Derick finally called me after spending days on a hiatus. He gets bad signal (actually no signal) in the Mojave, and I'm guessing he hasn't had a chance to go to the phone center in a few days. We didn't get to chat too long, but it was very nice to hear his voice. I'm sure he loved hearing my exciting stories about Reeve's wiggles and the Miami Bath Salt Zombie.
I found out that he will be in California a little longer than initially expected, which is sad, but it just means my parents get to stay with me for a while longer. I've been having a lot of fun with my parents and family. I've even been able to visit some friends, which says more than my last trip when I was dying on the couch with sickness. The mosquitoes are in full force here, and I almost forgot how annoying they are. Not nearly as annoying, though, as my mother's beloved mockingbirds that make nest right outside my bedroom window and tweet all night and all morning. My Dad trimmed their hedges yesterday, and I was able to get a full-night's sleep last night, but I think that may be due more to the storms. Once the weather clears a bit, I fear the birds will be singing again. My mom loves those birds and her entire yard is covered in feeders. I love them, too, during the day. But when it's time to sleep, it's time to sleep--even for the birds. I'm almost wondering if they are on drugs. They tweet all day and all night. They never sleep. Maybe they got a bad batch of bath salts.
So I'm sure a lot of you are actually reading this blog because you saw my FB status about how Derick finally chose a middle name for our Reeve. So many people have asked me what his middle name is, and I've had to tell them the story: "He doesn't have one yet. I'm designing his nursery and choosing everything else, so I'm letting Derick pick his middle name."
We actually narrowed it down to a few names a little bit ago, but after some people said some rude things about the names we chose, we kind of decided to just make it our thing and not really share the names with anyone else until we picked 'the one.' Reeve is our baby. Our treasure. And we chose his name very carefully and with a lot of love and thought. I think that when it comes to something so special to someone, we all need to remember to be sensitive to their feelings, but that is all in a previous blog;)
So, before I shock y'all with his couldn't-be-anything-other-than-unique middle name, I will share some of the runners-up and other ideas that didn't make the cut. You've probably scrolled to the bottom and spoiled the surprise for yourself by now, though, you weenie.
One name that made it to the final two is "Wilder." I thought it was cute, and I think I am the one that mentioned it, thinking that D would not be down. (Think of Thornton Wilder, playwright...not Laura Ingalls). We both really liked the name, but I kinda started to think it sounded weird when combined with Roberts. Like there were too many 'err' sounds. Maybe not.
Another name that I began to really push was McCandless, like Chris McCandless (google it if you're unfamiliar), and I'm actually surprised Derick didn't pick this one. He went through an Into the Wild phase a couple of years ago and really gained interest in Chris McCandless, Alexander Supertramp. After reading that book and Kerouac's On the Road, Derick started a short-lived hobby of picking up random hitchikers and taking them a little way along their trip. I was in the car a couple of times when he did this (Dad, sorry. On his behalf, Derick did try to only choose ones that didn't appear to be killers). Once, I really remember envisioning the dirty old guy stabbing a machete in my back through my seat. I felt bad for thinking that afterward because he turned out to be a veteran, but you never know. Like I said, this hobby was thankfully short-lived. Peeps be weird.
Tonight, I was walking on Mom's fancy treadmill and listening to music. I listened to a song that Derick and I really loved a few years ago by an artist whom I still love, but when I mentioned the name "Pierre" to Derick tonight, he gave me a quick "no." I'm pretty sure he turned it down so quickly because of my accent. When I repeated the name in my head immediately after I told Derick, it sounded more like "Peeee-yayer." Not cool. But doesn't "Reeve Pierre" sound fancy and cultured?
Here are a few more names that we tossed around that didn't quite cut it:
Macaulay--like the cracked-out actor, but not because of him. I just like the name.
Hanson--like the band, and because of them.
Rhyner--like Derick's fellow Marine. This was my idea, and Derick shot it down quickly, too. Sorry, Mitch. I tried.
Eben--we actually liked this for a first name, and I got it from an American Idol contestant who didn't make it very far. The more I said it, the more it sounded like I was saying "Evan" with a speech impediment.
