Name Game Journal

In the past...

We both love the idea of naming our son after our dads. Marshall & Octavio. But then his initials would be MOM or OMM. And our nephew has those same initials. We also considered Saint names. 
My #1 goal is something that doesn't translate from English to Spanish. I want it to stand on it's own. I don't want this kid to be one person to one side of the family and one person to the other side. Every BIG Saint name makes that BIG change: John/Juan -  Joseph/Jose -  Thomas/Tomas - Mark/Markos -  Luke/Lucas - Matthew/Mateo....see?

So now at mass, we'll pay extra attention to the names in the readings. One day it was Amos, that's Italian and doesn't sound completely different in Spanish. It's Amos with an accent on the O.

One thing is unfortunate for sure. We cannot name our son after my husband. His name is SO common (especially with our last name) that it causes so much trouble with international travel, customs, car registration, voting, Everything! It's so sad!! We don't want our future child to blame us for the troubles in his life due to his name (I'm sure he'll blame us for enough as it is!)

Sunday, October 7, 2013

Out to dinner at Joe's Crab Shack (will totally bring the kid here- they have a playground!) and decided to talk about names for the baby if it is a girl. We've talked about boy names before but never really girl names.

J melted my heart when he suggested naming the baby Rachel, after me! I love my name and I had been secretly thinking that would be a cool name for the baby. I also like my middle name Noel.

However, I would like a name that easily translates from English to Spanish. Something that changes in accent rather than entirety. Rachel becomes Raquel - that is a huge change in my mind. I'm stubborn and refuse to answer to Raquel. It's Rachel!

I suggested Christina. Or in Spanish Cristina. Sounds similar, one is with an accent and one is not. J suggested Caroline. He says it sounds similar in both languages. I've been leaning towards names that begin with the letter C, I'm not sure why.

We have plenty of time to think about it...

After Gender Reveal...before birth

When we found out the baby was a boy, all my name ideas went out the window. I am better at picking a girl name because I have more girls in my life, than boys. So we're back to picking boy names.

Still waiting to see what saint day the baby BOY will be born on. For now we're thinking of Marshall Jesus M. Initials MJM. Nickname MJ. Future basketball star, recording artist, who knows? But we aren't committed just yet. We still have time!

9th Month
During this 9th month my husband has become obsessed with the name Tiberius. It turns out it is a saint name so I can't argue there. But I'm not willing to give up my dad's name for Tiberius. Hubs will have to give up Jesus. So his initials will be MTM. I think Tiberius is a cool name, but it has no significance to our family history. I don't want hubby to regret that decision.

We found out if the baby isn't here soon he'll be induced on March 13th. The saints with Feast Days on March 13th are St. Agnellus of Pisa, St. Urpasian, St. Sabinus, St. Heldrad, St. Macedonius, St. Roderic and Salomon, St. Mochoemoc, St. Roderic, St. Ansovinus, St. Theusetas, St. Kevoca, St. Ramirus and Companions, and St. Nicephorus. I don't see any of those working...

Birthday!
We kept the baby's name a secret from everyone! Even our doctor. So as soon as the baby was born and we confirmed it was a boy we were asked "What's his name?!?" by all the nurses and our doctor. I was so proud to be able to say "His name is Marshall Jesus". Very very cool. 

So his initials are MJM and his name is Marshall Jesus. Well that lasted for about 12 hours. After word spread my friend nicknamed him Mar Mar, I heard my Father-in-law calling him Chuy, and my comedian of a brother-in-law met him saying "Marshall Marshall Marshall" like the "Marsha Marsha Marsha" of the Brady Bunch. I like MJ but I find myself calling him Marshall for now and it fits beautifully. 

Last Month Diary

Journal to Baby Boy as we await his arrival. 

February 7: After feeling a lot of pressure over the weekend I went to see my doctor. Doctor says I can't attend Auntie Shaena's wedding in Las Vegas on February 22. He said you are measuring too big and I will probably have you before March 6. Too many emotions to share. I'll just say I'm thankful for the support everyone is giving us.

Saturday, February 8: Daddy and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. Hard to believe we've been married a year and we already have a blessing like you on the way.

February 9: Mommy wanted to relax all day, but couldn't! There was a family birthday party and we needed to look at car seats for your drive home from the hospital. Mommy did sleep on the drive to Lubbock. Dad said it was weird because he "missed his friend" who keeps him company on the road.

