We debated back and forth on several name ideas up until the day we found out that our bundle is going to be our little boy. We only semi agreed on some names but we both agreed we did not want anything too trendy or cute because our baby would eventually grow into an adult that needed a steadfast, strong name. It was hard to really commit to any one name not knowing what the gender would be so we had a few in mind but I felt like when we knew the gender the name would come.
I had no idea that in the few minutes following the reveal of our little boy, we would be set on a name. It clicked. Sitting there waiting for the doctor after the ultrasound we were elated and the name just came to us. We had already decided the middle name would be John. A few weeks earlier, one evening, the name came to me while we were watching tv. I wanted a saint name and I knew that John was also the name of Ed's grandfather that he loved so much. John seemed like a good fit. I did not say anything to Ed at the moment because he was very engrossed in the show.
The next morning at breakfast out of nowhere, Ed says, "What about John?" The way we both came up with the same name in a few hours of each other made us immediately agree John would be part of the name. However, I wanted something slightly more unique for the first name so we pushed on.
Around the same time, during the Oxford Film Fest, my mother and I saw the name Buckner in a documentary. We both loved it but neither one of us said anything at the moment. The name reminded us both of my grandfather, who was always known as Buck. However, this was a unique variation of the name which would give our son history and his own unique identity. I brought it up to Ed a few days later and he liked the strength behind the name. At that time though we did not know if bundle would be a girl or boy so we did not decide.
Back to the doctor's office that wonderful morning, we were ready to call our son something besides Bundle. We knew John would be the middle name and I brought up Buckner again mentioning that both grandfathers would have a part of the name. We both loved the idea and named our baby boy Buckner John that moment.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Two Calming C's
I feel rejuvenated after this weekend. Amazingly, I stayed home and for the most part of the weekend did chores. Not what most would consider an exciting nor refreshing weekend. However, it was one of the best weekends that I have had in a long time. I learned that two C's in my life really help set me up for the week ahead and feel rested. Cleaning and coffee houses are two of life very simple pleasures. They are now two C's that I will trust to get me inspired and going again.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
The First Kicks
A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch one evening and thought I was having muscle spasms at the top of my stomach. I kept switching my position to see if I could make the spasms stop but then I realized they were not spasms. The tiny little vibration feelings were the first kicks! Since that day our little boy has been busy especially around meal time. The vibrating feelings make me think he is a happy baby already and just letting me know it as he kicks and squirms. I can't wait to feel even more!
Monday, March 17, 2014
It's a... BOY!
On February 21st around 9am we found out our little bundle is a BOY! More importantly, the sonogram showed our sweet baby looks all healthy. When the sonogram technician asked us if we were ready to find out, she pointed to the screen and said, "Do you know?" Our little boy was making it very obvious he was all boy! We screamed, hugged and celebrated in that sweet moment. Whoever claims that they must wait to the delivery to be surprised is wrong. We were overjoyed and surprised right in that moment because whenever you find out it is a wonderful surprise.
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
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| Trucks or Tiaras??? |
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| Holding out the suspense |
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| The moment we chose! |
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| One of the best reactions! My friend Merrill came over after the reveal to her own personal reveal! |
Monday, February 10, 2014
Ways To Enjoy Winter
If you are a loyal reader of my blog, you know I struggle with winter. My husband, then boyfriend, pointed out the obvious a few years ago when I did not realize I wrote several blogs about the winter blues. I am doing better than the last few years. Maybe because last year I was busy planning my wedding and this year I am busy planning a baby. However, I still struggle and have to actively work to not succumb to the doldrums. This winter has been a particularly tough one! In Oxford we have seen temps that my poor body has never felt before but no snow (yet). In Oxford, while all our friends and family below us enjoyed snow days and higher temps, we trudged on through the zero degree weather. So today I hold on to hope that we can get at least one good snow day out of this miserable weather. If it is going to be this cold, at least let's get something from it right?