There were a ton more that I can't really remember now. For over a month, it's been a toss up between Wilder and the name we chose, with me throwing in "I really like McCandless" whenever I could. Picking names is really hard, but really fun and funny. Derick made fun of me because I was in such a hurry to name him when some people don't choose the name until their baby is actually born. But I felt like he needed a name, and if he had a first name then, heck, he needed a middle one, too. And the name Derick finally chose is the one that I think we both kind of knew belonged to our Reeve all along. Yes, it's a very different name to some people, though not really to us, and its origin is actually a funny story, too. Our baby already has a story, as I'm sure every baby does. In all my dreams of being a mom, I never knew how very special a tiny person could actually be.
So, his name shall be: Reeve Magnus Roberts
Remember those Strongest Man competitions that came on Wild World of Sports and ESPN way back in the day? You know, the shows with all the huge, crazy-eyed Icelandic men who pulled 18-wheelers a mile by a rope? Well, I watched those shows every chance I could, and so did Derick. I loved watching those giant men lift Chevys over their heads. I loved how they still looked angry after they won the competition. Derick loved those shows, too. He and I were just destined from the beginning. Anyway, if you remember these shows as fondly as I do, then you probably remember that about 90% of the competitors were named "Magnus." I'm pretty sure there were at least three guys named "Magnus Magnussen." Cool name. Strong name. We like it. Reeve Magnus Roberts may or may not ever lift a Chevy over his head, but he will definitely be as cool to me as those Icelandic men once were. Even cooler.<3
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Arkansas, Arkansas.
I have really been lackadaisical with my posting lately, and I can attribute that to several things. One, I'm in Arkansas with my family, so I've been spending time with them. Two, the weather is NICE. Hott, but nice, and I like to be outside when I can. Three, I finally feel GOOD, so I suppose lack of puke=lack of blog posts. To anyone in early pregnancy who feels like the sickness will never subside, seriously, listen to others when they sound crazy and tell you that you WILL feel better. You will. Unless you are one of those unlucky people who are miserably sick for nine months. Then, you will not.
Derick has been in California since the beginning of the month, and he will be there a little while longer, so he will have tons of surprises when he returns, including lots of fancy new stuff for Reeve and a fancy new belly on his ever-growing wife.
Paris has been acting weird as ever, following me around. She's not really a Mama's girl because I tend to drive her crazy by picking her up all the time and pestering her when she's trying to sleep. But lately, she's been clinging to me, and I think it's her tiny dog way of letting me know she knows something's up and letting others know that she will bite them if they mess with Brother. I'm also convinced she has an idea of who "Brother" is. Laugh all you want, but if I say anything about "Brother's stuff," she immediately high-tails it to the corner of the room where I keep all his baby things. Paris is a genius.
You will all be glad to know that I got some Blue Coast Burrito, thanks to my friend, Dana. She took me out for a long-overdue birthday lunch, and it was delicious. The green salsa was a tiny bit spicier than usual, and I had to make a special request for them to run to the back and fill my cup with fruit tea, but other than that, it was all the same! Thank you, Dana!
Now, I need to hit up Tropical Smoothie and Lazarri and possibly Salsa's, although Mexican food is different now for me. Reeve isn't a big meat eater, much to his father's disapproval. I've never been too keen on meat anyway. I'd much rather have fruits, veggies, or carbs! But Derick is adamant about not having a vegetarian for a son, so he tries to force me to eat meat. Literally, he ties me to the chair and makes me eat hamburgers.
J/k for any of you fuddy-duds.
Derick and I are both pretty set on not telling Reeve that any food is "gross" or "yucky." We are going to let him decide for himself, and he will eat what we (I) cook. I know a lot of people will say, "no, you will make him special meals," but I've been reading up on babies and their foods, and there actually are ways to avoid having a super picky child. Of course, he will get "special meals," but he's not getting only mashed potatoes every night because that is all he eats. It may be a struggle at first, but I'm confident we will be able to teach him that a variety of food is a good thing and important.
Since Derick is a super picky eater, I've feared that this might be an issue, but luckily I have a husband who sees the importance of liking a wide variety of foods. Derick's been dragged to one too many Japanese restaurants in the past seven years.
