What's in a name?

Ethan Michael...

Before I got pregnant I used to tease Nathan about picking out baby names. One day he came home from work and announced, "I thought of a baby name today." I was shocked but excited...and curious. He announced his pick of "Ethan" and explained how he liked it because it was similar to his name. I told him that I liked it too and we never really mentioned it much again.

When we found out we were pregnant this year Nathan decided instantly that he thought we were having a girl. He would barely discuss boy names so we decided on a girl name that we both really liked. I was so set to the fact that we were having a girl because EVERYONE (except maybe two or three people) said they really felt like we would have a girl also. When the ultrasound technician told us we were having a boy I was shocked. Even a week after we found out I would still catch myself saying aloud, "I can't believe we're having a boy." Nathan would just laugh at me every time I said it. :)

Needless to say, at least we already had a first name picked out so I didn't have to go through a bunch of baby name books and websites again. Now it was on to the middle name. My middle name is a family name that is very important to me so I had already told Nathan he couldn't argue about a girl's middle name. His response? Well, then you can't argue about a boy's middle name. Eeeek! The control freak in my got a little worried initially but then I thought...how bad could it be?

All the middle names Nathan came up with were wonderful...all family names that had some kind of meaning to him. In the end, he chose to go with his dad's first name, Michael. I LOVE IT! I have started writing it sometimes and even signing some thank you cards with "Baby Ethan." A little silly but it is just too exciting not to include him.

Growing and growing

It has been way, way, way too long since I posted here. Sorry! After my 20 week appointment when we found out we are having a little boy I became so busy traveling for baby showers that the internet took a back seat in my schedule. :)

On September 25 I had my first baby shower in Oklahoma. It was wonderful and so peaceful. My friend Jessica planned everything and my family and couple of friends joined us at Zio's for a relaxing lunch. I got some wonderful gifts and I really treasure each and every one of them!

On October 6 I flew home for two baby showers in Texas with my family and friends. The first shower was on Saturday, October 9 at my grandma's house. My cousin planned this one and, again, it was perfect! I got to visit with ladies that I have known all my life and see their excitement as I talked about how things are progressing in my pregnancy. My great aunt handmade a beautiful quilt for the baby and my cousin embroidered two diaper clothes with the baby's name. All the other gifts were wonderful but these two were extra special.

On Sunday, October 10, I had a baby shower at my mom's house. Two friends of my mom's took care of the planning and I enjoyed some silly games and lots of good food. It was great to visit with friends and church family that I don't get to see much. My little sister gave me a quilt that she made. It is absolutely precious and I know that our little one will love it the most out of all his blankets/quilts. :) I got so many things that we will need as we prepare for a our little boy.

During my Texas baby shower weekend I began to really feel the baby move a lot! It has been so exciting. My grandma and my mom both felt him move while I was visiting. I was so happy to share this special moment with them. After I got home I thought he would never stop wiggling around. Nathan has felt him move quite a bit and sometimes during the day at work I find myself getting distracted as I pay attention to his somersaults. A couple of days ago Nathan's mom got to feel him move for the first time also.

Overall, I am feeling really great. My belly is growing but it is not so big that I am uncomfortable. I still have quite a bit of energy. I have not been sick or really had any major, painful symptoms. I count my blessings daily for such a wonderful pregnancy. With my third trimester just over the horizon, I know that I may start to become more fatigued and uncomfortable. I feel fairly prepared for this and have great support from Nathan and all the ladies I work with. They won't let me do too much. :)

This weekend I have the last of my family baby showers. Nathan's family is putting everything together and I cannot wait to see everyone. This little baby is going to have more than he needs for sure...but it is all filled with love and I know he will feel all that love as well!!

Below is a picture of me at 22 weeks and another at 25 weeks. All the weeks are really beginning to fly by!