February 13: Went to the doctor with our doula, Danielle. Doctor visit went well. He says I'm a little dilated which means you're getting ready to make your appearance!

Saturday, February 15: Mommy is very excited about your arrival. She has a lot to do to prepare, but she's not worried. She knows you'll come when you and God are ready.

February 16: Mommy and Dad were surrounded by the love of family and friends at your baby shower at the local Lion's Club. It was quite a crowd and you go lots of clothes and diapers! We thought we'd get a car seat, but we didn't. That's the #1 thing we need before your arrival. You'll soon realize Mommy is a safety freak.

February 17: I think you'll come on a Monday. Every Monday I feel a little more pressure as you try and make you way out. Dad surprised me after work so we could go shopping for a car seat. When we were shopping I called my friend Sarah G in San Antonio for advice. Instead of advice, Sarah just bought us our car seat on the spot! So it's thanks to Sarah, her husband Paul and your soon-to-be friend Vinny that you will be safe and sound following your entry into the world!

February 18: Mommy and Dad finished packing their hospital bags. The car seat and stroller are put together and we are ready for you to arrive! Mommy even had the energy to vacuum, cook dinner and do laundry. Can we say nesting!!

February 19: There is a lot of pollen in the air this week. Mommy is very congested and wakes up every hour to blow her nose. Soon, I'll be waking up every hour to check on you!

February 20: Went to the doctor. You aren't ready to come out yet! I got to see you on the ultrasound (well, the back of your head). The doctor wanted to make sure you were head down. Boy oh boy! You were head down and you have a big head! When I told Grandpa Kellar that he said you probably got that big head from him.

February 21: These allergies really got to me today at work. I left work early because I couldn't focus on doing my job. Went home to rest all afternoon. Saw your cousin Carlos play basketball. He's really good! My doula is officially "on-call" for me which means she'll be checking up on us to be sure we feel healthy and happy.

Saturday, February 22: We could have been in Las Vegas today! I'm spending all day on Facebook and Instagram looking for pictures of Auntie Shaena's wedding. I forgot Las Vegas is 2 hours behind us. So I stayed up late trying to catch a glimpse of the bride. She looked beautiful! This week has probably been the most difficult week of my pregnancy. My body aches, my mind is distracted, my emotions are all over the place. I honestly couldn't imagine traveling 12 hours to be in a busy day of wedding activities. I can hardly imagine getting off the couch right now! These hormones aren't helping with the disappointment of missing my best friends wedding either :( I'm trying to get to the bottom of this ice cream tub, hoping there's a morsel of happiness down there.

February 23: Daddy and I spent the day together. I slept in while he checked the cows and the land (he's watering wheat and plowing fertilizer into the ground). We went to church at noon in the next town and ate at Chili's for lunch. That spinach and artichoke dip never tasted so good! YUM! This afternoon we just watched movies and organized the house a little. Daddy's toboggan started falling apart, but Mommy was able to sew it together for him! Can't wait until I can sew something for you!

February 24: You're still not here! No pressure this morning either. So much for my Monday theory. The wonderful people I work with threw me a baby shower for you today. I work with a lot of grandparents so they know what worked in the past and what works now! You got your first rosary (it's from Međugorje!) , Sophie the giraffe (for teething), and a nubba wub, among many other fabulous items.  I wonder if you'll be a pacifier baby. Mommy would suck her thumb when she was a little girl but she needed braces later because of that! You aren't sucking your thumb in the sonograms so maybe you'll save us some money by avoiding braces. The Bishop blessed Mommy, thanking God for new life (that's you!) and praying for a successful delivery (whenever you decide that is...).

February 24 (evening): Wow! Today was a very hormonal day. You'll learn what hormones are when you are a teenager - until then, don't worry about it! Just be thankful the mommy and daddy have such great family and friends. They also are very good at communicating to each other. Mommy was feeling sad so she texted Daddy and he helped her relax. Then your Tia Mayra called Mommy and took her mind off the emotions. Mommy also talked to Aunt Shaena and Sarah and they both helped Mommy feel better. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Sisterhood to console a mother-to-be. Thanks be to God for my girls (and husband).