I can't put all the blame on Derick because although in my nonpregnant state, I am able to devour pretty much anything, I am sometimes too easily satisfied. I could eat a bowl of rice for supper or a big plate of broccoli or some cereal. I need to start being more food-conscious. It's just been the two of us for so long that we do what's easy, not necessarily what gives us the most nutrients. Haha, enough talk about nutrition and healthy eating. I'm just grateful I'm not living on ice anymore!
Anyway, I'm having a good time in Arkansas. Mom taught me how to use a prefold cloth diaper on a baby doll this morning. You can check out the pics on FB. I only stabbed myself with the diaper pin once, and I only plopped the baby down with too much force once, so I'd say I'm off to a good start. I'm definitely going to order some Snappis to use on the diapers. I'll probably use pins too because they are handy and inexpensive and I just like the idea of old-fashioned pins, but Snappis will be nice, too!
I'm also having fun slowly getting stuff for Reeve's nursery. We were given cute things at the shower, and I've been making a lot of stuff. We are moving into a house on base in July, and I am so ready to get his little room put together!
Moving in the heat while pregnant is going to be an issue. I'm trying my hardest not to stress about it right now because it's not even here, but there is so much that is involved in getting out of our current place and into our new one, and I just want to make sure all my Ts are crossed. Moving is stressful enough, and Derick hates it, so I can imagine how it's going to be with my helpless fat self lingering around. I'm going to just try to make it the best experience it possibly can be and just remember to be grateful for our new place and the luxuries that come with living on base.
Well, that is pretty much what is going on in my life. I miss my husband and his cute face, but I'm doing well, and I'm not even going to complain because Derick in California is a heck of a lot easier than the separations some of my friends are experiencing. My friends are doing well, too, of course. We're Marine wives, though, and we aren't weenies.
Speaking of weenies, kraut and weenies sound goooooooood......
Derick has been in California since the beginning of the month, and he will be there a little while longer, so he will have tons of surprises when he returns, including lots of fancy new stuff for Reeve and a fancy new belly on his ever-growing wife.
Paris has been acting weird as ever, following me around. She's not really a Mama's girl because I tend to drive her crazy by picking her up all the time and pestering her when she's trying to sleep. But lately, she's been clinging to me, and I think it's her tiny dog way of letting me know she knows something's up and letting others know that she will bite them if they mess with Brother. I'm also convinced she has an idea of who "Brother" is. Laugh all you want, but if I say anything about "Brother's stuff," she immediately high-tails it to the corner of the room where I keep all his baby things. Paris is a genius.
You will all be glad to know that I got some Blue Coast Burrito, thanks to my friend, Dana. She took me out for a long-overdue birthday lunch, and it was delicious. The green salsa was a tiny bit spicier than usual, and I had to make a special request for them to run to the back and fill my cup with fruit tea, but other than that, it was all the same! Thank you, Dana!
Now, I need to hit up Tropical Smoothie and Lazarri and possibly Salsa's, although Mexican food is different now for me. Reeve isn't a big meat eater, much to his father's disapproval. I've never been too keen on meat anyway. I'd much rather have fruits, veggies, or carbs! But Derick is adamant about not having a vegetarian for a son, so he tries to force me to eat meat. Literally, he ties me to the chair and makes me eat hamburgers.
J/k for any of you fuddy-duds.
Derick and I are both pretty set on not telling Reeve that any food is "gross" or "yucky." We are going to let him decide for himself, and he will eat what we (I) cook. I know a lot of people will say, "no, you will make him special meals," but I've been reading up on babies and their foods, and there actually are ways to avoid having a super picky child. Of course, he will get "special meals," but he's not getting only mashed potatoes every night because that is all he eats. It may be a struggle at first, but I'm confident we will be able to teach him that a variety of food is a good thing and important.
Since Derick is a super picky eater, I've feared that this might be an issue, but luckily I have a husband who sees the importance of liking a wide variety of foods. Derick's been dragged to one too many Japanese restaurants in the past seven years.
I can't put all the blame on Derick because although in my nonpregnant state, I am able to devour pretty much anything, I am sometimes too easily satisfied. I could eat a bowl of rice for supper or a big plate of broccoli or some cereal. I need to start being more food-conscious. It's just been the two of us for so long that we do what's easy, not necessarily what gives us the most nutrients. Haha, enough talk about nutrition and healthy eating. I'm just grateful I'm not living on ice anymore!