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Pregnancy Pounds
I was a chubby kid. Or soft. Or maybe you can call it baby fat that lasted until I was about 20. I was told by well meaning people that I could work out more. I always found that interesting because between dancing at a private studio and school, I logged in about 20 hours of dance each week. However, I ate a lot of sugar and processed foods. A lot. I always dieted. Always. But I could be reverse psychology's case example. Every time I dieted and tried to focus on melting away those pounds, I would add more. Because I am a perfectionist and so when I could not be a perfect (every day) then I just threw the day away and ate (every day).
When I got to college, I continued with the diets. Some worked for awhile like Weight Watchers but I always manage to get off of it and go on a happy binge. After enough diets to qualify me for a nutrition degree, I finally realized a scary thought. Diets don't work. It was a horrifying thought. I was so scared because if I stayed about 15 to 20 pounds overweight while I was so called dieting then what would happen if I don't diet?
After a few attempts of walking away from diets, I found out. I lost all the weight. All of a sudden I realized I can control what I eat for my health. My health and energy became my focus. I ate less because I focused on what made me full and healthy. Following Dr. Oz's sensible guideline, I avoided sugar and processed foods because diet or not, those foods are just not good for you. In the last year, I gave up gluten because of stomach issues and more weight came off. While some may call this a diet, I don't. I am not obsessed with counting calories or denying myself food. I just focus on what is healthy and portion sizes. Until now.
Enter the world of pregnancy and back comes my perfectionist side. Early in my pregnancy, I read the guidelines of how much weight I should gain which is around 25 pounds. I took it a step further and read how much weight I should gain in the first trimester which is about 1 to 5 pounds. I went a little obsessive and read those online boards where all these skinny mama-to-be's complained about not gaining enough weight or even losing in the first trimester. Then of course they would post some ridiculously low weight that is considered underweight for even a non-pregnant woman. I compared myself. Wrong but I wanted to have the perfect pregnancy. I wanted to gain the perfect amount of weight and be the perfect little pregnant patient for my doctor. Perfectionism sucks. So what did I do? I ate more than ever. I started watching that scale every day and getting more anxious. And what happened? I packed more pounds than the recommendation. I was not happy with myself.
Then my mom reminded me that watching a scale and trying to be perfect has always worked the opposite for me. I needed to focus on health. That is all I can control and as long as I am eating healthy then the weight gain will be a healthy weight gain. My advice to all those new mama-to-be's is to do the same. Stay away from the scale. Those numbers only matter to the doctor. If the doctor is concerned, he or she will say something. In the meantime, eat healthy and work out. What a relief it has been for me to come to this realization. Now where is that apple?
When I got to college, I continued with the diets. Some worked for awhile like Weight Watchers but I always manage to get off of it and go on a happy binge. After enough diets to qualify me for a nutrition degree, I finally realized a scary thought. Diets don't work. It was a horrifying thought. I was so scared because if I stayed about 15 to 20 pounds overweight while I was so called dieting then what would happen if I don't diet?
After a few attempts of walking away from diets, I found out. I lost all the weight. All of a sudden I realized I can control what I eat for my health. My health and energy became my focus. I ate less because I focused on what made me full and healthy. Following Dr. Oz's sensible guideline, I avoided sugar and processed foods because diet or not, those foods are just not good for you. In the last year, I gave up gluten because of stomach issues and more weight came off. While some may call this a diet, I don't. I am not obsessed with counting calories or denying myself food. I just focus on what is healthy and portion sizes. Until now.
Enter the world of pregnancy and back comes my perfectionist side. Early in my pregnancy, I read the guidelines of how much weight I should gain which is around 25 pounds. I took it a step further and read how much weight I should gain in the first trimester which is about 1 to 5 pounds. I went a little obsessive and read those online boards where all these skinny mama-to-be's complained about not gaining enough weight or even losing in the first trimester. Then of course they would post some ridiculously low weight that is considered underweight for even a non-pregnant woman. I compared myself. Wrong but I wanted to have the perfect pregnancy. I wanted to gain the perfect amount of weight and be the perfect little pregnant patient for my doctor. Perfectionism sucks. So what did I do? I ate more than ever. I started watching that scale every day and getting more anxious. And what happened? I packed more pounds than the recommendation. I was not happy with myself.