February 25:  Met with Danielle the Doula today. She says you'll probably be here NEXT Friday. that's the day after your due date. So much for Doctor thinking you'll be early. As long as you a healthy, mommy will be happy! I had steak and pasta for dinner and you LOVED it. I guess you're a true Texas boy who loves his beef! 

February 26: An uneventful day today. You are still in there! I watched a movie called 'The Business of Being Born' it was an eye-opener to the natural birth process. Mommy is hoping for a natural birth, to keep the drugs out of your system. This documentary helped with my self-confidence about the whole situation.

February 27: Mommy was up at 5 a.m. today and couldn't get back to sleep. I had a doctor's appointment today. Doctor says I'm 50% effaced and at a -3 station. I've felt my hip bones moving around so I thought there was some change. I'm surprised it's -3 stationed. Doctor wants to see how much you weigh next week. He thinks you'll be a big baby and we'll need to do a c-section. I don't want a c-section. Your daddy was 10lbs and he wasn't delivered via c-section. If you're big that just means there's more of you to love!

February 28: A lot of people thought you'd be joining us today, but you had other plans. People are calling and texting asking where you are. I tell them you are just too comfortable right now. I went grocery shopping today to prepare some frozen meals while we're home recovering from birth. The shopping tired me out so I'll make the meals tomorrow.

Saturday, March 1: Mommy was motivated to stay home and get stuff done today. She made 8 crock pot meals from the Six Sister's Stuff blog. These should keep us full for a few weeks following your birthday. 

March 2: It snowed today! After a lazy day around the house mommy and daddy were looking forward to getting out of the house. But around 10 in the morning it started to ice and then snow! We stayed home and did some projects around the house. You decided not to come today which is good because that would have been a slippery ride to the hospital!

March 3: Mommy was so tired and hungry today! I think my face was swollen too. I tried eating spicy food because that is known to help labor start. I had black eyed peas and white rice with lots of Tabasco sauce. Oh and spinach. Then I had a dream I had triplets! Are you hiding something from me??

March 4: Mommy is nervous about tomorrow's doctor appointment. How big are you? Why don't you want to come see us yet? We want to do what is right so we'll get you here as safe as possible. But feel free to get things started on your own. See that bag of fluid? Just pop it!


March 5: Doctor says you are only 7lbs right now. There is a 20% margin of error but I'm not worried. I am concerned that your head measurement was OOR (Out Of Range) which means you have a BIG head! Big head means big brain, so you're going to be smart! We got a 3D photo of you. You are so cute! We think you look like daddy, but you might have mommy's upper lip. 

March 6: Today is your due date! and you're not here.

March 9: Today is Aunt Jessica's birthday and Daylights Savings Day. You want to be a spring baby, not a winter baby. You want those long sunny days so you stuck around until the clocks changed. Actually you're still in there! Are you trying to be a summer baby?!

March 10: I didn't go to work today because I was so tired from the weekend. I spent the weekend cleaning the house and getting ready for your arrival. I thought if I'd keep on my feet today and work out more you might make an appearance. You didn't. and now my ankles are swollen.

March 11: Whew! I was so tired this morning! I drove an hour to work, parked my car and fell asleep in my car seat for about 20 minutes! I was snoring and everything! You are wearing me out kiddo! We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to check on things. I'm pretty sure there will be no change. But you will be here in 2 days! I can't wait to meet you and I pray everything goes well during your delivery!

March 12: As expected, no change in my progress this morning at the doctor. I keep telling everyone you are already a mama's boy because you don't want to leave my womb! We'll head in to the hospital this evening and spend the night. By morning my water will break and you'll be on your way!

To be Continued...

Prayers!

A few prayers to get the through the next two days...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways acknowledge

him, and he will direct your paths. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Breathing Prayer

Take a deep breath and imagine that you are breathing in God’s Love.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out any tension or anxiety.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out fear.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out negativity.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out anger or resentment.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out worry.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out questions or doubts.

Breathe in God’s love, and breathe out judgmental attitudes.

Breathe in God's love, and breathe out anything in you that is not of God.

Now breathe quietly for a few minutes and imagine that God’s love is flowing through you

to every part of your body. Amen.

Advice from St. Francis de Sales

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,

God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things.

And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today

will take care of you today and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you

unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings. St. Francis de Sales

Fountain Meditation

This is the fountain outside the church belonging to the priest who married us.
We were meeting with him in 2012 when we snapped these photos. It was a beautiful day!