Anyway, I'm having a good time in Arkansas. Mom taught me how to use a prefold cloth diaper on a baby doll this morning. You can check out the pics on FB. I only stabbed myself with the diaper pin once, and I only plopped the baby down with too much force once, so I'd say I'm off to a good start. I'm definitely going to order some Snappis to use on the diapers. I'll probably use pins too because they are handy and inexpensive and I just like the idea of old-fashioned pins, but Snappis will be nice, too!
I'm also having fun slowly getting stuff for Reeve's nursery. We were given cute things at the shower, and I've been making a lot of stuff. We are moving into a house on base in July, and I am so ready to get his little room put together!
Moving in the heat while pregnant is going to be an issue. I'm trying my hardest not to stress about it right now because it's not even here, but there is so much that is involved in getting out of our current place and into our new one, and I just want to make sure all my Ts are crossed. Moving is stressful enough, and Derick hates it, so I can imagine how it's going to be with my helpless fat self lingering around. I'm going to just try to make it the best experience it possibly can be and just remember to be grateful for our new place and the luxuries that come with living on base.
Well, that is pretty much what is going on in my life. I miss my husband and his cute face, but I'm doing well, and I'm not even going to complain because Derick in California is a heck of a lot easier than the separations some of my friends are experiencing. My friends are doing well, too, of course. We're Marine wives, though, and we aren't weenies.
Speaking of weenies, kraut and weenies sound goooooooood......
Thursday, May 10, 2012
MY DAY!!!!!!!!
Today has been a day. I have not had a day like today in a very long time--probably since I was working in a very stressful workplace, and we all know how long it's been since I've worked, period. Of course, it had to be today. It couldn't have been yesterday because that would have been too easy for so many reasons. Nope, today was the day.
I went to sleep in the wee morning hours and had to wake up ultra early, like 3 a.m. James Morrison's song, "Wonderful World" was in my head, and I should have taken it as a hint. Read the lyrics. Not all but most of them are quite applicable.
I'm not going into details about the craziness that was today. People have it worse than I do. I have it great, so who am I to complain about a couple setbacks, complications, fears? I am reminded of the verse, "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." And in the midst of frustration and stress, it's hard to cool it enough to remember to do that; to just give it to the Lord and stop letting human emotions play such a role in the situation and its outcome.
When I got home from "my day," I walked Paris around the block and found time to tell God my concerns. He probably laughs at the pettiness, but He is loving. With the combination of God's presence, a few reassuring texts from Derick, a hug from Kelsey, and my mother's encouragement that is signature to her, I was quickly able to reevaluate my circumstances and step back long enough to see the big picture. Maybe not THE big picture, but at least a bigger one. This is something that would have been impossible just a couple of years ago. I was so impressionable and unwavering to stress.
Well, stress is not me. My heart wasn't made to FREAK OUT like I used to. I'm going to be a mother, and mothers should try their hardest to take what they're given. My mom does that with such grace.
Derick has bragged on my "behavior" during the pregnancy, and I laughed when my mom said my dad said the same about her when she was pregnant. Apparently, I am much more easily managed. I don't lose it so easily and I'm not such an emotional wreck, which if you knew me before Reeve, then you know just how severe of a wreck I was. Funny because both Derick and I were quite fearful of how I might act with the crazy pregnancy hormones combined with my already-nutty nature. So far, we're both pleasantly surprised that I'm not constantly knocking people out at WalMart or crying at every news broadcast. Trust me, I've had my episodes, but they've been significantly subtle compared to my prenatal episodes.
It's weird, but though my mind is all jumbled and I'm forgetful and clumsy with this pregnancy, I also feel like a little blinder has been removed from my eyes and so many things are a little clearer. What a blessing, and I know it's not because of any natural thing that's happening in me. I'm pretty sure it's just God's way of giving not only me, but those around me (and in my belly) what they need. They don't need a crazy, psycho, easily-stressed girl yelling at them. I'm getting better every day. Today, I had my day, and there may very well be many more to follow, but it's good to see the bigger picture at the end of the day. It's good to let it go. It's good to take what I've been given. It's a good day.