Then my mom reminded me that watching a scale and trying to be perfect has always worked the opposite for me. I needed to focus on health. That is all I can control and as long as I am eating healthy then the weight gain will be a healthy weight gain. My advice to all those new mama-to-be's is to do the same. Stay away from the scale. Those numbers only matter to the doctor. If the doctor is concerned, he or she will say something. In the meantime, eat healthy and work out. What a relief it has been for me to come to this realization. Now where is that apple?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Nausea
I can't really complain. The only uncomfortable symptom I have had so far is morning, noon and night nausea. A persistent nausea that causes me to squint my face with a random variety of smells. The once pleasant smells like fresh brewed coffee or the clean smell of laundry detergent can make me gag. I have not been sick and hopefully will not get sick but the nausea can wear on you.
My days for the last several weeks are focused on looking for the next miracle food or drink that will take the nausea away - even if just for a few moments. Unfortunately, this has led me to eating...a lot. And not so healthy choices. Pre-pregnancy I was a health nut and would not touch gluten, red meat or sugar. Now my body craves these foods. Pre-pregnancy, I thought I would manage my weight carefully sticking to my health rules for nutrition. How quickly baby changes things, even when baby has not been born. I have had more sugar in the last few weeks than I have had in the last five years. Not good but it sure tasted amazing! I broke down last week and ate gluten products. I was desperate for relief and a regular cracker sounded so amazing. The crackers did not let me down. They were my favorite meal last week. While I don't have celiacs, I do have gluten sensitivity so my stomach did not like the crackers but the nausea temporarily went away. To me, that was worth tummy troubles.
Pre-pregnancy I thought nausea would mean you could not eat anything. Not for me, I eat all the time because that is the only time I feel better. I am trying to get back to my healthy ways this week. I bought some crystallized ginger to help with the nausea (will see if that works) but I have to eat better for me and for bundle. Mom picked on me the other day saying I got pregnant as an excuse to eat bread. While I did not want an excuse to eat bread, I enjoyed my food vacation the other day. But all and all, I learned that nothing really conquers the nausea except time. Supposedly it will disappear soon. In the meantime, I take comfort in the nausea being a reminder that bundle is with me.
My days for the last several weeks are focused on looking for the next miracle food or drink that will take the nausea away - even if just for a few moments. Unfortunately, this has led me to eating...a lot. And not so healthy choices. Pre-pregnancy I was a health nut and would not touch gluten, red meat or sugar. Now my body craves these foods. Pre-pregnancy, I thought I would manage my weight carefully sticking to my health rules for nutrition. How quickly baby changes things, even when baby has not been born. I have had more sugar in the last few weeks than I have had in the last five years. Not good but it sure tasted amazing! I broke down last week and ate gluten products. I was desperate for relief and a regular cracker sounded so amazing. The crackers did not let me down. They were my favorite meal last week. While I don't have celiacs, I do have gluten sensitivity so my stomach did not like the crackers but the nausea temporarily went away. To me, that was worth tummy troubles.
Pre-pregnancy I thought nausea would mean you could not eat anything. Not for me, I eat all the time because that is the only time I feel better. I am trying to get back to my healthy ways this week. I bought some crystallized ginger to help with the nausea (will see if that works) but I have to eat better for me and for bundle. Mom picked on me the other day saying I got pregnant as an excuse to eat bread. While I did not want an excuse to eat bread, I enjoyed my food vacation the other day. But all and all, I learned that nothing really conquers the nausea except time. Supposedly it will disappear soon. In the meantime, I take comfort in the nausea being a reminder that bundle is with me.
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