here in a short 8.5 weeks, Lord willing. He will be named after my granddaddy and my dad. Jason also has some John's on his side. So, that's what it is.

You'll learn not to make goofy faces with my camera present!

The next question, will he have a double name? I couldn't tell you that. We call him "John Baker." That’s all I know. Will he be just "Baker?" I can't help you out with that one either. We'll just see. If you know us in our real lives, there's a strong chance you call my husband "JB." I'm sure the nickname is only a matter of time before it sticks on John Baker too.

John Baker Black, we cannot WAIT to meet you and see you face-to-face. We are so excited to welcome you into this family. As for your sister, she will not help to feed or change you because, and I quote, "NO way!! I'll get my hands all dirty." However, she can't wait to hold you and change your shirt and pants. See, you're a loved boy already.