I went to sleep in the wee morning hours and had to wake up ultra early, like 3 a.m. James Morrison's song, "Wonderful World" was in my head, and I should have taken it as a hint. Read the lyrics. Not all but most of them are quite applicable.
I'm not going into details about the craziness that was today. People have it worse than I do. I have it great, so who am I to complain about a couple setbacks, complications, fears? I am reminded of the verse, "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." And in the midst of frustration and stress, it's hard to cool it enough to remember to do that; to just give it to the Lord and stop letting human emotions play such a role in the situation and its outcome.
When I got home from "my day," I walked Paris around the block and found time to tell God my concerns. He probably laughs at the pettiness, but He is loving. With the combination of God's presence, a few reassuring texts from Derick, a hug from Kelsey, and my mother's encouragement that is signature to her, I was quickly able to reevaluate my circumstances and step back long enough to see the big picture. Maybe not THE big picture, but at least a bigger one. This is something that would have been impossible just a couple of years ago. I was so impressionable and unwavering to stress.
Well, stress is not me. My heart wasn't made to FREAK OUT like I used to. I'm going to be a mother, and mothers should try their hardest to take what they're given. My mom does that with such grace.
Derick has bragged on my "behavior" during the pregnancy, and I laughed when my mom said my dad said the same about her when she was pregnant. Apparently, I am much more easily managed. I don't lose it so easily and I'm not such an emotional wreck, which if you knew me before Reeve, then you know just how severe of a wreck I was. Funny because both Derick and I were quite fearful of how I might act with the crazy pregnancy hormones combined with my already-nutty nature. So far, we're both pleasantly surprised that I'm not constantly knocking people out at WalMart or crying at every news broadcast. Trust me, I've had my episodes, but they've been significantly subtle compared to my prenatal episodes.
It's weird, but though my mind is all jumbled and I'm forgetful and clumsy with this pregnancy, I also feel like a little blinder has been removed from my eyes and so many things are a little clearer. What a blessing, and I know it's not because of any natural thing that's happening in me. I'm pretty sure it's just God's way of giving not only me, but those around me (and in my belly) what they need. They don't need a crazy, psycho, easily-stressed girl yelling at them. I'm getting better every day. Today, I had my day, and there may very well be many more to follow, but it's good to see the bigger picture at the end of the day. It's good to let it go. It's good to take what I've been given. It's a good day.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
reeve roberts
So this will be a short post, hopefully, because seriously guys, I have to clean!!
As we've already announced, we are going to have a SON! Reeve is, in fact, a boy and we are so excited about his cute little face and self! I think he has been a combination of extremely sweet and sneaky since day one. His presence in my belly has made me the happiest and pukiest girl alive, but I am more than grateful and humbled to be his mom. It hasn't been the easiest for Derick to deal with me, either, but I know he feels the same about his little boy. The reality of "son" and "little boy" and "parents" is very weird. It feels so wonderful.
Parisann is excited about brother, and she has been showing it in some very Parisann ways. Yesterday, I went into the spare room to get something. We keep all of Reeve's stuff in a pile in there as it accumulates. Well, Paris followed me in, and when I was leaving I told her to come with. She looked at me and took off running with her tail between her legs. She squeeeeeeezed in between his bassinet and car seat and on top of his giant stuffed asparagus that his cousin, Krista, bought him. She tried to disguise herself amongst all the green stuff and was quite ticked when I picked her up and made her leave the room. Last night, Derick and I were sitting on the couch and Kelsey was in the chair in the living room. (Kelsey is living here for a few weeks before she heads off to Oregon, which I'm mad about). Well, Paris started barking at us for no reason and we tried to play with her. She grabbed a small black ponytail holder and started throwing it up in the air. She's done this from time to time and I will throw it for her, but she eventually gets bored and leaves it alone. This time, she just stared straight at Kelsey with the ponytail holder in her mouth and in one motion, she swallowed it whole. I've been praying that she doesn't have any issues, and I'm keeping a careful watch on her behavior. Derick says she's probably eaten far worse, and during a lost car keys episode early this morning, I was almost convinced he was right. I was beginning to think that she either ate the set of keys or buried them outside, which is not something she would do, but who knows with the way she's been acting. She does love her brother, just in her own little way:) Oh yeah, the missing keys pointed back to me.
Yesterday, Kelsey, Chase and I went to fabric stores in Wilmington, and I bought some cute fabric for a nursing cover and some flannel for diaper inserts. I'm going to order/register for inserts, but I thought it would be handy to just make some ourselves and see how they turn out! The flannel was on sale so I got a great deal, and I picked out some cute patterns. One has little black paw prints and the other is brown with sports stuff. Sure, no one is going to see the inserts because they will be hugging his tiny rump, but he can feel ever-fashionable from head-to-toe. I have learned in the past couple of days to be very particular about the designs I choose. Even if they are all blue, Derick could possibly deem it "girly," thus making it a no-go. There were some cloth diapers on sale the night before we found out Reeve was Reeve. They were so cute and animal print. I begged Derick let me order just one, and I even tried later convincing him that Reeve could so pull off a leopard-print diaper, combined with a safari hat and shirt. Like a miniature Steve Irwin, RIP. Derick just gave me a look.
Ok, I'm going to clean now! Afterwards, I may ride my bike because it is a beautiful day in NC. Oh yeah, we installed a pool on Monday. It is so fancy and filled with 1/3 air from my lungs, 2/3 from Kelsey's. How's that for impressive use of fractions!?
As we've already announced, we are going to have a SON! Reeve is, in fact, a boy and we are so excited about his cute little face and self! I think he has been a combination of extremely sweet and sneaky since day one. His presence in my belly has made me the happiest and pukiest girl alive, but I am more than grateful and humbled to be his mom. It hasn't been the easiest for Derick to deal with me, either, but I know he feels the same about his little boy. The reality of "son" and "little boy" and "parents" is very weird. It feels so wonderful.
Parisann is excited about brother, and she has been showing it in some very Parisann ways. Yesterday, I went into the spare room to get something. We keep all of Reeve's stuff in a pile in there as it accumulates. Well, Paris followed me in, and when I was leaving I told her to come with. She looked at me and took off running with her tail between her legs. She squeeeeeeezed in between his bassinet and car seat and on top of his giant stuffed asparagus that his cousin, Krista, bought him. She tried to disguise herself amongst all the green stuff and was quite ticked when I picked her up and made her leave the room. Last night, Derick and I were sitting on the couch and Kelsey was in the chair in the living room. (Kelsey is living here for a few weeks before she heads off to Oregon, which I'm mad about). Well, Paris started barking at us for no reason and we tried to play with her. She grabbed a small black ponytail holder and started throwing it up in the air. She's done this from time to time and I will throw it for her, but she eventually gets bored and leaves it alone. This time, she just stared straight at Kelsey with the ponytail holder in her mouth and in one motion, she swallowed it whole. I've been praying that she doesn't have any issues, and I'm keeping a careful watch on her behavior. Derick says she's probably eaten far worse, and during a lost car keys episode early this morning, I was almost convinced he was right. I was beginning to think that she either ate the set of keys or buried them outside, which is not something she would do, but who knows with the way she's been acting. She does love her brother, just in her own little way:) Oh yeah, the missing keys pointed back to me.
Yesterday, Kelsey, Chase and I went to fabric stores in Wilmington, and I bought some cute fabric for a nursing cover and some flannel for diaper inserts. I'm going to order/register for inserts, but I thought it would be handy to just make some ourselves and see how they turn out! The flannel was on sale so I got a great deal, and I picked out some cute patterns. One has little black paw prints and the other is brown with sports stuff. Sure, no one is going to see the inserts because they will be hugging his tiny rump, but he can feel ever-fashionable from head-to-toe. I have learned in the past couple of days to be very particular about the designs I choose. Even if they are all blue, Derick could possibly deem it "girly," thus making it a no-go. There were some cloth diapers on sale the night before we found out Reeve was Reeve. They were so cute and animal print. I begged Derick let me order just one, and I even tried later convincing him that Reeve could so pull off a leopard-print diaper, combined with a safari hat and shirt. Like a miniature Steve Irwin, RIP. Derick just gave me a look.
Ok, I'm going to clean now! Afterwards, I may ride my bike because it is a beautiful day in NC. Oh yeah, we installed a pool on Monday. It is so fancy and filled with 1/3 air from my lungs, 2/3 from Kelsey's. How's that for impressive use of fractions!?
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